Mixers play a variety of functions in a kitchen, from mixing sauces to being a baker's best friend. You may wonder — what's the difference between a blender and a mixer? Blenders liquefy and break down larger materials, while mixers combine different food ingredients together. There are a couple of different factors to consider when purchasing a mixer, so keep reading to find the right mixer for you.
A mixer is a kitchen appliance that is used to mix, fold, and whip different ingredients together. There are two main types of mixers: stand mixers and hand mixers. Stand mixers typically have stronger motors and more functions, while hand mixers are more mobile and require less storage space. However, both can accomplish most mixing duties; which kind you should purchase depends on your mixing needs.
Recommended by both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping, the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer is considered one of the best stand mixers available on the market. For those who are serious about baking and mixing, this KitchenAid can easily knead, mix, and whip a large amount of ingredients. Aside from its raw power, users also praise it for its ease-of-use. Simple, easy-to-find controls make this stand mixer remarkably user friendly. Currently $349.00 on Amazon.
Another mixer that is recommended by both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping, the Breville BEM800XL is lauded for its performance at whisking, whipping, and mixing. Users also love the user-friendly features such as an easy-to-turn control dial, digital timer, and an overheat stop function. This last feature is particularly important because the one function that this mixer does not excel in is kneading dough, where which it can easily overheat and begin smoking. Currently $299.95 on Amazon.
Both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping agree that the Hamilton Beach 63221 is one of the best value mixers for most as long as you don't make a lot of bread. According to professional tests, the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer does very well at beating cake batter and cookie dough as well as whipping cream and eggs. A few cons with this model is that the bowl is slightly smaller than other models and is a bit more difficult to clean. Currently $177.98 on Amazon.
The Cuisinart Power Advantage is considered the best hand mixers available by Good Housekeeping. The 220-watt motor and automatic feedback mechanism ensures that the right amount of power is delivered for consistent mixing and kneading. Users love the fact that it is quiet, but also powerful and durable. Extra features include an LED display, electronic speed settings and easy-to-replace attachments. Currently $73.95 on Amazon.
A top recommended hand mixer from both Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping, the KitchenAid Architect is another hand mixer that performs admirably at most mixing tasks. Powerful, quiet, and convenient, the KitchenAid also comes with nine different speed settings as well as a soft-grip handle for comfortable use. Currently $75.98 on Amazon.
And those are our recommendations for the best five mixers. Be sure to check out the Wise Bread Shopping Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!
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The KitchenAid stand mixer is by far my favorite but I prefer to use my hand mixer just for convenience.
I have a Sunbeam stand mixer that I've had for years. I chose it because it has glass bowls - I frequently bake with lemon, and lemon juice can react with the metal bowls, imparting a metallic taste to your finished item. A bonus that I didn't figure out until I read the instruction booklet - the mixing body unlocks from the stand and can be used as a hand mixer! The best of both worlds, although it's a bit heavy to hold in your hand for a long period of time. Frugal and space saving at once.
My grandma gave me my KitchenAid when I got married. I love it!