It’s hard to change the perspective of the people on kitchen appliances, and it largely depends upon their preferences. But again, there may be a huge logical difference between what they think and what the reality is. This is the reason why we’ve decided to conduct detailed research on Hand Mixer vs. Stand Mixer.
In terms of baking, the most critical task is to mix the ingredients perfectly. Previously, people used to mix the ingredients using a manual hand mixer. But recently, different types of electronic mixed have been introduced to reduce the workload.
While both are essential for the kitchen in their own ways, each has some advantages and limitations as well. So, this post is all about the Pros and Cons of the Best Hand Mixers and Stand Mixers. Don’t mind if you’re favoring any one of them. You’ll always learn a thing or two from comparative analysis, such as this.
Between these mixers, the preferable mixer is the hand mixer plus stand mixer. Both of these mixers are best in their way, so many of you might think whichever will be best for you – no need to worry. We have covered all the differences and brought you with compression of Hand Mixer VS Stand Mixer.
What is the difference between a stand mixer and a hand mixer?
Though these two are mixers, there is some contrast between them. So we are here to investigate the dissimilarity. They are different in design, working ability, mixing process, and many more. So, we have discussed all the details separately. Be sure to check the difference between a stand mixer Vs. Hand mixer.
What is a Hand Mixer?
A Hand Mixer is an electric mixer, and you have to operate it by holding it with your hand. That’s why it is called a Hand mixer, and its weight is less than other types of the mixer. Less power, single rotational bladed makes it perfect for small ingredient mixing. If you use this mixer for an extended period, your hand will get tired, and there is a slight possibility of getting a cramp. The hand mixer is best suitable for mixing creamy ingredients. Mixing a rough dough is not preferable.
Types of hand mixer
The hand mixer has the difference. Also, they have the same mixing process. But the difference can be seen in size, blades, power, design, and workability. So here are few types of hand mixers available nowadays.
- Most hand mixers are lightweight, and it has only one whisk. Also, this type of mixer has limitations over mixing.
- Some mixers have two motors that provide high power, but they are heavy compared to another hand mixer.
- Attachment is also a key factor, and some hand mixer supports multiple attachments such as dough whisks, beaters, Balloon whisks, etc. But most of the hand mixer supports only one attachment.
All the hand mixer is same if you compare them side by side, you can find just slight changes. So read the information given on the box to know about that hand mixer.
How to use a hand mixer?
Using a hand mixer is easy, but it might be great despair if you don’t know how to use it. So you can follow these steps to use your hand mixer.
Step 1: choose a deep and narrow bowl or a pot. A deep bowl prevents ingredients from falling off the bowl while mixing.
Step 2: then stabilize the bowl. You can use a towel or and rubber sheet to stable your bowl.
Step 3: add all the ingredients and start your mixer; remember to start from low speed.
Step 4: The hand mixer can be a bit shaky, so hold it tightly, circle the beater on the bowl side, and keep it in the middle to mix it perfectly.
What is a Stand Mixer?
Stand mixers are quite similar to hand mixers. While hand mixer requires hands, similarly stand mixer has a stand that helps keep the beater in one place and rotate it. Stand mixer has much more power than hand mixer also it diereses the workload for yourself.
Stand Mixer features
Stand Mixer features a heavy-duty motor housed inside a heavy-duty metallic body. The overall frame consists of the following elements:
- Mounting base for mixing bowl: The bowl is placed and locked properly to avoid any damages or loss of ingredients.
- Space for mounting mixing attachments: just below where the motor is, there is an attachment slot for different accessories, such as flat beater, whisks, dough hooks, wired beater, blender and more.
Home-based models are obviously smaller in size. An average sized home model has a bowl that can hold up to 4 quarts of mixture. Stand mixers for homes are generally kept on the kitchen countertop.
Types of Stand mixer
The stand mixer is a blessing for those who have to do mixing in their everyday life. Most of the hand mixers are the same but different in power, beater, and working process. People mostly use three types of hand mixers. They are-
- Tilt-head mixer
- Bowl-lift mixer
- The Artisan Mini
Tilt-head mixer:
Their head can be a tiled upside. Generally, you will have to tilt its head upside to pour the ingredients into the mixer. It comes with an attached glass bowl or a stainless steel bowl, and it will not allow you to remove the bowl. Tilt head mixer has a different variation on capacity, and one can put 3.4 to 5 quarts of ingredients. This mixer supports multiple attachments, such as different types of beaters.
Bowl-lift mixer:
The bowl-lift mixer head is fixed in one place, but the bow is detachable. The mixer has a bow stand or hands that holds the bowl. By using its leaver, you can attach or remove the bowl. The bowl-lift mixer has a capacity between 4.5 to 8 quarts.
The Artisan mini:
The artisan mini is one of the smallest stand mixers. Its size and weight are less in comparison to the bowl-lift mixer. They are capable of mixing 3.4 quarts of ingredients. Also, they are available in different sizes, but their motor is well equipped with high power.
Benefits of stand mixer
- Large mixing bowl helps mix the liquid without splashing its ingredients out.
- Bowl is kept stable, so you don’t have to use your other hand to constantly hold it for the entire time.
- Stand-mixer allows you to multi-task. You can concentrate on other cooking tasks while the mixing is being performed.
- Stand mixers often contain timers and automatic stop features.
- Because of the powerful motor and durable attachments, you can mix anything, even the thickest of doughs.
- Stand mixer comes with, or has space for, a whole range of mixing attachments.
Limitations of stand mixer
- Stand mixers are quite expensive and many customers cannot afford them.
- Small kitchens have space issues, and stand mixer, due to their weight and size, can eat up a lot of kitchen space.
- While mixing is quick, the cleaning part is quite difficult and time consuming
- Stand mixer can be high energy consuming appliance in your home, since it has a powerful motor.
How to use a stand mixer?
The method of using a stand mixer is different from a hand mixer. Between three stand mixer, all the process is same. Following these steps will help you to understand how to use a tilt-head stand mixer.
Step 1: unplugged the mixer and check if the speed is set to zero or not. If not, then set the speed to zero.
Step 2: then raise the mixer head upside and lock it using the locking switch.
Step 3: after lifting the headpiece, install the bowl in its place and insert the beater or the dough hook.
After then put the ingredients you want to mix, unlock the headpiece, and start the mixer by gradually increasing the speed.
Bowl-lift mixer:
The process is similar to the tilt head mixer. First, unplug the mixer and make sure to set the speed to zero. Then you add all the ingredients to the bow and insert the beater. After you inserted the beater, pull the bowl leaver downward to raise the bowl. Then plug the mixer and increase the speed according to your need. And remember, after mixing is done, pull the leaver upside to take the bowl down.
Are our hand mixers as good as stand mixers?
No, a hand mixer will not be able to outperform a stand mixer. The difference in power, stability, durability creates a big between these two mixers. But you can’t neglect the usefulness of a hand mixer and a hand mixer well in mixing baking ingredients. They may be different, but a hand mixer will stand tow to tow with a stand mixer.
Hand mixer vs stand mixer for bread?
In making bread or baking cake, cookies using a hand mixer will create a great advantage. The hand mixer is lightweight, and you can steer it according to your need. You can control the mixing. While on the other hand stand mixer has much more powerful and capable of mixing dough. But in using a stand mixer, you controlling the mixing ingredients is quite tough. So for bread between hand mixer vs stand mixer, a hand mixer will get the advantage.
Should you get a hand mixer if you have a stand mixer?
A stand mixer is a high-powered mixer. This mixer can mix ingredients on a large scale. In other words, if you have to make a lot of mixing, then a stand mixer is suitable for you. Also, using a hand mixer for baking purposes is perfect.
With a hand mixer, you will be able to mix creamy items more perfect. So if you want to do regular baking and want to have a perfect mixed ingredient, you should get a hand mixer to whether you have a stand mixer.
Final verdict
Comparison on hand mixer vs. a stand mixer concludes that each mixer works wonderfully in their perspective. A hand mixer is suitable for mixing creamy baking ingredients. On the other hand, a stand mixer can do both. Also, if you want a better and bigger mixer, you will have to spend money.
We have just shared all the differences and showed how they could enlighten your cooking experience. Hope now you will be able to understand the difference and decide what type of mixer you will buy for your own.