Stand Mixers vs. Hand Mixers: What is the Distinction?

Is a stand mixer at all times higher than a hand mixer? On the threat of sounding too internet-y: the reply might shock you. Stand mixers are an aspirational buy for a lot of dwelling cooks. With costs that begin within the $300s and climb as much as the $700s, these countertop home equipment are an funding. It is smart that many cooks find yourself shopping for inexpensive hand mixers (typically referred to as handheld mixers, handheld beaters, or electrical beaters) as a substitute. Actually, our top-rated hand mixer is a whole bunch lower than the least expensive KitchenAid stand mixer.

After all, greater than worth must be thought-about when making an enormous kitchen equipment buy. You must also have a look at its versatility, the quantity of space for storing obtainable in your kitchen, and the way (and the way typically) you intend on utilizing it. Though we just about at all times suggest stand mixers over hand mixers for his or her sheer versatility, they is probably not the appropriate selection for each prepare dinner.

Hand Mixers: The Professionals  

Hand mixers are designed to be motored round a mixing bowl by hand (no shock there). As a result of they should be small and light-weight by design, you gained’t have bother discovering a spot to tuck them away when not in use. In distinction, stand mixers are so massive and heavy, many cooks choose to maintain them on the counter quite than discovering devoted space for storing. The Breville Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer is a petite 4 kilos. Our runner-up, made by KitchenAid (yep, that KitchenAid) is simply half that.

In contrast to stand mixers, you need to use hand mixers in nearly any mixing bowl; rubber guards on the beaters will maintain bowl supplies (like ceramic) from turning into scratched or nicked. Hand mixers are additionally simple to maneuver round. You possibly can tilt and regulate the angle of the beaters to scrape along with the bowl as you go. In distinction, with a stand mixer, you’ll want to show off the motor, carry the attachment, and use a spatula to push issues down the bowl’s sides periodically when mixing.

After all, there are a couple of bells and whistles we actually like about hand mixers: the most effective of the most effective are impressively quiet, with decibel scores within the 70s. We additionally like fashions with built-in timers, so you possibly can see how a lot time has elapsed whereas mixing. That’s not a function even the snazziest stand mixers have.

Newer fashions of hand mixers do boast extra versatility than these of yesteryear, though we stay skeptical of how a lot better than hand-kneading dough the hook-style attachments are. 

Stand Mixers: The Professionals

To borrow (and barely alter) a line from musical theater canon: “Something a hand mixer can do, a stand mixer can do higher.” Similar to hand mixers, stand mixers can whisk and beat egg whites, heavy cream, and cookie dough. However they’re far more highly effective. Our favourite stand mixer, the KitchenAid 6-Quart Professional 600 Series, has a 575-watt motor, and that’s not even the highest powered model in KitchenAid’s fleet. The Breville Handy Mix, our prime hand mixer, peaks at simply 240 watts. Extra wattage usually means a extra highly effective equipment.

After all, a stand mixer already gives your arms a relaxation: no matter mannequin you select, its attachments work independently of the prepare dinner. However like self-driving vehicles, these home equipment aren’t absolutely impartial. Some stand mixers “stroll” throughout the counter at increased speeds, and must be monitored when in use. 

The versatility a stand mixer offers is commonly what seals the deal for cooks on the fence. Most fashions come customary with a whisk, paddle, and dough hook attachment. With these three instruments alone, you could possibly knead bread dough, whip up a batch of cookies, and make an American buttercream frosting. When you’ve gotten comfy with the machine, you might select to spend money on extra attachments: pasta makers and meat grinders are two standard choices that up the ante for from-scratch kitchen fans. 

The visible enchantment is difficult to disregard, too. Though there are actually different manufacturers of stand mixers, the presence of a colourful KitchenAid on the counter is eye-appealing. And of colours, there are a lot: relying on the mannequin you select, KitchenAid gives dozens of hues, together with restricted launch choices (in 2023 it’s a deep pinky-red Hibiscus).

Hand Mixer vs. Stand Mixer: What Can You Use Every For?

Brass tacks: when can—and may’t—you utilize every equipment? Normally, stand mixers can do greater than hand mixers, because of their bigger and extra versatile attachments, and better wattage.

Hand Mixer: Sure

• Whip cream
• Whip egg whites
• Cream butter and sugar
• Make buttercream frosting
• Can be utilized in nearly any mixing bowl

Hand Mixer: No

• Knead bread dough (until a particular attachment is used, however we’re nonetheless uncertain)
• Make pasta dough
• Grind meat

Stand Mixer: Sure

• Whip cream
• Whip egg whites
• Cream butter and sugar
• Make buttercream frosting
• Knead bread dough
• Make pasta dough
• Grind meat

Stand Mixer: No

• Not extremely moveable
• Some mannequin might battle with small elements

Which Is Higher: Stand Mixers or Hand Mixers?

If in case you have the house and finances, we suggest shopping for a stand mixer. They’re a real funding buy that can final you years to come back. If the worth is a limiting issue for you, you might take into account shopping for a refurbished model (buying instantly from KitchenAid ensures working high quality). Nevertheless, Iif you intend on utilizing your electrical mixer for simply the fundamentals—whipped cream and egg whites, with the occasional batch of cookies tossed in—a hand mixer will do the job.

FAQs

What’s an electrical mixer?

Each stand and hand mixers are categorized as electrical mixers. Meaning they’re powered with a small motor that runs on electrical energy. At its most elementary, an electrical mixer—typically referred to as an electrical beater—is a souped up model of a handheld whisk. Electrical mixers, whether or not they’re handheld or standalone, are fitted with whisk-like attachments that may whip, combine, and cream elements for recipes like whipped cream, sugar cookies, and meringue. Each stand mixers and hand mixers include quite a lot of totally different attachments, though stand mixers are extra versatile, can accommodate bigger batches of meals, and provide extra makes use of.  

What’s the most effective stand mixer?

Our favorite brand of stand mixer is KitchenAid. KitchenAid stand mixers are available three totally different fashions: the Skilled, Artisan, and Basic collection. There’s a lot to understand about every fashion, however we overwhelmingly favor the Skilled Collection. The very best stand mixer in response to our checks is the KitchenAid 6-Quart Professional 600 Series Stand Mixer. It’s stationary and doesn’t stroll when kneading dough. We particularly just like the design of the blending bowl, which doesn’t have a foot (this implies it may be used over a flame, or double-boiler, as required for some recipes). The vast design of the bowl makes it a cinch to scrape down when working.

What’s the most effective hand mixer?

The best hand mixer is the Breville Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer. It comes with three units of attachments, is fitted with a spotlight gentle, and has 9 speeds for precision mixing. We additionally favored the KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer, which is quieter and lighter (if rather less highly effective). When searching for a hand mixer, search for fashions with a excessive vary of pace choices and which are quiet. Comfy, ergonomic designs are additionally key, as you might be holding it for minutes at a time.