Hand vs. Stand Mixer: Better Investment

Money may earn a commission when you click on the products and services below. Compensation may determine where and how they appear. This content was created and/or updated by a third party and not by Money's editorial staff.

https://money.com/hand-vs-stand-mixer/

Preparing food with a mixer can save you time and energy. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, this kitchen appliance can be incredibly useful. Two types of mixers are commonly available today, each with advantages and drawbacks: hand and stand mixers. Both pieces of equipment will help you mix batter, whip cream and knead dough, but not all mixers are created equal.

In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both hand and stand mixers to help you decide the right investment for your kitchen. We’ll compare factors like performance, cost and convenience, so you can decide what works best for your food preparation needs.

A hand mixer is a handheld kitchen appliance with two beaters that can quickly rotate backward and forward. Its primary purpose is to blend and stir ingredients together efficiently and easily. Examples of hand mixers include the popular KitchenAid hand mixer.

A stand mixer is a kitchen appliance that sits on the countertop. It comes with two or four beaters, which attach to an electric motor and rotate around in a bowl to mix its contents. Stand mixers are typically larger and more powerful than hand mixers, making them ideal for kneading dough or mixing large batches of ingredients.

A hand mixer is considerably smaller than a stand mixer, which can make it much easier to store away in a cabinet or cupboard after use. As such, it's ideal for individuals with limited kitchen space, especially useful people who live in apartments or have small kitchens. Hand mixers also use considerably less electricity than stand mixers — making them an eco-friendly option for those who want to save energy without sacrificing performance. This smaller, handheld option is ideal for frothing egg whites or whipping cream since it's designed for smaller batches. With a hand mixer, you don't have to worry about overmixing or having too much batter in the bowl.

Stand mixers have much more power than their handheld counterparts, which means they can do things like kneading bread dough much faster and more effectively than a hand mixer. This makes them especially appealing to those who frequently make bread or have high-volume baking needs that require a long-lasting motor. With their larger bowl capacity, stand mixers can also easily tackle big batches of ingredients, ideal for people who need to make large quantities at once, such as commercial bakers or caterers.

Hand mixers tend to be significantly cheaper than stand mixers. Some models can cost as little as $20 to $40 depending on features, making them an attractive option for those shopping on a budget and looking for a way to mix ingredients without breaking the bank.

Although more expensive than hand mixers, stand mixers offer greater power and production capabilities. This type of mixer often ranges from approximately $100 to $400 depending on the brand and features, such as bowl size and attachment options.

Both hand and stand mixers are great at blending ingredients quickly and easily. Stand mixers, however, tend to be more effective at tackling tough tasks like kneading dough due to their increased power output and larger bowl capacity. This also allows them to blend larger amounts more easily and quickly than their handheld counterparts. Both types of mixers work well when whipping substances such as cream. But if you don't plan on using your mixer for bread kneading or large cakes, then it may not be necessary to invest in a stand mixer. Suitable for regular baking and mixing tasks due to their more compact size, hand mixers are also typically easier to clean and store after use.

Before choosing between a handheld or stand mixer, it's essential to consider their durability. Most companies offer warranties on their products, so checking which model will likely last longer is worth checking. Both mixers’ attachments are relatively easy to clean since they come with detachable beaters that can be washed with soapy water. However, the bowls of stand mixers can be harder to clean due to multiple attachments that require extra effort to disassemble.

In terms of maintenance, both mixers require regular cleaning and upkeep, depending on how frequently they are used. Since stand mixers usually have more powerful motors than handheld models, however, they may require additional maintenance over time, such as lubrication or servicing certain parts.

When shopping for essential kitchen appliances, it's important to consider both the hand and stand mixers. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and choose the mixer for your needs. Regardless of which option you choose, it's important to remember that both types are great additions to your kitchen and can make food preparation a lot easier and faster. With the right mixer, you will be able to take on any recipe with confidence and ease. So, go ahead and make an informed investment for your kitchen today.