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Some kitchen appliances can indeed perform similar functions, but can they be used interchangeably? A good example is an electric hand mixer and a stand mixer. As the names suggest, you can tell that both appliances are designed for mixing ingredients.
However, one cannot replace the other when it comes to handling certain mixing tasks in the kitchen. That said, you should consider your needs before choosing an electric hand mixer over a stand mixer and vice versa.
If you are torn between the two appliances, this article will give you a helping hand. Also, if you are looking for a replacement for your current electric hand mixer, click here to have a look at some of the best options that you can consider buying.
What Is An Electric Hand Mixer?
An electric hand mixer is a motorised hand-held kitchen tool used for mixing applications. These appliances are exceptionally lightweight and equally easy to use, making them ideal for professionals and beginners alike. A good hand mixer will provide you with multiple speed settings that you can choose from when mixing your ingredients.
These units come with detachable stainless steel beaters and also feature efficient motors that will help you power through all light mixing tasks with ease. Depending on the model that you go for, you can also find hand mixers with additional accessories that can assist you when tackling a wide variety of mixing tasks.
The good thing about electric hand mixers is that they are versatile. As such, their use can apply when preparing a range of foods. The best electric hand mixer can properly whip creams, beat eggs, and mix cake batter, to mention but a few.
But most importantly, they’ll ensure your ingredients are properly mixed, thus providing you with quality results every time. Electric hand mixers are also portable, meaning you can move them from one spot to another without experiencing any problems.
To add to this, these units are compact, so you won’t have to worry about them cramping your worktop. They also take up minimal storage space, so you can place them inside your kitchen cabinet and still have enough room for other items.
What Is a Stand Mixer?
A stand mixer is a motor-powered kitchen appliance designed for mixing, kneading, and whipping various foods. The motors on these units are very powerful, thus making them ideal for heavy mixing tasks. They can easily churn through food with heavy consistencies, and can as well come in handy when kneading thick doughs.
The best thing about using stand mixers is that they allow for hands-free operation. This makes them convenient, especially if multiple tasks require your attention. And because they are fitted with a wide, stable base, you can use a stand mixer without worrying about it falling over.
Like most electric hand mixers, stand mixers offer adjustable speed settings that you can use when prepping different foods. The only difference is that stand mixers have more speed options. This makes them ideal for handling tasks that require precision.
When you buy a stand mixer, you’ll get useful accessories such as balloon whisk, dough hooks, beaters, spatula, etc. Some models also come with a splash guard that will ensure what you are mixing doesn’t spill all over the place. The best stand mixer can also be used as a food processor, so it will all depend on the attachment that you are using.
On the downside, stand mixers take up a lot of counter space and are equally not easy to store. Nonetheless, if you have a large kitchen, you can find a stand mixer that can complement your décor style since most of these units are both colourful and stylish.
Choosing Between an Electric Hand Mixer and a Stand Mixer
Now that you’ve seen how a hand mixer differs from a stand mixer, which one will you choose? As discussed above, it all comes down to your needs. A hand mixer can greatly assist you when mixing small portions of food, while a stand mixer is more suited for prepping larger batches.
Since stand mixers are more powerful, they can help you get the job done faster compared to a hand mixer. Also, stand mixers can effectively knead thicker doughs without stalling. The motors on electric hand mixers, on the other hand, are likely to blow out when subjected to such tasks.
When choosing between a hand mixer and a stand mixer, you also need to factor in the available worktop space. A stand mixer requires more space than a hand mixer, so ensure that your kitchen has enough room. Additionally, hand mixers are exceptionally lightweight, so you can carry them to wherever the work may take you.
The other thing that you should keep in mind is that a hand mixer can work with just about any size of bowl, while stand mixers require large bowls. With a stand mixer, you can easily multitask when in the kitchen. You cannot achieve this when using a hand mixer, since you have to hold the tool throughout the mixing process.
In terms of versatility, stand mixers outperform hand mixers. Even the smallest stand mixer can perform more functions than the most powerful hand mixer. And since most stand mixers come with a splash guard, your worktop is less likely to get messy.
When using a hand mixer, you’ll have to be careful not to spill the contents of the bowl. The other advantage of using a stand mixer over a hand mixer is that most stand mixers come with extra accessories that will simplify your work, particularly when baking.
Conclusion
Electric hand mixers and stand mixers both have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you to pick a unit that matches your needs and budget. If you know you’ll be prepping small batches of food, it would be wise to buy a hand mixer. They are efficient, lightweight, and easy to work with.
However, if you intend to mix large portions on a regular basis, a stand mixer will do. These units are both versatile and powerful, meaning they can take on just about any mixing task that you may throw at them. To be on the safe side, you can buy both appliances. That way, you can switch between the two depending on the task at hand.
