Stand Mixers

Stand mixers help users save time when preparing ingredients for baking. They excel at mixing batter, whipping cream, whisking egg whites, and kneading dough. In addition to having prep bowls, freestanding hand mixers are more powerful and more convenient to use than hand mixers. They are available in different sizes and designs. You can hand blenders and hand mixers at Staples®.

Choose From Different Types of Stand Mixers
Most freestanding kitchen mixers come with three standard food prep attachments: a dough hook, a wire whip, and a flat beater. The dough hook is for kneading dough for bread and pizza while the wire whip or balloon whisk is for churning cream and egg whites. You need the flat beater for general-purpose mixing. Some models have one beater while others include two. Dual-beater units mix ingredients more thoroughly and have the two flat attachments spinning in opposite directions inside stationary bowls. A single-beater mixer can spin both bowl and beater in opposite directions or just rotate the beater as it spins. Lastly, there are lightweight, entry-level freestanding mixers with stationary beaters. These have rotating turntables underneath their bowls.

Key Features to Look for When Shopping for Stand Mixers
Bowl size is an important factor to consider when selecting a kitchen mixer. Most of them have capacities between 4.5 and 5.5 quarts. If you regularly bake for a large group, consider picking a model with a 7-quart bowl. Next, consider the wattage of the motor installed in the appliance. A 250-watt motor is the minimum to look for in a stand mixer. Models rated between 300 and 400 watts can handle dry as well as a combination of wet and dry ingredients. Choose a unit with a motor rated at 500 watts or higher to knead dough. Another essential feature to have is a slow-start function. This prevents mixing attachments from throwing powder and liquid ingredients out of the bowl. Other convenient features to have include a countdown timer and a pause function.

What Is the Difference Between Stand Mixers and Kitchen Machines?
A kitchen machine is a stand mixer that can take extra attachments to transform into other types of food processors. These units have plugs or ports built into the heads to connect non-mixing attachments. Depending on the model, you can find compatible attachments that turn a food mixer into a pasta extruder, sausage grinder, juice extractor, and grater.

Should You Consider Speed Settings When Comparing Stand Mixers?
Yes. However, the number of speed settings available is less important than features like soft start and pause functions. While there are models with up to 12 settings, three different speeds are typically enough for a food mixer.

How Are Tilt-Head Stand Mixers Different from Bowl-Lift Models?
In a tilt-head, the mixing bowl sits locked to the base of the unit while the upper section of the appliance housing the head, attachments, and motor can pull up and away. In a bowl-lift mixer, it is the mixing container that moves. This design makes it possible to use your freestanding mixer on the kitchen countertop underneath overhanging cabinets. While bowl-lift units have larger bowls, there is a wider gap between the head and bowl of a tilt-head model. This makes it easier to add ingredients to the bowl without needing to stop the appliance.