Long ago, the purchase of a stand mixer was fairly simple. Purchase the product you want, take it home, and put it to good use. A couple of wire whisks were included for you to immediately be using your machine.
Things have considerably changed over the years, however, and now stand mixers come with many different attachments and accessories that greatly help in the kitchen.
Generally, a stand mixer includes several different attachments that are used to add versatility in the kitchen. But if you aren’t using these attachments correctly, you’re not going to thrive from their use.
Here we will look at a few of the most common stand mixer attachments, and help you understand the correct way to use them.
Flat Beater
The flat beater is an accessory item that most cooks agree they couldn’t live without. The study and durable accessory allow you to create a mixture without whipping. It is more appealing than the traditional beater, and also offers far more durability. The flat beater is best used for normal to heavy mixtures, including:
- Pastries
- Cakes
- Biscuits
- Meatloaf
- Cookies
- Mashed Potatoes
- Candy
This is just a small idea of what the flat beater can be used for. It is an all-purpose beater, so it can definitely be used on almost any type of food item you are whipping up.
Wire Whisk
Most people are familiar with the wire whisk, but may not be familiar with the performance offered from this type of mixer accessory. A wire whisk is best used for food mixtures that require the incorporation of air or whipping. This includes:
- Eggs
- Angel Food cake
- Sponge cake
- Heavy Cream
- Egg whites
- Mayonnaise
Dough Hooks
The dough hook is used to knead and mix bread. When it is used, it allows air to enter, which is needed for the dough to rise when it is cooked. The dough hook can be used for the following items and many others.
- Bread
- Buns
- Rolls
- Coffee Cake
All dough hooks have a unique shape which aid in their use. The shape of the dough hook can be either a spiral or the ‘C’ shape. Almost all dough hooks are made with the ‘C’ shape. Chances are good that you will find the dough hook included with your stand mixer purchase.
Final Thoughts
Almost all stand mixers available for purchase include, at a minimum, the three attachments listed above. Many come with additional accessories, and also offer others that you can purchase separately. Items available for optional purchase include shredders and graders, juicers, and ice cream makers.
These accessories help aid you in preparing some of the most delicious foods you’ll ever taste. Make sure that you have these accessories, and that you are using them the right way! You will be quite amazed at just how much easier it is in the kitchen with these tools at good use.