A hand mixer is a device meant to make whisking, whipping, pureeing, blending, beating and other mixing needs in the kitchen less cumbersome and faster.
It is better than the conventional whisk and a more portable form of the stand mixer which is quite bulky and expensive. By simply holding on the handle and pressing a button on the machine, whatever mixing you need to be done is finished within seconds without the need to tire your hands.
All you have to do is move it from one part of the mixing bowl to another so you get a great mixture. With all these benefits in mind, a hand mixer is definitely a must-have for all who value great cooking and would like to save time while at it.
But there are so many hand mixers in the market; which one do you go for? Here is a look at how to buy a hand mixer and get the very best.
When buying a hand mixer, there are several considerations one must bear in mind. The very first is whether it is the right device for your mixing needs. If you are an occasional baker and/or bake only in small quantities then a hand mixer is the right tool for you.
If you do so in a hurry then the more reason why you need the device as it will save you time. However, if you bake often and in large batches you need to consider a stand mixer instead. Once you are sure that this is the right appliance for you then it is time to go shopping.
What traits should the right-hand mixer have?
Comfort
A good hand mixer must have a handle that is comfortable to hold and grip on so it does not slip during work. For left-handed people models with swivel, cords are ideal. The weight needs to be neither too much nor too little. If it is too light the hand mixer gives you lesser control whereas if it is too heavy it is uncomfortable and tiring to operate.
When shopping holds the hand mixer in your hand before deciding. An ideal hand mixer should weigh anywhere between 800grams and 1kg. It should be heavy enough to allow you at least 10minutes of strain-free control.
Speed and controls
The number of speeds a hand mixer will have will differ depending on their intended use. Those to be used to do lots of baking will have several options while those to be used occasionally will have fewer.
The low speeds are ideal for mixing dry ingredients whereas the higher speeds are ideal for mixtures that require aeration. Choose a hand mixer with speed options that suit your needs. An ideal mixer will have the controls in an accessible place and be easy to switch from one speed to the other.
Attachments
These will be determined by what you intend to use the hand mixer to mix. For instance if you intend to use it to prepare bread baking dough to consider one with dough hooks while if you intend to use it to prepare aerated dough like for making soufflés consider one with a balloon whisk.
Generally, it is best to buy a hand mixer that has attachments with long arms to prevent splattering. A hand mixer with a mixing bowl and a blender is a great choice.
All these attachments need to be easy to clean and most preferably dish-washer friendly.