If you are wondering about the difference between a stand mixer versus a hand mixer you’ll first need to understand what each one can do and the benefits of both. Here are some of the most important differences between these types of mixers to help you make a final decision between them.
The amount of ingredients
If you are going to be using your mixer routinely to mix large batches of ingredients, you’d be better off with a stand mixer. A hand mixer can basically do the same job as a regular household mixer, but you will have to manually control the hand mixer to make sure that everything gets blended evenly.
A stand mixer, however, will consistently blend all of the ingredients together and can handle large loads. If you have a big family or entertain a lot, you may even want to step up to a commercial mixer that can handle large batches at a time.
When you are using a stand mixer you have the option of walking away from the machine while it is blending. This gives you an opportunity to work on other ingredients that need to be added to the recipe. A stand mixer is best if you plan on using the machine a lot for your cooking and baking needs.
Counter space
If you are short on counter space a hand mixer may be your only option. Stand mixers are quite large in size and take up a lot of room on the counter. You’ll have to decide whether you can make room for a stand mixer or if you really don’t have enough space to accommodate one. In this case you need to get a hand mixer that can be tucked neatly into a drawer when not being used.
Drawbacks and benefits to hand mixers and stand mixers
Both of these mixers have their own set of drawbacks and benefits. Take a look through them to help you decide which one would be better for you.
Hand mixers
- Generally more affordable than stand mixers
- Convenient and easy to use
- Does not take up counter space
- Cannot handle larger quantities of dough
Stand mixers
- Higher in price
- Can handle heavy loads
- More durable than a hand mixer and thereby lasts longer
- Usually comes with more accessories, which makes it more functional for different types of mixing
- Heavier than hand mixers
- Take up room on the counter
When looking at your options think about what you will be using your mixer for and how much room you have on your counter to accommodate one. If you already bake or cook a lot, you should be considering a stand mixer if at all possible. This will allow you to make not only larger quantities but will also give you the opportunity to use its different accessories on various recipes.
Some of the most popular manufacturers of stand mixers include KitchenAid, Sunbeam, Viking, Cuisinart, Hamilton beach and Bosch. You can learn more about these choices by looking at some online reviews. You’ll be able to compare prices, reliability and quality in these reviews.
