Kitchen Stand Mixers & Beaters Buying Guide

A quality stand mixer is a must-have for any aspiring cook or baking enthusiast. Not only does it make preparing ingredients easy, but it also allows for endless culinary creativity. A mixer can do everything from whipping fluffy meringues to kneading dough for homemade bread. This guide will take a closer look at the different types of mixers available and the features and functions that set them apart.

Quick Links:

• What are kitchen mixers?
• Types of kitchen mixers
• What is the difference between a mixer, a food processor, and a blender?
• Tips for buying kitchen mixers
• Choosing the best stand mixer for you
• Tips before you go shopping
• What other kitchen aids should I purchase with a mixer?
• Buy the best food mixers in Australia

What are kitchen mixers?

Kitchen mixers are versatile appliances designed to simplify various cooking and baking tasks. They come in different types, including stand mixers and handheld mixers (commonly known as egg beaters). While stand mixers are ideal for mixing dough, batters, and other heavy ingredients, handheld mixers are more suitable for light mixing tasks such as beating eggs or whipping cream. Stand mixers are the ultimate culinary tool for any aspiring baker. They are designed to make the process of preparing ingredients more convenient, allowing you to multitask in the kitchen. With the best stand mixers, you can effortlessly mix, blend, and knead with the touch of a button to create delicious and beautiful dishes.

Types of kitchen mixers

So, what types of kitchen mixers are out there? What is the difference between a mixer, a food processor, and a blender? Each type of appliance offers unique features and functions, so it's essential to understand the options before making a purchase.

Stand Mixers

Stand mixers are powerful appliances with a stationary base and a mixing bowl. They typically come with various attachments such as dough hooks, whisks, and paddle attachments. Stand mixers are ideal for heavy-duty mixing tasks and are commonly used for kneading dough, whipping cream, and mixing batter for cakes and cookies.

Handheld Mixers (Egg Beaters)

Handheld mixers are compact and lightweight appliances that you can hold in your hand while mixing ingredients. They are perfect for small mixing tasks like beating eggs, blending sauces, or whipping cream. Handheld mixers are convenient for quick mixing jobs and are easy to store in small kitchens.

Kitchen Mixers vs. Food Blenders vs. Food Processors

While mixers, food processors, and blenders are all kitchen appliances used for food preparation, each serves a distinct purpose:

Stand Mixers & Handheld Beaters

Mixers are primarily used for combining ingredients, beating, whipping, and kneading dough. They come in stand or handheld varieties and are essential for tasks like making cakes, cookies, bread, and other baked goods.

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Food Processor

Food processors are versatile appliances equipped with blades and discs for chopping, slicing, grating, and pureeing ingredients. They are ideal for tasks such as making salsa, shredding cheese, or mixing dough in smaller quantities.

View Food Processors Buying Guide

Countertop Blender

Benchtop blenders are designed to blend ingredients into smooth liquids or purees. They are commonly used for making smoothies, soups, sauces, and cocktails. Blenders typically have sharp blades and are suitable for tasks that require liquefying or emulsifying ingredients.

Immersion Blender

Another type is the immersion blender, also known as a stick blender. This handheld blender helps blend smoothies, soups, and sauces right in the pot, eliminating the need for transferring ingredients to a separate blender. An immersion blender would mix and blend simultaneously, chopping the ingredients and blending them into a liquid or paste.

View Blenders Buying Guide

Tips for buying a stand mixer

When shopping for a stand mixer, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the best option for your needs:

• Capacity: Determine the size of the mixing bowl based on the number of ingredients you typically work with. Larger bowls are suitable for batch cooking or baking, while smaller bowls are ideal for everyday use.

• Power: Look for mixers with sufficient power to handle heavy-duty tasks like kneading dough or mixing thick batters. Higher-wattage motors generally offer better performance and durability.

• Attachments: Check the variety of attachments included with the mixer, such as dough hooks, whisks, and paddle attachments. Having a range of attachments allows you to perform a wide range of cooking and baking tasks with ease.

• Speed Settings: Choose a mixer with multiple speed settings to accommodate different recipes and ingredients. Variable speed control allows you to adjust the mixing speed according to your preferences and the specific requirements of each recipe.

• Construction and Durability: Opt for mixers made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or durable plastic. A sturdy construction ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.

How to choose the best stand mixer for you

When selecting a stand mixer, consider your specific needs and preferences to find the perfect match. Whether you're an occasional baker or a passionate home cook, here are some tips to help you choose the best stand mixer for your kitchen:

• Brand Reputation: Research reputable brands known for producing high-quality stand mixers with reliable performance and durability.
• Size and Capacity: Determine the size and capacity of the mixing bowl based on your typical batch sizes and available storage space in your kitchen.
• Power and Performance: Look for stand mixers with powerful motors and robust construction to handle heavy-duty mixing tasks with ease.
• Attachments and Accessories: Consider the range of attachments and accessories available for the stand mixer, such as dough hooks, wire whisks, and paddle attachments, to ensure versatility and functionality.
• Price and Value: Compare prices and features across different models to find a stand mixer that offers the best value for your budget.

Tips before you go shopping

Before heading out to purchase a kitchen mixer, take note of the following tips to make your shopping experience more efficient and enjoyable:

1. Research: Spend some time researching different brands, models, and features to identify your preferences and priorities.
2. Budget: Set a realistic budget based on the features and performance you require, and stick to it to avoid overspending.
3. Read Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from other customers to get insights into different mixer models' performance, reliability, and satisfaction levels.
4. Visit a Store: If possible, visit a store to see the mixers in person, test the controls and attachments, and ask any questions you may have before making a purchase.

What other kitchen aids & accessories should I purchase with a mixer?

In addition to a kitchen mixer, consider investing in the following kitchen aids to enhance your cooking and baking experience:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for successful recipes, so invest in a set of measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient quantities.
• Silicone Spatulas: Silicone spatulas are versatile tools for mixing, scraping, and folding ingredients, making them essential for every kitchen.
• Baking Pans and Trays: Stock up on a variety of baking pans, trays, and moulds for baking cakes, cookies, bread, and other delicious treats.
• Cooling Racks: Cooling racks are indispensable for allowing baked goods to cool evenly and preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
• Kitchen Scales: A kitchen scale is handy for accurately measuring ingredients by weight, especially for recipes that require precise measurements.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes is essential for preparing ingredients before they go into your mixer. Choose bowls made of durable materials like stainless steel or glass for long-lasting use.
• Ovenware: Invest in high-quality ovenware such as baking sheets, cake pans, muffin tins, and loaf pans to accommodate a variety of baking needs. Non-stick options are particularly convenient for easy cleanup.
• Baking Tools & Accessories: Equip your kitchen with essential baking tools like a rolling pin, pastry brush, dough cutter, and cookie cutters to make baking a breeze. These tools will help you achieve professional-looking results with ease.
• Whisks: While your mixer likely comes with its own whisk attachment, having a few hand whisks in different sizes can be handy for smaller tasks or when you need to whisk ingredients by hand.
• Mixing Spoons: Mixing spoons are versatile tools for stirring, folding, and mixing ingredients. Look for spoons made of sturdy materials like wood or silicone for durability and ease of use.

Is a stand mixer worth it?

We think that investing in a stand mixer can be well worth it for anyone who enjoys cooking or baking regularly. Here are several reasons why:

• Efficiency: Stand mixers are incredibly efficient at mixing, kneading, and blending ingredients. They can handle large batches of dough, batter, or other mixtures much more quickly and with less effort than mixing by hand.

• Versatility: Stand mixers come with various attachments and settings that allow them to perform a wide range of tasks, from whipping cream to kneading bread dough. With the right attachments, you can even use your stand mixer to make pasta, grind meat, or spiralise vegetables.

• Consistency: Stand mixers provide consistent results every time you use them, ensuring that your baked goods turn out perfectly fluffy, airy, and well-mixed. This consistency is particularly important for recipes that require precise mixing times and ingredient incorporation.

• Hands-Free Operation: One of the biggest advantages of stand mixers is their hands-free operation. Once you've added your ingredients to the mixing bowl and selected the appropriate speed, you can walk away and attend to other tasks while the mixer does the work for you.
• Time-Saving: Using a stand mixer can save you valuable time in the kitchen, especially when preparing large quantities of food or tackling complex recipes. With a stand mixer, you can multitask more effectively and spend less time on repetitive mixing tasks.
• Quality Results: Stand mixers are designed to deliver superior mixing performance, ensuring that your recipes turn out as intended with minimal effort on your part. Whether you're making bread, cakes, cookies, or whipped cream, a stand mixer can help you achieve professional-quality results at home.

While stand mixers may require a bit of an initial investment, their efficiency, versatility, and ability to consistently produce high-quality results make them well worth the cost for anyone who loves to cook or bake regularly.

Buy the best stand mixers in Australia

When shopping for a mixer, consider the types of tasks you'll be using it for, the power and speed, the attachments, the size and storage, the price and the brand, and the warranty and return policy. Choose Harris Scarfe for a wide assortment of the best food mixers & kitchen appliances in Australia, and other kitchen aids from high-quality brands like Smith & Nobel, Breville, Ninja, Nutribullet and Russell Hobbs, to name a few. Shop at great prices online or at your nearest Harris Scarfe store. Visit our food hub today for amazing recipes and advice on becoming a pro in your kitchen.

Browse our wide selection of kitchen mixers and beaters online or visit your nearest Harris Scarfe store to find the perfect appliance for your cooking and baking needs. With trusted brands, competitive prices, and expert advice, we're here to help you make the right choice and elevate your culinary creations to new heights. Happy mixing!