Mixers are kitchen workhorses

Mixers are the workhorses of the kitchen. They come in several shapes and sizes and with a wide array of attachments to carry out the kitchen functions. Some of these functions are similar to those performed by blenders, and quite often people mistake blenders for mixers. They should remember that blenders have sharp blades and powerful speeds while mixers are slower with no blades and are used for mixing, folding, beating or whipping food ingredients.

There are two kinds of mixers: hand mixers and stand mixers. The hand mixer is a hand-held device, while a stand mixer is mounted upon a stand. In addition to this basic difference, the two mixers also differ in power, features and functions.

Hand mixers are battery-operated appliances that consist of two beaters driven by a motor. These beaters are immersed into the food ingredients to perform simple tasks such as whipping cream or egg whites, mixing cake batter and perhaps mashing potatoes. Their prices range from $20 to $75, and are ideal for people who like to spend as little time in the kitchen as possible.

Stand mixers are larger, with more powerful motors and a separate mixing bowl. They are locked in one place atop the stand. These mixers can perform far more powerful tasks such as baking, kneading bread dough, mixing cookie dough and beating flour. In addition, stand mixers make whipping cream and eggs a relatively effortless job.

The stand mixers cost much more because they are heavy-duty appliances. Their price can go up to as much as $400. They are ideal for serious cooks or housewives who make elaborate dishes, and need a lot of cooking support. They are also more stable, and can be used to mix large amounts of ingredients. The hand mixers, in contrast, are light-weight devices and can be used for light tasks only.