An electric handheld mixing and blending equipment with two replaceable metal beaters and various speeds is known as a portable hand mixer.
Additional alternative attachments, like as a whisk, are available on some models. Because it’s used for mixing, blending, whipping, and beating a range of meals, it’s a necessary and flexible addition to any kitchen, even if you don’t cook or bake frequently.
What Is a Hand Mixer?
The term “hand mixer” is commonly used in the modern kitchen to refer to a portable electric mixing appliance that is still hooked into an outlet. The basic design consists of a handle on top of a motor casing with two metal beaters attached underneath at one end. Speed controls and a button to expel the beaters are usually found on top of the handle.
Non-electric rotary egg beaters are often known as “hand mixers.” Decades ago, these were kitchen necessities. Most homemakers never looked back after the electric version was introduced in the early 1900s.
Electric portable hand mixers are more efficient than non-electric rotary egg beaters since they have consistent power and require less time and effort to mix. Rotating egg beaters, on the other hand, are still available today. They’re very popular among campers and others who live in isolated places without access to electricity. Many people still keep an antique best egg beater and use it now and then.
Hand Mixer Works
The dishes that can be combined with a hand mixer are quite varied. It’s ideal for whipping cream or eggs, mixing cake batter and cookie dough, and preparing frosting and salad dressings, among other things. One of the most typical use is for whipping cooked potatoes into mashed potatoes, which is the simplest method.
Hand mixers have a well-deserved reputation as an indispensable and convenient meal prep tool for the homemaker. Even individuals who own a stand mixer may find it difficult to give up their handheld mixer because it is more practical for small mixing and blending activities.
However, there are certain limits. With a hand mixer, it might be difficult to combine batters or meals with a thick consistency. It is dependent on the softness of the meals and the mixer’s power. A more powerful stand mixer is a preferable alternative for some purposes (such as kneading bread dough).
Furthermore, certain ingredients should not be blended with a hand mixer. When preparing chocolate chip cookies, for example, the chips should be mixed in by hand at the very end. When you use your electric mixer for that purpose, the motor will readily (and rapidly) burn out. Other hard items, such as nuts and some fruits, are in the same boat.
Buying a Mixer
Electric hand mixers are rather inexpensive. A good quality hand mixer may often be found for less than $50. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on a basic unit with three or four speeds and one set of beaters unless there’s a design advantage. The number of speeds, the power output, and any additional accessories all have an impact on the pricing.
Some types include whisk attachments, while others come with dough hooks (though most hand mixers do not have the power to handle bread dough). Others have a storage compartment built in for the beaters and cable.
Mixers vs. Blenders
Would an electric mixer be able to take the place of a countertop (or stand) blender? It’s unlikely. Though you can do some meal prep with either a blender or a mixer, some jobs are better done with one over the other. For example, blending (mashing) potatoes in a blender is tough, and using a handheld mixer to beat or mix salad dressing can be messy.
Then there’s the hand blender (sometimes known as an immersion blender). It’s a long, wand-like appliance with a bottom blade, similar to a counter blender, but with the portability of a hand mixer.
Despite the fact that you can effortlessly combine dishes in a bowl or smooth gravy in a pot, and some models have a whisk attachment, this handheld tool has its limitations. It doesn’t have the same power as a counter blender or hand mixer, therefore it shouldn’t be used for hard materials.
Although not all home cooks would agree, most kitchen equipment, such as a hand or counter blender, are considered auxiliary. It’s usually a matter of personal preference and the specific food task at hand.
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