Hand Mixer
The mixer is a very convenient device for beating products. Many women want to buy this handy device for their kitchen. That is why before buying you need to familiarize yourself with all the characteristics of mixers, as well as learn about their functions, varieties, as well as reviews and prices for various models.
The difference between the mixer and the blender
The main function of a hand mixer is to whip and mix ingredients.
The mixer has a large number of differences from the subject, which is often confused with it, it is called a blender. The main difference is that the latter device has a higher speed and sharp blades. It is designed to make mashed potatoes or liquids. The mixer does not have knives in its design, and at the same time its speed is much lower.
Now there are two main types of mixers. The first is the device on the stand. Its speed is much higher, and at the same time it has higher performance.But the manual mechanical mixer is more mobile, which makes it small in size. It can be carried around the kitchen and used in any part of the room.
The handheld immersion mixer has a lower capacity than the instruments on the stands.
The basis of the hand mixer is the engine, the power of this device is produced by electricity. The main purpose of this device is the mixing of ingredients in the process of cooking and bringing them to a uniform consistency. This is a great way to make a very lush dough in a short time.
On the contrary, such a device as a blender does not have the function of whipping. He cannot make fluffy dough, because he does not supply air bubbles to him and works on a different principle than the mixer.
Mixers, in contrast, are very actively used for the manufacture of confectionery.
Today's existing models, depending on engine power, can have very high performance, as well as an uncomplicated design, which is very easy to control. Manual models, as a rule, have a bowl in the set, which can be installed at any convenient place.In stationary mixers, this part of the structure is fixed on the platform. That is why the hand mixer is very convenient.
Main characteristics of the device
A hand mixer with a bowl has a lower cost, unlike stationary models. In the process of using it, you will need to keep this device in your hand all the time and pinch the button. There are also models in which you can set the selected mode, and at the same time you do not have to hold the button. It should also be noted that the cost of a hand mixer is now much lower than the price of stationary devices.
The main characteristic of a manual model is that it easily beats the dough or other ingredients, while you can control this process, change the direction of whipping, and also make it more efficient.
Another important advantage of the mobile model is easy care for it.
Since such a mixer has several separate parts, you can wash each element of it in a couple of minutes. Such a device does not have to disassemble, you only need to disconnect the nozzle. That is why it is very easy to wash and clean.Convenience is also due to the fact that it has a compact size, it is very convenient to hold it in your hand, while it has a small weight.
When choosing a device for whipping, try to give preference to designs with a large bowl.
The mixer power, as well as the volume of the bowl, greatly affects the performance of this device. Therefore, we choose models for the kitchen with a drive and with high power, because they are more productive, especially if used correctly. The size of the bowl plays an important role. Even if you purchase a model with a large bowl, which will be 2 or 3 liters, this does not mean that you can use all this volume for cooking.
You need to purchase products that have an actual volume of about 2 liters.
The difference between the total and the actual volume of the mixer bowl is that the total can not be fully utilized, since at the same time, while the device is working, the contents will splash out and cause inconvenience. As a rule, the actual volume is less than the main one, approximately one and a half times. There are also designs with a rotating bowl, as a rule, these are stationary devices.They are great for making dough, but their price is quite high.
The running time of the mixer and the performance are directly dependent on its power.
Models with a higher rate of power are much better able to cope with the mixing of all, even heterogeneous components, as well as with the beating of thick dough. A device with a power of about 400 watts allows you to make a dough of any complexity in a short period of time, usually any professional mixer has this characteristic. It is quite powerful and is perfect for home, if you often cook pastries. Manual mini models for kitchens that have a power of 200–300 W are less productive.
A large role in the whole design of the hand mixer have nozzles, with the help of which the mixing and mixing of components occurs.
Depending on the shape, there are beaters for beating and ordinary mixing tips. Above all, keep in mind that the nozzles are in direct contact with food. That is why it is important to purchase devices, nozzles which are made of high quality and reliable materials. Food stainless steel is best suited for the manufacture of this part of the device.
Additional functions
Virtually every kitchen hand mixer has at least one additional function.
The most popular of them is the ability to choose the speed of the device. Different models of mixers have a different number of speeds of work, which ranges from two to five, but professional devices can even have up to 12 speeds. Such hand mixers have a separate button for each speed, which shows which products should be whipped or mixed at this speed mode.
There are also very interesting models that have an additional turbo function.
It is capable of increasing the speed of rotation of the nozzles in the short term, but this effect will be short-lived. The peculiarity of this additional function is that after 5-10 seconds the mixer speed will return to normal mode. Turbo-button requires very high power, experts do not recommend to use it often, because such an application can lead to a rapid ignition of the engine of the device. It is better to use the Turbo button one-time, in order to get rid of lumps when preparing the dough.
A very interesting additional feature is the presence of a pulse mode.
It allows you to adjust the speed and power of the mixer by pressing a button. This is a very convenient mode, during which you can personally adjust the intensity of beating or mixing components. The most necessary additional function of any mixer is the possibility of changing nozzles. Thus the device becomes multifunctional and more versatile.
Many hand-held instruments come with several different attachments.
These may include the individual elements necessary for the preparation of air mash, for example, from potatoes, which make it possible to obtain a product of uniform consistency. There is also a nozzle that can easily replace any blender. With their help, you can easily prepare a liquid fruit or vegetable puree or other useful products suitable for baby food, for example, formula for feeding babies.
There are even manual mixers with a nozzle for pancakes, which can bring the dough to a homogeneous consistency, help get rid of the lumps, and make a very lush dough, which then quickly rises.Confectioners will use nozzles for whipping creams, and housewives with children in their families have special nozzles for making various delicious cocktails.
Some nozzles allow mixers to replace even a meat grinder. These elements of the device have removable stainless steel blades. They can be easily finely chopped meat, carrots, onions or other products. Due to the fact that these blades are very sharp, the efficiency and quality of cutting turns out to be high.
Also very important is the function that protects the device from surges and overvoltage. Regular operation of the mixer at high speed leads to overheating of the device, and then to its breakage. But the ability to protect against overvoltage can prevent such consequences, this function simply turn off the device at the right time.
Choose more convenient models. The convenience of any mixer will depend on what its components are made of. It is better to purchase models with rubberized grip - holders. Very convenient models that have a special department in which you can store the wire. It is very easy to fold and store.
Also try to pick up the mixer with the necessary additional equipment for you.It is better if this device will include its own set of spatulas for transferring the mixtures, as well as cleaning brushes, which facilitate the care of this device. An important part of the constituent elements of the device is the measuring cup. It allows you to measure the required number of ingredients for mixing, and also greatly simplifies the process of cooking.
To replace the measuring cup manufacturers often offer glass bowls with additional marks that show the volume of liquid and the volume of solids separately. All these additional functions and characteristics can significantly simplify the operation of this device, and also make the process of cooking with its help more convenient and pleasant for each housewife.
Brands Overview
Rating best brands producing hand mixers opens the appliance Moulinex. Most models of this brand, which have manual control, have high power from 400 to 500 W, as well as 5 modes and an additional turbo accelerator. Virtually every model has a whisk for whipping and hooks for the cream. This is the most popular manufacturer of mixers, since the brand itself specializes in the production of kitchen appliances.
The brand is also very popular. Tefalwhich produces many models of mixers. In its model range even the two-handed mixer is presented.
Another top brand producing manual mixers - Philips. His lineup includes a large number of submersible handheld models. You can choose the device that best suits your power and size, since their selection from the Philips brand is very wide.
Very famous brand Robot coupe, which produces only professional models of mixers. They have many additional features and high performance, and therefore are popular with many chefs. The models of the brand Robot Coupe have the function of homogenizing products.
It should also be noted their high price, but it is due to the high quality of this professional product.
The most budgetary option is a mechanical device. Better beater, because it does not work on electricity and rotates from the clip of a special button. These devices are great for whipping eggs, making batter, cocktails or sauces. Their price is only about 300-500 rubles.
Owner reviews
Without exception, reviews say that the hand mixer greatly simplifies the process of beating products, as well as the process of cooking in general.Many housewives write that they had to mix and beat the products by hand for a long time before buying a mixer, which took a lot of time and effort. But, having got the manual mixer, they forgot about many cares. Women write that with the help of an average hand mixer you can literally in a few seconds mix any ingredients and bring the mixture to a uniform consistency.
Also, many people write that the mixer is an indispensable device for the preparation of confectionery. Women note that it is very difficult to whip proteins into thick foam until stable peaks for making protein cream, meringue or a high-quality airy sponge cake.
Users also note that using a mixer you can make a delicious milkshake, which will appeal to children.
Hand mixers even praise athletes: they indicate that with this device it is possible, in less than a minute, to make a protein or other sports cocktail. In general, all categories of the population, men and women of different ages, note the ease and simplicity of using a handheld device. Analysis of the reviews showed that the hostess unanimously recommended to buy this device, indicating that it greatly eased and reduced their efforts.