Cooking is an art of passion. And when you are inspired to make something beautiful, having the right tool is essential. And a quality mixer is a must-have in every kitchen. But if you are mixed up that you need fancy stand mixers or a high performing hand mixer will serve you just fine, this article will help you with the differences between a hand mixer and a stand mixer. And which one should you buy? Why not both?
What is a hand mixer?
It is a manual or electrical utensil, having a set of beaters attached to a gear mechanism or a motor to rotate the beaters. Hand mixers are generally used for beating, whipping, and combining small amounts of ingredients. Things that need a smooth mixing process to maintain consistency throughout the mixture.
What is a stand mixer?
On the other hand, a stationary electric mixer is meant for heavy-duty mixing, whipping, or kneading various foods. Typically, they have paddle attachments, whisk attachments, and dough hook. These transform the machine into a multitasking powerhouse. A stand mixer is obviously a bigger, heavier, and expensive alternative to a hand mixer.
Differences between a Hand Mixer and a Stand Mixer: Which One Should You Buy?
Now that we know the definitions, let’s look at the differences between the two mixers. And whether you should lean on one over the other.
How a Hand Mixer is Different from a Stand Mixer?
Even though they both can whip ingredients; doesn’t mean they are interchangeable. They both have characteristics that put one over the other depending on why you are buying one.
Size, Weight and Price Differences
Hand mixers will take your home cook baking game to a whole new ballpark. These are generally much cheaper at around $30. The name itself is enough to tell you that it is meant to be used by hand. So, it is smaller in size. Hand mixers are lightweight, portable, and perfect for even the irregular cooks.
In contrast, a stand mixer demands a committed approach. Being close to 15 pounds, these mixers occupy a dedicated space on your kitchen counter. The price is also a bit higher at about $ 200. But you are paying for the superior power you are getting over the hand mixer type.
Uses of Both Mixers
A hand mixer is best used for whisking eggs, whipping butter sugar, or heavy cream. It is a daily tool for an amateur home cook. Hand mixers outshine stand mixers in terms of whipping heavy cream. As they typically have weaker motors, you have better control over the texture of the cream. Also, hand mixers with whisk attachments are just better to shred boiled chicken breasts.
On the contrary, a stand mixer can outright replace some kitchen appliances. With its plenty of disposable power and a dough hook, it is a lifesaver for many bakers out there. Stand mixers also come with paddle attachments and whisk attachments. With the whisk attachment, it basically is a buffed-up hand mixer. And if you are into making cheesecake without deflating the mixture, the paddle attachment is irreplicable. Affordable stand mixers come with only these three attachments. But fancy mixers can be turned into pasta maker, meat grinder and vegetable spiralizer with proper attatcments.
Durability
In terms of durability, a hand mixer isn’t made with much sturdy build or high-quality motor. Being targeted for amateur home cooks, these have to be affordable. So, more often than not, these hand mixers get broken or are dysfunctional quite easily.
On the other hand, a stand mixer definitely earns a point for durability. The strong motor and build quality literally make it an indestructible appliance. Professionals can reliably use these machines for years without any issues. If used for lighter use, a stand mixer can be in your kitchen as long as you need them to.
Which one should you buy? Why?
I am just going to give it to you straight. Get yourself a hand mixer and you won’t regret not going with the stand mixer. Let me tell you why.
Great for Daily Use
These are light, handy, and easy to use. You can very quickly whip an egg or make the batter for your breakfast pancakes. You’ll be saving so much time in the morning while you are rushing.
Perfect for Aeration
Trying to make a perfectly aerated mixture for your cake or heavy whipped cream? An electric hand mixer is your best friend. Make foamy mixtures by adding air quickly with a hand mixer. Get the right texture in less than a minute.
Easy to Store
If you have an average kitchen like the rest of us, a hand mixer is perfect for you. You can store it in a drawer or a cabinet without any trouble. Get a stand mixer and see how much space one of those take up.
Portable
Some hand mixtures come with a cordless design. As a result, you can swiftly move around your kitchen. Also, unlike a stand mixer, you are not restricted to just a bowl. You can use your mixer in any container you want. This is my favorite perk of hand mixers.
What are the Demerits?
However, there is a few downsides to a hand mixer as well if you are looking for a heavy-duty, multi-purpose appliance.
Not Heavy-Duty
If you want to mix thick mixtures, you probably are a bit more serious with this. And a there a hand mixer is not idle. It takes a lot of time with a hand mixer to make a heavy dough. Even with the best hand mixers, a baker would definitely not mix his ingredients as thoroughly as a stand mixer.
Not Multi-Purpose
A stand mixer with proper attachments can be a pasta maker, a meat grinder, a vegetable spiralizer. In contrast, if you are getting a hand mixer, you are getting what you paid for. But a hand mixer is a good stepping stone to buy into a stand mixer when you can afford one.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, the differences between a hand mixer and a stand mixer are mainly price, size, and the intended use. For lighter use of armature cooks, a hand mixer is a perfect starting point. Being cheaper and easier to use also allures some buyers towards hand mixers. But after getting the hang of using mixers, you can upgrade to a stand mixer when the budget allows it. If you enjoy reading, try the differences between grinder and blender. Happy reading.