When it comes to mixing ingredients, it can be difficult to choose between a hand mixer and a stand mixer. Both are able to mix ingredients in pretty much the same way, but what makes each tool different? Today, we’ll be exploring the similarities and differences between the two products, so you can make an informed decision when deciding on the best mixer for your home.
Hand Mixer: The Cheaper and More Portable Option
Hand mixers are the smaller, more portable of the two types of mixers. They can either come with or without batteries, with the latter requiring a cable plugged into an outlet to function. Hand mixers require the user to hold the tool over a bowl (which usually doesn’t come with purchasing the mixer).
Hand mixers are great for aspiring chefs and chefs on the go. They’re fairly cheaper than stand mixers, and as such more people can afford to make recipes that require the tool through hand mixers. They are also portable - charging them up allows you to take your cooking virtually anywhere you want. Even if you aren’t traveling with your mixer to other countries or cities, having it portable can allow you to work anywhere in the kitchen, which is a real convenience.
However, there are a few drawbacks. Firstly, hand mixers do require you to be present, as you can’t use the mixer without physically holding it up. This leads us to the next downside - it can be tiring to use for prolonged periods. If you’re following a recipe that requires prolonged mixing, some people may find it taxing to hold up the mixer for longer than a minute. Finally, hand mixers just aren’t as powerful as stand mixers, which generally have stronger motors running inside.
Stand Mixer: Power and Convenience
Stand mixers are larger and more powerful than their hand-based counterparts. They feature significantly more powerful motors which can allow you to make certain meals and dishes more efficiently. They also come with a wide array of options, allowing you to be precise with the way you mix the ingredients. Finally, it’s a fully automatic process, which means that you can go do something else while the mixer is doing its thing.
That doesn’t mean standing mixers are better than hand mixers, though. For one, stand mixers are considerably more expensive, which can be painful for many to purchase. Secondly, they take a while to learn using, as some chefs may be used to the intricacies of mixing with a hand mixer. Finally, stand mixers aren’t portable at all, which means you’re limited to mixing in one specific area of your kitchen unless you move the entire appliance around.
The Verdict
So, what should you choose - the hand mixer or the stand mixer? Essentially, if you can afford it, a stand mixer is ideal, but if you lack the budget or want the portability, then go for the hand mixer. The learning curve for the stand mixer isn’t that steep, and it can even be more convenient to use than the hand mixer. It’s definitely the better choice if you have the money to purchase one.
