How to choose a mixer for your home

A mixer is not an interchangeable device in every kitchen; it greatly simplifies the cooking process by whipping / mixing food. In order for the purchase to be correct, our experts will help you figure out how to choose a mixer for your home with such a huge variety of these electrical appliances in 2020.

When buying, there are several criteria and technical parameters to consider. Let's consider each of them in more detail and select the best options.

Mixer types

Manual option

It is a unit with low power and compact dimensions, low weight. During use, it must be held by hand. We recommend choosing a hand mixer if you are going to make small portions often, such as baby food. However, you can place the food in any suitable container so that you do not have to scrape off the remains of the mixture from the large bowl later.

Stationary model

It has more bulky dimensions and an impressive weight, since it is assumed that during operation it will constantly stand on a tabletop or other flat solid surface. This mixer is suitable not only for home, but also for canteens and other types of food service establishments with regard to large loads. The advantage of such a mixer is that while the products are being mixed, you can do other things, you do not need to make an effort to knead the dough, beat other components. The set comes with a holder to which the structure is attached, as well as a bowl. Most home models can be removed from the holder and used manually.

Planetary type

The planetary mixer is the most powerful type possible. In it, the nozzle must rotate around the axis, according to the type of rotation of the planets, as well as around the circumference of the entire container. This allows you to achieve perfect mixing to uniformity in a minimum amount of time.

Such equipment is recommended for all those who often make complex dishes, pastries or desserts. Certain models can be supplemented with graters, a meat grinder and other elements that expand their functionality.

pros:

• The devices are the most powerful among possible, the indicators are in the range of 500-1200 watts.
• Practicality and functionality.
• High degree of reliability, resulting in a long service life.
• The device can withstand heavy loads.
• It is possible to work in crowded places, in production.

Minuses:

• Large dimensions and weight.
• Loud functioning.
• High cost, which ranges from 10,000 rubles to 150 thousand rubles. for production models.

Important! Take into account the weight of the mixer if you plan to purchase a manual model - prolonged operation causes a feeling of fatigue and discomfort in the hands, especially since the device emits vibrations during operation.

Features of choosing a mixer for the kitchen

To determine how to choose the right mixer for your home, study the following criteria and compare them with your own requirements for the device:

• power;
• operating modes;
• bowl volume;
• bowl and body material;
• equipment;
• additional functions.

Power

Two parameters depend on which mixer power to choose:

• performance;
• speed of work.

The more powerful the model, the wider its functionality. At the same time, units for a house with a higher power are distinguished by an increased level of electricity consumption and an increased cost. To understand which mixer is the best to buy, it is important to determine what goals will be set for it.

In terms of power, the units are divided into two categories:

1. 180-250 watts (small) - for kneading batter, mixing / whipping "light" products. For example, if you need a milkshake mixer, you won't need much power. The beaters are made from a thin frame and may not cope with complex tasks.
2. From 270 watts (high power) - for marshmallows, thick dense dough. The mixer design uses beaters with wide, durable blades.

Operating modes

The number of modes can be from 2 to 16 - it all depends on the features of a particular model and the purpose of the device. The most common 3-6 speed models. If the mixer is selected for a pastry chef, then it is desirable to have at least 6 modes. Each speed is designed for a specific product, and manufacturers often suggest, using small pictures or instructions, at what speed it is best to mix or beat certain products.

If it is difficult to decide on your own which mixer to choose for whipping proteins, then in this case it makes no sense to overpay for the presence of numerous modes.

Bowl volume and material

The choice of a mixer according to the parameters involves paying special attention to the bowl of the device. This applies primarily to stationary units. Volume indicates the amount of food that can fit in the container.

1. If you have to mix a large number of products in one cycle of work, then give preference to bowls with a volume of 3 liters or more. This capacity will be enough for 4-6 people.
2. If the amount of food, as a rule, is small, designed for 2-3 people, then a less capacious bowl is enough for the house - up to 3 liters.

However, all containers with any capacity are designed in such a way that both small and large quantities of products can be mixed in them.

The bowl material also has a significant impact on the life of the mixer. High-quality material is not covered with cracks and scratches, it is highly durable and environmentally friendly, which is also very important, since the mixer capacity, like the whisk, is in contact with the food. Manufacturers use three types of material for the manufacture of containers:

1. Plastic is an inexpensive but good material for a lightweight home appliance. The disadvantage is susceptibility to mechanical damage, therefore, such devices should be handled with care.
2. Metal - stainless steel with increased strength. A good option - although it costs more, such a model for the house will last much longer.
3. Glass is inferior in strength to both the first and second options, but is considered a more environmentally friendly material, so the choice remains with the personal preferences of the buyer.

Choice of body material

When trying to choose the right hand mixer for a kitchen or a stationary model, pay attention to the body material - it is equally important for both devices. Manufacturers use stainless steel or plastic for this purpose.

It should be noted that plastic is characterized by an optimal price-quality ratio, since it is not only practical, lightweight (which is especially important in hand-held models for the home), but also more affordable.

Stainless steel is not used as the main material - only as inserts in combination with plastic. The presence of metal plates increases the strength and reliability of the mixer, but also affects the price. On sale, such models for the home are rare.

Equipment

A detailed overview of the selected kitchen mixer model and customer reviews will help you find out what accessories are included with the appliance. The more attachments of all kinds, the more functional and more expensive the unit. Think in advance which attachments you need. The kit may include the following components:

1. Whisk - Whisk and mix liquid foods.
2. Hooks - for kneading dough;
3. Blender attachment - serves for making mashed potatoes, sauces.
4. Chopper - used for minced pate, berries, nuts and other products in small quantities.
5. Holder - designed for compact storage of attachments included in the kit.

Expert recommendations! It is desirable to have a special lid for the bowl, thanks to which the mixture will not be splashed during the operation of the electrical appliance.

Additional functions

To choose the right mixer for your kitchen, examine the model for additional useful features that can greatly simplify the mixing process:

• turbo mode;
• pulse mode;
• rotating bowl.

Turbo mode can be activated for a few seconds by pressing a special button. Its use is advisable at the end of the mixing or whipping procedure. The beaters start to spin very quickly, so prolonged operation can be dangerous due to overheating of the motor. The function is intended for high-quality and fast work. You can, for example, break up lumps in a dough or make a delicate puree from food.

To turn on the impulse mode, you need to press the button with different strengths: the stronger the press, the faster the corollas rotate and vice versa. This function is applicable to working with particularly hard products and is also useful for fast speed changes.

The rotating bowl facilitates even mixing of the food.

Professional advice! In stationary mixer models there is a planetary bowl rotation function. This means that the container rotates the beaters in one direction - in the other. The mixing process will be faster and the consistency of the mixture will be softer and without lumps.

Choosing a mixer company

Many manufacturers produce excellent models with wide functionality, so it is sometimes difficult to decide for yourself which company to choose a mixer that will become an irreplaceable assistant in your kitchen. We have selected manufacturers that have proven themselves best in 2020, and these are companies such as: BOSCH, BRAUN, POLARIS, MOULINEX, SCARLETT. The choice, of course, is yours, but we would recommend among the manufacturers adhere to the manufacturers presented by us and choose the best model that will serve you for more than one year.

The best mixer manufacturers

Before choosing a mixer for your home, it is recommended to do a thorough research of the best manufacturers and the products they have to offer. Such equipment in stores is presented from a large number of brands, so many people get lost. Time-tested companies offer quality products that meet the necessary requirements, many factories are located in China, but this does not affect reliability and durability.

Among the most popular at the moment are the following manufacturers:

• Bosch is a German manufacturer that everyone knows thanks to its high quality and reliability. The mixers of this brand are powerful, with an excellent motor that does not generate any abnormal noise during operation, even at high speed. Models are often small in size, beautifully designed, and the bowls often rotate.
• Polaris is a relatively new brand that quickly gained popularity due to the affordable cost of household appliances and their high quality.Stationary mixers will perfectly help the housewives in the kitchen.
• Moulinex is a French company that stands out for its high reliability and long service life of its products. In addition, the manufacturer can boast of reasonable prices.
• Scarlett - the products of this manufacturer are distinguished by their low price, convenience and simplicity, therefore they are suitable for use every day. The mixers are characterized by a large bowl, an excellent set of attachments, as well as various power levels.
• Bork Bork is a company that makes high quality equipment that is professional. The cost is high, but users get one of the best performance, quiet operation even at maximum speed, beautiful looks, excellent equipment and other positive aspects.
• KitchenAid - the company produces only stationary mixer models, the brand is considered one of the best planetary models in the world. The cost is too high, but users highlight high functionality, impeccable quality.

The companies described provide customers with a wide range of whipping techniques. All devices differ in cost, technical parameters and functions. This will allow you to find the right device for any woman.

TOP best mixers

Finally, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the best mixers at the moment, which are suitable for home or public places with large volumes of work.

KitchenAid 5KSM150PSE

Such a device can be considered the best, belongs to a professional device. There are no analogues at the moment, the mixer combines beautiful appearance, performance and functionality, which makes the device simply irreplaceable. A special feature is the possibility not only of kneading and whipping, but also of using it as a full-fledged combine using special attachments and nests.

During operation, the equipment does not create noise, it serves for tens of years, which is caused by manual assembly and careful adjustment of all elements.

pros:

• High power and performance.
• Modern appearance.
• Very quiet operation.
• Versatility and multifunctionality.

The main drawback is the too high pricing policy.

Bosch MFQ 4020

This model includes a comfortable handle with a rubberized base and vibration damping technology. This allows you to make long-term kneading without fatigue. In addition, the design includes state-of-the-art FineCreamer whisks, each with balls that add volume to cream, eggs or other foods in no time.

Pros:

• Quiet operation as for a manual model.
• Light weight.
• Suitable for working even with thick dough.
• Fits comfortably in the hand.
• Nice build.

Minuses:

• Stands poorly when upright.
• It is inconvenient to switch speeds.

Bosch MFQ 4080

Handmade model, suitable for dough, eggs and other products. The design is simple, comfortable, helps to work for a long time without fatigue. The body and the bowl for beating are made of high-quality plastic, which gives an excellent durability of the apparatus.

In addition to the classic attachments, the manufacturer added a chopper, a blender leg, and an additional storage container. The complete set is considered rich and will complement any kitchen.

pros:

• Can replace several kitchen utensils at once.
• Long power cable.
• Small weight and size.
• Fits comfortably in the hand.
• Quality materials

The main disadvantage is that it can be lower than stated.

Sinbo SMX-2734

An excellent choice in a combination of value and quality. All parts are made of stainless steel, which gives durability to the device. 800W motor, so it can handle any product easily. Planetary movement with 6 speeds and "Impulse" mode.

Pros:

• High power.
• Stainless steel bowl for 5 liters.
• Impulse mode.
• Legs with rubberized base.

No pronounced shortcomings have been identified.

Moulinex HM 4121

A common model in terms of functionality, but very high quality. The body is made of plastic, the attachment of the attachments is simple but reliable. Suitable for stationary use, but if necessary, the working part is removed for manual operation.The engine is powerful, so it handles tasks easily.

Pros:

• High power.
• Convenient fastening of the working area.
• The presence of the "Turbo" mode,
• Just wash.

Minuses:

• A bowl lid would be useful.
• Handles poorly on a tough test, regardless of power.

Conclusion

Now you know what parameters and features of the electrical appliance you need to pay attention to first of all. And, having previously identified for yourself the basic requirements for the device and having studied the rating of the best mixers, you will select the most suitable model for the home without overpaying for unnecessary functions and attachments.