In this article, we'll show you how to choose a mixer for your home. The task is not so easy, since the choice is too wide! And a wide choice is a real disaster for weak women. You get into the store, not knowing what you want, and nimble sellers are right there. Before you have time to look back, you already have the most expensive model and a broken check in your hands ...
This article is the enemy of sellers. It will save you from unnecessary spending, and they will save you from extra interest on sales.
What types of mixers are there and which ones are more functional
Mixers are produced in three types:
- Manual
- Stationary
- Combined
Manual - the most inexpensive and mobile. You can whip in any dish of your choice. Whether in a saucepan or in a mug. It is convenient to take it with you on the road, for example, to the country. It does not take up much space.
Stationary - a device that cannot be easily transferred. It is big and heavy. You can whip in it only in a special bowl that comes with the kit. And this is not always convenient.
Its advantage can be considered the fact that the hostess can set the mixing mode and not hold the device on the weight, but go about her business. But, let's reason sensibly: what kind of things can be done in 5 minutes of mixer operation, and is it so heavy that it is impossible to keep it?
So, in fact, its advantages are, perhaps, in a solid form.
Combined - but this is a handy thing. It can be removed by whipping in another dish, or you can put it on a stand and use a special bowl. But, it costs more than a manual one, therefore, then decide for yourself whether you really need a stand.
See also - How to choose a yoghurt maker - rating of the best in quality
Choosing the power of the mixer
Everything is simple here: the more power, the more product the mixer can mix. In addition to volume, the more powerful model copes with a thicker consistency, while the weak ones "pull" only cream or very thin dough.
Of course, stronger mixers cost more, but we would not recommend you to save on this parameter. Today you expect to beat only the cream, but tomorrow you may want to knead a thick dough. Anyway, low power leads to a quick burnout of the motor and such a thing is very short-lived.
What attachments are needed and what are not so good?
In any mixers there are two classic attachments, which they are equipped with in any case:
- Whisk for whipping cream
- Mixing hooks
But, in addition to these well-known details, there are others that may well come in handy:
Blender attachment - a good thing, because, in terms of whipping properties, a blender is very different from a mixer. If the first one just whips, then the second grinds, whipping at the same time. But, when choosing such a nozzle, it should be borne in mind that it is convenient only if the mixer is stationary. And keeping it suspended is not as convenient as a separate handle-shaped blender. Moreover, the latter is more versatile: you can grind in any dish.
So, if a nozzle costs a little less than a separate device (and it often does), then it is better not to take it, but to buy a regular blender.
Universal shredder - equipped with different types of knives that can be used to cut vegetables and make minced meat. In short, with such a nozzle, the mixer turns into a real food processor (if, of course, its power allows it).
If you do not have a meat grinder, then it makes sense to take such a nozzle. And if there is, then not worth it. As the experience of many housewives who have harvesters for chopping vegetables shows, none of them use this function, since it is easier to cut by hand than to disassemble and wash household appliances.
Puree nozzle - not a very functional addition, since it is much easier to crush well by hand, and then just beat with ordinary whisks. The effect is the same.
Sieve nozzle - designed for wiping berries, fruits and is an extremely useful device. It takes a very long time to wipe by hand, and the mixer does the job in a matter of minutes. But, here it is necessary to take into account its power: if it is weak, then wipe a large number of products, for example, it will not work for conservation. It will overheat and may burn out.
Mixer speeds
It is better to choose the golden mean here. If there are two speeds, then it will not be enough, since different products need their own speed. But 16 is already a bit too much, there is no sense in them, absolutely, only confusion will come out. Ideal for 3-5 speeds.
You start whisking from the lowest, then gradually speed up.
There are also special turbo modes that are good for breaking small lumps. But, by and large, this function is not so necessary. Lumps break at normal high revs.
Bowl volume: which one to choose?
Such a task can only stand if you take a stationary mixer. For the combined, there is no difference, since you yourself are free to choose the appropriate size of the dish.
But for one where the bowl is the only container that you will use, size is very important. If you plan to whip the cream, then it is better to take a smaller volume, since in a wide one, when you put a small amount of food, the beaters simply will not reach the end and will not whip, but smear.
What material is the best quality device
Mixers are both plastic and metal. The former are cheaper, but no worse than metal ones. And it's easier to keep them on weight, which is important. The metal case is good only because it will not be scratched over time and will not lose its original appearance.
Useful features and accessories to look out for
The most useful thing is the special bowl lid. If the model is equipped with it, then you will be spared the splashes of cream and dough, without which almost no whipping is complete.
The second useful addition is a wall stand for attachments, which have the nasty property of being lost at the right time.
Another good feature is motor overheating protection. The mixer, in case of clogging or heavy load, simply turns off, thereby preventing serious damage.
Also, you should pay attention to the models in which the wire is hidden in the body, like a vacuum cleaner cord. It is very convenient to store such mixers, and the wire is free from the risk of fracture and rapid wear.
See also - How to choose a mixer for home use
Top - 8 most popular mixer manufacturers
When choosing this kitchen appliance, it is better to give preference to proven manufacturing firms. If you take a product from a glorious country - China, then you should know that you are taking an almost disposable mixer. But, if you plan to use it for many years, then we recommend choosing the production model of the companies presented below. Which one is better to choose is up to you.
- Philips
- Bosch
- Panasonic
- Moulinex
- Zelmer
- Kenwood
- Sinbo
- KitchenAid
All these brands produce mixers of various types and modifications. And to say which brand is better is almost impossible.All of them are good and you can be absolutely sure about the quality.
We hope that the information will be useful for you and you will go shopping, clearly understanding how to choose a mixer for your home and what exactly you need or not need.
See also:
- 5 best Kitfort mixers of 2019
- Top 5 Polaris Mixers of 2019
- 5 Best KitchenAid Mixers According to Customer Reviews
- The 6 Best Sinbo Mixers of 2019
- The 6 Best Gemlux Stand Mixers
- 8 best Bosch mixers according to customers
