The most convenient mixer. Overview of planetary mixers

Now it is already very difficult to imagine how people used to do without a mixer, and yet the past generation did not know this miracle of technology. A few eggs for a delicious omelet can also be knocked down by hand, but if it comes to creating a protein mass or homemade mayonnaise, then even strong hands get tired. In addition, the quality of the output products when processed with a mixer is much better. The main question is how to choose best mixer for the home in 2015 and what to look for when buying.

Varieties

Mixers are divided into two types: manual and stationary. Manual ones have an engine in the body itself, and in stationary models it is located in the frame. Both types have their pros and cons. Let's try to look at them from different angles. The manual is very convenient and compact and can be used anywhere. The mixture is mixed with ease even in a glass, even in a small bowl. But almost every stationary one comes with a bowl in which the product is whipped. However, those who bought a stationary mixer may regret it later if it turns out that they do not use it very often and in small volumes. Manual should always be held in your hand on weight, besides, beat gently so that the product turns out better at the end. This, you understand, is not for everyone. The hand gets tired during long work.

Stationary

In the case of a stationary mixer, this does not happen. You can turn it on and go about your business. At this time, he will diligently mix everything. There is no need to worry about the quality of the work done - in the best models, the movements of the beaters have a special trajectory, which is ideal for uniform mixing of the ingredients. It all depends on how intensively the buyer decides to use this or another product. However, this applies to almost any type of technology. Right choice will be based on the idea of ​​what can be done with this device, and whether additional functions, or you can get by with the cheapest and most common (read easy to use) device. For a more complete picture of the chosen technique, I recommend visiting the forums and reading comments and reviews. real owners of this technique.

Manual


The hand mixer is compact and convenient for a small kitchen. You don’t have to look for a place for him, since the small dimensions allow you to place your kitchen assistant on any shelf. This cannot be said about stationary models.

Those who have not quite decided on the choice and hesitate between these two types of mixers should pay attention to the combined type. The engine in such models is placed in the case, but it can be fixed on any stable base of your kitchen, as it will be convenient. It is difficult to disagree that this type of mixer is suitable for anyone, as it is the golden mean among all these devices. Undecided exactly - then the combined type is definitely for you.

Engine power


This is the most important parameter for any mixer. A lot depends on the power consumption. How more powerful device, the more products can be processed at one time, the more different types substances can be mixed. In one sentence, you can say this: the more powerful, the better. The rotation speed can be adjusted independently, but when selected maximum power, and this is not enough for normal mixing, then you should think about whether you chose the right model when buying? Maybe it was worth buying a device more powerful?

Mixer Specifications


Hand mixers are usually available with motors up to 300W, which will be enough for beating eggs, pancake batter and other light foods. Combined models have a power of up to 400 watts, and stationary 500, 600 or even 700+ watts. For the average user, 300 to 400 watts will be enough to prepare many dishes. active use of technology.

Housing and parts materials


Most manufacturers make food grade plastic mixers. This material is not strong and durable, but is cheap and light. For such devices, this perfect material body or other parts (bowls for stationary models, for example). Of course, there are expensive models made of high quality metal, which is covered with a layer of durable enamel. These materials guarantee that it will work long years. Such technology is not scary external factors. But immediately think carefully, because for this option you will have to overpay a lot of money. But even an ordinary plastic mixer copes with its task no worse than its iron brothers. The choice is up to the buyer, it all depends on his wallet and requirements, because manufacturers have created devices for everyone, to their taste and color.

Mixer parts must be made of quality materials. Here it is the same as with the case materials - there are parts made of metal, and some are made of plastic. This is worth stopping. If the case could be made of plastic, then, as for the gears, it is better to choose a model with iron parts, because they will serve many times longer and work reliably. I strongly recommend choosing exclusively mixers with metal parts for mixing.

nozzles

In every good mixer in basic configuration there should be at least two types of nozzles: brooms and hooks. The former are used for whipping, the others for processing the dough. As already mentioned, it is imperative that they be iron. In inexpensive models, such nozzles are less common:

  1. Choppers
  2. Electric knives
  3. Flour seeders
  4. Beaters for whipping
  5. Puree nozzle
  6. Dough hooks
  7. Beaters for whipping

In 95% of cases, only standard whisks and hooks are used. At the same time, expensive sets of nozzles will be useful only for professional chefs.

Here I also advise you to watch a video about choosing a mixer for home

Conclusion

And now let's sum up. First of all, you need to buy a mixer based on your requirements for it. Expensive or cheap - it's up to you. Each has its pros and cons. Choose wisely so you don't regret your purchase. By following these tips, you will not be mistaken, and you will get exactly what you have long dreamed of. It is better to buy slowly, getting exactly what you wanted. And yet, read the reviews of the real owners of the model you are interested in on numerous thematic forums, and watch video reviews on YouTube. This will help you get more full information about the device.

With the help of a mixer with a bowl, you can greatly facilitate the work of the hostess in the kitchen. This household appliance is designed for kneading dough or whipping cream, proteins and mousse. It is convenient and easy with him: no need to strain your hands and waste energy.

An indispensable assistant

Thanks to this miracle invention, the products are quickly, easily and evenly mixed with each other. Once upon a time, chefs did everything by hand. The first mixer appeared at the beginning of the 20th century and was intended to work in food production. It was a large device with which it was possible to knead more than 75 kg of dough at a time.

A few years later, American engineer Herbert Johnston invented the mixer for household use. So he decided to simplify the work of his cook. The novelty quickly spread to American homes - the housewives were delighted with the fashionable invention! Over the next century, the appearance kitchen appliance and its specifications.



Modern mixers are convenient and compact. They evenly mix the products and saturate them with oxygen: the whipped mass is lush and tender.



Universal type of technology

Small electrical household appliances for whipping ingredients are of two types:

  • Manual - "economy" option. They are designed to be held with one hand. The design of the device consists of a plastic case, inside which there is an electric motor. It drives the rims, which intersect each other with blades. The hand mixer has adjustable speeds. In such models, the power is not very high - from 120 to 300 W, so from time to time the hand-held device needs to be given a break. They are good for whipping batter, egg whites, cream, yogurt or mashed potatoes.



  • Stationary mixers have a folding or removable design, in which there is a base with a bowl. It is easy and convenient to use such units: hands are free, and you can simultaneously do other things. Stationary mixer - universal view technology that can perform well over a long period of time. Compared with the manual model, it is more powerful and has a greater performance. With advanced features, it is able to cope with the most difficult tasks, such as whipping thick dough.



  • Planetary mixers – This is a type of stationary device. They are called so because their nozzles rotate not only around their axis, as in manual version, but in a circle inside the bowl. This principle of operation resembles the movement of planets in solar system. This device is good for mixing and whipping soups, mashed potatoes, mayonnaise, cream and “heavy” dough.





Specifications: what to look for

To choose the right mixer model with a bowl for the home, taking into account all the needs, it is enough to know some of the features of the device. Here's what you need to pay attention to:

  • The power of the equipment varies from 400 to 1000 watts. It affects the speed of rotation of the beaters and, accordingly, the performance.
  • The speed is adjustable up to 16 levels. In some models, it is marked on the body with drawings or symbols. Professional mixers have a step switch with a lock. The mode depends on what products need to be whipped. Many mixers are equipped additional features- slow start and turbo mode, allowing you to dial top speed. This is convenient if there are lumps in the kneaded dough.
  • The volume of the bowl, which can be with or without a lid. The lid is an important detail in a stand mixer: with it, liquid ingredients will not splash into different sides. It will be practical to choose a bowl with a volume of up to 4 liters, because you need to take into account that the whipped mass is gradually increasing.
  • The number of nozzles is something that should definitely fall into the field of view of a practical hostess. Included professional equipment two types of attachments: whisks and hooks. Whisks are convenient for whisking liquid components, for example, baking, and hooks are needed for solid mixing. The strength of the nozzles is indicated by the material from which they are made. Metal blades are a sign of quality and durability. There are mixers that are additionally equipped with different nozzles, cuts, a chopper and bowls of various sizes.
  • Device material. Stationary mixers can be made of special thick plastic and steel with colored enamel. Bowls are made of plastic, glass and metal. All this determines the appearance of the mixer and its operation. As you know, the glass case is more environmentally friendly, but not as durable and resistant to damage as the metal one.

Which is better to choose

In modern stores household appliances presented different models universal mixers for the home. Eyes run up from such a variety. Often visitors are lost and do not know which company is better. Reviews of those who have tried the technique in work help to decide on the manufacturer. In the ranking of the best well-known manufacturers mixers this year - Vitek, Bosch, Polaris, Bork, Scarlett, Moulinex and Supra, and companies producing high-quality planetary mixers: Clatronic, Endever, Smeg and Kitfort.

To answer the question of which mixer is the best, we will spend small review models household appliances, taking into account the opinions of buyers:

  • Products of the Russian brand Vitek attract with their design. Stationary mixers are multi-speed, so they save time and effort in the kitchen. They have a comfortable roomy bowl and long cord. Their main advantage is that you do not need to manually beat the products, just load everything into the bowl and go about your business. For solid products there is a pulse mode and a Turbo button. Whisks for thick and liquid dough are durable, easy to remove and wash.



  • Bosch brand units have earned positive reviews. They are powerful, silent in operation, compact, with a convenient rotating bowl. This is a real find for those who like to mess around in the kitchen and cook pastries.





  • Top in third place famous brands there are stationary devices manufactured by Polaris. They are elegant, simple and versatile to use, with a sturdy body. They have variable speed settings and a "Turbo" button to go to maximum performance.

  • Professional models include Bork mixers, which differ stylish design, minimum noise level and performance. You can cook a lot of things in a voluminous, capacious bowl. From a variety of speeds, it is easy to choose any suitable one. The mixer comes with a variety of attachments. With their help, the cooking process will be varied.



  • Scarlett mixers are designed for everyday household use. They surprise with their practical look and a wide power range. They have a capacious bowl, which is securely fixed on the stand. The kit includes different nozzles for whipping products of liquid and solid consistency.





  • Buyers note that the equipment of the French brand Moulinex is reliable and long term operation. Stationary mixers are powerful and productive. They are equipped with a rotating bowl and various nozzles made of high-quality steel. Accessories are easy to remove and wash. There are buttons for switching speeds and turbo mode.

Mixer is very useful thing in the kitchen of any hostess. He can whip, mix, and modern models- even grind food. Today there are so many mixers on the shelves in stores different manufacturers, with various functions and features that you are at a loss to guess which one to choose.

Of course, I want to buy a good and inexpensive model, but not everyone knows how to do it right, what to look for when buying. In this article, we will consider how to choose a mixer and not overpay for unnecessary functionality.

To begin with, we will find out what mixers are, what tasks they are suitable for, what advantages and disadvantages they have.

Hand mixer: pros and cons

From the name it is clear that a hand mixer constantly has to be held in hand. Such models are light, small in size, take up little space in the kitchen. Usually body hand mixers made of plastic and equipped with a wide comfortable handle.

Advantages of a hand mixer

  • Compactness.
  • Easy to disassemble and clean. Usually, hand mixers have a button that, when pressed, removes the attachments themselves. Keeping them clean is very simple: the whisks can be washed under water, and the body itself is enough to wipe with a damp cloth.

Disadvantages of a hand mixer

  • Little power, weak tips. Hand mixers can only handle simple tasks: beat eggs, make mashed potatoes, mix dough for pancakes, but they will not be able to knead a thick dough.
  • Cannot be washed under water. If liquid gets inside the case, it will simply break. Therefore, when thinking about which mixer to choose, preference should be given to models without gaps on the body.

Stationary mixer: pros and cons

In stationary models, in addition to the mixer itself, there is a bowl and a stand that holds them during use. Thanks to this, the hands are freed, and the hostess can do other things. In many stand mixers, not only the nozzles are spinning, but also the stand itself, thanks to which you can achieve more even mixing. Moreover, modern models work on such a technology that the rotation occurs in the center and along other trajectories. Stationary mixers can have two nozzles or one, but in this case it will be larger. The wide functionality makes such models more expensive than manual ones.

Before choosing a stationary type mixer, you should familiarize yourself with its pros and cons.

Advantages stand mixer

  • Power and strong attachments. Unlike the manual model, the stand mixer can handle more challenging tasks. When buying, you should carefully examine all the nozzles for defects and how they are inserted into and removed from the case.
  • Individual parts can be washed under water.

Disadvantages of a stationary mixer

Probably the only and most important disadvantage of the stationary model is its large size. Therefore, it is worth considering where you will clean it while you are not using it.

Stationary hand mixer

Sometimes on sale there are so-called mixers mixed type, which have a mixer stand simply as an additional accessory to the unit itself. Such models are convenient to use, since the extra structure can be put away in a box and only one hand mixer can be used if you need to whip or mix something quickly.

Which mixer is better to choose: manual, stationary or mixed type - depends on your preferences and capabilities. Now consider functional characteristics all models.

Power

As already mentioned, stationary mixers have much more power compared to manual mixers.

The speed and quality of mixing and whipping products depend on this indicator.

If you need a mixer for making batter and creams, then it will be enough inexpensive model with power from 150 to 300 watts.

For whipping a thicker and more dense dough, you need power from 250 to 350 watts. Typically, hand mixers have a power of up to 400 watts, and stationary - up to 1000 watts.

Mixer speed

How many speeds the mixer will have depends on the power. How to choose whether you need a high-speed model or not?

For execution simple tasks three speed modes, in principle, will be enough. These are small mixers. Even if such models have up to seven speeds, in fact, they will still work in three mode, since the number of revolutions will practically not change.

With powerful mixers, the speed of rotation changes noticeably with each switch, even if they have up to 12 speeds.

The rotation speed can be adjusted in two ways: using the slider or by pressing the button. Last option not very practical, because over time the mechanism wears out, and it is inconvenient to constantly make efforts and keep your finger on the button.

Operating modes

In modern mixers, you can find three modes of operation, each of which is designed to solve certain tasks. These are normal, impulse and turbo. Let's try to figure out how to choose a mixer with a functional, suitable mode for you.

  • In normal mode, you can set the speed with the button or slider to whip or mix products.
  • The pulse mode allows you to work with solid products. Usually it is turned on with a button. The stronger the pressure on it, the higher the speed will develop.
  • Often on mixers you can find a separate button, it activates the turbo mode, due to which the speed briefly reaches the maximum mark in a short period of time. Most often, this function is used in order to get rid of lumps in the dough.

If you opted for a stationary model, you need to know how to choose a mixer with a bowl, since there are some nuances here.

Mixer bowl volume

This is the most important indicator in stationary type models. Of course, the larger the bowl, the better, but then the mixer will take more space. Please note that the bowl will hold about half a liter less than what is written on it, since manufacturers usually do not indicate the usable volume. And if you load products to the brim, then splashing the contents throughout the kitchen is simply inevitable. But you don't need it, do you?

Consider what a mixer with a particular volume is suitable for:

  • Cup up to 1 litre. Usually in this case, the mixer is equipped with one nozzle for mixing and whipping. Such a small volume of the bowl is only enough to prepare the sauce and scrambled eggs.
  • Bowl from 1 to 2 liters. Usually such a volume can be found in low-power mixers, it is already enough for kneading dough or whipping mashed potatoes. A bowl of this size is quite rare.
  • Bowl from 2 to 3 liters. If you are faced with the question: “How to choose a mixer for the home?”, Then it is better to opt for such models. A bowl of this volume will be enough to perform all the tasks that the hostess faces in the kitchen.
  • A bowl of 3 liters or more. This volume can be found in professional powerful mixers. If cooking is not only a hobby for you, but also a way to earn money, then you should pay attention to models with a large bowl. Mixers of this category are expensive, but the body and nozzles are particularly durable, and therefore durable.

Mixer bowl material

As a rule, mixer bowls are made of two materials: plastic and metal. The latter is preferable because it is considered more durable. But usually powerful and expensive mixers are equipped with metal bowls.

A plastic bowl is much more common, in cheap and medium-priced models. In terms of strength, it is much inferior to metal, but it can be made in any color. There are also transparent bowls that allow you to see to what state the products are mixed.

Mixer complete set

Modern manufacturers of household appliances have come up with so many different functions and nozzles that sometimes you get lost in this variety. If you are thinking about how to choose a mixer for the kitchen, then pay attention to what is included in the package, what it is used for and whether you need it at all. Otherwise, you run the risk of overpaying for unnecessary features of the model, and extra nozzles will gather dust in the corner.

In simple models, you can find only two pairs of nozzles - these are whisks and spirals, which are quite enough to, for example, beat eggs and knead the dough. If you purchase a more expensive hand mixer, then most likely it will include up to five nozzles. Usually this is a pair of corollas and several spirals, differing from each other in size and slightly in shape.


Nozzles in stationary mixers are more diverse. The package may include spirals, whisks, hooks, cutting knives, a rotating bowl. Some models are equipped with a nozzle that resembles a knife from a blender. She copes with the same tasks as her brother - mixes sauces, turns food into purees.

Separately, on sale you can find additional attachments for mixers - a vegetable cutter, circular knives for potatoes, a knife for cutting meat and other useful tools.

Be sure to pay attention to the quality of the nozzles. They should not be too thin and made of wire.

What else to look for when buying a mixer

Before choosing a mixer, study other models, what functionality they have.

The cord storage is very useful. When you take the mixer off the shelf, the wire touches other objects and pulls them along. This is, to put it mildly, not very convenient.

All mixers, even the cheapest ones, are equipped with an ejection button. If this is not available, then it is worth considering whether it is worth buying such a model at all.

More expensive mixers have more “cool” functionality: protection against overheating, clogging, a system for moving nozzles up and down. If you do not need such "bells and whistles", then you should not overpay.

Mixer manufacturers

Of course, it is better to buy mixers from trusted manufacturers. It is not recommended to buy a model if it was made in China.

If you do not know which mixer to choose, it is recommended to read reviews about it before buying it. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises in the form of constant breakdowns or poor-quality work of the model.

Russia, Moscow region, Moscow +79041000555

How to choose the right mixer for the kitchen

The presence of a mixer at home in the kitchen will be appreciated by any hostess. It will facilitate the mixing or whipping of various ingredients when preparing products. But in stores big choice of these devices that it is difficult to understand how to choose a mixer, which manufacturer to choose, what functions and features can be useful, how not to overpay for unnecessary bells and whistles.

What is a mixer, what does it look like and what is it for?

Why is it needed in the kitchen? To whip or mix different foods. But do not confuse it with a blender, as it is faster, more powerful and turns products into a uniform mass. sharp blades. Compared to a mixer, it is less powerful and has no blades.


In stores you can find two types of such devices- some are called manual, while others are stationary. They look different: their difference is not only in power, but also in size. The main advantage of devices with a bowl is that they are more powerful and work better, as they have a more efficient engine. Manual models are no worse, and in some cases better. They have small size and therefore it can be used almost anywhere. But at the same time, they are smaller in power, since the engine is hidden in a more compact package.

Some distinguish a third type of mixer with a bowl. Which is better for an amateur. They call it mixed. This is when bundled with handheld device, there is a special stand for it. This model is useful in many cases. If you need to quickly mix or beat something, then it is not necessary to get the entire structure.

How does he work

The main device in the mixer - it is an engine powered by electrical network . The main task is to mix various products during cooking. The first such devices were large in size and took up a lot of space. For this reason, they were used only in production. But in the 1950s, they fell in price and became widespread.

How to choose a mixer and which is better for the kitchen: stationary with a bowl or manual?

The main ones are mixers with bowl and stand or without bowls. The first can be attributed to stationary, while others to manual. Already by the name you can guess what their main difference is. A hand mixer must always be held by hand during operation, while a stationary one works automatically without any help. Therefore, most people prefer stationary models, as they are more powerful and do not require constant monitoring of work. But the price of such a device will be much higher.

To make a choice in favor of any type and decide which one is better, try to imagine how it will be more convenient for you to mix necessary components. If there is a desire to keep it in his hand all the time and independently control the process, then there is no point in paying more for a stationary model. The result in any case will be the same, so start from your desires and habits.


hand mixer has another important advantage. It is easy to clean and wash in a few minutes. This is all possible thanks to its compact size. But in contrast to the stationary one, there is a plus, which the manual one is deprived of. During work, you can do any other thing in the kitchen and save time on the cooking process.

If the choice of the mixer was still stopped on a stationary model, it is important to consider the volume of the bowl. It is better to take in this case with a bowl of maximum volume. But keep in mind that such a device will take up more space. Such a bowl will be up to 2.5 liters. Another characteristic of the bowl is called “Actual Volume”. It means the volume of the product that can be mixed so that the mixture does not splatter. Accordingly, this volume will be less and will be about 1.5-2 liters.

Let's consider what volume of the bowl and for what dishes it is suitable:

  • 1 liter. In a bowl of this volume, you can basically cook only sauces or omelettes;
  • 2 liters. These bowl sizes will already be enough to knead the dough or beat the puree. But there are few models with such a bowl on sale;
  • 3 liters. most popular and universal option. This volume is enough for cooking any dishes;
  • over 3 liters. Such a volume for expensive and powerful devices. But on the other hand, they are particularly reliable and designed for frequent and active use.

The material from which the bowl is made is also very important. On stands made of quality material no cracks or scratches appear and they are environmentally friendly. The main materials are plastic, glass or metal. The main advantage of plastic is a light weight. But low strength suggests more careful use. Metal is more expensive in price, but it will also be more reliable in terms of strength. Glass is considered the most environmentally friendly material, but also the most fragile.


Found for sale and upgraded options. In such devices, in addition to the nozzles themselves, the bowl itself rotates. Moreover, it can rotate along a wide variety of trajectories. Although the price of such a device is higher, but at the same time, the components will be mixed more thoroughly.

Before buying, pay attention to the material from which the device is made. If the case is plastic, it is necessary to examine whether there are cracks or notches in it. Such places will be polluted and it will not be possible to clean them. By this factor, a metal case is more desirable anyway.

Purchase models only from well-known manufacturers:

  • Vitek (attract good design, workmanship and the presence of a large number of functions at a low price);
  • Polaris (sleek, easy to handle, feature-packed and rugged);
  • Bosch (fast, quiet operation, convenient size and with a rotating bowl);
  • Bork (professional models with a stylish look, quiet operation and powerful engine);
  • Moulinex (this company stands out for its high reliability and long service life);
  • Scarlett (suitable for daily use, are the best option for the kitchen at home);
  • Supra (regular and inexpensive devices, without unnecessary bells and whistles).

Choice by power

Directly related to the speed of work is device power, respectively, and the result will be obtained faster. But at the same time, this parameter indicates the amount of energy consumed. The more power, the better device cope with mixing thick dough, because mixing will occur with more speed. On average, hand mixers have power ranging from 160 to 400 watts, while stationary ones can reach up to 1000 watts.

If you plan to cook batter or cream with the device, you can buy a model with a power of no more than 300 watts. To be able to whip marshmallows, a thicker and more powerful dough, consider options from 250 W and above.

How to use nozzles

Together with the mixer will come with at least two nozzles and more . These are various corollas and spirals. One nozzle is designed for whipping, and the other for mixing the components. It is important to pay attention not to the shape of the nozzles and the way they work, but to what material the nozzles are made of and how reliable they are.

Often there are different nozzles for preparing mass from various products. A special nozzle with which it is possible to whip mashed potatoes in order to eventually obtain a uniform mass without lumps. There are nozzles with which mixtures or purees for children are prepared from various fruits and vegetables. Including a special nozzle can go to the device to grind food using a removable knife made of of stainless steel. It can be useful if you need to chop onions, garlic or other foods.

Required Functions

Mixers usually have a large amount different modes speed. In cheaper at least 3 modes. If we consider options for the middle price range and above, then in such models maybe 10 or even more speed modes. To simplify the choice of the correct speed, you can focus on the pictures on the device. They will tell you which mode is best suited for a particular dish.


For more fast food desired mixture, some models have useful feature"Turbo mode". When this function is activated, the power of the mixer, that is, the speed, is increased for a short period of time. This function can be useful if you need to quickly crush lumps that remain during normal operation. The “Pulse mode” works in a similar way. The main meaning of this mode is that the more the button is pressed, the more power and faster it works.

Explore the specifications and choose a mixer with the following features:

  • Ejection of nozzles;
  • protection against overheating and clogging.

The ejection button will be very convenient. And the “Overvoltage protection” function may be very necessary at that moment, if you are too carried away by preparing the desired mass and the mixer has been operating at high power for a very long time. If the engine overheats or the nozzles stop, it will turn off and will not malfunction.

Some devices have up and down movement function. There is no need to overpay for this feature if you do not need it.

For more comfortable use, make sure that the mixer has a rubber handle and a special compartment in which the cord will hide. A big plus will be, facilitating its use, the presence in the kit of various spatulas, measuring cups and brushes for cleaning. But use them for their intended purpose in strict accordance with the instructions.

Proper care of your mixer

If the material of the tips is normal and may rust, wash them separately. Often stationary mixers are sold with aluminum fittings. This metal, after washing in a dishwasher, may lose its color. If the material of the nozzles looks like plastic, then most likely it is aluminum, which was coated with a special coating. In such cases, use for washing dishwasher also prohibited.

The body of the mixer itself cannot be washed under water, so wipe it with a damp soft cloth or sponge. The valve is cleaned with a toothbrush or toothpick. But after that, be sure to blow it out to remove residual debris. If there are children in the house, try to keep it away. Since if they find it, they can start pressing buttons or even turn it on.

Home use and where to buy?

Standard nozzles use only for whipping batter or cream. In no case do not try to knead the dough with them. If it is thick or hard, the engine will burn out. Also, the mixer can easily overheat if you use a regular vegetable knife to puree solid foods. Such a knife is designed only for vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers or others. When you cook any food, keep your hair away so that it does not get on the attachments.

I believe that everyone knows the mixer by sight 🙂 However, sometimes they are confused with blenders. But a mixer and a blender are different devices for different purposes. I wrote about this in the instructions "".

There are many manufacturers of mixers, but the proven ones are Gorenjie, Bosh, Moulinex, Electrolux, Zelmer, Tefal and Phillips.

The mixer has two tasks - knead and beat. For example, knead the dough or beat eggs for an omelet. But, if a blender can handle whipping (although a mixer is still more convenient), then only a mixer can knead the dough.

If you are sure you need a mixer, then when choosing, look at the following parameters:

  1. Mixer type
  2. Power
  3. Mixer attachment set
  4. Volume and material of the bowl
  5. Nice little things 🙂

Let's analyze each option separately and see what is better to choose.

Mixer type

Officially, there are 2 types of mixers - manual and stationary, but the principle of operation is the same for them:

  1. Hand mixer, price from 280 to 3,500 rubles. The motor is built into the body with a handle
  2. Stationary mixer, price from 3,500 to 44,000 rubles. The engine is built into a stand that is not on the table. A bowl is placed on the stand and everything is mixed in it

There is also a third type of mixer, which for some reason is referred to as stationary. Although in my opinion this is not entirely correct - rather, it is a combined mixer. It looks like a stationary one (there is a stand and a bowl), but at the same time, you can disconnect the mixer from the stand by pressing the button and it will become manual. Such a mixer costs from 700 to 3,500 rubles.

See images of all types of mixers at the beginning of the article.

What is the type of mixer?

The type of mixer affects:

  1. Convenience of work. The hand mixer must be kept in hand at all times. The stationary one stands on a stand - you just need to put the products in the bowl and press the button, he mixes everything himself
  2. What is the mixing bowl? With a hand mixer, you can mix in any dish - from a plate to a pan. Stationary mixes only in its own bowl

What type of mixer is best?

If you are on a tight budget, then it is better to choose a hand mixer. Good hand mixers cost around 900 - 1,500 rubles. Cheaper models are usually made from low quality materials.

If the budget allows, then the best choice- combination mixer. Those that deserve attention cost in the region of 1,500 - 2,000 rubles, but combine all the best from manual and stationary mixers. No exaggeration 🙂

It makes sense to take a stationary mixer if you have big family and you love to cook. Its main difference from the combined one is in the volume of the bowl, but I will talk about this a little lower. The price of good stationary mixers is from 4,000 to 10,000 rubles.

Mixer power

Hand mixers are produced with a power of 100-400 watts, and stationary and combined - from 150 to 500 watts.

What is the power of the mixer?

First of all, on the volume of products with which you can work. A mixer with a power of 100-200 watts can knead no more than half a kilogram of dough. Hand mixers with a power of 300-400 watts will cope with a dough of 1-1.5 kilos, and stationary and combined ones of the same power - up to 3-4 kilograms.

Secondly, how quickly it will do the job depends on the power of the mixer. True, this is noticeable only with a large difference in power, say, between a power of 200 and 400 watts. With a small difference in mixer power (for example, 200 and 250 watts), this will not be noticeable and the difference between them will only be in the volume of products that the mixer can mix.

How much mixer power is enough?

For hand mixers, a power of 250-300 watts is enough. A mixer less than 200 watts will be low-powered and it will be possible to burn the engine without risk to beat only eggs or dough for pancakes. A mixer with more power can be taken, but this will affect the budget.

For stationary and combined mixers, the desired power is 300-400 watts. Less power simply will not cope with a steep test.

Number of speeds and pulse mode

Hand mixers have 2-16 speeds, stationary and combined - from 2 to 10.

Pulse mode - this is a change in the speed of the mixer by pressing the button. Can only be used with hand and combination mixers.

What affects the number of mixer speeds?

For convenience and speed.

Needed for different products different speed work - in order to beat the eggs higher, knead the dough - lower. Also, what speed to use is affected by the dishes - in a low bowl, mix for high speed fraught with subsequent washing of the walls 🙂 Sprinkles everything.

How many speeds are enough and do you need a pulse mode?

For a mixer, 3-5 speeds are enough. Less is inconvenient to work. More - or you will get confused in them, or you will not use half.

Pulse mode is a very convenient feature. What is its convenience? Let's say you beat eggs. You set the speed to "4", but at first you press the button lightly, not completely. The speed is quite low. When the eggs are mixed and you need to beat them into a foam, you press the button all the way and the mixer sharply increases the speed. And you don't have to start beating them on speed 2, then switch to speed 4. Convenient 🙂

Set of nozzles for hand and combination mixers

The set of attachments of a hand and combination mixer is perhaps the most important thing after its power. The power and set of mixer attachments determine what they can do.

What nozzles are there?

What mixer attachments do you need?

The minimum gentleman's set of nozzles that goes with all mixers is whisks for whipping and hooks for kneading dough.

The need for the remaining attachments depends on what kind of similar household appliances you have in the kitchen. If you have a blender, then a blender attachment is definitely not needed. If a universal chopper is already included with a blender, then it is better not to take it with a mixer - a blender copes better with it because of its greater power and higher speeds.

The masher attachment is an indispensable thing if you do not like crushes.

An electric knife and a sieve attachment are optional, but they don’t make much sense.

Stand mixers have only 2 attachments - beaters and hooks for kneading dough. Therefore, we will not consider them separately.

The volume and material of the bowl of stationary and combination mixers

The volume of the bowl is usually from 2 to 5 liters. They are made of plastic, glass or stainless steel.

What affects the volume and material of the mixer bowl?

The volume of the bowl determines how much food you can fill. At the same time, you need to keep in mind that you should not fill the bowl to the brim - everything will scatter around the kitchen. Therefore, 20-25% of the total volume of the bowl is left free and the useful volume of the mixer bowl will be from 1.5 to 4 liters.

The material affects durability, aesthetics and the ability to drop :)

What bowl size and what material is better to choose?

For a family of 2-3 people, a bowl of 2-2.5 liters is usually enough. If the family is large, 4-6 people, then you should think about the volume of a liter of 3-3.5. Well, if it is very large, then up to 5 liters.

The material of the bowl is according to the budget. Combined mixers with a glass or steel bowl cost from 1,600 rubles, while stationary ones - from 16,000 rubles.

Pleasant trifles

  1. Planetary rotation of a bowl of a stationary mixer. During operation, the whisks rotate in one direction, the bowl - in the other. First, the dough will knead faster. Secondly, there will be no unmixed lumps. Extremely necessary trifle for stand mixers
  2. Nozzle ejection button. In order to get the nozzles, you need to press this button. Previously, the nozzles were taken out either with force, or by throwing back special latches. There is a button in almost all mixers.
  3. Overload or clogging protection. Does not allow the engine to burn out - if the protection works, the mixer will simply turn off. It's good to have this feature.
  4. Wall mount or storage rack. Convenient if there is a problem with where to store nozzles
  5. Rubberized non-slip handle. Will not slip out of wet hands. Healthy
  6. Long cord. Standard cord length is 1 meter. Sometimes you can find mixers with a cord up to 1.8 meters. The need for this little thing depends on how you have outlets in your kitchen.
  7. Cord storage compartment. The cord does not have to be wound around the mixer - it is retracted inside the mixer, as in most vacuum cleaners. Very convenient, especially if the cord is long