When it comes to preparing dough for cookies and baking, which mixer to choose – a hand mixer or a kitchen stand mixer? Although there isn’t a right nor a wrong answer, there are some recipes and cooking tasks that can be completed only with a kitchen stand mixer.

Following is a guide with the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

Hand Mixer

A hand mixer is a hand-held mixing device that is available in two primary types:

EGGBEATER – Also known as a rotary hand beater, an eggbeater is a hand-held device that features a crank on one of the sides which is connected to two beaters. It requires two hands to be operated – one to hold a handle on the top and maintain the beater steady, and the other to operate the crank.

ELECTRIC HAND MIXER – We can say that electric hand mixer is the modern version of an eggbeater mixer. Electric hand mixers feature a motor that is encased in the top section of the device, which has a handle to hold the mixer. The motor is the part responsible for moving the beaters.

ADVANTAGES

• A hand mixer costs less than a stand mixer.
• It is easy to clean.
• It doesn’t take much space in your kitchen.
• Well suited for quick tasks, such as whipping egg whites or creams.
• Since the beaters are not fitted to a particular mixing bowl, you can use a hand mixer in any type of bowl.

DISADVANTAGES

• Because it features a smaller motor, its mixing capability isn’t as strong as a stand mixer.
• Because the bowl doesn’t stay on a fixed position, splashes can easily happen.
• It can be difficult to maneuver the smaller mixer through a batter that is very thick.

Kitchen Stand Mixer

Kitchen stand mixers feature a frame that serve as the housing for a powerful motor as well as a mounting base for a bowl – which is attached to the mixer and holds it in place during mixing. The bowl that comes with the mixer usually holds 3.5 liters of liquid. Typically, a kitchen stand mixer is kept on the countertop.

Kitchen stand mixer usually comes with various mixing attachments, including a whisk attachments, which you can used for whipping egg whites or creams; a flat beater, ideal for mixing and creaming and a dough hook designed for kneading heavier dough (like bread dough).

ADVANTAGES

• Because it features a large mixing bowl, there is no splashing of the batter all over your kitchen.
• The stable bowl gives you the ability to walk away from the bowl, so if you have to mix something for few minutes, you won’t have to be holding the bowl or the mixer the entire time.
• Mixing is much quicker and more efficient, even with thick dough or batters.
• Stand mixers are more likely to come with innovative features, such as automatic stop, timers, and other programmable settings.

DISADVANTAGES

• Cleaning the various parts can be a little inconvenient.
• Stand mixers are more expensive than hand mixers.
• They are heavy and large, and require a bigger space on your kitchen countertop.

For helpful advice on which mixer model might best suit your personal needs, you can contact customer support centers offered by most online retailers.