Stand Mixer Buying Guide
A stand mixer is a kitchen appliance that has a motorized base and a head which holds the beater at the top and a bowl below. Using the appliance is as easy as adding the ingredients and starting it. Stand mixers are more powerful than hand mixers and can mix any batter or dough thoroughly and quickly. Stand mixers are versatile and there are many uses for stand mixers. They can not only mix the dough but can also slice, chop, whip and do much more. This is, however, possible only with the right kind of stand mixer attachments. Read our guide to know more.
Benefits of Stand Mixers
Hands- Free and Mess-Free
A significant advantage of owning a stand mixer is that it ensures hands- free preparation of food. The upright design of stand mixers allows minimal effort and you can blend and mash tough, hot or messy ingredients without getting your hands dirty.Â
Versatile
Most stand mixer brands offer versatile operations and can be used for the preparation of many dishes, apart from dough and cakes. Stand mixer usage includes preparation of pizza dough, batters, whisked eggs, mashed potatoes, etc. This makes them convenient to use.
Controls
The settings and controls on a stand mixer can vary. The tilt locking feature provides great convenience while mixing any ingredient. You will never have to worry about messy batter with the ‘soft start’ technology.  The speed of the beater can also be controlled from slow soft beating to fast hard beating.
Efficient and ReliableÂ
Mixing batter manually takes time and also it makes you tired during the process. Using a stand mixer dough hook allows you to cook popular stand mixer recipes that require dough preparation. They keep the process clean and result in zero wastage.
Factors to Consider before Buying Stand Mixers
Price
A stand mixer can range in price from $120 to $500 depending on its features. When you just need a mixer, the cost is less than the stand mixer with attachments like food grinders and caramel mixers. The model you choose should be based on what you need.
Capacity
The capacity of the bowl that comes with stand mixers usually differs. If you have a large amount of batter and dough to knead every day, buy a large stand mixer of around 6 quarts and if you have less quantity, settle for a smaller bowl of around 4 quarts
Power and Speed
The speed of a stand mixer depends on the efficiency of the motor. The more powerful the motor, the higher the wattage. If you have to knead and mix larger batches of food, buying a stand mixer with a higher wattage is a perfect option. Stand Mixers also come with various speed settings allowing you to control the speed of the beater as per the consistency required.
Build Quality
The durability of the stand mixer depends on what material it is built of. There are many material types of materials used in stand mixers like glass, and ceramic but the common one is stainless steel. This material is dishwasher safe and does not wear off easily.
Conclusion
A Stand Mixer is a perfect choice if you have a lot of whipping and baking tasks at hand. You can remain hands-free and multitask in the kitchen conveniently. The best stand mixers are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors and you can find more options in our featured section above. It is also advisable to look for a suitable stand mixer cover for better protection. Our stand mixer reviews and recommendations are based on their build, materials, noise levels, controls, and durability.