Hand mixer vs stand mixer

March 24, 2023

For anyone who bakes regularly (and many who don't), a stand mixer is something you simply can't live without. Once you get used to owning one, the idea of mixing everything by hand will seem crazy.

This means that there are two main categories of users for mixers:

Those who are buying a mixer for the first time and don't know what to really look for.
Those who want to replace their beloved mixer that recently stopped working.

No matter which category you fall into, a buyer's guide to mixers should be a useful guide to help you get a clear idea of what kinds of options are available on the market and which one is right for you.

Hand mixers

If your main priorities are affordability, or finding a mixer that won't take up too much space in your kitchen, hand mixers are probably what you need. They have a simpler design than stand mixers, usually fit easily in your kitchen drawer, and are relatively inexpensive.

You have two choices of hand mixers : electric hand mixers and rotary hand mixers. With rotary models, you use a lever to mix. With electric hand mixers, you only need to press down on the mixer until the movement occurs automatically.

Advantages:

Hand mixers are more affordable.
These kitchen mixers don't take up space.
Cleaning is easy and quick.
You can use any cup.
Portable.

It should be considered:

Hand mixers require little mechanical work.
Typically not as fast or thorough as stand mixers.

Stand mixers

Usually, if you hear someone talking about how they can't live without a mixer, they're talking about stand mixers. Stand mixers make the process of baking or kneading dough much easier. They're especially useful for any baking that involves thick doughs, like bread or pizza dough, or recipes that require more complex mixing tasks, like making meatballs.

Stand mixers usually come with a large bowl and a few different attachments designed for specific types of mixing. Because they are stationary, you can start mixing something and leave it while you work on preparing other ingredients.

One of the main drawbacks of a stand mixer is its size and weight. If you don't have space for counter storage, you may find it difficult to store a heavy stand mixer in a kitchen cabinet.

Advantages:

Stand mixers are more powerful than hand mixers.
This mixes the ingredients more quickly and thoroughly.
Since it is stationary, you can start mixing it and leave it.
Stand mixers usually come with (or can be purchased with) various attachments designed to achieve the best results for different types of mixing.
Some stand mixers allow you to make pasta, ravioli, juice, sauce, ice cream, or even grind grains.

It should be considered: