Mixer

Mixers can make cooking and baking much easier as well as save you time. This site provides basic information about the way mixers work and the different types available and will help you find the most suitable mixer for your needs.


1. Mixer - Basics

Mixer - Basics Kitchen applaiance that it is used for mixing, beating, whipping ingredients. Mixers should not be confused with blenders. Blenders contain sharp blades and typically operate at higher speeds that chop, liquify, or otherwise break down larger food items. A mixer is a much slower device without blades

Mixers come in two major variations, hand mixers and stand mixers.

Stationary mixers have more powerful motors and therefore can handle heavier mixing jobs. Hand mixers can be used anywhere. Their small size is due in part to a small motor, which also limits these machines to smaller tasks.

2. Mixers Features

The slow-start feature on some mixers prevents ingredients from spattering when you start up, but you can achieve the same result by manually stepping through three or so speeds. An indentation on the underside of the motor housing allows the mixer to sit on the edge of a bowl without taking the beaters out of the batter.

3. How do Mixers Work

How do Mixers Work A mixer is a compact motorized appliance that runs on electricity; its function is to combine ingredients while baking or cooking. Many of the original mixers were quite large and resembled today’s floor mixers commonly used in the commercial baking business. As time progressed, the size and price of mixers decreased, and by the mid-50s, nearly every kitchen counter included a mixer.

Still, during that time, mixers were countertop appliances that were heavy and all-inclusive. An attached base held the bowls in place, and the head of the mixer was lowered into the bowl for mixing.

4. Window of the Past

The first patent issued for an electric mixer was on November 17, 1885. It was to a man named Rufus M. Eastman and was actually for a powered mixer. He allowed that mechanical power, water power, or electrical power could be used.

Few other patents were issued for electric mixers until 1910 and the majority came after that- during the 1920's and 1930's.

Some mixers of te 1920's and many of the 1930's were made by the AC Gilbert Co. who made chemistry sets and erector sets. These also looked very industrial. By the 1930's some mixers were glass-bottomed and had a motor built into the lid.

The 1930's was the time for glass-bottomed mixers. New designs and ideas were used then and afterward made standard and not changed much for a while. By World War 2 the small, glass bottomed modeled mixers were being replaced by more modern types, mounted on a stand with a bowl underneath.

5. Different Types

Different Types HAND MIXERS are often battery-powered. Best for: Whipping cream or egg whites; mixing cake batter; mashing potatoes.But: Not as good as some stand mixers at heavy-duty tasks.Price: About $10 to $75.

STAND MIXERSMounted on a stand which bears the weight of the device.Best for: Whipping cream or egg whites; mixing cake batter and cookie dough; kneading bread dough.But: Take up space.Price: Huge range, about $40 to $400.

6. How to Choose a Mixer

Decide how much mixer you need. Just about any stand or hand mixer will do for all those simple mixing and whipping chores.

Downplay wattage and number of speed settings. Some stand mixers have as many as 16 speeds; some hand mixers have 9. Usually three speeds are enough for regular cooking.

Consider size and weight. Hand mixers should feel well balanced and comfortable to hold. Size and weight can be a concern with stand mixers--some weigh more than 20 pounds--but their heft gives them the stability to handle tough jobs.
Consider beater style and motion.

Another consideration for the cook is space. Stand mixers take up a lot of room. Hand mixers are small and portable.

7. Best Mixers Guide

Best stand mixer. This is one of the few mixers that could adequately incorporate all ingredients and knead dough without overtaxing the motor. The 10-speed glide control ranges from a very fast whip to a very slow stir. Made of all metal, it comes with a flat mixing paddle, wire whip and "C" dough hook to knead yeast dough for bread and pizza recipes. At 25 pounds, this KitchenAid mixer is best parked on your counter.

Best value, stand mixer.The KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is similar to the KitchenAid Professional above, but it has a smaller 4.5-quart bowl and less power for kneading bread dough. However, if you don't plan on making a lot of dough and still want a top-rated KitchenAid, the Artisan is the best choice. This KitchenAid mixer comes in 22 colors, from grape to wasabi green.

Budget stand mixer.Reviews say the Hamilton Beach mixer performs well with most simple tasks, but bread and heavy cookie dough isn't its strength. Its single beater works like the beater on the KitchenAid so it's better at reaching the sides of the bowl than kitchen mixers that use stationary beaters. The Hamilton Beach mixer weighs 17 pounds in contrast to the 22-pound KitchenAid models.

Hand mixer. In tests, the Braun was one of only two hand mixers that could handle stiff peanut-butter cookie dough. The Braun mixer comes with standard beaters plus dough hooks, along with an attachment that turns the Braun into a stick blender for pureeing soups and sauces. For small chopping jobs, the power unit attaches to another container with its own blades.

8. Care & Usage Notes

Wash beaters by hand unless you know they are stainless steel. Many stand mixers have beaters made of brushed aluminum, which dishwasher detergent discolors. Beaters that look plastic may actually be aluminum with a nonstick coating and should not be washed in a dishwasher either.

The base: Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge. If the vent is clogged, loosen the dirt with a toothpick or toothbrush, then vacuum it out

9. Tradeshow Information

Tradeshow Information Osborne/Jenks Productions, Inc. is proud to produce the largest and most popular consumer home shows on the East Coast. This home show series is a dynamic showcase of home products and home services that will help you with all your home building, design and improvement needs.

American Bakery Expo
October 21-23, 2006




Additional Links

Kitchen and household appliances
Appliance Parts Depot
Kitchen Appliances and Replacement Parts
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Kitchen Items
Related Articles
Related Articles
Rate Article
     
Articles Insider

Rss   Delicious   Digg   Add To My Yahoo   Add To My Google   Bookmark   Search Plugin

Topics:
Advertising Educational Content Home Appliances Real Estate Resources
Business Services Entertainment Home Electronics Software
Career Family Home Services Technology
Cars Fashion Internet Telecommunications
Chamber of Commerce Financial Services Legal Trade Shows
Computer Hardware Franchise Miscellaneous Travel
Construction Health Nightlife Weddings
Education Holidays Online Database World History