In 1952 the first electric hand mixer appeared, revolutionizing the future of baking and making the process of mixing batters of all kinds much easier for us. The hand mixer has come a long way in design and features since the early models, but having a convenient and functional one close by has become a staple requirement in today’s kitchen.
We use them for mixing cakes, breads, frostings, whipped cream, even mashed potatoes, to ensure a smooth texture and fluffy result every time. Because you know it’s essential, you’ll want to make sure you have the right one for you. Here are our favorites.
Keep your batter in the bowl
This handheld electric mixer is ready for all sorts of projects with its 220 watt motor and nine different speed settings for the perfect mix. Three of the settings are variants of low, to be sure you get the mixing power you need without any of the splatter. The comfortable brushed chrome handle blends well in any kitchen, and the model is easy to use with a simple on/off button and one-touch speed control. Snaps onto a clear storage case for convenient stashing of all your accessories. Makes it easy to bake recipes from scratch – and your family or roomies will love to help you eat them.
Special blade design
This Black & Decker’s secret weapon is its two helix mixer blades that deliver twice the performance of ordinary blades. The helix beaters are made with reinforced nylon giving you extra durability and strength for those tougher mixtures. It offers five speeds plus a Turbo Boost setting, so you can start at a slower setting and gradually increase speed without sudden splatters. The set includes two helix beaters, two dough hooks, and a wire whisk. Choose either muted shades or from a variety of bright colors to make a splash in your kitchen.
Useful upgrades
Don’t shy away from the heavy jobs. The Lord Eagle comes with the newest upgraded all pure copper 400 watt motor for all the power and speed you need to accomplish tougher tasks, and also features quick heat dissipation. Self control speed is handy for beginner chefs to avoid splash, and Turbo Boost can gradually speed up each gear at the same time. Five speeds accommodate all your tasks for a plethora of projects. Stainless steel accessories are dishwasher safe and include two beaters, two dough hooks, and a helpful balloon attachment for eggs and cream. Everything but the kitchen sink – but you probably already have one of those.
Runs on batteries
Make up to 200 cookies on one charge with this cordless model from KitchenAid that revs up from empty to full in two hours or less. A Quick Charge feature will have it up and running in ten minutes and keep it going long enough to whip up any traditional cake batter. Rechargeable lithium ion battery has an LED indicator light to let you know when it needs a boost. Comes with its own charger that works on all products across the cordless suite. Seven speeds include a slow stir for chunky ingredients, medium for creaming butter and sugar, and high settings when your special recipe calls for whipping egg whites or heavy creams. The Soft Start feature increases speed gradually to reduce mess, and the cordless design stands upright on its own for convenient removal when those blades are dripping.
No frills choice
When you just want to get right down to the business of mixing, the Dash Smart compact mixer is a no frills model that will quickly and easily get the job done. Three speed design offers straightforward options of low, medium, or high for just what level you need. This super light model is easy to maneuver and store. At just over two pounds it’s ideal for an apartment, dorm, RV, or any compact kitchen area.Includes two beaters, recipe book, and access to a recipe database so you can put away your cookbooks and recipe cards. A good choice for the uber efficient housekeeper with an eye for value.
Kelli Brandenberger is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Kelli is a writer and editor who spends as much time as possible near the water.
