Note that a wide range of mixers and blenders are collected in the profile section of the general catalog. The most demanding cooks should pay attention to such functional devices as food processors.

Types of mixers

Today, buyers choose between hand and stand mixers, which, among other things, differ in cost. Let's look at this criterion in more detail.

Hand mixers are usually the most affordable. These are quite compact devices that do not take up much space in the kitchen, they can be easily hidden in a kitchen cabinet or other storage area. As the name implies, the device must be held in the hand when in use. At the same time, the food to be processed can be in various kitchen utensils, such as a deep bowl or a pot.

A hand mixer is the simplest upgrade to a regular whisk.

As a rule, hand mixers are inferior to their analogues in terms of power and set of additional functions. They are better suited for quick processes, including beating eggs, preparing batter and other not very thick mixtures.

Stand mixers often have a higher price tag. These devices come with their own bowl, onto which whipping or mixing attachments are affixed. They offer ease of use, allowing you to multitask while the ingredients are being whipped. Interestingly, many of these models can also function as hand mixers, making them convenient for use with various container sizes, whether small or large.

A stand mixer has a bowl and it is not necessary to hold it in the hand.

Stand models take up more space and, with a large bowl, the total weight can approach (or even exceed) 10 kg, which also makes it difficult to move. At the same time, the power and functionality of these models are often higher, which expands the scope of use, for example, making it possible to knead thick dough.

Close relatives of stand models can be considered planetary mixers, which are the most expensive. Since they are also equipped with a bowl, they are very similar in appearance.

The primary distinction between models lies in the motion of the attachments. Stand mixers rotate around an axis, sometimes with the bowl rotating as well. In contrast, planetary models move the attachments in various directions relative to the center of the bowl, ensuring thorough mixing across all areas. This enhances uniformity in whipping or mixing, making planetary mixers more effective in handling tasks such as making cream, viscous mixtures like agar for marshmallows, and dough of various consistencies.

The planetary mixer, originating from industrial dough mixers, is a powerful and functional home appliance.

Planetary models have an even more powerful motor and additional attachments, which is why they are classified as food processors. Devices with a rich set of equipment are more expensive, but sometimes they can do even more, for example, chop, shred, and slice food.

Planetary mixers

Set of mixer attachments

The standard set of attachments for hand and stand mixers is no different — two whisks and a hook (they work in pairs). The first ones are used for beating eggs, cream, and batter (for example, for pancakes). Hooks are for kneading thicker mixtures.

Advanced equipment makes the hand mixer more expensive. It often includes a blender stick and, a little less often, a chopping set (bowl and special blade). With the first accessory, the model actually turns into an immersion blender, although slightly heavier and bulkier. It provides the ability to blend ingredients, including making smoothies or shakes.

Stand mixers can also have the additional attachments listed above, but they are quite rare. For example, it’s almost impossible to find a blade for chopping in this case, and the only exception to the rule is the Bosch ErgoMixx MFQ36490.

Additional accessories, such as a measuring cup or silicone spatula, can also affect the price. True, these accessories are already in almost every kitchen.

While conventional mixers have attachments that work in pairs, planetary mixers have attachments that usually work separately.

Planetary mixers stand out from other types mainly because they typically use a single large attachment instead of a pair, and they often come with a broader range of accessories. In addition to the whisk and hook attachments, they commonly include a bitter for mixing shortcrust pastry, pastry fillings, and other mixtures. Some models also offer additional accessories such as discs for chopping or making potato pancakes. In the premium category, these mixers may feature special connectors on the body to attach accessories like a meat grinder, food processor, or juicer, which are typically sold separately.

Important! It is recommended to pay attention to the quality of the main attachments. Often, the simplest models use thin metal and have more plastic elements. Of course, it is better when the metal parts are thick, because they are more reliable and durable. In addition, some manufacturers change the standard design of working elements. For example, in the series of hand mixers Styline by Bosch (they, by the way, are popular on the market) whisk is supplemented with small balls, which are designed to reduce splashing and improve the quality of whipping cream or mousse.
Immersion blenders

Power and overall quality of the motor

The performance of a mixer is determined by the power of its motor. The higher it is, the more complex tasks the device can perform, but the price tag changes accordingly.

Mixers with a power of up to 200 W (and sometimes up to 300 W) are only suitable for whipping cream or eggs. Let's say that Kenwood QuickMix HMP10.000WH is not even equipped with hooks for kneading dough—- and this is no coincidence. Most manual and stationary models have a power of around 500 W. They are ready for more complex tasks, including preparing liquid and soft dough. Even more productive devices are equipped with motors of 750 – 850 W, which is also suitable for mixing thick mixtures.

Planetary mixers are more powerful. There are quite a few models over 1000 or even 2000 W. They cope with the most complex tasks without the risk of overheating and shutdowns. But the working attachments must also match such power — they must be more durable and reliable.

In most cases, power directly affects the speed of rotation of the nozzles. But this is optional. Sometimes a 1000 W motor and a 700 W analogue handle kneading pancake dough in the same amount of time, or even a less powerful device does it faster. But a more productive model should maintain high speed even when working with thick mixture, such as marshmallow mass.

The overall quality of an electric motor depends not only on power parameters. The design of the drive also plays an important role, because it determines the energy loss (and efficiency) when transmitting rotation to the attachments. And in a more expensive model, the motor should be better protected from overheating and should be able to operate longer under high loads.

Hand mixer

Speeds and pulse mode

The total number of mixer speeds often serves as more of a marketing trick. Whether a model offers 6 or 10 settings isn't crucial because you're unlikely to use all of them. However, the price typically correlates with the number of speeds available. Indeed, stepless adjustment can be considered an advantage, but only one operating mode can be considered a disadvantage.

Instead of paying extra for 10 speeds, you should take a closer look at models with support for additional options. These, for example, include pulse mode. The attachment rotates while the corresponding button is held down, and this cyclical operation reduces the load on the motor and helps with preparing thick creams and mixing harder products.

Having different mixer speeds is good, but you don't need to have a lot of options.

Turbo speed is also a very useful mode. This is an opportunity to increase the rotation intensity for a short time to achieve a uniform consistency of the mixture or save the user time. But the turbo mode cannot be used for a long time, so as not to overload the motor.

Blenders with pulse mode

Materials and other design features

Most hand and stand mixers are made of plastic. This is a practical, inexpensive material with a good level of strength. The plastic is also lightweight, which is important for hand models. Over time, such a case may lose its appearance, but this is not particularly critical.

Many planetary mixers have a metal body. It looks impressive, is extremely reliable and durable. It is also heavy, which is both a plus and a minus. So, at high motor speeds, such a device is more stable and dampens vibrations better (therefore it works a little quieter). But moving a device weighing 10+ kg is not very convenient, and not every kitchen has space for permanent placement on the countertop.

The variation in materials used in mixers might not always be obvious at first glance but can significantly impact their durability. Some brands use plastic gears to transfer rotation from the motor to the attachments, which may be less durable compared to metal gears and more prone to wear and tear. However, manufacturers typically do not disclose detailed information about the internal components of mixers. While such information might be known among longstanding brands in the market, any identified weaknesses in a model can often be rectified by engineers in subsequent production batches.

The metal body is beautiful and durable, but heavy, so sometimes it is combined with plastic.

When choosing, you should pay attention to other features of the equipment, namely:

  • cord compartment (more often found in more compact hand models);
  • stand or other niches for accessories (adds convenience when storing the device);
  • display (makes operation clearer);
  • other rare options including battery operation or vacuum pump. And in planetary mixers you can find a timer, automatic programmes, built-in scales or a heating function.
Blenders with display

Bowl: volume and material

Before buying stand mixers, it is worth considering what kind of set container comes with the device. Here are the main points:

  • volume. Usually, the more spacious it is, the higher the price tag, with really large bowls needed for large families or complex tasks like making tiered cakes;
  • material. There are 3 options — plastic, metal and glass (listed by increasing cost);
  • additional design features. This includes the overall quality of manufacturing and the various little things that affect the ease of maintenance.

It is important to note that standard stand mixers are usually equipped with plastic containers of 3 to 5 liters. In contrast, planetary models offer larger volume, often exceeding 7 liters, and are less likely to feature plastic bowls. Metal bowls are the preferred choice for their reliability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Some models may also come with glass bowls, which are even more expensive and distinctive in appearance. Tempered glass is commonly used for its inert properties regarding food, ensuring clarity during the mixing process, but they require careful handling to prevent breakage from falls or impacts.

Models with a rotating bowl may not have the most obvious design features. Thus, if a special gear drive transmits rotation through the ribbed edge on the walls of the bowl, the process of cleaning them from food residues becomes more difficult. When the teeth are on the outside, like in Tefal Powermix Silence HT654E38, this is not so critical, but still the labor intensity of maintenance is higher than in the case of completely smooth bowl surfaces, like planetary models. By the way, the bowls of the latter are sometimes supplemented with lids (to prevent splashing) and one or more handles, which is clearly not superfluous for a volume of 5+ liters.

People usually think about cleaning the ribbed edge of the bowl after purchase.

Brands and warranties

When buying a mixer, it is worth considering the brand and what kind of warranty it gives on its devices. The brand name increasingly does not affect the country of origin of the device. So, most mixers today are made in China. This applies to the following categories:

  • devices from relatively inexpensive manufacturers, like Sencor, Esperanza or Adler;
  • mid-range models, including highly reputable brands Tefal, Philips, Electrolux and Gorenje;
  • devices of some premium brands, for example, Smeg or Kenwood.

There are instances where certain brands deviate from the norm. For example, KitchenAid, a pioneer in the kitchen mixer market, manufactures its products in the United States, while Braun produces in Romania, and many Bosch mixers are made in Slovenia within the European Union. This results in higher production costs and consequently, higher retail prices for these products.

Country of origin may play a role in the decision, but should not be the determining factor. Firstly, there are brands that have a good reputation and it is supported by decent product quality. Secondly, such brands sometimes provide extended warranties. If for the majority it is the standard 12 months, then for Gorenje, Tefal, Philips, Bosch, Braun and Smeg it is 2 years. And premium Kenwood and KitchenAid mixers have a 5-year warranty period. Pay extra for such indirect confirmation of reliability and durability? It's up to you to decide.

Which mixer to choose depends on the user’s tasks.

Conclusions: which mixer to choose?

No matter how trivial it may sound, but when buying a mixer, you should be guided by your needs and the tasks you need to accomplish in the kitchen. A relatively simple hand model is a highly specialized solution for beating eggs (whites) and preparing dough for pancakes, and a planetary device — one of the varieties of food processors, in other words, a multifunctional device. A rich set of attachments, support for numerous modes, high power, extended warranty — all this is also not for everyone, but primarily for cooking lovers or large families.

A hand mixer can be recommended for those who have a really small kitchen and do not have big culinary needs. For example, this model would be perfect if you want to make pancakes or some simple baked goods like muffins every few weeks. Also, a hand mixer is a good addition to more functional kitchen appliances. After all, even an enthusiastic pastry cook doesn't need a powerful mixer with plenty of attachments every day.

A stand mixer is a great choice if you really love baking or have a large family. It’s worth taking a closer look at fairly powerful models (ideally from 600 W) with a bowl of about 3 liters and several speeds (preferably with pulse or turbo mode).

If you need to prepare dough, creams and sauces frequently (for example, if you make desserts or cakes to order, or if pastry-making is your hobby), it is advisable to look at powerful and well-equipped planetary mixers. By the way, if the device will be used very intensively (more than once a week), an extended warranty and/or just a good brand reputation is no longer an option, but an extremely useful point.