Stand Mixers

Mixer features, accessories and specifications

If you are not already familiar with mixers, you may not know what features and options a mixer has to offer.

Therefore, you can see a long list of the most important features, accessories, and specifications that mixers can offer, including:

#1 Speeds

Mixers can be set to operate at different speeds, so you can set the speed at which your bread dough, cake batter, cream or other should be mixed.

However, there is a difference in how many different speeds various mixers can be set to.

They often have a minimum of 3 speeds and up to around 10, so there’s plenty of opportunity to get the speed that is needed.

Some of the more advanced and more professional mixers, however, have up to around 15 speed settings, so there is something for every chef level.

The adjustable speed is important because you can knead dough at low to medium speed and whip cream, egg whites, and so on at a high speed.

#2 Mixer accessories

Mixers typically always come with accessories in the form of mixing equipment.

The accessories that most often accompany a mixer are:

• Dough hook
• Whisk
• Flat beater/K-spade
• Dough scraper

The dough hook is a hook that helps you knead your dough together, so you get a nice cohesive dough without having to put in effort.

The whisk functions just like your electric whisk, but with the mixer, you don’t have to hold the whisk or bowl, as the mixer does everything by itself.

However, you should remember to turn off the machine in time if you are, for example, whipping cream so it doesn't become over-whipped.

The flat beater or K-spade is great when you need to mix a cake batter or soft ingredients like butter.

Most of the time, you will see that these three mentioned mixing tools come with the majority of mixers.

Occasionally, you may also find mixers that have a included dough scraper, so you can easily scrape all the dough out of the mixing bowl.

#3 Non-slip feet

The non-slip feet ensure that your mixer stays firmly in place and does not move on the table when the machine is turned on.

Additionally, it helps to ensure that you do not accidentally push it, and in many cases, it also helps to reduce the noise from the mixer.

#4 Power

The power is crucial for the strength of your kitchen machine, but you should also be aware that the higher the power, the more electricity it consumes.

However, this does not necessarily mean that a high-powered mixer is more expensive to run than one with low power.

Low-powered mixers may need to run longer if they are not very powerful, and you might end up using the same amount of electricity.

#5 Cable length

There may also be differences in how long the wires of different mixers come with.

Be aware of the cable length if you need a longer wire, as some can be quite short and therefore cannot be placed far from a power outlet.

#6 Capacity

The capacity of the mixing bowl is typically 4-7 liters, which is the amount of content that can fit in the mixing bowl.

Capacities, therefore, do not correspond to the amount you can mix at once since the bowl cannot be filled to the brim while mixing.

#7 Splash guard

Most mixers come with a splash guard, which is a kind of open lid designed to ensure that ingredients from the mixing bowl do not spray everywhere when mixed or whipped.

#8 Purchase of accessories

In addition to the mixing tools that come with mixers, you actually have the option to buy even more equipment for some mixers, effectively turning them into a kitchen machine.

For example, for some mixers, you can add a meat grinder, grater, pasta maker, grain mill, blender, spiralizer, slow juicer, food processor, ice machine, citrus press, etc.

#9 Hand mixer machine

Some mixers are very simple and are more or less a bowl that stands in a holder, where you can then attach a hand mixer.

That way, you can use it as both a mixer and a regular handheld hand mixer.

#10 Digital display

Most mixers only have a dial for speed adjustment, but several new mixers come with a digital display for controlling the machine.

The digital display can also be used to set a timer, temperature, weight settings, etc., if the mixer is equipped with these functions.

#11 Built-in scale

The newer and more advanced mixers can also come with a built-in scale, so you don't have to have a kitchen scale next to it to weigh ingredients.

This means you can simply pour ingredients directly into the mixing bowl while it's in the mixer, and then you can read how much you have added.

#12 Height adjustment

Some mixing bowls have the option to adjust the height of the various mixing tools.

This can be a nice feature to reach all the way to the side of the bowl to get all the ingredients included.

#13 Timer

Some of the newer mixing bowls can be set with a timer to stop at specific times.

A super smart feature if you need to mix dough but also have other things to do.

Then you can just put the ingredients in the mixer, set the timer, and let the mixer take care of itself and the dough.

#14 Heating plate

The heating plate is useful for melting butter or chocolate, allowing you to easily control the melting and ensure it doesn’t burn.

You can also warm water when you need lukewarm water, so you don't have to use a kettle.

#15 Pre-installed programs

There may be a number of pre-installed programs, which means you can easily set the mixer for different tasks.

Even though there are already pre-installed programs, it doesn’t mean that you cannot also choose and adjust speeds yourself.

#16 Built-in light

Some mixer models have built-in lights, making it easy for you to make a good dough or other in your mixer, even in poor lighting.

With light, you can see more easily if your bun dough, cake batter, cream, or other has the right consistency.

#17 Mixer bowls

The bowls for mixers come in different materials, depending on which brand or machine is being referred to.

The materials the bowls are typically made of are either:

• Stainless steel
• Glass
• Plastic

Even if a material typically comes with it, some machines allow you to add bowls in a different material.

For example, it is often included a bowl in stainless steel, but you can optionally add a bowl in glass.

#18 Extra mixing bowls

You can find some mixers that come with an extra mixing bowl, which can be used when you need to mix several ingredients before everything is combined.

It may also be that you want to make several things at once, so it's nice not to have to wait until you’re done with the first bowl.

Often, you will also see that the extra bowl can be a bit smaller than the other, so you can choose a bowl based on how large portions you need to make.

How to choose the best mixer

#1. Do you need special accessories?

If you want to use your mixer for more than mixing dough, whipping cream, and creams, you can benefit from choosing a mixer that allows for additional accessories.

That way, you can turn your mixer into a full kitchen machine, allowing you to handle a whole lot of different kitchen tasks on the same machine.

If you want to have accessories, it is therefore important to check if the machine you are considering also offers the possibility of adding accessories.

#2. Are you a beginner or semi-professional?

If you are relatively new to baking and trying it out, you may not need the most advanced mixer.

It may also be that you just need a mixer because you cannot handle kneading dough by hand, in which case a less advanced mixer can be sufficient.

However, if you are someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen and uses your mixer often, you might appreciate features like a built-in scale or heating function.

This can make your experience in the kitchen much easier and save you a few extra kitchen tools.

#3. What size capacity do you need?

If you need to be able to mix larger amounts at once, you will also need a mixer with a large mixing bowl.

You also need to be aware that even though it says the bowl can hold 7 liters, it doesn't necessarily mean it can effectively mix that much at one time; otherwise, ingredients can spill out all over the place.

A capacity of, for example, 7 liters, does not correspond to how much you can mix at one time, but only to how much can technically fit in the bowl.

#4. Design

Design is always a matter of taste, but fortunately, there are many different types of designs, so there is also a mixer that fits your design taste.

You will find them in a myriad of colors, surfaces, and shapes, ranging from modern to more retro looks.

Cleaning the Mixer

Before buying a mixer, you might want to check if parts of the mixer can withstand being placed in the dishwasher for easier cleaning afterward.

If you choose a mixer with a plastic bowl, the bowl can easily become discolored if you make items with color in the mixing bowl.

Here, it’s important to wash it off immediately so that the color does not get a chance to stain the plastic.

With most mixers, all the removable parts generally withstand the dishwasher for the easiest cleaning.

Mixer noise level

Many people think, or hope, that they can find a quiet mixer, but unfortunately, kitchen machines tend to be noisy.

So, one has to accept some noise if one wants to use a mixer; there are no mixers that are completely silent.

Typically, the machines that make the least noise are also the most expensive, so if you're willing to pay a bit more, it might be a good idea to go for these.

You will also notice that very few mixers specify their noise level, as it is difficult to determine due to different speeds and various attachments.

If you want to avoid as much noise as possible, use the lowest speeds on the machine if your recipe allows it.

Besides mixers, we also have countless other kitchen machines in our selection, such as a good toaster.