Hand Mixers v Stand Mixers- Help!

[sophia jane]

I've had a really great hand mixer for the better part of a decade. It was perfect in every way, except that it is now dying. So...I need a replacement. My dilemma: for years I've wanted a stand mixer (a Kitchenaid or a Cuisanart) but I've never been able to justify the expense. Now I have to buy something so not sure if I should just suck it up and buy it. That said, I don't want it to just sit on the counter and be pretty and me regret the purchase.
So...advice? What do you recommend? What do you use/have? I know we have some pretty active bakers and cooks, so I'm hoping you can help.

I primarily will use it for cookie dough, cake mixes etc. Rarely doughs, but sometimes it will happen. At Christmas especially I double and triple my dough so I need something that has some substance to it. I want it to last, too. So...hand or stand? A particular brand and model you'd recommend?

 

[OneLustyWench]

I've had a really great hand mixer for the better part of a decade. It was perfect in every way, except that it is now dying. So...I need a replacement. My dilemma: for years I've wanted a stand mixer (a Kitchenaid or a Cuisanart) but I've never been able to justify the expense. Now I have to buy something so not sure if I should just suck it up and buy it. That said, I don't want it to just sit on the counter and be pretty and me regret the purchase.
So...advice? What do you recommend? What do you use/have? I know we have some pretty active bakers and cooks, so I'm hoping you can help.

I primarily will use it for cookie dough, cake mixes etc. Rarely doughs, but sometimes it will happen. At Christmas especially I double and triple my dough so I need something that has some substance to it. I want it to last, too. So...hand or stand? A particular brand and model you'd recommend?

The new kitchenaid hand mixer is heavy enough to do cookie doughs and cakes mixes without being a big lump on the counter. I have both but I do a lot of heavy mixing with bread doughs and jumbo batches. There are a lot of things I'd rather have a hand mixer for so if you have to have one, have the hand mixer and go with the heavy duty Kitchenaid hand one. Available at Wally World for a reasonable price.

 

[sophia jane]

The new kitchenaid hand mixer is heavy enough to do cookie doughs and cakes mixes without being a big lump on the counter. I have both but I do a lot of heavy mixing with bread doughs and jumbo batches. There are a lot of things I'd rather have a hand mixer for so if you have to have one, have the hand mixer and go with the heavy duty Kitchenaid hand one. Available at Wally World for a reasonable price.

I definitely won't buy both, at least not right now. Part of me is like it's a perfect excuse to buy the stand mixer because I've lusted after them for years, but I just don't know if I need that much mixer.
What kinds of things do you prefer having a hand mixer for?

 

[voluptuary_manque]

For the forty years of our marriage there have been two indispensable tools in our kitchen. One is the collection of Henckels knives and the other is the KitchenAid K5 stand mixer. It doesn't sit on the counter looking pretty because it usually has a light coating of flour all over it (I'm a messy cook!) It makes breads, mixes dry ingredients for biscuits and pancakes, cuts butter into the mix and when HM is in the kitchen it turns out cookies by the half bun pan. Maybe it's a difference in size but I find hand mixers more toy than tool. Get the KitchenAid.

 

[Boxlicker101]

I definitely won't buy both, at least not right now. Part of me is like it's a perfect excuse to buy the stand mixer because I've lusted after them for years, but I just don't know if I need that much mixer.
What kinds of things do you prefer having a hand mixer for?

They are best for batters, such as cakes or pancakes or for making merengue, if it's fast enough. If you can get a stand mixer that detaches from its stand, like the old Mixmasters did, that might be the best idea.

 

[3113]

Stick Blender + Stand Mixer = Both!

I love my Kitchenaid mixer. By all means, get one! They're the best for whipping up cookies, cakes, frosting, breads, meatloaf, etc. and as you add on attachments, a lot more. Like citrus juicers, meat grinders, pasta makers, etc. (I have the citrus juicer and an ice cream bowl! )

But also get one of these (if you don't have one already):

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/productImages/4/7/00000100347-CuisinartSmartStickHandBlenderCSB77-large.jpeg

A dozen companies make these stick blenders at various prices, so you can go with the one that's within your budget. You're gonna want one because you can dip it into soup or sauces to blend them, or into milk and fruit to create a smoothie right in the glass. They usually come complete with with attachments like a whisk (for making up quick whipped cream--thus standing in for your lost hand mixer), and a small container for chopping up nuts, pesto, dressings, etc. I use my hand blender almost every time I cook.

So you can have both in a way. A hand blender to mix, blend, and create the small stuff or work right in the pot at the stove, and a stand mixer for the big stuff.

 

[sophia jane]

I love my Kitchenaid mixer. By all means, get one! They're the best for whipping up cookies, cakes, frosting, breads, meatloaf, etc. and as you add on attachments, a lot more. Like citrus juicers, meat grinders, pasta makers, etc. (I have the citrus juicer and an ice cream bowl! )

But also get one of these (if you don't have one already):

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/productImages/4/7/00000100347-CuisinartSmartStickHandBlenderCSB77-large.jpeg

A dozen companies make these stick blenders at various prices, so you can go with the one that's within your budget. You're gonna want one because you can dip it into soup or sauces to blend them, or into milk and fruit to create a smoothie right in the glass. They usually come complete with with attachments like a whisk (for making up quick whipped cream--thus standing in for your lost hand mixer), and a small container for chopping up nuts, pesto, dressings, etc. I use my hand blender almost every time I cook.

So you can have both in a way. A hand blender to mix, blend, and create the small stuff or work right in the pot at the stove, and a stand mixer for the big stuff.

Excellent idea. Will ponder.

Ok, so for the stand mixer option- do I go with the Artisan or with a bigger pro-model? Amazon has the Artisan and the 500 pro plus for essentially the same price (if I don't go for a cool color). I'm tempted to go to the pro, but I'm stumped on bowl lift v tilt head.

 

[Austin8]

Sophia, I too have always wanted a kitchen-aid stand mixer, but i just cant justify the cost, I beat meringues and whip cream by hand, also mayonnaise and aioli by hand, and love constructing a nice bread dough the way my gram did by hand. I love my matfer ballon whisk 13.00. also on the rare occasion I need a mixer I have a Cusinart power-select hand mixer, it does everything I need it to.

A stand mixer to beat pancake batter? huge crowds? commercial kitchen?

Another kitchen machine Ive always wanted is a Robot Coupe again like the mixer cost to use ratio makes it unreasonable.

Keep us posted!

 

[voluptuary_manque]

Excellent idea. Will ponder.

Ok, so for the stand mixer option- do I go with the Artisan or with a bigger pro-model? Amazon has the Artisan and the 500 pro plus for essentially the same price (if I don't go for a cool color). I'm tempted to go to the pro, but I'm stumped on bowl lift v tilt head.

I guess the fact that my mother was a professional cook prejudices me, but cool colors are a yawn, IMO. I've always maintained that a true pro uses either brushed stainless or white. But that's just eccentricity, I suspect. HM insisted on cobalt blue for our big stand mixer. And if you want to make up several loaves of bread at the same time and stick all but one in the freezer, a stand mixer will save you so much time (and provide so much hot, fresh bread ecstasy!) that you will wonder how you did without one.

 

[sophia jane]

I'm leaning heavily toward buying a Kitchenaid Stand mixer and am now pondering makes and models. I wish I could play with a couple to figure out what I'll like. I'm going to go browse a local store shortly and see what I can see. Mostly trying to decide if I should go with an Artisan or upgrade a bit. Dunno how much would be too much for my needs.

 

[Austin8]

http://img.archiexpo.com/images_ae/photo-g/commercial-mixer-43551.jpg

 

[3113]

I'm tempted to go to the pro, but I'm stumped on bowl lift v tilt head.

I can answer that. I have a tilt head. That means the top lifts up and back. Now if you have it under a cuboard or shelf, the rising head may strike that--or at the very least, it'll hit the wall that you've got it up against. So either way, you have to pull it out so it's not against a wall and the rising head has clearence. (If you're going to have the mixer on, say, an island with nothing overhead or behind, then all this is moot. Pick whichever one you like!).

This image isn't Kitchenaid, but the lifted head is pretty much doing the same demonstrating the issue:

http://img.tradekey.com/images/uploadedimages/products/3/9/B453200-20070110025639.jpg

Now if you have the bowl lift, then the Kitchenaid has "arms" to elevate the bowl up to meet the whisk blender and, when done, you drop the bowl down to get off the whisk blender. No need to tilt the top portion up and back.

http://base1.googlehosted.com/base_media?q=http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/fa/fa4c39f2-5629-4676-ab3f-c61eace52984_400.jpg&size=20&dhm=beff69a2&hl=en

Hence, you can keep it in a spot that is under a cabinet and against the wall. HOWEVER it is gonna be taller than the tilt-head. So the question is, where are you going to put it? If you get the tilt-head, it's smaller and will fit under a lower cabinet--but you may have to draw it out each time you use it to clear that tilting head from hitting the back wall and/or the overhead shelving. If you get the bowl-lift, it may not fit under your cabinets (measure the height from counter to shelf and check against height of pro)--but if you can fit it under then it can stay there. You won't have to move it out.

I happen to have enough room that the head of my Kitchenaid can tilt up and back and not hit the overhead shelving--BUT, I do have it against a wall, and have to draw it out a bit to avoid bumping that wall. But only a bit. If my cabinets were an inch lower, I'd have to draw it all the way out.

And don't let the Bear poo-poo you off the cool colors! I love and adore those colors and finally bought a Kitchenaid because they were offering it in a special color that I loved, loved, loved. I don't regret it a bit. And you won't either as that pretty color accents the kitchen--or when it takes you half the time to whip up a batch of cookies. Just watch blending in flour--it tends to fly.

 

[sophia jane]

I can answer that. I have a tilt head. That means the top lifts up and back. Now if you have it under a cuboard or shelf, the rising head may strike that--or at the very least, it'll hit the wall that you've got it up against. So either way, you have to pull it out so it's not against a wall and the rising head has clearence. (If you're going to have the mixer on, say, an island with nothing overhead or behind, then all this is moot. Pick whichever one you like!).

This image isn't Kitchenaid, but the lifted head is pretty much doing the same demonstrating the issue:

http://img.tradekey.com/images/uploadedimages/products/3/9/B453200-20070110025639.jpg

Now if you have the bowl lift, then the Kitchenaid has "arms" to elevate the bowl up to meet the whisk blender and, when done, you drop the bowl down to get off the whisk blender. No need to tilt the top portion up and back.

http://base1.googlehosted.com/base_media?q=http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/fa/fa4c39f2-5629-4676-ab3f-c61eace52984_400.jpg&size=20&dhm=beff69a2&hl=en

Hence, you can keep it in a spot that is under a cabinet and against the wall. HOWEVER it is gonna be taller than the tilt-head. So the question is, where are you going to put it? If you get the tilt-head, it's smaller and will fit under a lower cabinet--but you may have to draw it out each time you use it to clear that tilting head from hitting the back wall and/or the overhead shelving. If you get the bowl-lift, it may not fit under your cabinets (measure the height from counter to shelf and check against height of pro)--but if you can fit it under then it can stay there. You won't have to move it out.

I happen to have enough room that the head of my Kitchenaid can tilt up and back and not hit the overhead shelving--BUT, I do have it against a wall, and have to draw it out a bit to avoid bumping that wall. But only a bit. If my cabinets were an inch lower, I'd have to draw it all the way out.

And don't let the Bear poo-poo you off the cool colors! I love and adore those colors and finally bought a Kitchenaid because they were offering it in a special color that I loved, loved, loved. I don't regret it a bit. And you won't either as that pretty color accents the kitchen--or when it takes you half the time to whip up a batch of cookies. Just watch blending in flour--it tends to fly.

Thank you for this. That helps a bit. I don't have room under my cupboard for either the head to lift or for the taller pro, so it looks like I'd be doing all usage on my island. Not sure about storage for it (obviously the Artisan could store on my counter and just get moved for use).
So related question- is there a difference in the way they work? Ie is the tilt head or the lift better? Or are they just different but equally good? I know I'm not getting the lowest model (the 4 1/2 qt), but am still stumped on whether the Artisan is going to be my best choice or not.

 

[midwestyankee]

SJ, we have used a KitchenAid stand mixer for years. Ours is the tilt-head type and the wifely one recently bought a plastic device that makes it easier to pour ingredients into the bowl while the mixer is in motion. My understanding is that it's a little easier to pour in medias res with the drop/lift type.

We also have the meat grinder attachment and no longer purchase ground beef. We make our own. This is mostly about food safety though it's handy to make your own blend of cuts (we use some sirloin and some chuck to make our ground beef). The meat grinder adds about $40 as I recall.

We also have two Cuisinarts (one regular size and one mini) and a blender. I do lust after one of those immersion blenders, though, for pasta sauces and such.

 

[sophia jane]

I went to the store and looked at an Artisan and a pro side-by-side and I think I'm going to go with the Artisan. The Pro is BIG, and I don't know that I loved the bowl lift. So... that's where I am.

On a side note, I got to go to a Calphalon outlet today. Woot!

 

[3113]

I went to the store and looked at an Artisan and a pro side-by-side and I think I'm going to go with the Artisan. The Pro is BIG, and I don't know that I loved the bowl lift. So... that's where I am.

The Artisan is great; you will love it and will do all you need. Really the bigger more powerful ones aren't necessary for most cooks doing modest family cooking. What color were you thinking? (Personally, I like bayleaf, cobalt, ice blue--though it'd take a very particular kitchen for that one to fit in--persimmon and pistachio--which is closest to the color I have). You can get a cover to put over the mixer when not in use (that's if you intend to keep it permanently on the island):

http://base0.googlehosted.com/base_media?q=http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/230/2283412794240P.JPG&size=20&dhm=50ca48f6&hl=en

Cover is $18 comes in a variety of shades.

On a side note, I got to go to a Calphalon outlet today. Woot!

Jealous!

 

[sophia jane]

We went with Blue Willow. I actually really liked both Ice and Pistachio, but I had to consider the SO. Our kitchen has no color scheme, so I kinda could go whichever way I wanted. The Blue we could agree on. I ended up ordering from Amazon because no one else had a way better deal, and I know they're good about returns, etc. And no one local had good colors.

I looked at the cover. Haven't decided yet. I think I want to look at the mixer on my counter for a bit first.

Can't wait til it gets here!

 

[3113]

We went with Blue Willow.

Lovely choice. I like that color as well.

Our kitchen has no color scheme

Hey, so now you can repaint the kitchen and such to match the mixer

Can't wait til it gets here!

Let us know when it arrives and how you like it! Mazel tov!

 

[OneLustyWench]

Excellent idea. Will ponder.

Ok, so for the stand mixer option- do I go with the Artisan or with a bigger pro-model? Amazon has the Artisan and the 500 pro plus for essentially the same price (if I don't go for a cool color). I'm tempted to go to the pro, but I'm stumped on bowl lift v tilt head.

Rule of thumb: Get the most power you can for your dollar. I had the "elite" which was fine for somethings but for my gingerbread and other breads it had some issues. The daughters got me the newer, bigger model two years ago, I love it! They are now fighting over who gets my old one.

Remember with the KitchenAid stand mixer, the add ons add on! So many attachments, so little budget.

I do have my blend stick and it is great for soups and smoothies, etc. But I do like the hand mixer for whipping egg whites being warmed over water on the stove, with a batter paddle for hot fudge and other candies or to just whip up a quick bread recipe.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

As far as mixers go, there is no such thing as a bad KitchenAid. I just like the stand more than the tilt up. Personal preference and all that. Congrats, you will be sooooo happy. Uh, do watch out though. So many more home made baking products are hazardous to . . .


And while you are looking at Caphalon, consider Swiss Diamond. Bit by bit I am re-panning the entire kitchen. They are marvelous! http://www.swissdiamondstore.com/

And I recently got my first Le Creuset! Wow, what a pot.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/cookware/cookware-le-creuset/

 

[sophia jane]

As far as mixers go, there is no such thing as a bad KitchenAid. I just like the stand more than the tilt up. Personal preference and all that. Congrats, you will be sooooo happy. Uh, do watch out though. So many more home made baking products are hazardous to . . .


And while you are looking at Caphalon, consider Swiss Diamond. Bit by bit I am re-panning the entire kitchen. They are marvelous! http://www.swissdiamondstore.com/

And I recently got my first Le Creuset! Wow, what a pot.

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/shop/cookware/cookware-le-creuset/

We have a Le Creuset outlet next to the Calphalon outlet. I did not allow myself to go in. I figured I had to limit my kitchen shopping to a reasonable number.

 

[midwestyankee]

We have a Le Creuset outlet next to the Calphalon outlet. I did not allow myself to go in. I figured I had to limit my kitchen shopping to a reasonable number.

We have the round Le Creuset Dutch Oven and love it! I am not so impressed with Calphalon as a lot of people. In fact, I recently de-seasoned and re-seasoned my cast iron skillet so that I wouldn't have to use the non-stick Calphalon any more. Both of our Calphalon pans have lost some coating, which is not healthy, and one has already met its maker. The other will no doubt follow soon, to be replaced by a straight aluminum pan. We may get a non-stick omelet pan but that's it.

 

[voluptuary_manque]

We have the round Le Creuset Dutch Oven and love it! I am not so impressed with Calphalon as a lot of people. In fact, I recently de-seasoned and re-seasoned my cast iron skillet so that I wouldn't have to use the non-stick Calphalon any more. Both of our Calphalon pans have lost some coating, which is not healthy, and one has already met its maker. The other will no doubt follow soon, to be replaced by a straight aluminum pan. We may get a non-stick omelet pan but that's it.

Before you give up on non-stick (and a well-seasoned cast iron really is non-stick) check out Swiss Diamond. They are so non-stick you can cook pancakes greaselessly and they go right into the dishwasher without a hiccup. You could, if you insist, even use metal tools in one. I don't but the company says you can. Magnificent kitchen tools.

 

[sophia jane]

We have the round Le Creuset Dutch Oven and love it! I am not so impressed with Calphalon as a lot of people. In fact, I recently de-seasoned and re-seasoned my cast iron skillet so that I wouldn't have to use the non-stick Calphalon any more. Both of our Calphalon pans have lost some coating, which is not healthy, and one has already met its maker. The other will no doubt follow soon, to be replaced by a straight aluminum pan. We may get a non-stick omelet pan but that's it.

We replaced a Calphalon nonstick frying pan today with a Calphalon 13 inch infused anodized skillet. I don't love nonstick pans, except in omelet pans like you mention. I think the only pan/pot we need a new one of now is a good stockpot. Small appliances, on the other hand, has a decent wish list going.

 

[OneLustyWench]

We replaced a Calphalon nonstick frying pan today with a Calphalon 13 inch infused anodized skillet. I don't love nonstick pans, except in omelet pans like you mention. I think the only pan/pot we need a new one of now is a good stockpot. Small appliances, on the other hand, has a decent wish list going.

I have Calphalon pieces I love and ones that I'm not thrilled with. Le Crueset is on my drool worthy list. Our friends and my parents have the air cookware and can cook chicken breasts from frozen to done in 15 minutes without sticking and easy clean up.