Hand mixer for the kitchen - features, rating and reviews on manufacturers

A wonderful and indispensable device in the kitchen of every housewife is a hand mixer. With its help, you can significantly speed up and facilitate the process of cooking a wide variety of foods. Thanks to a set of different functions, nozzles, modes and other characteristics, choosing the most suitable option is not difficult.

Mixer and blender. What is the difference

The mixer is a popular device that greatly facilitates the work with food and saves time for cooking. This device consists of:

• drive;
• gear transmission (for torque);
• housing;
• fuse relay;
• power supply cord.

Similar in operation and layout is a blender. The difference is in the purpose - the latter can only grind products.

Varieties of Mixers

These devices have the same purpose and work on the same principle. But according to their characteristics, they are divided into three main categories:

1. Tame. In such mixers, the drive motor is located in the housing. The power of home appliances is small - from 150 to 220 watts. The highest rating is 350 watts. The number of speeds is from 5 to 9. The standard set includes several nozzles (for example, for whipping cream or mashed potatoes)
2. Stationary These devices differ from previous ones in higher power (from 270 to 400 W) and cost. The drive mechanism is located in a separate housing - stand, the cooking bowl is completed in a set with a mixer. The number of different modes and even programs can reach 10.
3. Professional hand mixers (combined). This view is a cross between manual and stationary. Outwardly, it resembles the second type, and in terms of characteristics and operating principle it is similar to hand mixers. A distinctive feature is the ability to use the device both with the stand, and without it.
4. Professional cocktail mixers are also professional. In everyday life, they are rare due to its narrow specialization.

Power and speed. Why consider these options

The list of products that can be prepared, as well as time costs, depends on the first parameter. High power allows you to perform many tasks of varying complexity.

Important! Do not forget that more powerful mixers consume many times more electricity. The best option for daily home use are hand mixers with power up to 350 watts.

The device and the principle of operation of the device

Most stationary mixers consist of the following main parts:

• engine compartment;
• tripod;
• drive and driven shafts of the kneading system;
• height regulators, fixation of the motor head, nozzle;
• handles for nozzles.

Separately equipped with a bowl and a set of nozzles.

During the operation of the usual mechanism, the corollas make circular movements. The number of revolutions per minute depends on the speed mode and individual characteristics.

The planetary mechanism works in a slightly different way - the corollas (or blades) rotate in one direction, and the bowl in the other. The planetary mechanism copes with the load faster than usual. This feature helps protect it from overheating.

Hand Mixer. How to choose the right one

1. The most primitive mixer is suitable for those who are going to cook simple dishes.
2. For frequent kneading of complex dough, the stationary mixer is an ideal option.
3. For a large number of dishes and the complexity of the cooking process, it is better to choose a planetary type mixer. It is suitable even for a small bakery.
4. The power of the hand mixer should be selected according to the previously calculated loads.
5. The material of the body and bowl should also be considered when choosing. For example, to prepare a test for pancakes and biscuits, ordinary plastic is suitable, but for more complex types - only a metal container and a case.
6. For professional kitchen hand mixers, additional functions are important - an operation timer and overheat protection.
7. The completeness of nozzles also depends on the forthcoming volumes of work. Also, the set may contain measuring devices, devices for cleaning, etc.
8. The volume of the bowl should be at least 2 liters. High sides will prevent splashing of products on the work surface.
9. The number of speed modes should not be less than two. The more modes - the more accurate and fast the process will be.

Additional Mixer Features

These are:

1. Rotation of the bowl of the stationary mixer. At the same time, the corollas make revolutions in the opposite bowl. This function allows you to get rid of lumps and knead the dough in minutes.
2. "Anti-spray." This feature is equipped with expensive professional mixers. Thanks to the presence of an anti-sprinkler, the working surface and the kitchen remain clean during cooking.
3. The function of automatic weighing. Built-in scales make the cooking process even easier and save extra space in the kitchen.
4. Attaching nozzles to the instrument rack.
5. The extended cord. According to the new requirements of sanitary standards, the cord length is increased. This allows you to place the device in a more convenient place.
6. Anti-slip handle. The rubberized handle prevents slipping of the device during operation.
7. Ejection nozzles. To do this, just click one button. For comparison, in earlier models it was required to recline special nozzles.
8. Compartment for storing the cord.

Kitchen hand mixers are equipped with additional nozzles, for example:

• a blender attachment is used to grind products;
• electric knife - used for slicing bread, fruits, vegetables, etc .;
• sieve - thanks to vibration, with this nozzle you can sift flour, grind berries, etc .;
• nozzle for making mashed potatoes;
• a chopper is a complex consisting of a bowl and a mounted knife, which resembles a food processor in type. Such a nozzle can be used, for example, for the preparation of minced meat.

Advantages and disadvantages of kitchen appliances

This indispensable device can easily cope with light products - eggs, milk, butter, etc. To determine which hand mixer is better - you should familiarize yourself with its characteristics and capabilities. With the help of additional nozzles, you can also knead uncooked dough, as well as chop vegetables, fruits and mash. The power of some models allows you to process a variety of products at high speed.

For comparison, a blender performs only half the functions of a mixer. With this device you can grind products and prepare mashed potatoes. Modern industry allows you to change the nozzle-knife on the whisk, and then the blender can be used as a mixer. In this case, you should pay attention to performance.

Despite the large number of advantages of kitchen appliances, there are still disadvantages:

• periodic overheating of the mechanism;
• breakdowns in the drive system;
• low resistance to voltage drops.

Each of the models has specific disadvantages.

In terms of technical characteristics and parameters, stationary professional and semi-professional models are considered more suitable. The main disadvantage of the latter is the large size - in a compact kitchen there is not always a place for surround equipment.

Pros and Cons of Professional Mixers

Like manual ones, kitchen mixers have a number of advantages and disadvantages. Given them, you can make ratings by popularity, price, etc.

The best professional mixers recognized:

1. BORK E800. This device has the largest number of nozzles (in comparison with similar competitors mixers). Power of 1000 W and 12 different speeds provide its high performance. The automatic system selects the optimal speed depending on the type of product. Are also included in the package of delivery: shovel, whisk, hook, nozzle-confectioner. The latter allows for uniform kneading of the dough. The presence of a timer facilitates the work of the operator. The mixer emits a low level of noise and interference. The body is made of metal. This provides increased resistance to various damages and scratches.
2. In second place is the KitchenAid 5KSM150PSE. The American manufacturer provides a set of three additional nozzles - scapula, whisk and hook. Mixer bowl - steel. The device belongs to a number of planetary, which means it does its job quickly and efficiently. Low power (300 W) does not significantly affect performance, but only makes the device more economical.

A hand mixer is not always suitable for work. A powerful professional in some cases will become more suitable both in the workplace and at home. In the ratio of "price-quality" devices are arranged in this order:

1. In the first place is the domestic planetary mixer Kitfort KT-1308. An eco-friendly and durable bowl with a capacity of 4.2 liters is also equipped with a protective cover. The device is reliable in operation. During operation, it can be fixed on the work surface. The mixer is quiet, it practically does not emit vibration.
2. In second place is Bosch MFQ 36460. The number of speed modes is 5. The type of mixer is planetary. Additional nozzles in the kit are not provided, but thanks to the presence of 5 speeds and a special mode, the mixer quickly and efficiently does its job.
3. The last place in the ranking is occupied by the Polish device Zelmer 481.6. The price of the mixer is relatively low (up to 3500 rubles). The power of the device is 400 watts. The number of speed modes is 5. The delivery kit also includes a blender nozzle and a special device to prevent the dough from sticking to the bowl. The handle of the mixer is rubberized. This prevents the instrument from slipping out during operation and protects against electric shock.

User rating

The rating of hand mixers by price is as follows:

1. The first place in this category is held by Bosch MFQ 4020. This model is very popular due to its characteristics - the mixer is ergonomic, lightweight and relatively quiet during operation. Despite its compactness and low cost, the power of the mixer is quite high - 450 watts. The number of speed modes is 5. Power in combination with a set of different modes allows you to easily knead the dough for baking.
2. The next place is taken by the universal device VITEK VT-1409. The mixer can be used with or without a stand. The bowl of the device is mobile, voluminous and convenient to use. The package includes three additional nozzles. The power of the device is 330 watts. To work with solid products, there is a special mode - pulse.
3. The last place in this category is occupied by Polaris PHM 3013. The optimal price and good power (300 W) make the device popular among users. The number of modes - 5 (including "turbo mode"). The main advantages of this mixer are: reliable housing, ergonomics, additional nozzles. The disadvantage is the short length of the power cord.

The rating of hand-held kitchen mixers in the price-quality ratio is as follows:

1. The leading position is held by Bosch MFQ 4080. The mixer can perform various operations of beating, chopping, slicing fruits, vegetables, meat, etc. Cleaning the device also does not cause inconvenience. A long power cord allows you to connect the mixer in the most convenient place. Among the distinguishing features - high power (500 watts). The number of speed modes is 5. Also, the mixer has small dimensions and is convenient to use.
2. The second position in the ranking is occupied by Braun HM 3137. The German device is distinguished by build quality, reliable thought-out design and light weight (about 800 g). Thanks to the vertical arrangement of the drive, the load on the operator is significantly reduced. The delivery set includes additional nozzles for kneading dough, grinding products.
3. The third place is rightfully occupied by KitchenAid 5KHM9212ECU. The mixer has low power (only 85 watts), but its performance is high. The device emits low noise and interference. The drive efficiency is 0.9. The number of speeds is 9. Thanks to this set, working with products becomes more comfortable, and work surfaces are not contaminated by splashes.

Manufacturer's Reviews

To facilitate the process of choosing a kitchen appliance, you can read the reviews. The manual mixer, for example, Bosch MFQ 3010, is recognized as practical, reliable and easy to operate. The set includes a set of additional nozzles. The device is equipped with a special pulse mode (for making short powerful revolutions). Using this function can prevent excessive whipping of products. The mixer of this brand withstands up to 30 minutes of continuous operation.

Philips HR 1459 is also considered one of the best hand-held kitchen mixers. The device is equipped with a turbo mode, as well as a convenient button for separating nozzles. The body is made of durable plastic, so the mixer is resistant to scratches and mechanical damage. Among the negative reviews, it is worth noting the need for sequential switching speeds. This is inconvenient in the preparation of certain types of dough.

The Philips HR 1560 is also a popular hand mixer. This manufacturer has earned trust among users, and the model has become popular due to its increased power (compared to the previous model) and the special shape of the corollas. The mixer operates at only three speeds, but additional nozzles allow you to take in the work of many products. Among the disadvantages are: inconvenient process of changing nozzles, periodic overheating of the mechanism.