Hand Mixers vs Stand Mixers: Which Should You Get?
There's no denying that having a good mixer can make a world of difference when it comes to baking. After all, who wants to spend hours mixing dough by hand when you can use a machine to do all the hard work for you? Better yet, not only does using a mixer save you significant amounts of time and energy but doing so can also give you more consistent results. With an electric mixer for baking, you can be sure that your ingredients are thoroughly combined to ensure better results each and every time you bake.
However, the question many in Singapore have lies not so much along the lines of whether an electric mixer for baking is indeed a good investment but more so on which type of mixer machine would best meet their baking needs. In other words, whether an electric handheld mixer or a stand mixer machine is the better option for whipping up cakes and other delectable desserts in the kitchen.
In this piece, we will examine the pros and cons of each mixer type, such that readers can better gauge which baking appliance is more suitable for what they have in mind.
What is an Electric Hand Mixer?
As the name suggests, an electric handheld mixer is a small and lightweight baking appliance that can be held in one hand while being used. These appliances can be used for mixing, blending, or emulsifying food and consist of a hand grip with beaters attached to it. The beaters rotate when the mixer is turned on, allowing them to quickly and evenly blend or mix ingredients.
What is a Stand Mixer Machine?
In contrast, a stand mixer machine is a larger and heavier baking appliance that must be placed on a countertop or other level surface. These mixers come with a bowl for placing the ingredients and beaters or paddles that rotate to mix the contents of the bowl. Stand mixers usually have more power than hand mixers and often come with additional attachments such as dough hooks or whisks.
Electric Handheld Mixers vs Stand Mixer Machines
So, now that we know a little more about each type of mixer, let's take a closer look at some of the key differences between them:
Size and Weight
One of the most obvious differences between electric handheld mixers and stand mixer machines is their size and weight. As mentioned earlier, handheld mixers are often much smaller and lighter than stand mixers, making them more convenient and easier to store. If you have limited countertop space in your kitchen, a handheld mixer may be the better option for you.
On the other hand, stand mixers are generally larger and heavier, meaning they can take up quite a bit of space on your kitchen countertop. However, their added weight and the standing nature of these appliances also mean that stand mixers are generally more stable than handheld mixers, making them less likely to tip over or move around while in use.
In this regard, if you're looking for a mixer that's easy to store away, a handheld mixer is probably your best bet. But if you don't mind sacrificing a little counter space for the sake of stability, a stand mixer may be the better choice for you.
Power
Another important consideration when choosing between an electric handheld mixer and a stand mixer machine is the power of each appliance. In general, stand mixers have more power than handheld mixers, making them better suited for tasks that require a lot of mixing or kneading, such as making bread dough. Handheld mixers, on the other hand, are typically less powerful than stand mixers. This makes them better suited for lighter tasks such as mixing cake batter or whipping cream.
For example, while the Kenwood HandMix Lite features a 450W engine that is already on the high-end with regards to traditional hand mixer motors, stand mixer machines such as the Kenwood Cooking Chef XL 6.7L boasts an impressive 1,500W.
So, if you're looking for a mixer that can handle heavy-duty jobs, a stand mixer is the baking appliance you should be going for. But if you only need a mixer for lighter tasks, a handheld mixer should suffice in meeting your needs.
Ease of Use
In terms of ease of use, both handheld mixers and stand mixers have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. For instance, handheld mixers are usually easier to set up than stand mixer machines, as all you have to do is plug in the mixer, and you're ready to start baking. Stand mixer machines, on the other hand, often require some degree of assembly before they can be used.
However, stand mixers also have their own set of advantages in this department. For instance, stand mixers usually come with mixing bowls that are much larger than the bowls that come with handheld mixers. This means that you can easily prepare larger batches of mixes when you're using a stand mixer machine instead of a handheld mixer. The more automated nature of stand mixer machines also means that they require a lot less arm work than their handheld counterparts due to their relatively hands-free operation.
Versatility
In terms of versatility, stand mixer machines are definitely the clear winner. This is because most stand mixers are compatible with various attachments that can be used for multiple different tasks, such as cutting pasta, juicing fruits, or even shredding meat. On the other hand, handheld mixers are typically only designed for one specific task: mixing.
In other words, if you're looking for a baking appliance that will be able to do more than just mix ingredients together, a stand mixer machine is the better baking appliance to go with. But if all you need is something to help you mix your batters and dough together, a handheld mixer does the job just as well.
Price
Finally, one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between an electric handheld mixer and a stand mixer machine is price. In general, stand mixers are more expensive than handheld mixers, as they tend to be more powerful and feature more attachments and accessories. Handheld mixers, on the other hand, are typically less expensive than stand mixers.
For instance, the Kenwood HandMix Lite has a retail price of just S$59, while the Cooking Chef XL 6.7L Stand Mixer retails at S$2,499. While there are also less expensive stand mixer machines available, even the most affordable of them from Kenwood, the Prospero+ Compact 4.3L, has a retail price far exceeding that of the HandMix Lite at S$429.
Our Verdict
So, which is better? A handheld mixer or a stand mixer machine? Ultimately, the answer to this question boils down to personal preference. If you're looking for a baking appliance that is more powerful and versatile, a stand mixer machine is a more viable option here. However, if you're just looking for something simple and affordable to help you with your mixing needs as a baker, a handheld mixer is a perfectly suitable choice.
In the case where you aren’t quite sure what you should be going for in totality, there are two other options that can help you make that decision:
First, you can simply go for the best of both worlds with the Kenwood Chefette 3L 2-in-1 hand and stand mixer (find out more about how the Chefette HM680 compares to the Chefette HMP54, and which model is better suited to your nuanced baking needs).
Alternatively, you can simply get in touch with our live baking experts at Kenwood Singapore to ask for their professional opinion. These 1-on-1 consultation sessions are completely complimentary, and their curated advice can help shine light on not only which baking appliance better suits your personal needs but also which model of each appliance type will be the best fit for your home kitchen.
Shop Kenwood for the Best Hand and Stand Mixers
Regardless of whether it’s an electric handheld mixer or a stand mixer machine you end up buying, shopping at Kenwood Singapore gives you the assurance you deserve. Whatever you end up bringing into your home, it is an appliance capable of unparalleled performance, with a track record of reliability featuring cutting-edge innovation.
Discover the world’s best hand mixers and stand mixer machines at Kenwood, and stock up on all your other baking essentials with our wide range of renowned equipment and appliances.