Best Hand Mixers

[prasantrin]

CanadianBakin' - another dumb question: what do you mostly use the dishers for?  To me they look like a bunch of different sized cookie batter scoops.

I'm not CanadianBakin' (but I am Canadian and I do bake!), but I use mine for scooping cookie dough, but also muffin or cupcake batter, and I use the smaller ones for truffles. I also use them for portioning out certain savoury foods, like mashed potatoes.

May - I like to bake cakes the most, sometimes cookies and bread, eventually will get around to pies (as previous couple of attempts have not been successful - too leaky).

Do you have a lot of springform pans? They're a little more difficult to get in Japan, and I don't remember seeing a lot of them in Singapore (though I wasn't looking specifically for them). So if you don't have some already, you might consider getting one or two for cheesecakes or other cakes.

Jasie - thanks for the reminder about the voltage.  Had forgotten about that.  Had an unused waffle maker lying around for years exactly because of that    The hand-mixer will have to be something available here then.

Maybe you can use some of your gift money to get a step-up converter?? Then you could get more electric household goods from the US, and actually use them!

From your list, I'd get rid of the peel unless you have extra money to use up, especially since you do mostly cakes and cookies right now.

Since you like doing cakes, have you considered a full-range of cake-decorating supplies? Or at least the ones you don't already have?

Edited to add: I would also add some expensive ingredients to the list, that I wouldn't normally buy myself. Like very good quality chocolates to use for baking, or pearl sugar (so I could finally make Chufi's Sukerbole recipe).

Edited July 8, 2006 by prasantrin (log)

[miladyinsanity]

May - I like to bake cakes the most, sometimes cookies and bread, eventually will get around to pies (as previous couple of attempts have not been successful - too leaky).

Do you have a lot of springform pans? They're a little more difficult to get in Japan, and I don't remember seeing a lot of them in Singapore (though I wasn't looking specifically for them). So if you don't have some already, you might consider getting one or two for cheesecakes or other cakes.

Ah, not true. I've got eight and 10 inch ones--and they weren't hard to find at all. Mine came with the bundt and chiffon inserts too.

[CanadianBakin']

CanadianBakin' - another dumb question: what do you mostly use the dishers for?  To me they look like a bunch of different sized cookie batter scoops.

I'm not CanadianBakin' (but I am Canadian and I do bake!), but I use mine for scooping cookie dough, but also muffin or cupcake batter, and I use the smaller ones for truffles. I also use them for portioning out certain savoury foods, like mashed potatoes.

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Thanks prasantrin! I use them for similar things. I'm a bit anal about things being all the same size and I love using the dishers for this purpose. Once you've got them in the house you find many other things besides cookies to use them for. I've also used them for individual meringues and then you just push the center in a bit with a spoon to make a bit of a bowl. You can also use them for dishing fillings into small tart shells.

Another thing I've found useful is a big bag of disposable piping bags. And since you're into cakes you'd definitely use them. Although again, once you've got them you find a million things to pipe through them, savoury and sweet.

Edited July 9, 2006 by CanadianBakin' (log)

[miladyinsanity]

She should be able to find disposable piping bags at the baking supplies shops here--I've seen them.

Though...I don't use a disposable, and I've never had any issues with mine.

[SweetSide]

...

Sweetside - great comments about the silicone rolling pin... I was wondering if it was worthwhile.  I think I might add one to the list.  I was using a Silpat for kneading and rolling my breads a while back... I really liked it.  I've only ever used rolling pins with handles.  Do the non-handled versions take some getting used to?

Instant pen thermometer - if I don't make candy and such, or roasts, what would I use it for?  Is it good for syrups - like for frostings... which I haven't gotten around to, but will soon?  Is a pen one better than one you'd clip to the bowl?  I was looking at some and they looked kind of too long for any of my bowls.

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LittleIsland, they do make SilPat rolling pins with handles. I just don't like them as much as non-handled ones and since I already have a maple one with handles, I didn't duplicate it. No handles does take getting used to -- all personal preference. Others seem to like the pins they have, but I didn't have a handle-less pin, tried one of these, and LOVE them. Don't replace something you may already have and like.

As for the pen thermometer -- it is good for anything you need a thermometer for like syrup for buttercreams, or for curds and pastrycreams or bread pudding. Reads accurate in like 5 seconds and goes up to over 500F. Has a very thin probe and is accurate with only a small insertion unlike others that you have to insert like 2 inches. I hate waiting around for an "instant read" one to creep up and stop moving. Plus it's digital. Here's a link: Baker's Catalogue

Dishers are a must if you make anything in single portion sizes.

Happy Shopping!

[CanadianBakin']

...

Sweetside - great comments about the silicone rolling pin... I was wondering if it was worthwhile.  I think I might add one to the list.  I was using a Silpat for kneading and rolling my breads a while back... I really liked it.  I've only ever used rolling pins with handles.  Do the non-handled versions take some getting used to?

Instant pen thermometer - if I don't make candy and such, or roasts, what would I use it for?  Is it good for syrups - like for frostings... which I haven't gotten around to, but will soon?  Is a pen one better than one you'd clip to the bowl?  I was looking at some and they looked kind of too long for any of my bowls.

←

LittleIsland, they do make SilPat rolling pins with handles. I just don't like them as much as non-handled ones and since I already have a maple one with handles, I didn't duplicate it. No handles does take getting used to -- all personal preference. Others seem to like the pins they have, but I didn't have a handle-less pin, tried one of these, and LOVE them. Don't replace something you may already have and like.

As for the pen thermometer -- it is good for anything you need a thermometer for like syrup for buttercreams, or for curds and pastrycreams or bread pudding. Reads accurate in like 5 seconds and goes up to over 500F. Has a very thin probe and is accurate with only a small insertion unlike others that you have to insert like 2 inches. I hate waiting around for an "instant read" one to creep up and stop moving. Plus it's digital. Here's a link: Baker's Catalogue

Dishers are a must if you make anything in single portion sizes.

Happy Shopping!

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Thanks for the review on the silpins. I need a new rolling pin desperately and have been looking at the silpins but didn't know if they were a good option. Also good to know about the pen thermometer. Quite expensive but I have about 4 different cheaper ones in my drawer and the only one I find reliable is the old glass and mercury one. My "instant reads" are terrible. I'll have to add that to my list of "wants".

[Darienne]

I am in deepest Utah in a town without too many shopping options...that's why we love Moab...and my Black & Decker handmixer just gave up the ghost. I have a 7-quart Cuisinart standmixer at home. This is my traveling mixer.

Within a day or two at most I must buy another hand mixer. Any suggestions? Keeping in mind that there are not many brands of kitchen appliances to be found here. No Wal-Mart, just an Alco and an idependent called Walker Drugs.

Thanks for any help.

[eatrustic]

My KitchenAid hand mixer has served me well with lots of power and it should be as easy to find as a B & D.

[ElsieD]

I had an el cheapo hand mixer that I could only use for whipping cream or egg whites. It wouldn't as much as cream butter and sugar together for making, say, cookies. I had to drag my KA stand mixer out to do that. After listening to me curse it (the cheap one) numerous times, my husband bought me a kitchen aid. It is a wonderful machine and can do pretty much anything. I love it.

[Darienne]

All I can say in defence of my Black & Decker is that it is the most powerful of the cheapies...but then I have to add that I have burnt out two of them in the last year. Whereas our very old...can't remember what it is...one is ugly and unloved but it keeps on going. It's at home...

So I shall look for a Kitchen Aid mixer. Today. Need it for tonight's dinner=dessert. Cheese Blintz Souffle.

Thanks to you both.

And if I can't find a KA, will buy one when we get home again.

[ericthered]

If you weren't in such a hurry, I'd suggest the KitchenAid factory outlet: www.shopkitchenaid.com and click on the "outlet" tab.

[CaliPoutine]

All I can say in defence of my Black & Decker is that it is the most powerful of the cheapies...but then I have to add that I have burnt out two of them in the last year.  Whereas our very old...can't remember what it is...one is ugly and unloved but it keeps on going.  It's at home...

So I shall look for a Kitchen Aid mixer.  Today.  Need it for tonight's dinner=dessert.  Cheese Blintz Souffle.

Thanks to you both.

And if I can't find a KA, will buy one when we get home again.

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Any thrift stores in town? The old GE hand mixers will last forever!!

[Darienne]

If you weren't in such a hurry, I'd suggest the KitchenAid factory outlet: www.shopkitchenaid.com and click on the "outlet" tab.

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Amazingly enough we found more handmixers than we thought possible : KA, Proctor Silex, Black & Decker, Farberware, Hamilton Beach, West Bend, and a couple of basically no-namers.

All the mixers were $15 - $27 ...except for the KA which was $70. HOWEVER while all the inexpensive mixers listed their wattage from 125 at the bottom end to 275 at the top, the KA did not, but listed .6 Amperage which my DH says is nada. A West Bend stand mixer on sale for $70 listed its amperage at 3 amps. Now, says my DH, that might be worth buying.

I borrowed my next-door-neighbor's ancient Sunbeam for last night's dessert=dinner, and she offered to lend it to me the entire time we are here. Funny how the ancient ones just keep plugging along and the new fandangled ones burn out over mixing water it seems.

I don't know what to do...

[Dave the Cook]

Any thrift stores in town?  The old GE hand mixers will last forever!!

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True, at least in my case. My GE is at least 25 years old. I'd like something less homely, but it just won't break.

Amazingly enough we found more handmixers than we thought possible : KA, Proctor Silex, Black & Decker, Farberware, Hamilton Beach, West Bend, and a couple of basically no-namers.

All the mixers were $15 - $27 ...except for the KA which was $70.  HOWEVER while all the inexpensive mixers listed their wattage from 125 at the bottom end to 275 at the top, the KA did not, but listed .6 Amperage which my DH says is nada.  A West Bend stand mixer on sale for $70 listed its amperage at 3 amps.  Now, says my DH, that might be worth buying.

I borrowed my next-door-neighbor's ancient Sunbeam for last night's dessert=dinner, and she offered to lend it to me the entire time we are here.  Funny how the ancient ones just keep plugging along and the new fandangled ones burn out over mixing water it seems.

I don't know what to do...

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0.6 amps @ 110 volts = 66 watts, such a small number (in comparison the the competition) that it's no wonder that KA wants to disguise it. On the other hand, these are all describing power consumption, not power output, which, as a cook, is what should concern you. Much depends on the efficiency of the mechanical design. It's very possible that a KA could outperform any of the others, for the same reasons that a 189 hp Lotus can beat the pants off a 300 hp Mustang GT.

[Darienne]

Any thrift stores in town?  The old GE hand mixers will last forever!!

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True, at least in my case. My GE is at least 25 years old. I'd like something less homely, but it just won't break.

.6 amps @ 110 volts = 66 watts, such a small number (in comparison the the competition) that it's no wonder that KA wants to disguise it. On the other hand, these are all describing power consumption, not power output, which, as a cook, is what should concern you. Much depends on the efficiency of the mechanical design. It's very possible that a KA could outperform any of the others, for the same reasons that a 189 hp Lotus can beat the pants off a 300 hp Mustang GT.

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If there is one thing Moab has that is wonderful, it's the thrift stores ... However, in all the years visiting Moab...or our home town in Ontario, I have never seen even one second hand hand mixer. Stand mixers...a few ancient ones...but nary a hand mixer. I think hand mixers just die a lonely unmourned death.

I did as much research on this one as I felt it deserved, and then the DH went out and bought me a Hamilton Beach hand mixer for $24.99. 6 speeds...more than sufficient. 275 watts...who knows? A pig in a poke.

Waiting for me at home is new 1000 watt 7-quart Cuisinart. DH likes big. Not much point in fighting it.

ps. as noted earlier, we also have a very ancient hand mixer at home which also refuses to die.

Edited March 8, 2009 by Darienne (log)

[prasantrin]

The 6-speed Hamilton Beach mixer received a "not recommended" in Cook's Illustrated's equipment test, as did Dualit Professional and Farberware Preferred.

KitchenAid 7-speed, Braun Multimix 4-in-1, and Cuisinart 7-speed all received "highly recommended".

Black and Decker PowerPro and Oster 6-speed were "recommended".

I'd return your HB and get the B&D or Oster--both should be in the same price range.

[Darienne]

The 6-speed Hamilton Beach mixer received a "not recommended" in Cook's Illustrated's equipment test, as did Dualit Professional and Farberware Preferred. 

KitchenAid 7-speed, Braun Multimix 4-in-1, and Cuisinart 7-speed all received "highly recommended".

Black and Decker PowerPro and Oster 6-speed were "recommended".

I'd return your HB and get the B&D or Oster--both should be in the same price range.

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Thank you so much for that information. The mixer has not been used yet and I'll tell my DH what you said. We had only Consumer Reports to go by and that information was not in it.

We can't get Braun, Cuisinart or Oster in Moab, and I am not sure which B&D model it is which is available. (That's the one which just burnt out after one year. I think I was not aware of just how restricted in use these hand mixers are)

Price is not the problem with the KA...if it is the 7 speed one...DH does not like the amperage thing.

However it plays out, thanks so much for the information. I'll note the "Cooks Illustrated" from now on. CR is not the best for kitchen stuff. Its ratings criteria are not always really applicable.

[tsquare]

I really wanted a KA based on research but cheaped out and bought a very nice Oster (I think that is a Sunbeam?) I've kicked myself ever since. The biggest problem is the lowest speed is way too fast. I was used to having the ability to incorporate dry ingredients without them flying out of the bowl - almost impossible with this speed demon.

Go KA!

[Darienne]

I really wanted a KA based on research but cheaped out and bought a very nice Oster (I think that is a Sunbeam?) I've kicked myself ever since. The biggest problem is the lowest speed is way too fast. I was used to having the ability to incorporate dry ingredients without them flying out of the bowl - almost impossible with this speed demon.

Go KA!

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Thanks tsquare. One more piece of information. My last two (burnt-out) hand mixers have been B&D and the lowest setting on them was the same as the one you describe on your Oster/Sunbeam/?. Live and Learn.

I'm going to have to convince my DH that numbers of watts and amperage is not the only thing to go by. It seems that EVERYONE says...go forth and purchase the KA. OK. (I need more smiley faces available for my moods )

[cats2]

Before running out and getting the KA, just remember that there are 4 different models to KA hand mixers...CI didn't compare the differences between these models, and as far as I can tell, they only tested the 7 speed (Ultra Power Plus)

Difference between KA models

[Darienne]

Before running out and getting the KA, just remember that there are 4 different models to KA hand mixers...CI didn't compare the differences between these models, and as far as I can tell, they only tested the 7 speed (Ultra Power Plus)

Difference between KA models

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Thanks for steering me to the comparison table. Unfortunately the information was all pretty superficial as one would expect when KA is trying to sell them all.

I remain in hand mixer confusion for now...am still pondering it all.

The problem remains that although Moab appears to have a fairly large number of different hand mixers, they are all older models. Furthermore the CR listings are only up to 2005. Tomorrow I go to the library which says it holds Cook's Illustrated.

[Darienne]

The 6-speed Hamilton Beach mixer received a "not recommended" in Cook's Illustrated's equipment test, as did Dualit Professional and Farberware Preferred. 

KitchenAid 7-speed, Braun Multimix 4-in-1, and Cuisinart 7-speed all received "highly recommended".

Black and Decker PowerPro and Oster 6-speed were "recommended".

I'd return your HB and get the B&D or Oster--both should be in the same price range.

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Any chance you could give me the year or even issue of Cook's Illustrated? The Moab library lists the periodical in its holdings and I'll go tomorrow to see if I can locate the equipment test.

[snowangel]

Darienne, I think it's December 2006. With the Cook's Illustrated website, you can not necessarily get the article (unless you subscribe to their on-line service), but if you do a search, it will let you know in what issue it was published.

[tsquare]

I think you want the 7 speed or 9 speed to get the slow start. I think the 7 speed is sufficient and the one I originally wanted. It also comes in pink with $10 going to the cure, in case that tickles your fancy. Here's an interesting link:

scroll down to hand mixers

[Pierogi]

I have to add a shout out for the Braun Multi-Mix. It's got 220 watts, which I guess isn't particularly hefty, but....

It has, at leat the model I have, the capability to be not only a hand mixer (and a pretty decent one, at least the times I've actually used it for that...) but also...

---an immersion blender (there's an attachment and a cup you can use, although today I used it in a pot on the stove)

---a mini food processor (again, another attachment and a little bowl and blade, great for small quantities of herbs, pesto, etc.)

And it comes (came?) with dough hooks. Now I seriously doubt it has enough gas to actually knead bread dough, but still...

I have a traditional blender and a Cuisinart. I have held off buying a big immersion blender because this thing has so far taken care of all I'd want/need from that tool.

The blender/processor options make it a winner in my book. I think I paid less than 50 bucks for it when I got it, and it's hung in there for at least 10 or so years. I *do* think Braun still markets something similar. Worth checking out, or at least thinking about.