Electronics & Gadgets Blog
KitchenAid Hand Mixer, The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your Perfect Baking Companion
by Samuel Kalenga on Sep 08, 2024
When it comes to culinary gadgets, few appliances are as ubiquitous – and emblematic – as the KitchenAid hand mixer. A stalwart companion to home baking, a beacon of quality, comfort and flavour, the KitchenAid brand is synonymous with decades of innovation and eventual perfection in the simple, humble world of kitchen electronics. Whether you’re an old hand at rolling out the dough and whisking egg whites to peaks, or making your first foray into the world of mixed-berry muffins, your basic KitchenAid hand mixer can take your baking experience to the next level.
Why Choose a KitchenAid Hand Mixer?
Here are three excellent reasons why KitchenAid hand mixers are the best choice for home bakers: 1. Features. 2. Price. 3. Popular product.- Pure Power and Performance: KitchenAid’s hand mixers have extra-powerful motors that can manage even the toughest doughs and batters consistently well. The mixers provide powerful and even mixing to ensure your ingredients are just right.
- Versatility: You can add many attachments to your typical KitchenAid hand mixer that extend its functionality. Instead of buying an ice-cream maker, get the hand mixer with ice-cream attachments that transform your hand mixer into a deluxe ice-cream maker. Or throwing dough hooks onto typical hand mixers doubles their function, so you can knead bread equally as well as you can whip cream and egg whites with whisks.
- Reliability and Versatility: KitchenAid appliances can be relied upon. Their hand mixers are made to last, so they are a good buy for a budding baker.
- Ergonomic Design: The KitchenAid hand mixers are designed according to the ergonomic demands of baking – they are balanced along their main shaft axis, which further minimizes fatigue during prolonged mixing.
Navigating the World of KitchenAid Hand Mixers: Key Features to Consider
To find the perfect KitchenAid hand mixer for your needs, consider these important features:
1. Speed Settings:
KitchenAid hand mixers offer a range of options when it comes to the number of speeds, each suited to a different mixing task. Here is a breakdown of the numbers: 3.- 5-Speed Mixers: Offer a decent mixture of speeds for typical baking tasks. Beginners and casual bakers will be satisfied with these and will find that they are often the least expensive and easiest to store.
- 7-Speed Mixers – More precise, allowing greater control over a broader range of speeds, on finicky sorbet mixtures and heavy bread doughs alike. More versatile, and suited to more recipes, from delicately whipped meringue to chewy pizza. 7-Speed/10-Speed Mixers - More precise than ever, giving greater freedom to experiment and learn.
- 20-Speed Mixers - This is crossing the line. There are not 20 widely used speeds for stand mixers, and allowing this many speeds would be pouring sand into the gears of the marketplace.
- 9-Speed Mixers: You can fine-tune mixing precisely for ingredients and recipes, delivering the most accurate results. Serious bakers who want exact control over the baking process will most benefit from these super-precise models.
2. Power:
The wattage of a hand mixer tells you how much power it produces. In general, more power equates to better performance, with kneading dough being one task at which a powerful, high-wattage hand mixer really shines. Most budget hand mixers have at least 200 watts of power – go for greater power if your budget allows.3. Attachments:
Photo by Noa Azulay-BeenstockMany hand mixers from KitchenAid come with beer heater attachments, dough hook attachments, blender attachments, glass juice-extraction attachments, and snickerdoodle maker attachments. Here are the most popular attachments that you’ll find on the market.- Beaters: The versatile workhorses of general mixing, flat and spiral-shaped. Flat beaters are the go-to accessory for mixing batters, while spiral beaters are best for cakes and frostings because they bring in air to create a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Dough Hooks: Made for mixing bread dough, these attachments deliver the right amount of ‘punching’ and kneading needed to produce a uniformly risen loaf. They can take a lot of stress, even when kneading heavy, sticky doughs. Attachments
- Whisk attachments: for whipping cream, egg whites, and batters, whisk attachments need strands widely spread and sturdy enough to handle heavy whipping so that your creations will come out as light as air.
- Specialty Attachments: How would KitchenAid mixers be your handsy companions if they didn’t offer specialized attachments for your perusal? KitchenAid makes various attachments (sold separately) for its larger mixers that can be easily adapted to hand mixers. Flat beaters make for rapidly and evenly mixed dense batters and spiral beaters for fluffy and voluminous cakes.
4. Cordless Options:
Bakers who prefer freedom of movement and convenience will find this handy, giving you the ability to take your hand mixer around the kitchen to wherever your nearest ingredient bowl is, which is important for mixing jobs where you need to be free of cords. With cordless hand mixer models, things to consider are battery life and how fast it charges. Larger batteries will allow you to mix for longer before you have to charge it again, while faster charge times will make sure you’re ready to start baking before you finish washing the bowls.5. Ergonomics:
A hand mixer that is comfortable to hold will make mixing feel pleasant and help you stay motivated during multiple-hour baking projects. It should feature an ergonomic handle, a soft grip, and a well-balanced weight to keep your hand and wrist from straining. With a great hand mixer, you’ll be able to enjoy even those marathon baking projects.Popular KitchenAid Hand Mixer Models: A Closer Look
Now that you know what the important features are, here are some popular KitchenAid hand mixer models:1. KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer (KHM926):
This classic KitchenAid model has nine speed settings for fine-tuning your mixing for delicate batters to heavy doughs. It also has a flat beater kit and dough hook for everyday baking needs, and the ergonomic design will let you mix for long periods of time and not get a sore arm. A nice allrounder.2. KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer (KHM926):
It’s an upgraded version of the classic 9-speed model, which features a digital readout that tracks the speed you’ve selected. It also comes with a soft-start feature, to ease you into the mix, and a turbo boost, if you want to really give it a kick. The advanced features of this model make it a great choice for those who want more precise control over their speed settings. This is the perfect model for gourmet bakers who want control over their mixes.3. KitchenAid Cordless 7-Speed Hand Mixer (KHMB732):
If cordless mixing is what you seek, here is the model to buy. This appliance has seven speed settings, and a strong-burning motor that provides exquisite mixing performance. It makes little noise as it mixes. Its size and weight are very comfortable to hold, and mixing times don’t become unbearable. The battery has a good run time that is adequate for the task at hand. Freedom of movement is certainly not a problem with this model. If you ask me, if you’re looking for a portable and user-friendly appliance, this is the one.4. KitchenAid Ultra Power Hand Mixer:
If you are a power-obsessed baker, the KitchenAid Ultra Power Hand Mixer might be the mixing tool for you. This slick, satin-finish model has the strongest motor in its class, meaning it can mix the toughest dough and even batters that have gone a little lutufky. Its sleek, 90-degree angled taper handle makes it easy to hold and manoeuvre with precision. If you’re all about power and performance, the KitchenAid Ultra Power Hand Mixer is the tool for you.5. KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer (KHM512):
This entry-level model is great for other basic baking duties. It includes five speeds and some beaters, a pretty good mix for your first hand mixer. It’s easy to put away, and it’s definitely easy on the wallet – so easy that it’s a great option for frugal bakers. It’s good if you’re just learning to use a hand mixer, but it’s also good if you know that your baking will be fairly limited.6. KitchenAid 6-Speed Hand Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters:
This allows you to easily swap the various attachments that power this model’s 6-speeds and flex edge beaters. These great beaters help to mix both air into batter and dough, as well as scrape the sides of the bowl.7. KitchenAid Cordless 7-Speed Hand Mixer:
With this model, you get the added freedom of wireless operation along with a potent 7-speed motor for optimal mixing flexibility, not to mention a long battery life and quick charging time. It’s ideal for the busy baker who wants regal efficiency in the kitchen.8. KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer with Turbo Boost:
This model has a turbo boost function for extra power when you need it, and it’s ideal for tasks that require a burst of mixing muscle, such as kneading some fairly stiff doughs – or whipping up egg whites to stiff peaks.Where to Find the Best Deals on KitchenAid Hand Mixers: Finding Your Culinary Companion
When shopping for a KitchenAid hand mixer, these popular retailers often offer great deals:
- Amazon: Always a dizzying array of different prices for KitchenAid hand mixers from Amazon, often discounted in one way or another and with a huge accessible catalogue of reviews at your fingertips.
- Target: Target offers KitchenAid hand mixers as well, but it’s particularly good for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. As it offers an in-store pickup option, you can go to the nearest shop and buy the mixer at a large discount.
- Walmart: Walmart sells KitchenAid hand mixers for cheap prices online and in stores. It has competitive prices and easy-return policies.
- KitchenAid Website: Go to the official site to see list of offers on the website of KitchenAid’s hand mixer models. Many discounts are included in promotions for new releases and special events.
- Department stores Bed Bath Beyond, Macy’s, and Kohl’s stock KitchenAid hand mixers as well and, occasionally, discount them or bundle them.
- Used Marketplaces: If your budget is below $50, look for used KitchenAid hand mixers on marketplaces such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Simply check the appliance from different angles when buying second-hand.
- Outlet Stores: By hook or by crook, KitchenAid outlet stores may be your best bet for dealing prices on hand mixers, especially for older models or discontinued ones.
