How to Use a Hand Mixer
If you’ve ever owned a hand mixer, you know that it’s an incredibly useful and convenient kitchen tool that doesn’t take up a ton of space and can work with small, light ingredients or effectively make small batches. If you’re looking to learn how to use your new hand mixer or are considering purchasing one, this guide will run you through the basics before you begin your next culinary creation.
KitchenAid® Hand Mixers can whip, knead and mix with ease and are available in a variety of styles with a range of speeds that can meet, or even exceed, your cooking and baking needs.
HOW TO USE A HAND MIXER
A hand mixer is an electric handheld tool designed to mix ingredients. It is equipped with two removable metal beaters and offers variable speeds. Some models also have attachments, such as a blending rod or whisk.
Keep reading to learn how to operate your hand mixer and its different uses, so you can make the most of this convenient, compact and powerful appliance.
WHICH EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO GET STARTED?
Tools and supplies:
- Hand mixer
- Ingredients of your choice
- Attachments (may vary depending on the recipe)
- Access to an electrical outlet
- Pots, pans and mixing bowls as needed
- Flexible spatula
Step 1: CAREFULLY READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
To learn how to use any appliance, you should first read the instructions or owner’s manual. If you’re using a hand mixer for the first time, you should take some time to learn about your model and its capabilities, including variable speeds.
Step 2: LEARN ABOUT YOUR MIXER’S PARTS
Each hand mixer is slightly different yet has many similar components. Most models will have a power button, a button or buttons for speed control, a power burst button and a way to release the attachments from the appliance.
Certain mixers, such as this one from KitchenAid brand, also have a button to automatically wind the cord—a convenient feature that makes storage easier.
Step 3: LEARN ABOUT ATTACHMENTS
Most hand mixers come with a standard beater. That said, certain models might also come with a whisk or dough hook or some other attachments.
This KitchenAid® Hand Mixer comes equipped with a pro whisk attachment and dishwasher-safe beaters. Whenever you use your hand mixer, give thought to which attachment is the best fit based on the recipe and what you hope to achieve. Remember to turn off and unplug your mixer before attaching an accessory.
Step 4: CHOOSE A SPEED
Most hand mixer models offer the ability to choose from a variety of speed options. KitchenAid® Hand Mixers have anywhere from five to nine speeds so you can find the right one for the recipe you’ve been eyeing.
It’s recommended to start at a low speed and then gradually increase it until you reach the desired speed. One way to help determine the ideal beating time is to observe the dough or batter and beat only until it has the desired appearance described in your recipe. For instance, if a recipe doesn’t provide a beating time but calls for a dip to be smooth and creamy, keep an eye on your ingredients as your hand mixer is doing the work and stop once you feel it has reached the right consistency.
Step 5: RUN THE MIXER
After connecting the correct attachment and choosing the appropriate speed, now it’s time for the fun part— mixing. To ensure that all your ingredients get mixed and incorporated, operate the mixer around the edges of the bowl and through the centre. Avoid splatter by turning off the hand mixer when adding ingredients to the bowl, and a flexible spatula is a great tool to clear the edges of the bowl as you mix.
Step 6: LOWER THE SPEED BEFORE POWERING DOWN
Once mixing is complete, reduce the speed to the lowest setting before turning off your mixer and unplugging it. Certain models will conveniently restart at the lowest speed when turned back on regardless of the last setting that was used.
Step 7: CLEANING YOUR HAND MIXER
You can easily clean your hand mixer by simply wiping it down, and certain attachments are even dishwasher-safe.
With the mixer turned off and unplugged, press the eject button on the hand mixer to release the attachments. If dishwasher-safe, place them on your dishwasher’s top rack. To hand wash, all you need is a bit of warm, soapy water.
Clean an attachment immediately after use to prevent food from being encrusted on it. Make sure you thoroughly clean and dry each attachment and the hand mixer before storing it in a safe place.
WHAT SHOULD I USE MY HAND MIXER FOR?
A versatile tool, hand mixers can be used to create many different sauces, dressings and dips or contribute to a wide array of meals. Some of the more common uses for a hand mixer are whipping mashed potatoes, making frosting, or whisking eggs for a cake or quiche recipe.
Thanks to their compact size, hand mixers can replace stand mixers in some instances when you need to move around your kitchen. Certain hand mixers like the KitchenAid® Cordless 7 Speed Hand Mixer, are cord-free, offering even greater convenience and flexibility and the freedom to manoeuvre around as you bake or cook. Of course, both hand mixers and stand mixers are beneficial to have as part of your supply of kitchen appliances.
ARE HAND MIXERS GOOD FOR BAKING?
Hand mixers can be a baker’s best friend. Their versatility allows for whipping, whisking, mixing and beating. They can carefully incorporate nuts into batter, cream butter, and sugar together for cookies, or whip up a fluffy frosting that’s perfect for slathering onto cupcakes.
Hand mixers also help streamline your creating and cleanup process. This is because you can mix in large pots or right in a container without transferring to a stand mixer bowl.
WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE HOOKS ON A HAND MIXER?
The hooks on a hand mixer are specifically designed for yeast bread doughs. When kneading bread, you should use the dough hooks rather than the regular beaters. Always consult with your owner’s manual to learn the proper speed for making bread as it can vary depending upon how many speed options are available for your model.
WHAT ARE THE SPEEDS ON A HAND MIXER?
Hand mixers come with various speed settings, and each setting offers a different use. Slower speeds are adept at helping you avoid splatter and to mix dry ingredients. The fastest speeds are great for egg whites, meringues and mousse mixtures, all of which require incorporating air.
Read your owner’s manual to learn about the specific use for each speed setting on your hand mixer.
IS A HAND MIXER A WORTHY ADDITION TO YOUR KITCHEN?
A hand mixer is perfect for moving around the kitchen as you cook or for recipes that require a quick mix. They work well for spaces that don’t have enough room for a stand mixer, especially since they feature many of the standard stand mixer capabilities but in a more compact size. However, it’s best to use a stand mixer for large batches or recipes that require long mixing times.
Ready to get mixing? Browse KitchenAid® Hand Mixers today!
