Hand Mixers Buying Guide

Hand mixers  are a useful and easy-to-manage option that rivals the stand mixer.  Though usually reserved for smaller tasks and some that require more than just a little whisking,  hand mixers still have a place in the kitchen—and many of the newer hand mixers have the power to take on any dough from light to thick. They are able to handle any of your everyday kitchen needs, while taking up a minimum of space.  The benefit of hand mixers to stand mixers is that you can use any size bowl with the beaters, so if you are preparing something like a large cake batter, this model will be more versatile.

Features

• Power: If you mostly make cookies  and cakes  and only occasionally use your mixer for heavier tasks like bread, you'll probably be fine with a hand mixer. However, if you mostly bake breads  or use a mixer for additional heavy tasks, consider a stand mixer instead.
• Attachments
• Wire Whips : Good for mixing creams and egg whites.
• Flat Beaters : Adequate for mixing batters.
• Dough Hooks : Assist in kneading dough.
• Size : A hand mixer takes up much less space than a stand mixer as all you have to worry about storing are the beaters and the actual mixing apparatus.
• Warranty: If you are going to seriously invest in your mixer, make sure it has at least a one-year warranty.
• Speed: Most hand blenders come equipped with three speeds from low-fast, which is typically all you need when mixing. However, most 5 or 6 speed blenders are reasonably priced f you want more options.

Notable Hand Mixers

Oster 6 Speed Handheld Mixer  This mixer has 6 speeds as well as an extra button that provides a burst of power while blending. It packs 250 watts of power and has a retractable cord and storage bag so that it can be put away and cleaned easily. The Oster Mixer also features a myriad of blender attachments including chrome beaters, dough hooks, whisks, cookie cutters and even drink rods to easily mix and blend any type of liquid creation.

B&D MX300 Power Pro Hand Mixer  This mixer includes a comfort grip handle and a spatula attachment that scrapes the bowl as you blend for ease of use while you are mixing. There are 5 speeds for your convenience and heel and bowl rests so that you can drip the mixers over the bowl without making a mess. Other attachments include wire beaters and whisks for versatility.

Cleaning

Now that you've picked out your mixer, keeping it clean is important for maintenance. When cleaning off the beaters on your hand mixer, don't run them through the dishwasher as they  will be prone to bend or rust. Leaving the blenders attached to the beater and then soaking them in a bowl of warm and soapy water while whirling them through is the best way to get them clean. After you have let them air dry, you can clean the appliance part of the mixer. Since it is electrical, be sure not to soak it in water, but rather wipe down with a warm, soapy rag.  For certain crevices in the mixer that are hard to clean, a toothbrush  can be effective for removing caked on stains. After the mixer is cleaned, be sure to store it properly: wipe down the electrical cord and and loosely coil it around the mixer. Be sure not to tightly wrap it as this can wear down or break the cord.

Related Guides

Blenders Blenders are like high-tech hand mixers than can mash up just about anything at swifter speeds and in larger quantities. See which one is right for you with our guide.	Kitchen Utensils Having a good set of kitchen utensils is always important for cooking - you don't want to make soup and find out you are missing a ladle!  Read on so that you don't leave anything out.	Measuring Cups and Spoons Like most of us, you may not be a master chef who can eyeball every ingredient. Pick up some measuring equipment to make sure your recipes come out great every time.	Stand Mixers Stand mixers involve the beating apparatus featured with hand mixers plus a bowl. If you find that this all-in-one deal is convenient for you, read our guide to find out more.