How we pick our products
There is hardly a household that would be without this little kitchen helper – the stirrer. With this practical, handy and versatile kitchen utensil, you not only save energy, but also time.
With the stirrer, you can whip cream, cake batter and numerous dishes in no time at all. In our guide, we have compared different mixer models with each other and listed the decisive purchase criteria. We would like to support you in buying your next mixer and make it as easy as possible for you.
The most important facts
- The stirrer is an electric kitchen utensil that can replace the whisk. Thanks to its simple operation, it saves power as well as time.
- Depending on the model, different attachments can complement the kitchen gadget. Such attachments are, for example, the dough hook, blender or whisk.
- The dough hook is particularly suitable for solid doughs. However, if liquid ingredients are involved, the blender and whisk can be used.
The best Stirrer in the United Kingdom: Our Picks
Buying and review criteria for mixers
To make it easier for you to buy your next stirrer, we have worked out some criteria with which you can compare the articles. You should pay particular attention to the following buying criteria:
In the following paragraphs, we will take a closer look at these criteria.
Power
The power of a mixer is given in watts (W). This indicates how much power the motor of the appliance can use to set the mixing inserts in motion. This means that the higher the wattage, the more power the electric motor can apply. This fact is important when choosing the right stirrer. As a rule, stirrers are equipped with a power of 300 to 500 watts. The following is an overview of the different areas of application and the corresponding wattage:
- 200 to 350 watts: for whipped cream, ice cream or sauces
- 350 to 450 watts: light to medium-firm dough, e.g. wafer dough
- 450 watts and above: firm dough, e.g. bread dough or yeast dough
In addition, the wattage defines the power consumption. The more power the mixer has, the more electricity is consumed.
Speed
Depending on the model, the maximum speeds can vary. Basically, every appliance offers a variety of different speed levels. The more speeds a mixer has, the more precisely different ingredients can be processed. High speeds, for example, are particularly suitable for cream or similar liquid substances. More sensitive or solid ingredients should rather be prepared on a lower speed. Many manufacturers also offer a “turbo button” that increases the maximum speed of the mixer even further. However, this button should be used with caution – pressing it for too long can strain the motor and cause it to overheat.
Cleaning
Cleaning the stirrer is of particular importance. Poor hygiene can lead to the formation of bacteria (e.g. salmonella) and mould. This in turn benefits neither the stirrer nor the body and health. Maintenance is extremely uncomplicated.
As a rule, the various attachments and other accessories can be quickly and easily removed from the mixer. They can then be cleaned in the dishwasher. The housing should be cleaned manually with a damp cloth.
Material
High-quality materials and good workmanship are crucial for the long life of a mixer. Inferior and poorly processed products can quickly break down, especially with strong resistance and high use. The housing and the attachments should be made of robust and hard-wearing materials. Plastic, for example, is suitable because it is light and robust.
If you want more quality, you can opt for stainless steel. The mixer is heavier, but has a longer lifespan. The various attachments of the mixer should be made of stainless steel. This material is particularly corrosion-resistant and resistant. In addition, the attachments can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher.
Accessories
Depending on the manufacturer, brand or model, stirrers can have different accessories. Whether blender, appliance stand, mixing bowl with chopper or chopping mechanism – there is a suitable attachment for every purpose.
The basic equipment of every mixer includes two whisks and, in most cases, two dough hooks. Other accessories can be selected individually as required. A large variety of possible attachments not only makes your work easier, but may also increase your satisfaction.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about stirrers answered in detail
What is a mixer?
It is an electric kitchen appliance that basically takes over the function of a whisk. At the same time, different attachments can be added to the mixer. With this kitchen utensil, ingredients can be chopped, stirred, whipped or pureed.
What types of stirrers are there?
Manual mixer
The manual mixer works without electricity and without a battery. A crank is operated by hand, which sets two mounted whisks or whisks in motion. Thanks to the lack of a motor, the kitchen appliance is particularly quiet and easy to clean. It can also be used flexibly and is comparatively inexpensive.
The disadvantages of the manual mixer are, for example, the great amount of force required and the time it takes to mix all the ingredients. In addition, this type of mixer can only be used to a limited extent with medium-strength and firm doughs.
Electric mixer
Probably the most common type of mixer is the electric mixer. The built-in electric motor sets the whisk or dough hook in motion and mixes all ingredients without much effort. The electric version also promises to save a lot of time, is small, compact, flexible to use and convenient to operate. The disadvantage of this variant is that the mixer cannot function without a socket or electricity.
The housing is cleaned manually; in this case, the attachments can be put in the dishwasher. Compared to the manual version, the electric mixer also needs more space for storage.
Mixer with mixing bowl
Probably the most convenient form of mixer is the mixer with mixing bowl. With this variant, the mixer can simply be attached to a stand above an integrated bowl. The only thing you have to do afterwards is press a power button – the machine does the rest. This type requires hardly any effort and saves a lot of time. The high level of equipment is reflected in the price of the item.
Compared to the manual and electric mixer, the price of the mixer with mixing bowl is significantly higher. In addition, the utensil proves to be relatively heavy and requires a large storage space.
What does a stirrer cost?
| Price range | Available products |
|---|---|
| Low-priced (from 10 €) | Simple mixers, without additional functions, with a low to medium output |
| Medium-priced (30 – 80 €) | Mixers with several attachments, a wattage of approx. 400 – 500 watts, high quality |
| High-priced (from 80 €) | Mostly very high quality, more for professional use |
For which applications is a mixer suitable?
The mixer not only saves time and energy, but also produces much better results with this light and compact kitchen aid. The more additional accessories the mixer has, the more possibilities there are for using it. The versatile kitchen utensil can be used for the following activities, for example:
- Whipping cream, egg whites and beaten egg whites
- Processing dough, e.g. pizza, waffle, pancake or cake dough
- Preparing creams and desserts
- Pureeing vegetables, e.g. soups and sauces
Conclusion
The stirrer or mixer is a mostly electric kitchen appliance that saves time and energy and should not be missing in any kitchen. The small and compact utensil can be used flexibly. Depending on the accessories, it can have numerous applications.
For example, a dough hook, whisk, blender or mixing bowl can be used. If you are interested in professional use, it is better to go for higher-priced products. These have a much higher performance and a longer life. Low- to medium-priced mixers are sufficient for everyday use.
(Image source: congerdesign / Pixabay)
Why you can trust me?
Most popular
Related posts
