Stand and Hand Mixers

A stand mixer or hand mixer is another tool needed in your kitchen.  Which one you need will depend upon your style of cooking and spending budget.

If you are into doing a lot of baking, then a stand mixer probably meets your needs.  If, like me, you don't do much baking a hand mixer should do.  You need to remember that the stand mixers also have attachments that you would like to use.  This may save you from having to buy another separate piece of equipment for those functions.  Most of these attachments will cost you extra. of course.

Let's start with the stand mixer.  You can pick one up for as low as maybe $75 and a high of $500 or more.  In stand mixers, the top name is KitchenAid.  Their mixers will run between $250 and $450 roughly plus attachments.  In my opinion, they do make the best.  I believe most KitchenAid stand mixers have a power hub in the top front of the mixer.  Some of the attachments for the power hub include meat grinders, pasta rollers and ravioli makers and one for slicing and shredding.  A basic unit (most brands) usually comes with a flat beater, wire whip, dough hook and pouring spout.  Most models come with metal bowls but some do come with a glass bowl.

Counter space or an easy to get at storage area will be needed for a stand mixer.  If you use it weekly and have the space, put it on the counter as many come in colors to compliment your kitchen.

My Old Hand Mixer

My favorite shopping locations Kohl's, Food Network and QVC have a great selection of stand mixers and their attachments.  The same goes for hand mixers which we will discuss next.

Hand mixers are great for small jobs or the occasional big project.  They will run you from around $19 up to maybe $100.  They too come with usually more than just one set of beaters.  Many hand mixers have dough hooks and whisks in addition to the regular beater.  They are easy to use, clean and store.

Since many of you are just getting started in the cooking arena, it might be best to go with a hand mixer.  It will help save on the budget.  As you grow in your cooking skills, you will be able to determine when you might need that stand mixer.  Start saving for it now and you'll have the money when you need it.  If you decide you don't need one, well you have a nice chunk of change for something else in the kitchen.  Or a road trip of some kind.

Tomorrow's recipe is in keeping with the season of garden produce.  The recipe used fresh sweet corn with a little kick.  Check it out on Friday.