Keeping Your Mixer Maintained to a Turn

If you use a mixer just for whipping cream and beating eggs, a hand-held type is fine. In fact, some of the powerful new models on the market can handle more ambitious tasks, such as mixing light cookie dough and mashing potatoes. But more demanding tasks, such as kneading bread dough, require a heavy-duty electric pedestal model.

The beaters of a hand-held mixer are spun by two drive gears (often nylon) turning in opposite directions. These gears connect to a metal worm gear that is driven by a motor. The drive gears are arranged so that they prevent the beaters from colliding as they spin past each other.

Some pedestal mixers have the same type of gearing as hand-held mixers. Other models have a planetary gear system in which drive gears spin a single beater while planetary gears move the beater around in a circle inside the bowl.

Mixer speed is usually regulated by either a speed control or a governor. If a mixer has numerous wires running between the motor and the multispeed switch, and clicks when the speed is changed, it has speed control. Otherwise, a governor or (in electronic mixers) a circuit board regulates the speed.

Here are some use and care tips for electric mixers:

* Turn the speed selector switch to Off before unplugging the mixer.

* Unplug the mixer before inserting or removing beaters or any other attachments, and before cleaning.

* Wash beaters and bowls by hand or in the dishwasher. Wipe the housing with a damp cloth; never immerse the housing in water. Clean specialty attachments after every use.

* Clogged air vents on motor housings can cause a mixer to overheat. Clean out grime with a pipe cleaner, then use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and loose debris.

* Keep hands and utensils away from beaters during operation. Never leave a pedestal mixer unattended during operation.

* If it is difficult to remove the beaters from the mixer, put a drop of cooking oil into the slots where they slide into the machine. Check, too, to make sure the beaters are in their proper slots.

* On nonplanetary-type pedestal mixers, dough hooks and beaters are not interchangeable. Each type must be inserted into its designated socket. An attachment should snap easily into its socket--never try to force it into place. If you feel resistance, pull out the attachment, give it a quarter-turn, and reinsert it.

* To straighten a bent beater blade, lay the damaged portion on a cutting board and press on it with the bottom of a teaspoon.

* Is the pedestal mixer’s bowl not turning? Swing up or lift off the top housing. Adjust the beater height by turning the screw on the pedestal’s top (or housing’s bottom). The beaters should just clear the bowl by a sixteenth of an inch. But if one beater has a nylon button on the bottom, the button should just touch the bowl.

* Nonplanetary mixers may have a rotating base mounted on bearings. If the bowl on such a mixer doesn’t turn properly, the turntable may be jammed. Remove and clean the base and the bearings. Some mixers may have gear- or belt-driven bowls. Check the turning mechanism for wear or damage. Lubricate according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and replace the belt as needed.