A mixer grinder is the most basic appliance but also a must-have in your kitchen! Once you get used to having one, the idea of going back to mixing everything manually seems crazy.
There are a lot of brands in the Home & Kitchen section, but instead of buying something that's available, you should go for something that will fulfill your needs in the best possible way.
To help you choose the most suitable mixer, we have made this handy buyer's guide, where we will reveal the different types of mixers, how much mixers cost on average, and the most important features to look out for. Let's begin!
What To Consider When Buying a Mixer?
Type
Firstly you will need to choose whether you want a stand or a traditional mixer. Hand mixers will be able to handle most light tasks, while stand mixers are ideal for heavy mixtures, batters, and more.
A stand mixer is adequately powerful to mix any type of ingredient. Stand mixers are primarily found in bakeries, food industries, etc.
Regular mixers are simpler in design and compact in size. They are the ones that can be found in every house for grinding ingredients in small quantities on a daily basis.
Wattage
Another important thing to keep in mind when buying a mixer is how much power it really has. Higher wattage is helpful for grinding tougher ingredients at a faster speed. Be sure to look for a mixer that at least has a wattage of 500 W to 750 W.
Jars
Pick a mixer that has three jars so that you can use all of them for various purposes. For example, you can use one of them for grinding spices, one for juicing, and another for making chutneys.
A break-resistant lid and durable body and are must-haves to withstand the daily tear and wear in the kitchen. Also, check if it has a rubber or hard plastic handle for a better grip.
Blades
Blades are the ones that do all the work, so it clearly makes sense to check their quality. Make sure that they are constructed out of stainless steel and preferably of 304 grade. The grade of steel will tell you whether the steel is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. High-quality blades also retain their sharpness for a long time.
Weight
If you're going for a hand mixer, then you'll probably want to stick with something light and easy to hold. And if you are looking for a stand mixer, we suggest that you go for the opposite. The heavier the stand mixer is, the more stable it will be as you are mixing ingredients.
How Much Does a Mixer Cost?
If you're interested in hand mixers, you will be able to find many options for under $80 (some even might cost $20). If you're willing to invest in a stand mixer, most of the models will cost you somewhere from $100 - $600. Some of the top-notch brands might even cost you over $1,000, but you'd only need one of those if you plan on making large quantities of food.
How Did We Choose The Best Mixers?
In order to find only the best mixers possible, we have rated mixers on a variety of factors.
- Mixing Performance (30%)
- Durability (15%)
- Value (25%)
- Customer Reviews (30%)
What Are Some Vital Features To Look For In The Mixer?
Speed
Each of the mixers will have a range of speeds controlled by a slider or a dial. This allows you to slowly build-up to the speed you want. Depending on the mixer, some of the mixers might only have 2-speed options while others up to 16-speed options.
Warranty
If the company offers you a warranty on your product, then you can rest assured that it's a quality product. A warranty from 2 to 4 years is something that you should go for when picking a mixer. Under the warranty period, the mixer is covered only for manufacturing defects related to blades, motors, etc. Be sure to read the full warranty that can usually be found in the packaging box.
Attachments
A lot of high-end models have various attachment outlets that let you add functionality to your mixer. Some of the most common add-ons include an ice cream maker, spiralizer, juicer, mincer, blender, or pasta maker.
Comfort
Hand mixers should be comfortable to handle and well-balanced. A stand mixer shouldn't be too heavy for you to lift when putting away. (This isn't a concern for people with enough space to leave their mixer out all the time.)
Cleaning
Hand mixers are a lot easier to clean than stand mixers since you can pop up the blade attachment. With the stand mixers, you can end up with a lot of different pieces you have to clean. Some attachments are made dishwasher safe, while others are required to be washed by hand.
Conclusion
The best food mixer really depends on your mixing needs. If you are mainly looking for something simple and affordable, a cheap hand mixer will apparently be the most fitting option for you. However, if you intend to make recipes that involve heavier duty mixing or want to get ambitious with the kind of things you make with your mixer, an investment in a high-quality stand mixer will pay off.
Mixer FAQ
Q: Is it safe to use a mixer when liquid is used?
A: Yes, you can most certainly use the mixer in a liquid ingredient. But for safety reasons, we suggest that you stick with a shockproof mixer so that it doesn't overload in the worst-case scenarios.
Q: What is the warranty time for a mixer?
A: On average most of the companies provide 2 to 4 years of warranty on the product. This can vary from brand to brand, so be sure to double-check.
Q: Can I use a mixer if there is a burning smell?
A: If the burning smell appears during the first or second use, then it's normal. However, if the smell arises every time, we suggest that you stop using the mixer and either contact your seller or look for a new one!