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Gemco Ware KG175ER, Kitchenaid, 3 Piece, Red 3 Mixing Bowl Set, Includes 2.5, 3.5, & 4.5 QT Sized Bowls, Each Bowl Features Spout For Easy Pouring, Non-Slip Base For Added Stability, Colors To Match Kitchen Decor, Dishwasher Safe. |
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Mixers from Rons Home And Hardware |    | | 
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Tips for Buying Mixers
A good mixer is a valuable addition to any kitchen and can really speed up the preparation process for a wide range of foods and dishes. If you’re looking for a new mixer, you have basically two main types to choose from.
Handheld Mixers are ideal for light kitchen duties like beating egg whites, whipping cream, and even mixing cookie batter. The power of a handheld device is determined more by revolutions per minute (RPM) than wattage. If you want a mixer that offers the most flexibility for use, you should target one with at least 3 speeds.
The top speed should be enough to create air dynamics that produce a creamy textured output, while your low speed should be used for light mixing without splattering or spillage. The mid-range speed can be used for just about anything else.
The blades of a handheld mixer are important to look into as well. Stainless steel blades produce better results especially when mixing hard ingredients. But the downside is that it can leave scratches on your pans and bowls. Plastic blades are much gentler, but if you use them in a heated pot for example, there’s a chance the blades could melt or warp. Knowing in advance how you intend to use your handheld mixer will help determine which type of blade is right for you.
The biggest advantage of handhelds is that they take much less space than stand mixers, hence, they are easy to store with removable attachments. Also, you’re not restricted to one bowl or container to mix the items in. Finally, they are much more affordable--even a top-of-the-line heavy duty handheld model used primarily for mixing dough is cheaper than your basic model stand mixer.
Stand Mixers have enough power to tackle the heaviest duties around the kitchen while offering the versatility to handle more delicate preparations as well. The beaters are attached to rotating disks over a fixed bowl. Some models allow you to tilt the head back and forth and others have features where you can move it up or down so it’s easier to remove and install the attachments without making a mess.
Stand mixers, for lack of a better term, represent a more serious kitchen tool. Their main advantage is that they take less time than handheld mixers to complete a job and they produce better and more consistent mixtures. Wattage becomes the most important factor when it comes to the power of stand mixers. If you have a large family or you bake at least 3 times a week for social events and parties, then you want to consider a 600 watt mixer and a 7 quart bowl. If you bake just once a week, then a 350 watt mixer works just fine. The more wattage it has, the more you can do with it. However, you also want to match your needs with the mixer’s capacity, such as how much cups of flour it can hold.
Stand mixers also offer more speed options, ranging anywhere from 3 to 16 settings. But the disadvantages are that they are much heavier and bulkier, making storage and transport a bit more tricky. If you’ll be storing yours in a cabinet, make sure to check the height of the mixer as well so you know it will fit.
An overload protection feature is recommended to prolong the life of your stand mixer. It prevents the motor from overheating so you know when to reduce and lighten the mixture. For safety measures, you can look for models that stop the mixer if the head is lifted during operation as well.
Electric mixing sensors adjust the speed as the mixture moves from different levels of texture and firmness over time, while a head lock feature stabilizes the mixer head to prevent spillage. The quality and price of these stand mixers also depend on the rotation style of the beater. Basic models can only rotate in the center. Higher priced models can cover more areas in the bowl for better results.
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