10 Easy Pieces: Hand Mixers and Blenders for Baking

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While I often turn to my giant stand mixer or blender when cooking in the kitchen, it’s the hand blender I find the most invaluable. Blending simple batters for pancakes or waffles, making aioli, beating egg whites, and puréeing soups are all done in place and without much effort. Here are our 10 favorite hand mixers from immersion blenders to the classic double beater mixer.

with midcentury appeal, the smeg hand mixer includes 9 speed control and comes 17 — Above: With midcentury appeal, the Smeg Hand Mixer includes 9-speed control and comes with wire whisks, optimus beaters, dough hooks and an accessory bag for storage; $179.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

the all clad cordless rechargeable immersion blender is convenient without the 18 — Above: The All-Clad Cordless Rechargeable Immersion Blender is convenient without the usual power cord, adjusts to five speeds, and is housed in polished stainless steel; $229.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

the cuisinart power advantage 9 speed hand mixer is designed to be compact and 19 — Above: The Cuisinart Power Advantage 9-Speed Hand Mixer is designed to be compact and snaps into a clear case which houses chrome attachments; $79.95 at Crate & Barrel.

the kitchenaid white variable speed immersion blender is simple and gets the jo 20 — Above: The KitchenAid White Variable Speed Immersion Blender is simple and gets the job done; $59.95 at Crate & Barrel.

the heavy duty dualit classic professional hand mixer features four speed selec 21 — Above: The heavy duty Dualit Classic Professional Hand Mixer features four speed selections and a retractable power cord; $109.99 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

the vitamix immersion blender features five variable speeds and a scratch resis 22 — Above: The Vitamix Immersion Blender features five variable speeds and a scratch-resistant guard to protect bowls and pans while blending; $124.95 at Vitamix.

the kitchenaid 6 speed hand mixer has 6 speeds and what they call &#8\2\20; 23 — Above: The KitchenAid 6-Speed Hand Mixer has 6 speeds and what they call “Flex Edge Beaters” reducing the need to scrape down the edges of the bowl while mixing; $59.99 at KitchenAid.

the cuisinart smart stick two speed hand blender is a reliable standby (i&# 24 — Above: The Cuisinart Smart Stick Two Speed Hand Blender is a reliable standby (I’ve owned the previous model for over a decade); $49.95 at Cuisinart.

the smeg hand blender features variable speeds and a turbo function, along with 25 — Above: The Smeg Hand Blender features variable speeds and a turbo function, along with a few attachments including a whisk; $190 at West Elm.

the breville handy mix scraper 9 speed hand mixer comes in 5 colors and has an 26 — Above: The Breville Handy Mix Scraper 9 Speed Hand Mixer comes in 5 colors and has an electronic sensor that automatically scrolls through speeds for consistent mixing; $149.95 at Williams-Sonoma.

the all clad immersion blender is a more simplified version of the cordless opt 27 — Above: The All-Clad Immersion Blender is a more simplified version of the cordless option at the top of this list; $119.95 at Crate & Barrel.

As for other kitchen appliances, see our picks:

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Frequently asked questions

What are hand mixers and immersion blenders used for?

Hand mixers and immersion blenders are used for various baking and cooking tasks. Hand mixers are commonly used for beating and mixing ingredients together, while immersion blenders are used for pureeing soups, sauces, and other liquids.

Can hand mixers be used for kneading dough?

Most hand mixers are not designed for kneading dough. They are better suited for lighter tasks like blending cake batter or whipping cream. For kneading dough, it is recommended to use a stand mixer or do it by hand.

Are hand mixers and immersion blenders dishwasher safe?

It depends on the specific model. Some hand mixers and immersion blenders come with detachable parts that are dishwasher safe, while others may require hand washing. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper cleaning guidelines.

What are the advantages of using an immersion blender over a traditional blender?

Immersion blenders offer several advantages over traditional blenders. They are more compact and easier to handle, allowing for greater control and maneuverability when blending. Additionally, immersion blenders can be used directly in the cooking pot or container, eliminating the need for transferring hot liquids.

Can immersion blenders be used for crushing ice?

While immersion blenders are excellent for blending and pureeing, they are not specifically designed for crushing ice. Attempting to crush ice with an immersion blender may damage the motor or blades. It is recommended to use a countertop blender or a dedicated ice crusher for this purpose.

Are hand mixers and immersion blenders expensive?

Hand mixers and immersion blenders are available in a wide range of prices. Basic models can be quite affordable, while more advanced or professional-grade options may be more expensive. It is advisable to research and compare different models to find one that suits your budget and needs.

What safety precautions should be followed when using hand mixers or immersion blenders?

When using hand mixers or immersion blenders, it is important to ensure that they are unplugged before attaching or detaching any parts. When cleaning, always make sure the device is turned off and unplugged. Keep fingers, utensils, and other objects away from moving blades to avoid injury.