Mixers & Blenders
Free Standing Food Mixers, Processors and Blenders
Electric machines take the hard work out of a great deal of food preparation; they speed up the process and usually achieve a better result than if the work had been done manually. In an ideal world you’d have all three machines but how do you decide which of these electrical items to buy first?
A food mixer is the best machine for cake and bread making and for whisking egg whites for the most delectable meringues. The numerous attachments will achieve many functions that the processor or blender will do and much more, from slicing and grating to preparing fresh pasta and making sausages.
A food processor will slice and grate food in an instant. Depending on your choice of machine the processor can also, with the use of some attachments, do other tasks including juicing, mixing cakes, making pastry and dough. Mini Processors will chop and purée small quantities of food such as herbs and nuts. These compact and convenient machines are great for preparing baby food or making sauces such as pesto.
A blender is the first choice if you want to make soups, smoothies or milk shakes. A blender will do a variety of other tasks including crush peanuts for peanut butter, crush ice cubes for that perfect cocktail or make breadcrumbs.
Handheld Machines
These smaller machines are a lower priced alternative to free standing machines and they are quick and easy to use. However, the handheld machines have some limitations and only manage smaller amounts of food compared to the free standing machines.
Handheld Mixers are great for mixing and whisking lighter, more liquid mixtures. The double beaters will quickly whisk a few egg whites for meringue, thicken cream or mix a batter. A handheld mixer is ideal for making a light, whisked sponge and it can even mash potatoes.
Some handheld mixers are supplied with a set of kneading tools for stretching and kneading doughy mixtures.
Handheld Blenders will crush and blend soft or cooked food for soups and sauces. Some machines are more versatile as they are supplied with attachments such as a whisk, a unit for slicing and grating, a larger chopper blade and beaker.
How do you choose between the different machines?
We'll happily discuss this in more detail with you but, in essence - if you're a baker or cake maker then a mixer would the first choice for you (plus the different attachments will complete many other tasks). A food processor is great for all sorts of food preparation, including chopping. slicing, shredding, mixing and beating. Whereas a blender is the most efficient for liquidising.
You also need to consider a number of features on the models available.
Capacity – a key factor as this does vary between the different food mixers, processors and blenders. If there’s just two of you a smaller one will be fine, but you’ll want a larger machine if you have a big family or do lots of entertaining.
The Motor – there are typically three different types of motor:
- • A belt driven motor will work on variable speeds, but these motors tend to be noisier.
- • An induction motor is proven to be effective and hard wearing as these are typically fitted to commercial machines, the speed changes automatically to suit the task and volume of food. These motors are generally quieter.
- • A direct drive motor works without the need of a belt or gearbox, it is a simpler machine with less parts and very efficient.
Wattage – a lower wattage uses less electricity but the engine may not have enough power to do the required task. If you’re expecting the machine to do a variety of tasks then a higher wattage might be more appropriate – however, it’s more complicated than that as the type of motor will also determine the amount of wattage that is required, for instance a direct drive motor requires less wattage than a belt driven motor.
Features – consider the various features of the machines, for instance the speed settings and, for certain machines, does it have a pulse button?
Accessories – you may want various accessories. Does the machine you’re considering have the type of accessories that will meet your needs?
Design – choose a design that will do the work you need done, but also consider how and where you will store the machine.
Guarantee – check the length and type of guarantee, they do vary between the different manufacturers.
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