Umair Gaines
Electric mixers are kitchen appliances that automate repetitive tasks such as stirring, whisking, and beating. They can also be used for kneading dough when fitted with a dough hook. Mixers come in various types, including handheld and stand mixers, with the latter ranging from small countertop models for home use to large commercial machines. The first electric standing mixer was invented in 1908 by Herbert Johnston, an engineer for the Hobart Manufacturing Company, inspired by a baker mixing bread dough with a metal spoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To automate the repetitive tasks of stirring, whisking, or beating |
| Types | Hand mixer, stand mixer, dough mixer, eggbeater, handheld motorized beater, drill mixer |
| Features | Timers, various speed controls, bowl reverse, kneading bar |
| Use cases | Kneading dough, whipping, blending, mixing a wide variety of ingredients |
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What You'll Learn
Electric mixers automate repetitive kitchen tasks
Electric mixers are a boon to any cook or baker, automating repetitive kitchen tasks such as stirring, whisking, and beating. They are versatile tools that can be used to mix a wide variety of ingredients, from light and airy egg whites to thick doughs for pizza or bread. The earliest mixers were hand-turned rotary egg beaters, but today's electric mixers offer a range of speeds and attachments to suit different mixing needs.
The simplest electric mixer is the handheld variety, consisting of a handle mounted over an enclosure containing a lightweight motor. The motor drives the beaters, which are immersed in the food to perform the mixing action. Hand mixers offer convenience and ease of use, as they can be used with any suitable kitchen container to hold the ingredients. The first handheld electric mixer was patented by the Sunbeam Corporation in 1953 and granted in 1961.
For those seeking a more substantial mixer, stand mixers offer a larger capacity and more power. These mixers come in various sizes, from small countertop models for home use to large-capacity commercial machines. Stand mixers can be further categorized into planetary and spiral mixers, which differ in their mixing mechanisms. Planetary mixers rotate the mixing device vertically, while spiral mixers rotate the mixing container.
Some stand mixers also offer additional features such as timers and various controls to suit different needs. For example, dough mixers, which are used for kneading large quantities of dough, may have settings for high and low speed, bowl reverse, and a kneading bar in the centre of the bowl. These settings can even be combined into a programme, allowing for greater convenience and efficiency in baking.
Electric mixers have come a long way since their inception, and today they are an indispensable tool in many kitchens. Whether it's a handheld mixer for quick and easy mixing or a sturdy stand mixer for more demanding tasks, these appliances help automate repetitive tasks, making cooking and baking more efficient and enjoyable.
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Planetary mixers vs spiral mixers
Electric mixers are kitchen devices that automate repetitive tasks such as stirring, whisking, or beating. They can also be used for kneading when the beaters are replaced with a dough hook. Mixers can be handheld or stand mixers, with the latter varying in size from small countertop models for home use to large commercial machines. Stand mixers can be further categorized into planetary mixers and spiral mixers.
Planetary mixers and spiral mixers are the two most common types of commercial mixers. Planetary mixers are ideal when versatility and robust kneading are desired. They are capable of making anything from dough for cookies, pizza, and bread to sauces, frosting, and mashed potatoes. They can also be used to slice vegetables, chop meat, and grate cheese with the appropriate attachment. They are typically single-motor, non-rotating bowl mixers with various attachments that can be interchanged. They are also easy to clean and excellent for general-purpose kitchens.
On the other hand, spiral mixers are best suited for mixing artisan and airier dough. They produce a higher-quality and more consistent dough, making them perfect for bakeries and pizzerias. Spiral mixers rotate the bowl in both directions, ensuring proper dough consistency and thoroughly blended ingredients. They are also quieter than planetary mixers and easier to clean. However, they are less versatile and need to be placed on the kitchen floor, so space should be considered before investing in one.
The choice between a planetary mixer and a spiral mixer depends on the specific needs of the baker or kitchen. Bakers who require a versatile mixer for high-volume food preparation would benefit from a planetary mixer, while those who prioritize consistent high-quality dough may prefer a spiral mixer. In some cases, bakeries may even opt to have both types of mixers in their inventory.
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Dough mixers for household or industrial use
Electric mixers are kitchen devices that automate repetitive tasks such as stirring, whisking, and beating. They can also be used for kneading dough when fitted with a dough hook. Mixers can be handheld or freestanding, and vary in size from small household models to large industrial machines.
Dough mixers are available for both household and industrial use. Household dough mixers are ideal for home bakers who want to make high-quality dough at home. They are often praised for their performance, ease of use, and the ability to let the dough rise in the mixing bowl. Commercial dough mixers, on the other hand, are designed for bakeries and restaurants that handle large amounts of dough. These mixers are built to ensure uniform consistency and improve kitchen efficiency.
There are two main types of dough mixers: spiral mixers and planetary mixers. Spiral mixers are preferred for thicker doughs, such as those used for pizza, bagels, or naan bread. They have a static bowl and a rapidly moving agitator. Spiral mixers are also multi-use and can be used for pastry dough. Planetary mixers, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used for whipping and blending in addition to kneading dough. They create a mixing action by rotating the mixing device vertically.
Both types of mixers offer various features to suit the user's needs. For example, dough mixers may have timers, speed controls, and a kneading bar in the centre of the bowl. Commercial mixers are often made of cast iron, ensuring durability and a long lifespan. Industrial mixers are also designed with mobility and storage in mind, as they are typically mounted on castors for easy movement.
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Hand mixers vs stand mixers
Electric mixers are kitchen devices that use a gear-driven mechanism to rotate a set of beaters in a bowl containing food or liquids, automating repetitive tasks such as stirring, whisking, or beating. The beaters can also be replaced with a dough hook for kneading.
There are two main types of electric mixers: hand mixers and stand mixers. Hand mixers are handheld devices that are lightweight, compact, and portable. They are ideal for quickly mixing smaller batches of ingredients and can be used with any mixing bowl. They are also easy to store, as they can fit in kitchen drawers or cupboards, and are generally more affordable than stand mixers. However, they may not be as powerful as stand mixers and require manual labour.
Stand mixers, on the other hand, are larger devices with a bowl attached to a fixed stand. They are more suitable for mixing larger quantities of ingredients and for longer periods. Stand mixers are also better suited for thicker doughs and mixtures that require more effort. They usually come with different speed settings and attachments, making them capable of performing more complex tasks. While stand mixers can be more expensive and take up more counter space, they can save time and strain on your arms compared to hand mixers.
Both hand mixers and stand mixers have their advantages and are suitable for different needs. If you require a mixer for occasional quick tasks and have limited storage space, a hand mixer might be the better option. On the other hand, if you frequently mix large batches of ingredients or thick doughs, a stand mixer's power and capacity might be more suited to your needs.
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The history of the electric mixer
The electric mixer has been a staple appliance in kitchens for about a century now. However, the journey to the modern-day electric mixer was a long and interesting one.
The act of mixing ingredients was not always done with such ease. For centuries, people mixed dough, whipped cream, and made bread by hand. Over time, various tools were used to mix ingredients together, and eventually, these tools included electrical components. The first electric mixer is believed to have been designed in 1884/1885 by Black inventor Rufus Eastman, who created a rotary mechanism with gears. This was further developed in 1908 by Willis Johnson, who is often credited with creating the first electric mixer. However, these early mixers were intended for commercial use, and it would be several decades before handheld electric mixers became available for home use.
In the early 20th century, engineers began to create mechanical mixers for use in bakeries and other commercial settings. In 1908, Herbert Johnston, an engineer for the Hobart Manufacturing Company, invented an electric standing mixer after observing a baker mixing bread dough with a metal spoon. By 1915, his 20-gallon (80-litre) mixer was standard equipment for most large bakeries. Johnston's mixer used planetary action, moving the bowl in a circular fashion one way while the mixer rotated the opposite way. This design was further refined and, in 1919, the KitchenAid Food Preparer (stand mixer) was introduced for home use. It had a 5-quart (4.7-litre) capacity, weighed 65 lbs (29 kg), and was marketed specifically for making bread.
The next significant development in the history of the electric mixer came in the 1950s and 1960s with the introduction of handheld electric mixers. The first handheld electric mixer patent was submitted by Sunbeam Corporation in 1953 and granted in 1961. These mixers combined the power of electricity with the convenience of a small, handheld design. By the 1960s, several companies had introduced their own models of handheld electric mixers, and they quickly became a popular appliance in kitchens around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric mixer is a kitchen device that uses a gear-driven mechanism to rotate a set of beaters in a bowl containing food or liquids to prepare them by mixing, whisking, or beating. They can be handheld or stand mixers.
There are handheld mixers, also known as eggbeaters, and stand mixers. Stand mixers can be further divided into planetary mixers and spiral mixers. Planetary mixers consist of a bowl and an agitator, with the agitator moving rapidly around the bowl to mix its contents. Spiral mixers, on the other hand, rotate the mixing container.
Electric mixers automate repetitive kitchen tasks such as stirring, whisking, and beating. They can also be used for kneading dough when equipped with a dough hook.
