Hand blender vs hand mixer: What’s the difference? They sound similar, but they are very different in operating mechanism, how to use, and when to use.
The hand mixer is better at mixing different ingredients, while the hand blender is great at breaking down foods into liquids.
In addition, there are many differences between the two that you need to know. So keep reading for more information.
What Is A Hand Mixer?
A hand mixer is also a handy kitchen tool, particularly for those who bake a lot. It can be any handheld mixing tool, but you need to connect it to a wall outlet.
This tool typically features a rounded handle that is ergonomically designed to rest in our hands. In addition, its handle may come with buttons or a switch that will spin the beaters when you press them.
Unlike immersion blenders designed for blending liquids, hand mixers have attachments. They allow you to mix dry ingredients, whip cream & egg whites.
In most cases, a hand mixer comes with a bag or storage case, allow you to store all components in one place.
What Is A Hand Blender?
Hand blenders, known as immersion blenders and stick blenders, are kitchen tools made to perform light works like mixing drinks and blending ingredients.
Unlike a regular blender that requires a separate jug, you can hold a hand blender to perform kitchen tasks.
It is ideal for emulsifying sauces, pureeing soups, whipping up milkshakes and smoothies, blending frozen fruits, and making frozen desserts like frappes. You can also use this kitchen tool to blend a pot of soup.
Whether a skilled chef or a beginner, this helpful tool makes your kitchen work more convenient and enjoyable.
What Is the Difference Between a Hand Blender vs. Hand Mixer?
Size of the Container
If you use one large vessel, you should choose hand blenders as they can reach all corners of your container.
Conversely, hand mixers will be handy if you own a small container since they are compact and easily fit into your small container.
Type of Ingredients
The type of ingredients you desire to blend will also determine the kitchen equipment you need to use.
You can’t go wrong with a hand blender if you want to mix harsh ingredients like ice cubes. Conversely, a hand mixer will work well for mixing softer ingredients, such as vegetables and fruits.
Durability
Durability is also one of the factors that you need to consider. You wouldn’t want your kitchen appliances to get damaged after a few uses, would you?
The hand blender is usually more durable than the mixer. The reason is that the blender’s blade is attached to its body, making it harder to break during use.
Cleaning
It is easy and quick to wash a hand blender by hand or dishwasher, making it a low-maintenance tool. Contrastly, a hand mixer commonly requires disassembly and thorough cleaning by hand.
Price
Budget is the crucial factor that determines which one you should buy.
Both hand mixers and hand blenders are available at various price points, allowing you to easily choose the one that best suits your budget.
Hand blenders are more expensive than hand mixers, partly because of their design. Blenders feature additional attachments and more powerful motors.
Comparison Table
| The Hand Blender | The Hand Mixer | |
| Performance | Higher | Lower |
| Cleaning | Easier | More complex |
| Price | More expensive | Usually cheaper |
| Durability | Higher | Lower |
| Use | Turn ingredients into liquid | Incorporate several ingredients into one another. |
Hand Blender vs. Hand Mixer: Which Is for You?
The kitchen tool you should buy will depend on your preferences and needs.
So to determine which one is proper for you, you must think about what tasks you typically do in your kitchen.
Hand Blender
Some hand blenders have attachments that enable you to chop nuts, garlic, and herbs effectively. Others will be effective at whipping egg whites, cream, and pudding. Some models feature juicing jars, allowing you to have juice every day.
Hand Mixer
Hand mixers, like hand blenders, work great for whipping egg whites, cream, and pudding. Although these tools don’t have as various uses as hand blenders, they allow you to do some tasks that blenders cannot, such as mixing dough.
Do You Need Both?
You may be wondering if you need to invest in both of these kitchen tools. Unfortunately, there is no exact answer to this query.
Each tool has areas in which it shines, and there are various overlap points in what the two tools can do.
Sometimes, several kitchen tasks allow you to use one instead of the other. But even so, we recommend having both available to avoid any kitchen frustration.
These devices are very cheap, and owning both is not difficult. So you should invest in both like any other professional chef.
Assuming you invest in both. You might be wondering when to use a hand blender and when to utilize a hand mixer.
There are some cases where one tool performs better than the other, such as:
- Beat eggs: Hand mixer.
- Create cake batter: Hand mixer.
- Cook a sauce: Hand blender.
- Cream soups: Hand blender.
- Make smoothies: Hand blender.
- Whipped eggs or creams: Hand mixer.
- Make baby food: Hand blender.
If it’s difficult for you to decide which utensil to use for your kitchen task, just remember these tips:
- Blenders typically turn ingredients into liquid.
- Mixers generally incorporate several ingredients into one another.
Conclusion
Hand blenders vs hand mixers may seem similar, but they perform different tasks. These handheld tools are helpful in kitchens, especially smaller kitchens.
As a result, we recommend investing in both tools as they might serve different purposes. But you still need to know the difference to use them properly.
Thanks for reading!