A mini mixer is a common kitchen appliance that consists of a mixing bowl set on a stand. The device generally has a motor that powers one or more mixing (or kneading) attachments, usually a dough hook, a whisk, or a paddle. The mini stand mixer comes with a planetary drive system, that enables the mixer to rotate at a faster speed. You can use mini-mixer models for stirring, whisking, and beating.
How Does a Stand Mixer Work?
A stand mixer is an electrical device that combines an electric motor, bowl, and mixing attachments. The motor turns the rotating bowl or beaters, which makes the attachments spin as well. It comes with a large work bowl and variable speed settings. The work bowl is placed on the turntable of the mixer which provides more stability during the mixing of ingredients or food items. Read through our buying guide to buy the right stand mixer model.
Features to Look Out for Before Purchasing Stand Mixer
Bowl Material
The bowl and stand are generally made of stainless steel, with the bowl usually made of porcelain-coated stainless steel and the base of stainless steel or cast iron. Many bowls are also made of sturdy glass material to let you watch your food items while mixing.
Stand Mixer Capacity
Stand mixer capacity can vary from 3.5 quarts to 7 quarts. You need to decide what capacity of stand mixer will best suit your needs. We recommend you go with 3.5-quart models if you are looking for a mini-stand mixer.
Design Options
The stand mixer comes in a tilt-head design as well as a bowl-lift design. It is easy to add ingredients while mixing or whipping in a stand mixer with a tilt-head design. You can also go with a bowl-lift design for processing larger batches with ease.
You can also read through our blog if you are confused about what to choose between hand mixer vs stand mixer.
Best Mini Stand Mixers to Buy
Dash Compact Stand Mixer
The Dash Compact Stand Mixer with a capacity of 3.5 quarts is a versatile addition to any kitchen space. You can use this model to mix, beat, cream, or whip your mixtures. It has a compact size with a height of 10.5” and a weight of approx 5 lbs. The tilt-head design makes it easy for you to remove the work bowls and beater attachments. You can also get this model in a black variant. The black variant of Delish Compact Stand Mixer has got excellent reviews for its color palette that compliments your kitchen decor.
Nostalgia Classic Retro
The Nostalgia Classic Retro provides all the power, versatility, and durability that professional chefs expect—with intuitive controls and a variety of attachments. It comes with a tilt-head design and a stainless steel bowl for convenient operation. This machine takes 300 watts of power and offers 6-speed settings.
KitchenAid KSM3311XQG
The KitchenAid KSM3311XQG is a powerful stand mixer that uses 250 watts of power and offers 10 adjustable speed settings. It has a brushed stainless steel bowl that offers a capacity of about 3.5 quarts. It has a tilt-head design that allows for the easy addition of ingredients and food items in the work bowl. This model has got excellent reviews for its 25% lighter design.
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
Reviews of Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer are positive for its planetary mixing actions and stainless steel build-up that ensures high durability. This mixer comes with a 3.5-quart bowl that is perfect for mixing thick batters and doughs like bread, cookies, and more. It also has a powerful 300w motor with 6-speed options and fold settings.
What Size is a Mini Mixer?
The size of a mini-mixer model can range from 2 to 3.5 quarts. You can also look for models with about 4.5 to 6 quarts for your standard usage. Mini mixers are compact, have less bowl capacity, and are ideal for processing small batches. You can use them for your regular mixing or grinding tasks.
Can a Food Processor be Used Instead of a Stand Mixer?
The answer is No. You can not use a food processor in place of a stand mixer. This is because both appliances have different uses and work. Food processors are good at chopping, slicing, and grinding, whereas, a stand mixer lets you mix and whip your mixtures or creams. A stand mixer uses attachments like flat beaters, dough hooks, etc. Food processors use blades and cutting discs.
Conclusion
Mini stand mixers are smaller than regular ones but you can use them effectively for your daily mixing needs. They solve common problems with large mixers, such as limited space and bulky designs, and are also exceptionally convenient. These mixers also offer different speed settings and come with multiple attachments.
AESA rates and reviews the best affordable stand mixers and hand mixers on the basis of quality, convenience, and durability.
