Hand Blenders vs Hand Mixers: The Difference

A hand blender is a useful tool to have in your kitchen, but you do not want to confuse it with a hand mixer. These two tools have different uses in the kitchen. Hand mixers are used by casual bakers, those who do not bake often or in large quantities. A hand blender, however, is used by both serious and casual cooks.

Hand Blenders

The blender works because a powerful motor controls the rotary blade. This mother can be set for different strengths. This allows you to choose how pureed you want your substance to be. The longer and harder the blade is run, the smoother your creation will be. A hand blender can easily be compared to a counter top blender. They both serve the same purpose: to completely puree whatever it is you are working on.

A hand blender is a long, cylindrical device that usually comes with several steel blades and a juicer jar. This long body allows the cook to immerse the blender directly into a pot or bowl and puree the contents. This function has led to the blender being called an immersion blender. You can easily puree soups, mix mayonnaise and prepare smoothies.

Some blenders come with attachments that allow you to chop herbs, nuts and garlic. Others will whip cream, egg whites and pudding. Still, others come with a juicing jar. With this as an attachment, you will be able to have fresh juice every day. With so many other uses, such an attachment is cheaper than buying a simple juicer.

Hand Mixers

A hand mixer is useful when a hand blender is not. Like the blender, there are several attachments can be purchased to be used with the mixer. These attachments allow you to expand the use of your mixer, but it is not as versatile as a blender. It is usually used when baking.

A mixer has two beaters that help prepare dough for baking. Sometimes a hand mixer can be used in the same way as a blender. Mixers, like blenders,  work well for whipping cream, egg whites and pudding. Although it does not have as many uses as a hand blender, you cannot use a hand blender for mixing dough. You do not want to chop the ingredients in your dough. A blender will not mix in as much air as dough requires. 

Any cook would do well to have both of these tools in their kitchen. These tools serve many purposes. When one is not needed, the other may be. Knowing the difference between the two will make it easy for the cook to use them to the best advantage. In order to do this, you will need to know how to use each attachment, this means you must read the accompanying manuals.  Some recipes will require the use of both tools. When this is the case, be sure to use the tools correctly.