Mixers & Blenders: specifications, types

— Hand mixer. Mixers are kitchen appliances designed for mixing and whipping liquids. They are equipped with beaters and may come with additional nozzles. Hand mixers are held in the hand during use, making them more compact and easier to store than stationary mixers. However, they may not be as convenient for long-term use and tend to be less expensive.

— Stationary mixer. Stationary mixers are a type of mixer that comes with a stand-base for stable placement on a table or counter. This eliminates the need to hold the device while in use. However, the size of the bowl that can be used may be limited, and some models may require the use of a specific bowl. Some models also allow for the mixer to be removed from the stand and used as a hand mixer. Stationary mixers tend to be more expensive and bulkier than hand mixers, but they offer more convenience and stability during use.

— Stationary mixer (non-removable). A variation of the mixers described above, which cannot be separated from the stand and imply only stationary tabletop use.

— Immersion blender. This is a simpler version of the previously described blenders, which doesn't include a bowl. It's a handheld appliance with a blender leg-shaped nozzle that can be used with any container. However, it may not be very convenient for long-term use, unlike immersion blenders, which offer more versatili...ty in terms of container size. Also on sale there are immersible blenders without nozzles.

— Blender. Devices used mainly for chopping various products, mashing, crushing ice, etc. The blender consists of a base, which houses the motor and control electronics, and a bowl with a paddle knife located above it. The bowl is usually made removable; this makes it easy to drain (or unload) the resulting product, and also facilitates washing.

— Soup blender. This type of blender not only blends ingredients but also has cooking functions. It typically comes with a variety of preset programs to expand the range of dishes that can be prepared. However, the amount of food that can be produced is limited by the size of the bowl, which is usually around 1.7 liters.

— Chopper. Choppers are similar to blenders in terms of their function and usage (as mentioned earlier). The main difference lies in their design: the bowl is typically situated at the bottom of the device, and it can only be removed by taking apart the top block and axis with the blades. While choppers are less convenient compared to blenders, they are smaller, simpler, and more affordable.

— Chopper (manual, mechanical). A manual chopper doesn't require any electrical connection to function. It relies on manual labor to shred, chop, and mix ingredients within the bowl, utilizing knife blades for these processes.

— Vegetable cutter. These devices can be thought of as mechanized kitchen graters that are primarily intended for processing vegetables. They come with different attachments for grating, chopping, and slicing food, which is much more convenient than using traditional manual graters. Additionally, they are often safer to use, as they are designed to prevent fingers from coming into contact with the blades, unlike conventional graters where there is a risk of injury when working with small food pieces.

— Frother. Frothers are primarily used to create frothy foam, especially when making milkshakes or cappuccino. They can either be stationary, with a container attached to a base that houses a whipping nozzle, or portable, resembling immersion blenders (as described earlier) without a regular container.

— Frother (manual cappuccinatore). A manual frother is a device used for creating a high and fluffy crema, typically for milkshakes and milk-coffee drinks. It consists of a bowl and a special disc whisk designed for this purpose. Unlike electric frothers, manual frothers do not require a power source and are operated by hand.

— Mixer for cocktails. These are variations of the stand mixers discussed earlier, specifically designed for making milkshakes and similar cocktails. The primary function of these devices is to whip foam, usually from milk and dairy products. They typically feature a metal bowl that can safely accommodate crushed ice, and are designed with a high support leg and glass holder for stability.

— Portable blender. A small, low-power blender designed for making single servings of cocktails is available in a compact model. It comes equipped with a built-in battery pack, enabling it to be used in locations where a 220 V power supply is not available. Portable blenders are also equipped with USB or microUSB connectors, making them ideal for travel, hiking, or extended trips.

The volume of the main bowl supplied with the device.

For more information about the main bowl, see "Capacities". And the amount of product that can be loaded into the device at a time directly depends on its volume. On the other hand, a capacious bowl has the appropriate dimensions and cost, and also puts forward increased requirements for engine power. Therefore, you should choose according to this parameter, taking into account real needs. And also you should consider that for stand mixers with a bowl, in most cases, the volume means the total size, and not the useful one. The bowl must be filled less than 2/3 during cooking (here it is already individual and you need to look at the instructions for the product).

The working volume of the grinding bowl, supplied with the device.

For more information about the bowl for grinding, see "Capacities". And the amount of product that can be grinded in the device in one load directly depends on its volume. At the same time, keep in mind that a larger bowl takes up more space, costs more, and also requires a more powerful engine. Therefore, manufacturers usually select this volume taking into account the overall level and performance of the device.

The working volume of the shaker supplied with the device.

For more information about such containers, see "Shaker (travel bowl)". And on the one hand, the actual capacity of the shaker directly depends on the volume, on the other hand, its dimensions, as well as the requirements for engine power. However, in most models, this indicator ranges from 300 to 700 mL, less often up to 1 liter — these values are considered optimal, taking into account the specifics of the use of shakers.

The rated power of the device, in fact, is the power of the engine installed in it.

The higher this indicator, the more performant this model is, the more suitable for “heavy” work and the more applications can be provided in the design. For example, in the case of mixers (see “Appliance type”), a power of up to 250 W is considered good for liquid products; for more solid tasks, like kneading tough dough, you should pay attention to more powerful models. Detailed recommendations on optimal power can be found in special sources.

Note that powerful devices are usually equipped with more durable nozzles that can withstand high loads.

The maximum speed of rotation of the working part of the nozzle, which the device can support. The maximum speed mode is designed for grinding and mixing solids. When the special “Turbo Mode” is activated, the maximum speed is switched on for a short time, which allows the blender/mixer to chop nuts, dried foods and much more. Additionally, the maximum speed is activated in the pulse mode, which is used for crushing ice.

The number of speeds of rotation of the nozzles provided in the mixer / blender.

The presence of several speeds allows you to adjust the operating mode of the device to a particular situation. For example, a liquid omelet can be whipped at high speed, but it is better to choose a slower mode for kneading dough. The more speeds provided in the device, the more versatile it is, the more accurately it can be configured for a specific task. In simple household models, from 3 to 6 settings are usually provided, in the most advanced devices their number can reach two dozen.

A control that allows you to smoothly change the speed of rotation of the mixer nozzles - for more precise adjustment of the speed and setting the optimal mode for different products. With step speed control, a situation may arise when a higher speed value is already too high, and a lower speed is not yet enough. Stepless control avoids such situations.

Models of blenders, the control of which is reduced to one button, and the speed of work depends on the force of pressing. This solution allows you to work with one hand and change the operating modes with the same hand, while the other can fill up the ingredients and not stop the process.

Turbo mode allows you to significantly increase the speed of rotation of the mixer nozzles for a short time. In this way, unevenness in the whipped product can be quickly and efficiently eliminated, which is especially valuable at the end of whipping. However, note that the turbo mode can only be turned on for a short time, otherwise there is a risk of overheating of the motor.

In pulse mode, the mixer motor does not work constantly, but with short pauses. This allows you to increase efficiency and avoid unnecessary load on the motor when processing particularly solid foods, such as frozen fruits or ice.

The ability to adjust the volume and height of the foam “cap” will come in handy for lovers of coffee and milk drinks: cappuccino, latte, macchiato. The quality of the finished drink is determined by the quantity and density of the foam. These parameters are selected individually depending on user taste preferences.

A function found among blenders-soup makers and frothers-cappuccinatores. Heating is used to cook warm food. And for blenders and soup makers it is often combined with maintaining the temperature.

A function that allows you to automatically turn off the device after a specified time. Provides additional convenience: the user does not need to constantly monitor the time, just set the timer and the device will automatically stop working at the right time. This feature is especially true for soup-blenders (see "Type"), although it can also be found in more traditional blenders.

Some models of stand mixers have the bowl that can rotate using a special power. This provides more uniform mixing and speeds up the process.

If there is a drain tap, it will be much more convenient to pour the finished product from the mixer bowl into another capacity, since there is no need to remove and turn the bowl itself over. Most often, countertop blenders have this function. At the same time, do not forget that the drain tap is designed for liquid and relatively homogeneous products.

A device for pumping air out of food packaging; the role of such packaging can be played by trays supplied with the device, or special packages.

Vacuum storage allows for a long time to preserve the taste and smell of many products that would otherwise quickly spoil — in particular, fresh vegetables and fruits. In addition, such packaging is used for "sous-vide" cooking. Note that the vacuum pump in a blender or mixer usually has a rather modest operating characteristics, but for domestic use, even this is usually quite enough.

Automatic cooking programs provided in the design of the device. Classic blenders and soup blenders are mainly equipped with such programs (see "Type").

— Soup. The traditional soup program is designed to cook soups where ingredients must be cut into small pieces rather than mashed or pureed. This program ensures that the ingredients are cooked properly. In a soup blender, it's possible to cook soup without unloading the chopped products, whereas regular blenders only offer chopping capabilities.

— Cream soup. The cream soup program is specifically designed for puree soups where ingredients are thoroughly ground and contain a significant amount of liquid. Unlike mashed potatoes, cream soup has a smooth texture, which is achieved through this program. It's important to note that puree soups can be served both hot and cold, with hot soups requiring a soup blender and cold soups being suitable for regular blenders.

— Puree. The puree program is specifically designed for cooking various purees, particularly fruit and vegetable purees, which are thicker than cream soups and require more power to cook due to the lower liquid content. These dishes can be prepared using either raw or pre-processed ingredients, making them suitable for both soup blenders and regular blenders.

— Steam cooking. The steam cooking program is exclusively available in soup blenders and is designed to cook various products using steam. This meth...od of cooking is considered healthier than classic boiling water since it preserves more nutrients, making it a more advanced and healthier cooking option for certain foods. Steam cooking requires a heater, and therefore, this program is only available in soup blenders.

— Sauces.The sauce cooking program is available in some blenders, and since there are many types of sauces, it's important to specify which types of sauce the program is designed for.

— Milk porridge. The cereal and milk cooking program is exclusively available in soup blenders and is designed for cooking dishes that involve milk. One of the main considerations when cooking with milk is to heat it carefully to prevent burning and spillage, and this program takes that into account.

— Smoothie. The smoothie program is designed to prepare thick drinks made from fruits, vegetables, or berries mixed with juice and other ingredients such as milk or nuts. These drinks are both tasty and healthy, as they are easily digested and retain a high level of nutrients. The consistency of a smoothie is typically similar to juice with pulp or cream soup, but it must be liquid enough to drink through a straw since it is a drink.

— Ice pick. The ice crushing program is specifically designed for breaking down ice into small pieces, but it can be tough on blender blades due to the hardness and density of ice. Therefore, this program often uses a pulsed mode to effectively crush ice without damaging the blender's blades.

— Self-cleaning. This programme is designed for cleaning the blender from food residues and dirt. It is activated by pouring warm soapy water into the device and turning on the programme, which effectively washes out residues from all parts of the bowl. This is a convenient alternative to hand-washing the container in the sink.

In addition to those described above, modern blenders may provide other programs — for example, "baby food" or "warming up".

Types of capacities that the device was originally equipped with.

In addition to the main bowl, the package may include a bowl for chopping, a coffee grinder, a measuring cup and a travel shaker bowl. All of them are described in detail in this list, with the exception of the shaker — see a separate paragraph below about it.

— Main bowl. The main capacity of an appliance is called the general purpose bowl, and its design varies depending on the type of device. It can be a deep bowl for stand mixers, a jug with knives at the bottom for countertop blenders, or a chopper jar with removable knives for hand blenders and choppers. However, not all appliances come with a main bowl, and in some cases, users are expected to choose their own container.

— Bowl for chopping. Capacity with removable knives is an essential component for chopping products. This container is typically referred to as a grinding bowl, and when it's included in a grinder's delivery set, it's considered the main bowl. However, some devices have a grinding bowl as the main bowl, and knives are a necessary part of its structure.

— Grinder (for coffee). The coffee grinder container is specifically designed for grinding coffee, nuts, spices, sugar, and other products. It usually contains knives similar to th...ose in blenders, but is distinguishable from the main blender container due to its much smaller volume.

— Measuring cup. The measuring capacity is a transparent glass with a scale that enables the user to measure specific volumes of liquid and bulk products. The accuracy of the scale may vary, but for regular use, it's typically sufficient.

The number of travel shaker bowls supplied with the appliance.

These bowls are supplied exclusively with blenders of different types (see "Type of device"). A shaker is a capacity, most often in the form of a tall glass, which can be removed from the device, tightly closed and carried with you without fear of pouring the contents. In such capacities, two lids are usually used: a working lid with chopping knives (a bowl with such a lid is placed on the blender with the bottom up), and a “travel” lid, which can be equipped with a valve for easy drinking. Shakers are very popular among smoothie lovers: they allow you to prepare your favorite drink and take it with you without fiddling with pouring from a bowl to another capacity.

— Blending arm. A blending nozzle is a long rod-like attachment with a protective cap at one end, containing a bladed knife. It can be attached to a conventional mixer, essentially turning it into a blender.

— Wide blending arm. A blending nozzle, or blending arm, is a long rod-shaped attachment with a protective cap at one end, housing a bladed knife. The wider width of the blending arm allows for faster blending and easier processing of larger quantities of food products.

— Beaters for whisking. Whisking nozzles for liquids such as cream, eggs, and batter, are commonly found in modern mixers as a standard attachment.

— Kneading hook. Special nozzles in the form of thick wire spirals, designed for kneading thick dough.

— Knife for chopper. A cutting-type attachment with blade knives attached to the bottom of a cylindrical shaft and turned at a 180-degree angle to each other. It is used for grinding ingredients of different hardness in the blender jar. The cutting elements of such knives can have both straight and serrated blades.

— An ice pick. An ice pick is a specialized tool for crushing ice, nuts, and frozen fruits/berries. Its serrated blades make it easier to break the solid structure of ice without dulling the blades. I...t is commonly used with powerful blenders that come with a glass or metal chopper bowl. Although not all blenders include an ice pick, it can be purchased separately along with a heavy-duty chopper bowl main function crushing ice and other hard ingredients.

— Knife for kneading dough. The kneading knife is ideal for making yeast dough with a less dense structure in small quantities. It can also be used for mixing and whipping creams. Typically, this type of knife is made from durable plastic that pulls the mass rather than cutting it like steel. For larger volumes of dough, it is recommended to use a specialized hook attachment instead.

— Disc for shredding/slicing. A slicing disk is a circular attachment with slots that function as blades when rotated. This feature enables it to rapidly and uniformly slice fruits and vegetables into thin pieces, making it particularly useful for processing large quantities of food.

— For dicing. This attachment is designed to cut fruits and vegetables into small, uniform cubes. It is particularly useful for preparing salads and traditional soups.

— For puree. This is a plastic attachment typically used for creating smooth purees and thick blends from fruits and vegetables.

The presence of a sieve in the delivery set of the device.

— Pulp sieve. Typically found in conventional blenders, this device is a vertical tube with fine mesh walls that fits into the bowl and sits atop the blade. Its primary function is to separate pulp from fruit and vegetable juices: produce is placed inside the tube, the blade crushes it, and the juice is filtered through the mesh into the bowl while the pulp remains inside the tube.

— Cappuccinatore (frother). This device is specifically designed for creating milk foam and is used only with specific appliances (refer to "Device type - Foamer"). It typically consists of a bowl with a foaming mechanism at the bottom, rather than a nozzle, and is often not detachable.

Other types of nozzles, in addition to those described above, can be supplied in the kit.

The presence of a pusher in a countertop blender. Such an accessory allows for more thorough mixing through the top opening in the flask for refilling the ingredients by pushing the processed mass closer to the knives. Also, the pusher will allow you to get rid of non-ground pieces adhering to the walls of the flask. In some models, it is made as a spatula, which is designed specifically for mixing.

Regular way to power the device.

— Mains. The device is designed to be plugged into a standard 230 V outlet, which is commonly available in most modern kitchens. It can accommodate models with various power requirements, and the duration of use is only restricted by the device's heat tolerance. Although the power cord may restrict mobility and potentially cause inconvenience in certain situations, these factors are generally not considered significant issues. It is worth noting that the majority of contemporary mixers, blenders, and other similar devices operate on mains power.

— Battery. This type of equipment operates using a built-in rechargeable battery and provides the advantage of mobility without requiring an electrical outlet. However, it tends to be more expensive, heavier, and less powerful than its corded counterparts. Its operation time is limited by the battery charge, and it needs to be recharged after a certain period of use. Therefore, rechargeable models are produced in smaller quantities and are only recommended if mobility is an essential factor.

— Batteries. This type of device is powered by replaceable standard-sized batteries such as AA. It offers even more independence from power outlets as dead batteries can be quickly replaced with fresh ones. However, the need to purchase separate batteries can be expensive and not suitable for more powerful motors. This option is rare and mainly fou...nd in low-power devices such as frothers (see "Type").

The blending arm consists of a tube with a bladed knife located at one end. Specified for immersion blenders(see “Device type”) and other devices equipped with the appropriate attachment (see “Attachments”). Usually there are such options:

— Plastic. Plastic is a popular material for blending arms because it is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture in various colors and even transparency. It is susceptible to scratches and less strong than metal, but this is not critical as blending arms are not subject to significant stress. Overall, plastic is a convenient and widely used material.

— Metal. Metal blending arms are strong and scratch-resistant, giving them a solid appearance. However, they are heavier and more expensive than plastic ones, making them more commonly used in premium blender models where design is as important as functionality.

The substance that the jar of the countertop blender is made of (refer to "Device type"), or the material of the blender attachment (refer to "Nozzles"). The most widely used materials are:

— Plastic. Plastic is a popular choice for blender jars due to its low cost, lightweight, and sufficient strength for kitchen use. Its transparency allows for easy monitoring of the product being blended. However, plastic is prone to scratching, which can cloud the bowl and reduce the device's appearance. Scratches can occur from everyday use or rough cleaning with abrasive products.

— Glass. Glass blender jars are transparent and allow for easy monitoring of the contents. They are more resistant to scratches than plastic and do not lose transparency during use. Cleaning them harshly does not affect their transparency, and any cloudiness can be easily removed. However, glass is heavier, more expensive than plastic, and is more sensitive to impacts. A glass blender jar can break from a fall that plastic could withstand.

— Metal. Metal blender jars are durable and stylish, often surviving falls without damage. However, they are less convenient than plastic because their opaque walls make it difficult to observe the blending process. Metal is also more expensive than plastic, making it less commonly used, mainly in high-end devices.

The presence of a display in the design of the device allows you to better and more comfortably operate the settings. It is almost always in models with electronic programs by default. However, it is also supported in simpler devices, giving additional convenience in work.

The ability to control the device using a smartphone (or other gadget, such as a tablet) with a special application installed on it. In fact, this feature allows you to use your smartphone as a remote control. However, the main convenience is not even in this, but in the fact that the control application provides various additional features. For example, it can provide cooking according to automatic programs, creating your own programs, record-keeping of products and calories, etc. In addition, the blender itself can send various messages to your smartphone, for example, about the end of the programme or about a problem.

The connection to a smartphone is usually via Bluetooth. Such a connection has a range of about 10 m in perfect conditions and about 5 – 7 m through walls. This, usually, is quite enough, especially since the blender does not often have to be controlled from another room.

Hook or loop device for hanging the appliance on the wall. In some cases, storing the appliance in this way is more convenient than in a box or kitchen cupboard. Hanging hooks are mainly used for smaller hand blenders.

The presence of a separate section in the body for storing removable nozzles. Such mixers are convenient in storage, due to they are less bulky, take up less space, and the risk of losing any nozzle is reduced.

A special section in the body of the device for storing the power cord. Often such sections are also equipped with devices for uniform winding of the wire — these devices prevent its bending and possible fractures. The cord section is especially useful if the mixer is used relatively rarely and is left idle for a long time outside the kitchen.

The weight in this section can be confusing, since manufacturers do not indicate the mass of the main working tools of the equipment. Accordingly, the greater the number of accessories in the kit, the greater the total weight and this parameter will be necessary only at the time of purchase in order to understand how many extra kilograms you will have to carry home.