The structure of a blender and a mixer
It is obvious that these types of equipment differ in their device, although the difference is more a visual one, rather than in terms of operation. The mixer is a mechanism with a handle and switches of modes inside which the motor is placed. Working elements, which are whiskers and hooks are inserted directly into the body and due to a special mechanism begin to rotate. Mixers are divided into manual mixers, which need to be held by hand, and stationary. In the latter case with a mixer, there is a special stand that holds the device. This is also where the bowl, which rotates in the process, is located. Regardless of the type, the motor is always located exactly in the mixer, but not in the stand.
What is the difference between a blender and a mixer? In essence, the blender is a handle with a motor. On it you can put an attachment, which is usually called a blender. It ends with a knife with two or three blades, depending on the manufacturer, they are arranged in different planes, which ensures better mixing of products. Do not be confused. the blender does not chop products, it just mixes them. This, by the way, is the answer to the question of what the difference between a mixer and a blender is. The former have the main task. to whip, the latter. to blend. Regarding the blender, it is necessary to make a clarification. it also knows how to chop, but for this, the kit must include a chopper. It looks like a bowl with a knife. In this case, a motor mechanism is attached to the nozzle and sets the knife in motion. Another point. the third attachment in the kit is a whisk and it also whips. Many customers after these lines may ask the question. what is the difference between these devices, if the blender, as well as a mixer whips. The thing is that the blender also has a whipping function, but unlike the mixer, it is designed for low-density substances: light cream, meringue, eggs To knead dough, as in a mixer with a blender is not possible.
Above mentioned that the mixer can be stationary or handheld. Blenders have a division into immersion models and stationary. The first are described above. The latter differ in that the motor mechanism is hidden inside the body, which also serves as a stand. There are control mechanisms on it, namely the power button, speed switches and modes. pulse, turbo and so on. On top of this construction is placed a bowl with blades. These models have only one task. to mix products. With a stationary blender, you can make smoothies, soup purées, smoothies and similar dishes. They are not designed for chopping or whipping products. This point should also be taken into account.
So, the difference between a blender and a mixer is in the main function, namely the blender blends, the mixer whips. Both devices can replace each other to some extent. To understand whether you can use the mixer instead of a blender, you need to answer the question. cooking what exactly will be carried out. The blender can be used instead of the blender if it is equipped with special attachments, namely a blender (in which case the devices work similarly) and a chopper. If you have these attachments, the mixer will replace the blender. But it doesn’t work the other way around. Almost any blender has a whisk, but none of them has this whisk is not designed for dough or dense substances. So if there is a question. what is better for dough mixer.
Constructional differences
First of all, the difference between the blender and the chopper is in the way of slicing food. It does it much thinner and neater, using thinner slicing. It becomes indispensable in those cases where you need to quickly make a puree. For example, to prepare a child’s breakfast in the morning from various fruits.
The chopper can also chop food quite finely, but it can not make a puree. It is very convenient to use it in order to cut various vegetables and fruits for salads or other dishes. It saves a lot of time for housewives.
In addition, the differences between the blender and chopper are in their design features. In the first case, the knife and motor are at the bottom, while in the second case. at the top. Both bowls can be made of plastic or glass.
Before you buy something from the kitchen equipment, you need to pay attention to important technical characteristics. First of all, this refers to the power. The higher it is, the faster and better products will be chopped. Powerful blenders and choppers can easily cope with a variety of soft and hard products. These models usually cost a bit more. But if you want to have a really high-quality equipment at home, it is worth it.
In addition, you need to pay attention to the number of speeds. They depend directly on the power of the device. The simplest models usually have 1 to 3 speeds. But the more powerful the product, the more potential it has. Therefore, you should choose equipment that has as many speeds as possible.
Some modern models have additional options that can adjust the desired speed and tempo of the kitchen appliance. These include:
- Turbo mode. The appliance works at the maximum allowable speed. Helps to quickly switch from minimum to maximum speed.
- Impulse. The equipment works in pauses, lasting only a few seconds. Will help to grind solid foods with high quality.
- Adjusting the speed. This option adjusts the operation of the blade to your needs. The speed is not changed in steps, but very gently.
These parameters will help to determine what functions a blender or chopper should have, so that it can become a real and faithful assistant for every housewife.
I have described in previous articles what a blender can be used for. But once again, describing what the difference in cooking.
In the article about the blender, I described by what criteria you can choose it and how it is basically different from the stationary type of blender.
Therefore, let’s briefly touch on the topic of the immersion blender in comparison.
Let’s make it clear: mixers are designed for mixing and kneading, and blenders, in turn. for chopping, mixing, stirring, making cocktails, and if you also take into account the additional attachments, then the blender can be worshiped as a multitasking machine in the kitchen. But still, I think I’ll show more comparisons between them in terms of use.
The blender has a cup as standard equipment, so you can not buy it, but the mixer does not have it as standard. But here are the options of mixers with a bowl included, and, moreover, there are even options with a twisting bowl. But the blender doesn’t have one.
The blender has one speed, two speeds and a choice of speeds up to twenty. The mixer has a minimum of two to a maximum of sixteen and that’s the bulky models, which are called planetary mixers.
Motor power in a mixer from 65 W to 700 W, and planetary mixers. from 600 W to 1000 W. And blenders from 200 watts to 1200 watts.
A mixer has two spinning attachments for whipping and two attachments for blending. A blender has one attachment, do not take now the Philips model with a whisk attachment, which has two whiskers.
- to make mincemeat, that is to grind meat;
- For chopping vegetables or fruits;
- for making smoothies;
- for crushing ice;
- for chopping solid foods, as well as better grind nuts;
- for cutting vegetables, shredding,
- to create cubes in a salad;
- for making mayonnaise;
- for whipping liquids;
- for making mashed potatoes;
- For mixing something in a bowl, whatever the size.
And do it quickly and effortlessly, because your device has enough power. Especially when it comes to chopping meat or chopping vegetables. The only thing that a blender with multiple attachments will take up a lot of space at home, but it’s worth it.
And now let’s break down what you can cook with a mixer, in fact, why it is needed at all in the kitchen. You need it if you don’t want to use those functions which are in a blender but you just want to whip something, puree it, or knead dough which a blender is not able to do. You can, of course, also knead dough by hand. But there is a blender. That is, in its essence, the mixer is very different from the blender.
How to choose
When deciding in favor of a mixer or blender, complete with a whisk, keep in mind the purpose and volume for which you purchase these devices.
If you still decide that a blender with a whisk is the right device to replace your mixer, keep a few things in mind.
- When buying, pay attention to its power. A blender with insufficient capacity won’t handle viscous products. At best it will get stuck, at worst it will burn out.
- The sturdiness of the whisk attachment is an important factor. How well the whisk is made depends on how well it whips up the products and how long you will use it for.
- Speed control is another important factor. If it can not be adjusted or the speed range is small, the following problem will arise: in a thick mass whisk will bind, liquid. splash. Ideal if the speeds are continuously adjustable. The turbo mode can also help you find the ideal whipping speed.
Choose whichever device feels right for you. Don’t be influenced by commercials, but use common sense in your choice. Think hard and estimate why you need this or that machine, which functions are unnecessary and which are necessary.
Food processor vs Blender vs Mixer
Decide what you are taking your helper into the kitchen for: making smoothies, dough, cakes, or chopping vegetables into mashed potatoes and whipping baby soups and soufflés. Then you won’t make a mistake with your choice and the mixer or blender equipped with a whisk will give you the joy of creating culinary masterpieces.
What is the difference between a mixer and a blender and which is better?
At first sight a blender and a mixer are almost nothing alike each other. Very often when choosing a suitable type of this small household appliances for the house, people are lost, trying to answer the question, what is better a blender or a blender, and what are their main differences. In fact, the answer is obvious, because these devices have absolutely different purposes, and the best in this case is the one which help will be mostly required when cooking favorite dishes in the kitchen.
What you need to know about mixers
A blender or a mixer is better for your home? First, let’s get acquainted with the nuances and characteristics of the mixer, to understand what it is. It is a machine for the kitchen, which is designed for the process of whipping certain components. Accessories perfectly whip cream or eggs, actively stir everything you need for an omelet, a pleasant consistency of cream. Come in several types: stationary, immersion.
In a set of the first type has a bowl, the products are placed in it and the whiskers are lowered. At the push of a button, the device whips up all the ingredients. Immersion model is important not to let go of the hands, in some devices, you have to press the button for effective work. It whips, mixes exclusively non-solid products. When it is necessary to get a cocktail from fresh milk, then this device will perfectly whip it into a foam. But pieces of fruit and vegetables can not be chopped.
Handheld or immersion blender is more convenient, compact than a stationary blender. The price depends on the brand, the number of nozzles, power, body material. Stationary type is difficult to clean, but there are models with the option of self-cleaning.
What is the difference between a blender and a mixer
At first glance, a blender and a mixer are almost indistinguishable. But if you look closely at their functions, you can immediately see the difference. Yes, they have one function in common for the mixer and blender. both devices are able to mix products. That’s where the similarities end.
Now it is clear that the blender will not be able to facilitate the operation of whipping dough. In the same way, a blender is not capable of pureeing nuts or making nutcrackers.
Both devices, as a rule, have a set of interchangeable attachments. This allows for some variety in the functions of the devices. But they cannot replace each other.
Design features
Both blenders and mixers have unique design features that can directly affect your choice.
It is primarily used to make delicious smoothies, smoothies, juices, mix and chop different foods, whip foam and dough.
The blender is suitable for families with small children because of its grinding qualities. If your child can’t chew large chunks of meat or fruit on their own, a hand held immersion blender will quickly turn your food into a smooth mass. One could say that this is the most versatile device.
Both blenders and mixers are divided into two types: immersion and stationary. Let’s look at each option.
Immersion blender
An immersion blender/mixer is designed for handheld use and is a handle-shaped electrical appliance with built-in non-knives and many accessories, such as blender whisk or thicker/thinner attachments with blades.
Usually in immersion blenders there are only two types of settings you can choose the operating speed and the pulse mode. The number of speeds and modes depends on the quality and price of the device. For example, a popular hand blender Bosch MSM67190 offers a choice of 12 speeds, but cheaper Chinese models may not have more than four speeds.
Blender blades and nozzles are made of stainless steel in most cases. They are a kind of guarantee that they will last for a long time.
Blenders can be made of plastic (light and cheap, but less durable material) or metal (heavier, but resistant to damage). You can also easily find both corded and wireless devices on the market if needed.
The advantages of immersion blenders:
- Blades are easy to clean and wash
- Easy and convenient to use
- Versatility (includes chopping, mixing and even whipping, since you can even connect a mixer whisk)
- Precision in use (you control the direction of the blender jets yourself)
- Low energy consumption
- affordable than stationary models
- They don’t take up much space
- Can be stored in different types of containers
- Can work without wires
- Extensive range of models available on the market
- Relatively quiet operation for this type of equipment
Disadvantages of immersion blenders:
- Lack of autonomous operation (blender must be constantly kept in hand, which eventually tires you out)
- Mixed product can splash to the sides if you do not use special type containers
- Less safety, compared to stationary models (open blades)
- Performance is not top-notch (immersion blenders often overheat)
Stationary blender
A stationary blender is a container with pre-installed knives on the bottom, which are located on a stationary base. Inside the container put a variety of products, which at the touch of a button is crushed to a mashed state.
Since the knives are already built into the bowl, it is not possible to replace them with alternative attachments, as in the case of immersion models. It is a more efficient tool that does not require personal involvement from the user, but is also more expensive and demanding.
Stationary blenders offer self-contained operation and more precise blending. However, they are clumsy and only operate from the mains, and are also rather noisy in operation.
You can find models on the market including those with a base and a roomy bowl. This kind of stationary blender will save you a lot of time and effort.
For those who often make home baked goods (pancakes, omelets, etc.). п.), a stationary device is also a good choice, thanks to the many speeds you can choose from. Activities such as kneading dough or whipping cream, which are usually characterized by numerous splashes and contamination of the kitchen, in the case of a stationary blender with a bowl, is completely free of this.
The advantages of stationary blenders:
- Can work autonomously;
- Higher power
- Autonomous operation
- Higher efficiency compared to immersion models
- Easy to use (put it down and press a button)
- It is very safe because you don’t need to touch the blades with your hands
- No splashing of ingredients
- Significant time savings
- High shredding efficiency
- Effective shredding even products of high hardness
Disadvantages of stationary blenders:
- Take up more space in the kitchen
- Work only from the mains
- In some cases, limited functionality
- They are quite noisy
Mixer
Mixers, just like blenders, are divided into immersion and stationary models, and have similar advantages and disadvantages. Like immersion blenders, immersion blenders can use a variety of attachments. They usually have a non-slip handle for easy maneuvering, and some, more expensive models also have electronic controls.
Unlike blenders, the main task of the mixer is not chopping, but mixing and whipping products. Mixers are used to turn many ingredients into a homogeneous mass, which is very useful for creating various mixtures: doughs, creams, sauces, mousses and purees. Cleaning the mixer is very simple: just take out the individual parts and clean them separately under running water. Some parts can even be washed in the dishwasher.
In general, immersion mixer models are not much different from immersion blender models, despite the fact that both can be used as a substitute for each other. But only for a short time, because immersion blenders, if you run them for a long time, will overheat, while mixers are able to run for a longer time.
What to use the mixer for?
It is important to note that the difference between the mixer and the blender is that the former ensures the mixing of products with the help of whiskers, consisting of strong metal.
The kitchen appliance is used for whipping eggs, cream, cream and cocktails because its rapidly rotating whisk gives an airy texture to liquid ingredients.
- Manual model. it should be lowered into the future dough or cream, holding the handle on the body, and, by slightly changing the position of the hand, whip or mix well.
- And the stationary model, which, in turn, is equipped with a control panel on the body and a large removable bowl for whipping a lot of products. Usually has two kinds of attachments: a whisk and a spatula, necessary for mixing dense dough. The convenience lies in the fact that this model frees up your hands, allowing you to take on other work.
