Food mixers

If you're considering buying a benchtop mixer, here are the features to look for.

• Bowl lock: Gives extra stability during mixing.
• Easy release or eject button: Lets you keep your hands clean when you’re removing the beaters.
• Spring-loaded tilt-head lock: Makes it easier to lift the mixer head.
• A range of speed settings: Allows different speeds for different functions: slow for kneading and folding; light mixing for puddings and muffins; beating or creaming for butter and sugar or heavy batters; whipping and aerating for cream and egg whites.
• Splashguard: Prevents ingredients from splashing out of the bowl – and it’s handy for “containing” flour (which has a tendency to make a cloud of dust when added). The splashguard’s chute also makes it easy to add ingredients without having to stop the machine and lift the motor head.
• Stainless-steel bowl: More durable than a glass bowl. It should last the life of the mixer.
• Single dough-hook: Performs better than twin dough-hooks.
• Whisk attachment: Useful for making foamy whipped mixtures or for beating egg whites.
• Paddle or “K” beater: Good for mixing cake batter and biscuit dough.
• Paddle scraper-beater: This is a paddle or "K" beater with a rubber edge around the rim of the beater. It makes sure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
• Timer: Useful when recipes specify a length of time for mixing ingredients.

If you're choosing a new hand mixer, here's what to consider.

• Weight: A mixer that’s reasonably lightweight means your arm doesn’t get tired while mixing.
• Handle: A comfortably shaped handle with a non-slip grip will make the mixer easier to hold. The on/off switch should be easily accessible.
• Non-slip base: A non-slip rubber area on the end of the mixer stops it from sliding on the bench when in standing position.
• Electronic controls: These mean the mixer can’t be left switched on and so won’t start operating if plugged in.
• A swivelling or rotating cord: This makes the mixer easier to manoeuvre.
• Attachments: These need to be a decent length (short beaters limit the size of bowl you can use).
• Pulse option: Pulsing gives a short burst of power that can help remove excess mixture from the beaters.
• Boost or turbo option: This gives an extra level of power when you need high-speed mixing.
• Speeds: Look for at least 5 speeds that are noticeably different.

Tip: Choose a mixer by doing your own “testing”: check how comfortable it is to hold and whether the controls are easy to use.