Mixer Vs Blender: Which one to choose? The confusion is too familiar to ignore, isn’t it? Well, most housewives suffer through this dilemma oftentimes before purchasing any of the two appliances. There are times when both the Mixer and Blender sound ‘interchangeable.’ But a closer look will reveal that both the appliances are quite different from one another and have very specific applications. However, it is not uncommon that most people tend to simply overlook the ‘uniqueness’ or the ‘purpose’ of a certain kitchen appliance, hence end up disappointed. After all, it is a downer if you thought that a certain gadget or electronic appliance was able to perform in a certain way, only to end up with a product that cost a bomb and not the ‘magic wand’ you expected to be. Likewise, the Mixer and the Blender sound the same, except they are not. We at ATB are here to help you understand the main difference between the two and what makes each of them unique.
One thing is for sure. When it comes to being ‘handy,’ the blender wins the blender vs mixer battle. Just as it sounds, the blender is an electronic kitchen appliance that is used to blend liquids in solids for a finer consistency in food preparation. Also, the blenders are known to be powerful tools for crushing, churning, and converting solids into liquids. Not many users are aware of this, but did you know that you could also use the blender to crush ice. The other more common uses of the bender are:
- Chopping
- Crushing
- Pureeing
- Liquefying
Blenders, in my opinion, are one of the handiest appliances one can have in the kitchen. For example, if you crave a nice smoothie at the moment, you can simply get hold of your blender and whip up the required ingredients into a delicious smoothie. This is also because the appliance is capable of easily crushing the fruits and the ice for the preparation. Not just this, but it also blends all the solids into the liquid base with ease and efficiency to provide you with a delicious-looking and tasting smoothie in no time. But, while you are on a blending spree, there are times when you might want to reconsider the fact that not all food is suitable to be worked upon by a blender.
So, Is the blender and mixer the same? Well, now we know they certainly are not. The blender was invented in the year 1922 by Stephen Poplawski, and this native blender design was a simple arrangement of motor and blades situated within a container. Now we have more than one design option for the blenders, like the Immersion Blender, that is easy to use and carry about.
Hand mixer vs Blender: The Advantages of the Blender
The advantages of the blender are as follows:
- It’s perfect for blending liquids.
- Is compact.
- Can be easily travelled along with.
- Can also be used to ‘drink-from’ once your smoothie/drink is prepared.
- Are on a budget, most times.
- These also include more than one attachment for multiple usages.
The Disadvantages of the Blender
Has limited functions.
- Is noisy.
- Is not strong enough for churning tough ingredients.
- The food ingredient can be splattered about.
The Mixer
What is the difference between blender and mixer? Well, plenty. To start with, there are two types of Mixers available in the market. The Hand Held Mixer and the Stand Mixer.
The Hand Held Mixer: This is much like the fancy tool you might have caught the Chefs on TV when baking. These are hand-held appliances that can be placed on top and within the ingredient in a bowl of considerable size. The hand blender also comprises speed settings for the user to be able to select accordingly. The pros of this mixer type are that the user has the freedom to move the blades about accordingly.
The stand Mixer: as the name suggests, the Stand Mixer is used for mixing-in various ingredients within an enclosed container. This setup comprises a blade that is powered by a motor, and the container is covered with an air-tight lid. The base motor comprises speed settings and the main switch that allows the user to be able to make the required adjustments according to the preparation at hand.
One of the main differences between blender and mixer is that one can easily blend or mix solid ingredients in the latter as well. This makes the mixer one of the most preferred kitchen appliances of all time. This electronic appliance is used for various preparations across the globe, hence bringing home various flavours.
The Advantages of a Mixer
- This appliance is versatile. The mixer can be used for mixing various ingredients and food products. This includes both solids and liquids.
- Is quick. There is no question about the fact that the mixer is a ‘quickie’ when it comes to food preparations.
- Most Mixers are designed to withstand grinding and churning tough ingredients; hence these are the stronger of the lot.
- One of the best aspects of the mixer is that it is mess-free. No more splattering of the food products all over the place, as the entire process takes place well within the container.
The Disadvantages of a Mixer
- These can be tricky to clean, mainly because of the food ingredient stuck in between the blades that are hard to reach when cleaning.
- The Mixers are generally more expensive as compared to the blender; hence they need a certain degree of a splurge when purchasing.
- These are generally large, bulky, and heavy to be moved about.
Food Processor Vs Blender-FAQs
No, the blender can be used only for limited ingredient types and can end up ruined if used on some specific food products like Solids.
No, the mixer is far more versatile in use as compared to the blender.
Yes, A blender is one of the most preferred appliances when it comes to cake preparations.
Mixer Vs Blender: The Conclusion- Which one is better?
So, there you have it, folks, all that you need to know about the hand mixer vs hand blender comparison. Hopefully, it is a lot clearer as to which product is specific for what purpose. While both are useful in their ways, it is necessary to be able to utilize the right appliance for the specified function to make the most out of the product. Now, it is time to get blending, mixing, and churning all your favourite ingredients to make that perfect recipe you have been eyeing upon.