Which is better: blender or mixer?

Modern housewives are accustomed to comfortable working conditions in the kitchen. Manufacturers offer many technical assistants that help save time and effort when preparing dishes.

Now you don't need to beat or mix the ingredients with a spoon. Long and painstaking work. There is a blender or mixer for this. But many people get confused when buying devices. Which technique is better? What are their differences? How not to make a mistake with the choice? Let's figure it out.

Blender or mixer?

Before purchasing, decide what exactly you want. For what purposes - whipping, mixing, grinding. Or maybe all at once. Look at what types of technology there are.

Stores are filled with new products from different manufacturers. With many operations and attachments. Consult with the seller. Pay attention to power.

If you are going to use the device only for baking, whipping creams or dough, then you can buy a mixer. For wider applications, it is better to choose a blender. It is capable of not only whipping, but also grinding products.

The main differences between a blender and a mixer

Many people think that a mixer and a blender are the same thing. This is wrong. There is one common function - mixing ingredients. It’s clear from their appearance that these are completely different devices.The differences lie in the functions of the devices.

Mixer:

• beats;
• mixes products;
• Can only handle soft and liquid ingredients.

Blender:

• mixes;
• grinds;
• beats;
• works with soft and liquid products;
• works with solid ingredients.

It is impossible to knead the dough for pancakes using a blender. Also, you won’t be able to make mashed potatoes with a mixer, or crush ice or nuts.

Blender has more features. It comes with several attachments. The mixer's attachments also change. But, for softer products.

More detailed article about the differences between a mixer and a blender.

Blender

The device was invented by Polish technologist Stephen Poplawski. The electric device is designed for quick and high-quality mixing of solid components. Consists of a cup and a lid with a whisk. On a special stand with an electric motor.

Products are placed into the container. It closes with a lid and is activated by a special power button. Grinds the contents into small particles. Thanks to the high rotation speed, the knives are able to cut hard objects: vegetables, nuts, ice.

INattention! The knives are very sharp. They are made of steel. Installed in the form of a propeller. Be careful when working.

Kinds

By type they are divided into two categories: submersible and with a container.

• Apparatus with a bowl. More convenient technology. The liquid is poured inside and mixed. Hard objects are cut with a knife. Models for home use are cheaper than professional ones.
• Immersion blender. More modern look. Designed for mixing small quantities of products. The cost is not inferior to devices with bowls.

Advantages

Capable of performing multiple operations.It is universal in use. Replace the mixer if necessary.

The device has high power. Therefore, the work happens quickly. Saves time. A blender with a bowl is easy to use. The liquid does not splash around. Plastic and glass bowls are easy to clean.

Flaws

The knives are too sharp. You might get hurt. Small details are often lost. But, it depends on the hostess. If you are careful while working, you will not get hurt. Timely removal of kitchen helper elements will save you from searching for them.

Mixer

The mixer was invented for quick whipping. Back in the mid-19th century, wire elements were invented to beat eggs. Modern units consist of a plastic housing with a built-in motor. Powered by electricity.

Replaceable beaters are inserted inside. There are several of them included - for eggs, dough. The whisks are immersed in the bowl and rotate in different directions. Due to this, air enters the liquid. Saturates it and turns it into a lush mass.

Kinds

There are manual and stationary devices.

• Hand mixers. There is a convenient handle on the body. The whipping process is easy to control. These mixers are usually small in size. Designed for home use. Inexpensive in price.
• Stationary devices. Large in size. For professional use. More expensive in cost. The set includes a bowl and stand. The container rotates and the products are processed evenly.

Advantages

The mixer will turn any cream into a beautiful, fluffy mass. Due to the absence of knives, the device does not pose any danger. The vitamin properties of vegetables and fruits are not lost during the cooking process.

If you use a stationary device, you don’t have to control its operation, but do something else. It will handle itself and switch off at the right time.

Flaws

The main disadvantage of the mixer is the small number of functions. It is only suitable for whipping and mixing soft ingredients.

In some models, the beaters are made of thin steel wire. They bend and quickly fail. When whipping by hand, the inconvenience is that you need to hold the mixer for several minutes. It is impossible to interrupt the process or move away. Otherwise, the cream simply won’t work.

What dishes can be prepared using this or that appliance?

Important! When purchasing kitchen appliances, decide on the issue of cooking. Then it will be easier to understand what to buy.

Baking lovers will often need a mixer. You can use it to knead batter for pancakes and muffins. Whip the cream onto the cake. Juices, cocktails, fruit drinks are easy to make in the unit’s container. Also various sauces and mayonnaise.

If you have small children, it is better to buy a blender. Mothers often prepare vegetable and fruit purees, thick soups, and yoghurts. It's easy to chop the ingredients into a salad. The cubes turn out smooth and beautiful to look at.

Manufacturers include illustrated brochures with recipes in the packaging of the equipment. For housewives, this is another assistant in cooking.

Conclusion

Mixer and blender differ in functions and types. Mixer - mixes, blender - grinds. Your choice depends on what kind of dishes you are going to cook. Of course, it is better to have both devices in the kitchen. Not everyone can afford it. Therefore, weigh all the pros and cons of the technology in advance.

It is important to understand the purpose of the devices. Analyze your preferences and it will be easy to decide.