How to Choose the Best Stand Mixer for Your Homesteading Adventures
How to Choose the Best Stand Mixer for Your Homesteading Adventures
If you're a homesteader, or aspire to be one, you know that baking your own bread, cakes, pies, and other goodies is not only satisfying, but also healthier and more economical than buying them from the store. But kneading dough by hand can be tiring and time-consuming, and not everyone has the skill or patience to do it well, that’s me. That's where a stand mixer comes in handy. A stand mixer is a powerful appliance that can mix, whip, knead, and even shred ingredients with ease, saving you time and energy in the kitchen. But with so many models and features to choose from, how do you find the best stand mixer for your homesteading needs? Here are some tips to help you make the right decision.
Consider the size and power of the stand mixer. Stand mixers come in different sizes and capacities, ranging from 3.5 quarts to 7 quarts. The size of the bowl determines how much dough or batter you can make at once, so think about how often and how much you bake. If you only bake occasionally or in small batches, a mini stand mixer might be enough for you. But if you bake frequently or in large quantities, you'll need a bigger and more powerful stand mixer that can handle heavy-duty tasks. For example, the KitchenAid 7 Quart Bowl Lift Stand Mixer1 and the Ankarsrum Original 7 Liter Stand Mixer2 are both large-capacity and high-performance mixers that can knead up to 14 cups of flour or whip up to 16 egg whites at a time. They are also durable and sturdy, which is important for homesteaders who want their appliances to last.
Look for versatility and ease of use. A stand mixer is not just a dough maker. It can also do a lot of other things, depending on the attachments and accessories that come with it or are available for purchase separately. Some stand mixers have attachments that can slice, shred, grind, juice, spiralize, and even make pasta, ice cream, and sausage (I need this in my life😉). These can help you make the most of your homegrown produce and meat and expand your culinary repertoire. For example, the Breville Bakery Chef Stand Mixer3 comes with a glass bowl and a stainless steel bowl, a scraper beater that eliminates the need for a spatula, a timer that automatically stops the mixing, and a light that illuminates the bowl. It also has a range of optional attachments, such as a food processor, a blender, and a citrus press. Another factor to consider is how easy the stand mixer is to operate and clean. Look for features such as a tilt-head or a bowl-lift design, a splash guard or a pouring shield, a locking mechanism, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Compare the prices and warranties. Stand mixers are not cheap, but they are an investment that can pay off in the long run. The prices of stand mixers vary depending on the brand, model, size, power, and features. You can find some decent stand mixers for under $100, such as the Farberware 6 Speed 4.7-Quart Professional Stand Mixer4, which has a powerful motor, six speed settings, and a tilt-head design. But if you want a more reliable and durable stand mixer, you might have to spend more. The KitchenAid Artisan Mixer5, which is one of the most popular and versatile stand mixers on the market, costs around $400. And if you want a professional-grade stand mixer, you might have to splurge over $1,000, such as the Wolf Gourmet 7-Quart Stand Mixer, which has a robust motor, a variable speed control, and a sleek design. Of course, you should also check the warranty of the stand mixer, which can range from one year to a lifetime, depending on the manufacturer and the model. A longer warranty can give you more peace of mind and save you money on repairs or replacements.
Read the reviews and test the mixers. Before you buy a stand mixer, it's always a good idea to read the reviews from other users and experts. You can find a lot of helpful information and feedback on the internet, such as on Amazon, Consumer Reports, America's Test Kitchen, and Popular Mechanics. You can also watch videos of the stand mixers in action, such as on YouTube, to get a better sense of how they work and how they sound. And if possible, try to test the stand mixers yourself at a local store or a friend's house. You can see how they fit on your counter, how they feel in your hands, and how they perform with different ingredients and recipes. Nothing beats a hands-on experience when it comes to choosing the best stand mixer for your homesteading adventures.
I hope this blog post was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family who might also be interested in stand mixers. Happy baking! 🍰
Source(s)
1. The Best Stand Mixers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed - Insider
2. The Best Stand Mixers of 2023 | America's Test Kitchen
3. The 8 Best Stand Mixers for Baking Like a Pro - Popular Mechanics
4. Best stand mixer 2023: tested by expert bakers | Homes & Gardens
5. Best stand mixers 2023 – top food mixers on test | BBC Good Food