Kitchen decisions: Do you need a stand mixer?

Stand mixers are a favourite topic of many of the writers here at the Best Buy Blog. It’s not hard to see why. They’re a long-lasting, incredibly versatile small appliance that can be used with tons of different attachments. Keep reading to find out if you need a stand mixer in your home kitchen.

The first thing you should know about stand mixers is that, yes, they can take up a lot of space on your countertop—and they’re heavy! But with just a few different attachments, they can multitask as a lot of different appliances. To save on counter space, some home chefs opt for a smaller sized mixer. Others will have a stand mixer lift installed, which makes it easy to raise and lower your stand mixer into a cupboard to counter height.

Personally, I think stand mixers are a no-brainer. The question isn’t if you need a stand mixer, but rather which tasks you need it for!

What is a stand mixer?

A stand mixer is a heavy-duty small appliance that sits on your countertop. Stand mixers have powerful motors and removable bowls, and may have interchangeable attachments that can be used to accomplish many different tasks. Unlike a hand mixer, which you have to hold while it runs, stand mixers work unaided once turned on.

Because you don’t need to hold a stand mixer while it works, they come with much more powerful motors than hand mixers.

The best uses for stand mixers

I love using my KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer for a little bit of help in the kitchen. On days when I’m already tired by dinner, a stand mixer is kind of like having a sous chef by my side. I make the decisions, but it does all of the heavy lifting for me. It can mix dough, cream butter, roll out pasta dough… I even use my stand mixer to make sure the herbs and spices are fully mixed into my meatball or burger mix before cooking. They’re great for making healthier meals at home, which I really like to do.

On days when I’m in the mood to cook or bake, my stand mixer gives me the ability to do more with my time. Instead of helping me shorten a quick cooking process, it helps me multi-task during a long one. With a stand mixer, I can make more food in less time—perfect for dishing up large meals or batch cooking.

What can you make in a stand mixer?

Stand mixers are awesome right out of the box. However, many of them—including the popular KitchenAid line—can be used with additional attachments, purchased separately. My fellow Best Buy writer Christine has an awesome article that’s all about KitchenAid stand mixer attachments that help you get the most out of your mixer.

Here are a few of my favourite things to make in a stand mixer:

1. Homemade cookies! You don’t need any extra attachments to do this, and they make prep and cleanup a breeze. I use my mixing paddle to make my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe, then put both the stainless steel bowl and paddle into the dishwasher when I’m done.
2. Meatballs. I blend ground pork and ground beef in my KitchenAid with herbs, salt, and pepper for a delicious meatball recipe that works perfectly with a tangy cream sauce. For even fresher results, you can grind your own meatballs at home using your mixer attachments.
3. Whipped cream. This is so simple, but it’s what I use my mixer for most frequently! I love starting a Saturday morning with Chantilly cream on waffles or pancakes. Using a stand mixer makes it easy to get the perfect consistency of whipped cream while I cook at the same time.

Christine also has a list of 10 things you didn’t know a stand mixer could do, which I totally recommend reading. Like… Did you know that you can use a stand mixer to shred chicken? Because I didn’t!

Do you need a stand mixer?

If you want a little help cutting down on prep time, especially as a baker, then yes: You might need a stand mixer! Check out Best Buy’s Stand Mixer Buying Guide to help you find your perfect model.

Shop stand mixers at Best Buy online today.