professional commercial kitchen with two chefs using a hand mixer and a stand mixer in a well-lit, organized space equipped with stainless steel appliances

February 25, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

What are the Two Main Mixer Types? Find Out Here

Ever tried mixing cookie dough by hand? It’s an arm workout no one asked for! That’s where mixers come in. The two types? Stand mixers and hand mixers. A commercial mixer offers power, while a hand mixer keeps things light. Want the best choice for you? Keep reading!

The Two Primary Types

Hand Mixers

Definition and Characteristics

A hand mixer is a compact kitchen tool designed for effortless mixing, whipping, and beating. It comes with a motorized base and detachable beaters or whisks, making it easy to use and store. Unlike bulky stand mixers, this one allows you to mix ingredients right in the bowl with complete control. Its lightweight and portable design makes it a go-to appliance for quick baking tasks.

Advantages

Compact and easy to store, making it perfect for small kitchens.
Budget-friendly compared to stand mixers.
Simple cleanup with detachable beaters.
Versatile with multiple speed settings for precision control.

Disadvantages

Requires manual handling, which can be tiring for long tasks.
Struggles with thick doughs and heavy mixtures.
Can cause splattering if not used carefully.

Common Uses

Mixing cake and pancake batters effortlessly.
Whipping cream to soft peaks or beating egg whites for meringues.
Preparing light frostings and simple sauces.

close-up of a commercial spiral mixer kneading dough in a stainless steel bowl, showcasing its power and efficiency in a professional kitchen

Stand Mixers

Definition and Characteristics

A stand mixer is the powerhouse of the kitchen, built for heavy-duty mixing. It features a motorized base, a large mixing bowl, and multiple attachments like a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk. Unlike a hand mixer, a stand mixer works independently—just set the speed and let it do the job while you focus on other kitchen tasks.

Advantages

Powerful motor capable of handling thick doughs and large batches.
Hands-free operation allows multitasking.
Comes with various attachments for different kitchen tasks.
Ensures consistent mixing results with minimal effort.

Disadvantages

Takes up counter space and requires dedicated storage.
More expensive than hand mixers.
Heavy and less portable, making it impractical for small kitchens.

Common Uses

Kneading bread and pizza dough effortlessly.
Mixing large batches of cake or cookie dough.
Whipping egg whites or cream to precise consistency.
Preparing homemade pasta, mashed potatoes, and even sausage with specialized attachments.

professional kitchen countertop displaying a stand mixer, hand mixer, and a large-capacity industrial mixer, highlighting their different sizes and uses in a well-equipped workspace

Other Mixer Variations

Immersion Blenders

Definition and Characteristics

An immersion blender, also known as a stick blender, is a handheld device designed for pureeing, blending, and emulsifying. It features a long shaft with rotating blades at the bottom, allowing for smooth blending directly in a bowl or pot.

Advantages

Compact and easy to store.
Blends soups and sauces directly in the pot, eliminating extra dishes.
Simple cleanup with detachable, dishwasher-safe parts.

Disadvantages

Less powerful than countertop blenders.
Struggles with thick mixtures or crushing ice.
Requires steady handling to prevent splashing.

Common Uses

Blending soups to a smooth consistency.
Making quick smoothies and milkshakes.
Creating emulsified dressings, homemade mayonnaise, or aioli.

professional commercial food processor actively chopping vegetables in a stainless steel kitchen, surrounded by fresh ingredients and other commercial kitchen equipment

Food Processors

Definition and Characteristics

A food processor is a multifunctional kitchen appliance designed for chopping, slicing, shredding, and mixing. It includes a large mixing bowl, sharp blades, and various attachments to cater to different food preparation needs.

Advantages

Quickly chops, slices, and shreds ingredients.
Saves time on repetitive kitchen tasks.
Includes multiple blade options for versatility.

Disadvantages

Bulkier than hand mixers and immersion blenders.
Not ideal for whipping or aerating ingredients.
Can be challenging to clean due to multiple parts.

Common Uses

Chopping vegetables and nuts effortlessly.
Slicing potatoes, grating cheese, or shredding cabbage.
Mixing pastry dough without overworking it.

Commercial Mixers

Definition and Characteristics

A commercial mixer is built for professional kitchens and large-scale food preparation. These heavy-duty machines range from countertop models to massive floor mixers, each designed to handle continuous, high-volume mixing.

Advantages

Handles large batches efficiently.
Built to withstand heavy use in professional kitchens.
Works with various attachments for specialized tasks.

Disadvantages

Expensive and impractical for most home kitchens.
Requires ample space and regular maintenance.
Heavy and complex compared to household mixers.

Common Uses

Kneading large batches of dough in bakeries.
Mixing cake batters and icings in commercial baking operations.
Preparing bulk sauces, dressings, and ground meats in restaurants.

Understanding the various types of mixers and their benefits can help you find the perfect one for your kitchen. Whether you need a simple hand mixer for everyday tasks or a commercial mixer for high-volume production, choosing the right appliance will make food preparation easier and more efficient.