Which mixer machine do I need?
There are two main types of standard food mixer machines.
Food mixer - this focuses on classic grilling work using the main and standard complementary mixing bowls for stirring, mixing and squeezing.
Kitchen machines - these have additional ports for different attachments and can handle a broader range of food processing jobs from cutting and slicing to mixing and chopping meat.
You might expect a kitchen machine to be more expensive, but often the opposite. Designed to handle every food preparation job in one machine, it can be a good 'starter' product when you prepare the house. If you tend to bake more than you cut, you might be better off with a special food mixer machine, but it's worth remembering the extra options that a kitchen machine will provide.
Make sure the Mixer Machine has all the tools for the tasks you need. Each model must be equipped with a dough hook, whisking & whipping and mixing tools. Below are also important accessories, namely:
Splashguard - to cover mixing bowls and prevent ingredients from flying out and splatter you and your machine.
Flexi-beaters - these have flexible spatula edges on one side of the standard beater, allowing them to remove all materials from the sides of the bowl during mixing.
Food processor attachment - if you want a machine that will slice or scrape, select a stand mixer that has a food processor attachment.
Jug blender - if you want to combine smoothies or soup, you will want a mixer stand with a blender attachment also. This can sometimes destroy ice but you have to check this, because the models vary in their abilities.
Spotlight - the feature we saw for the first time in 2017 was integrated lighting - allowing you to see clearer creations in mixing bowls.
Additional mixing bowls - some are equipped with a second bowl to mix smaller or larger quantities. Others, less common attachments include makers of mincers and sausages, ice cream making bowls, biscuit cutters, pasta makers and spiralizers.
