There are tasks that technology can handle better than humans - a planetary mixer can knead the dough or whip the cream faster than a professional chef does. And this is without loss of quality, since the design feature eliminates the heterogeneity of the mass. But if it is time to choose your assistant, it is important to decide what tasks you need him for.
How to choose a planetary mixer
Bowl volume, nozzle set, basic and additional functions, power are the main criteria that visitors to a household appliance store are guided by. And if according to the listed parameters the different models are the same, then the final choice is often dictated by price or design. This is the main mistake, which then entails negative feedback.
Bowl Volume
It should be capacious and deep to prevent the ingredients from splashing around the kitchen. Semi-professional equipment is equipped with a bowl with a capacity of 5 to 10 liters. Household - from 3 to 5 liters. If the mixer will be used often and with a serious load, it makes sense to choose a semi-professional equipment with the smallest bowl - this will be enough for a large family. For 2-3 people and infrequent use, it is better to choose a household option - it will turn out to save without sacrificing quality.
Bowl material
The stainless steel tank is durable. In such a bowl, you can heat the food, if during the cooking process there is such a need. It is easy to wash and difficult to damage. But before buying the container should be carefully inspected. Too thin, bending under the pressure of a finger, the walls can indicate a poor quality material that will oxidize or become rusty over time.
The advantages of plastic bowls include lightness and the ability to visually control the operation of corollas from the side. But for these dubious advantages you have to pay for durability - the capacity is very easy to damage. High-quality food grade plastic allows food to be heated in a water bath. And it doesn't smell. If the aroma of chemistry comes from the bowl, this indicates a substitute for a cheap analogue, the use of which is fraught with unpleasant consequences for health.
Nozzles
The standard set includes a whisk, cream spatula and dough hooks. Usually they are made of stainless steel or durable plastic. The first option is preferable, since the choice of plastic on the total cost of the planetary mixer will not affect, and the steel will last longer.
If there is a need for a larger number of nozzles, it is advisable to purchase a mixer, in the package of which they are included. This will save both money and time in finding suitable options.
Control
Whether it’s a touchscreen or a mechanical control panel, its main task is to provide smooth speed control. The first option looks spectacular and is typical for "advanced" models with a large number of options. Such a panel is usually mounted on top of the hinged part of the mixer. Its advantage is the ease of eliminating pollution.
The mechanical version is represented by a rotary lever and is one of the hallmarks of reliable technology. A smaller number of speed modes is compensated by a long service life. The only significant minus is that dirt near the regulator is collected quickly, and it is not very easy to clean it.
Timer availability
The ability to set the operating time after which the mixer will turn itself off is a nice additional option. She removes the task of "tracking time" from the cook, allowing her to be distracted from the bowl by other work processes.
General selection tips
The planetary mixer was originally designed for kneading and whipping. It can be additionally equipped with a mill and a blender, but the total cost of such a “combi” is not very good. It is easier and more reliable to acquire highly specialized equipment.
The household mixer with power up to 1 kW perfectly copes with ordinary kitchen tasks. But if it is planned its intensive operation at full load or with additional nozzles, then it is better to pay attention to semi-professional equipment with power from 1.5 to 2 kW. It will cost more, but it is cheaper than changing the mixer that has worked "for wear" immediately after the warranty period.
IMPORTANT. Household appliances without overload protection should be bypassed - it is dangerous and short-lived. It is good if the security level is increased by protection against restarting and switching on with the lid open. Monitoring the position of the bowl also reduces the risk of accidental injuries.
Well, the last one is the case material. Stainless steel has become almost synonymous with reliability, but the "budget" plastic options in this regard are not much inferior to it. High-quality plastic used in the manufacture of household appliances is wear-resistant and non-combustible. It can be broken by a random blow. But since the planetary mixer is a stationary device, the risk of damaging its body is minimal. Therefore, you can save on it.
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