jnu76
Gold
Posts: 947 Likes: 2,957 
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Post by jnu76 on Sept 10, 2017 10:34:00 GMT -6
Do I need an electric mixer? I've never had one (I don't bake much) but every baking recipe I see says to use one. I wonder if I'd bake more if I wasn't trying to cream butter with a spoon, and I'm determined to make a real birthday cake for my daughter this year.
Do you use one? Do you bake successfully without one?
Thanks.
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milano
Emerald
Posts: 10,914 Likes: 36,993
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Post by milano on Sept 10, 2017 10:38:29 GMT -6
We have both a handheld and a kitchen aid. We hardly used the kitchen aid for years, but now use use it all the time and very rarely use the handheld. I feel like we use a mixer pretty frequently, and I don't even bake that much.
I'd vote get a handheld mixer, for sure! Way easier than a spoon.
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mapleme
Amethyst
Posts: 6,071 Likes: 16,088
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Post by mapleme on Sept 10, 2017 10:46:47 GMT -6
I don't use mine much, but it's irreplaceable for when I want it. If you have the space, I would vote yes.
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Post by mintyblueair on Sept 10, 2017 11:00:54 GMT -6
I can't even imagine trying to bake without an electric mixer! We have a KitchenAid and a handheld mixer. I use the handheld one more often because it's more convenient than lugging out the big one. Handheld ones are cheap, so you should definitely get one.
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Post by grumpycakes on Sept 10, 2017 12:36:35 GMT -6
Another vote for yes. You cannot properly cream butter with a spoon. Your baked goods will come out better with even the cheapest handheld mixer.
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Post by Dramaphile on Sept 10, 2017 13:12:55 GMT -6
You should at least get a handheld mixer, even just a cheap one. I have a handheld and a kitchenaid and any baking project turns out better when you have an electric mixer. A stand mixer is lovely, but a handheld works just fine for regular baking projects. And you can do stuff like make whipped cream!
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Post by charlotte on Sept 10, 2017 13:18:55 GMT -6
I'm not a big baker so I don't have a stand mixer, but I use my handheld mixer a fair amount. I don't just use it for baking; I use it for mashed potatoes and stuff too.
My mom's kitchenaid handheld has lasted her 30 years... mine started to crap out after just a few years and seems really cheapy.
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Speedy
Sapphire
Posts: 4,613 Likes: 8,575
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Post by Speedy on Sept 10, 2017 14:04:09 GMT -6
Before I moved out on my own my mom got me a nice big bowl lift kitchenaid, made way back in the 70s (as opposed to the head tilt ones that are more common these days). It's huge and HEAVY but completely irreplaceable! I do a lot of baking, so it gets a lot of use, but I think even for the occasional baker a nice little electric mixer is a necessity.
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Post by critter015 on Sept 10, 2017 14:34:50 GMT -6
I love love love my kitchen aid. I use it almost every day. I do bake a lot, but also use it for things like shredding meat, making super easy pizza crust, grinding wheat, making ice cream. I feel like I find more uses for it every day.
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Speedy
Sapphire
Posts: 4,613 Likes: 8,575
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Post by Speedy on Sept 10, 2017 15:07:54 GMT -6
I love love love my kitchen aid. I use it almost every day. I do bake a lot, but also use it for things like shredding meat, making super easy pizza crust, grinding wheat, making ice cream. I feel like I find more uses for it every day. MH got me a rice cooker for Christmas a few years back and this is exactly how I feel about it too lol |
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Post by ovenrack on Sept 10, 2017 15:55:50 GMT -6
I love my kitchenaid stand mixer, but my handheld can handle a lot. Cooks Illustrated recommends the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer. Their "best value" is the Cuisinart PowerSelect 3-Speed Hand Mixer.
I have some other random brand, though, and it's fine. I use it for mashed potatoes and other little things.
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Post by brandiewine11 on Sept 10, 2017 16:26:32 GMT -6
I adore my kitchenaid but you absolutely need at least a handheld. You can't get the necessary air into baked goods with a spoon. Aside from breads, most things will not turn out properly without it.
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Post by ovenrack on Sept 10, 2017 16:31:54 GMT -6
Guys. Let me first say, see above, and I recommended getting one. They're cheap and useful. BUT. I don't agree that you NEED one. For real? You're saying no fluffy baked goods existed before electric beaters? I cannot believe that. Sure, it's easier, and most people won't put in the effort. But. It's called a whisk and muscles. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, by hand.  |
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Post by ovenrack on Sept 10, 2017 16:34:05 GMT -6
However, I do accept that maybe my opinion is tainted by my natural strength and innate kitchen talents.
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Post by charlotte on Sept 10, 2017 16:37:20 GMT -6
I don't own a whisk and just use a fork, so you should probably disregard any cooking advice I ever give.
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Post by ovenrack on Sept 10, 2017 16:38:22 GMT -6
Why are no giphy gifs linking properly for me? So sad.  |
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tj
Moderator 
Posts: 9,912 Likes: 24,842
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Post by tj on Sept 10, 2017 17:33:30 GMT -6
Why are no giphy gifs linking properly for me? So sad. Oh. Bc giphy sucks and their gifs never work for me. |
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Post by grumpycakes on Sept 10, 2017 18:01:57 GMT -6
Guys. Let me first say, see above, and I recommended getting one. They're cheap and useful. BUT. I don't agree that you NEED one. For real? You're saying no fluffy baked goods existed before electric beaters? I cannot believe that. Sure, it's easier, and most people won't put in the effort. But. It's called a whisk and muscles. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, by hand. Agreed. I almost mentioned this too. But then I was all, "Whisking is so TIRING!" |
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Post by grumpycakes on Sept 10, 2017 18:02:32 GMT -6
^^^ Plus you really need a proper whisking bra.
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DGM
Sapphire
Posts: 2,667 Likes: 5,664
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Post by DGM on Sept 10, 2017 18:20:44 GMT -6
I hardly bake but never use my handheld mixer now that I have an immersion blender with a whisk attachment. It always comes back to the IB on here.
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Post by ovenrack on Sept 10, 2017 18:25:33 GMT -6
^^^ Plus you really need a proper whisking bra. I like to whisk braless. You know. For the spectators. |
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Post by grumpycakes on Sept 10, 2017 18:40:42 GMT -6
^^^ Plus you really need a proper whisking bra. I like to whisk braless. You know. For the spectators.  |
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Post by ovenrack on Sept 10, 2017 18:59:36 GMT -6
Why are no giphy gifs linking properly for me? So sad. Oh. Bc giphy sucks and their gifs never work for me. I never get it working for mobile but can usually find a way on desktop... but not tonight. DAMN GIPHY |
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Post by ovenrack on Sept 10, 2017 19:12:54 GMT -6
I like to whisk braless. You know. For the spectators.  |
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