Were you the lucky recipient of a shiny new stand mixer over the holidays? Or maybe you bit the bullet and invested in one so you can finally make bread, cookies, and meringues with ease? No matter how you finally got one, a stand mixer is a great kitchen investment that, with proper care, will last for years (if not decades).
Stand mixers are heavy-duty machines and, like all machines, tend to need a little tweaking and adjusting in order to run properly. Here are some things you should know about your stand mixer to ensure you run and maintain it like a pro!
The height of the paddle above the bowl is adjustable.
The attachment should sit just above the bottom of the bowl to mix properly without scratching against the bottom of the bowl, but it can shift out of alignment with use. Use a screwdriver to adjust the screw that attaches the head of the mixer to the stand — this will make the bowl higher or lower whenever it’s not in the right place.
You should tighten the hinge if the head wiggles.
The metal pin where the hinge connects the head of the mixer to the body can start to shift and sometimes pop out, making the head loose and wobbly when the mixer is running. Just take the bowl off the mixer, turn the mixer onto its side, and tighten the screw that connects to the pin with a screwdriver.
What’s the best stand mixer speed?
- Stirring / Starting to Mix Dry & Wet Ingredients
Speed: 1–2 (Low)
Prevents splashing & flour clouds
Good for folding ingredients, adding liquids, shredding cooked chicken
- Light Mixing / Creaming Butter & Sugar
Speed: 3–4 (Medium-Low)
Ideal for creaming butter
Mixing cookie dough
Combining cake batter without over-mixing
- Whipping / Aeration
Speed: 5–6 (Medium-High)
Whipping cream
Meringue
Fluffy frosting
(Too high can create bubbles that collapse.)
- Kneading Dough
Speed: 2 ONLY
Dough hook is designed for low torque
Using medium or high speed can damage the mixer gears
clean your stand mixer
When you’re finished using the stand mixer, you’re ready to begin cleaning up. With dishwasher-safe bowls and accessories available, it’s an easy step to complete! Follow these tips to properly clean your stand mixer and accessories:
- Make sure your stand mixer is unplugged before you begin cleaning.
- The coated flat beater, dough hook, and mixing bowl may be washed in an automatic dishwasher or you can hand wash in hot, sudsy water. All wire whips should be hand washed and dried immediately. Do not place them in the dishwasher.
- Wipe down your stand mixer with a warm, damp cloth. Do not use household or commercial cleaners. Wipe the base, beater shaft and mixer head. Do not immerse in water or get water into gears, ventilation ports or openings of any kind.
- Make sure your stand mixer, bowl, attachments and accessories are completely dry before putting away.
Comparison and Review
- Comparing and reviewing different juicers can help you make an informed decision.
- Consider factors like price, features, and performance when comparing juicers.
- Look for reviews from multiple sources, including online marketplaces and specialty food stores.
- Take into account the pros and cons of each juicer and consider your specific needs and preferences.
