Tips and Tricks with Electric Mixers

Electric mixers are the light weight, low cost, quick and effective way of preparing for many baking dishes. They are typically a fraction of the cost of blenders or food processors.

What are the best uses of electric mixers? Whipping - especially of egg whites for meringues - is a simple task with an electric mixer. What about kneading dough? Yup... just add the right attachment and you're set.

Use this lens to explore the different mixers out there.

1. Unplug before cleaning!!

It might seem obvious, but in the melee of baking, we can sometime overlook this.

2. Remove the mixing sticks before cleaning them (especially if you're cleaning them with your tongue!)

Sometime we forget #1, so this is a fail safe.

3. Soak mixing sticks in soap water for a few moments before cleaning.

This will make sure that you've covered all parts and it'll be easier to clean.

4. Use a brush to clean mixing sticks

This makes it easier to get at dough or other sticky goo in corners and bends.

5. User vinegar to clean the mixing unit

Spray the mixing unit lightly with vinegar and immediately wipe down with a paper towel. This will keep your mixer looking new.

6. Don't boil water or use the microwave while mixing, unless...

Some kitchens might have all outlets on the same circuit and the load from a mixer might trip a breaker. A quick trick for getting over this is to use the outlet on your oven range. This is usually on a separate line.

7. Keep a close eye kids while mixing

While electric mixers are generally safe, the exposed mixers can be a hazard. Just keep an eye out for the kiddies.