A Simplified Guide To Common Stand Mixer Attachments

Stand mixers have a variety of extras, including a food-processing attachment or even a blender, but while this can be a good thing, it can also be bad. It is very tempting to buy one because it is basically getting three pieces of equipment at the price of just one.

However, on the other hand, if, despite all the extra add-ons, the stand mixer falls below expectations, you could be left feeling disappointed. When you decide what extra you want your mixer to have, check out the list we’ve curated to find a model that is most suited to you.

1. Standard mixer attachments: A big percentage of stand mixers are created with three standard attachments:

• Flat beater or mixer blade: This is regarded as the most common attachment. And it is used for combining mixtures with a normal to heavy consistency. It is useful when baking cakes, making biscuits, pastries, icing, and even mashed potatoes.
• Dough hook: This works best for kneading all kinds of dough and heavier pastrie.
• Balloon whisk: It is used for whisking egg whites, whipping, creaming ingredients, or for mixing light cake mixtures and batters. The large whisk helps get more air into the mix, but it is not advisable to use it for heavy mixtures, as it could easily get damaged.

With standard mixer attachments, you should look out for full metal attachments as they are more likely to last longer. Also, keep an eye out for dishwasher-safe versions, and you will be glad you did.

2.  Extra mixer attachments: Only a few stand mixers will include these useful extras:

• Splash guard: This is a plastic lid with a hole or hinged flap that can be fixed over the mixing bowl to prevent splashing when you try to add some ingredients. It will especially be appreciated when you’re making icing.
• Flexi-beater: This is a more advanced version of the original flat beater and fulfills essentially the same type of task; however, it has a silicone/rubber spatula edging on the outer edge of the beater. The spatula scrapes ingredients from the sides of the mixing bowl, preventing unmixed ingredients from getting stuck on the side of the bowl.
• Jug blender:  A jug blender attachment is fixed to the top of the mixer arm and is great for blending smoothies, soup, or even to purée food.

3.  Food processing mixer attachments: They are only available with specific models. They include:

• Mini chopper
• Slicer/grater
• Citrus press
• Slow juicer
• Grinder or mill Grinds spices, pepper or dried fruit.
• Meat mincer
• Pasta maker
• Spiralizer KitchenAid
• Biscuit cutter