What is the difference between a mixer and a blender: comparison and what is the difference in devices, as well as a selection of the best models

Among the many kitchen aids are a mixer and a blender occupy honorable leading positions.

Both devices do an excellent job of mixing and whipping liquid ingredients, but each device has its own distinctive features and advantages.

To decide which unit is best to choose, it is worth learning more about the operating principle of each of them and comparing the technical characteristics of devices available on the market.

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Operating principle and features of mixers

For your information! The main working elements of the mixer are one or two metal whisks rotating at high speed, which ensure rapid mixing of bulk and liquid ingredients into a homogeneous mass.

As a result, the user receives an oxygenated mixture without lumps.

produced are divided into two types: manual and tabletop . The first option with a handle and a whisk attachment is designed for dipping into a bowl of food.

The stationary device, in turn, consists of a container mounted on a housing with control buttons.

Such a device completely frees the user’s hands, who only has to add the necessary components.

Functional purpose of devices

A mixer is a powerful device designed for mixing. It has various attachments and beaters. The equipment is needed for making cocktails, creams for cakes and something light. A blender is a more serious device that does not have whisks, but durable knives.

Stand mixers are significantly more expensive.

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Operating principle and features of blenders

The grinding process using a blender is carried out due to the rotating movements of sharp knives made of high-strength stainless steel , forming a small cross.

Stay up to date! Thanks to the increased power while rotating at high speeds, the unit is able to grind both soft and hard products in just a few seconds.

The stores offer stationary and hand-held immersion blenders .

Stationary models are a body with a control panel and a bowl mounted on top for loading ingredients.

The manual design includes an ergonomic handle with buttons and a tall glass for food.

Stationary blender

This device takes up more space, but it sits firmly on the table and there is no need to hold it. It has a bowl, body and lid. The bowl is quite large and roomy. You can put food in the bowl, close it and start the mechanism. The power is adjusted using buttons on the body.

The grinding parts of the blender are special legs.

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Advantages and disadvantages of devices

Manual and stationary mixer models are famous for such advantages as:

quick and convenient whipping of liquid ingredients;
the ability to create airy mousses and lush mixtures;
ergonomics, mobility and light weight;
no need for special maintenance;
acceptable price.

Among the disadvantages of the mixer are the inability to grind solid products and slight heating of the body during operation.

Unlike a mixer, a blender has advanced functionality and a more modern design.

Keep in mind! The device has other advantages, including:

versatility of use;
availability of additional attachments;
ability to grind hard products;
high productivity and efficiency;
convenient control panel.

the disadvantages of advanced blenders :

higher cost;
dimensions of the structure;
work with a higher level of sound.

The fundamental difference between the operation of the devices

The main essence of how a blender works: the knives are located at the bottom, they create a centrifugal force that sends the pulp to the walls, rather than crushed pieces falling onto the knives. Also the difference is that basically all blenders have a lid. Mixers saturate foods with oxygen, and blenders make porridge. The designs of the blades also differ. The mixer has wire whisks, the blender has sharpened knives.

A blender allows you to quickly make pulp from any fruits and vegetables.

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Comparisons and differences

The table shows the difference between a mixer and a blender.

Operation to be performed	Blender	Mixer
Batter	+	+
Dough with the consistency of thick sour cream	+	+
Pie dough	—	+
Beating egg whites	—	+
Preparing mayonnaise	—	+
Grinding nuts and crackers	+	—
Ice crushing	+	—

Content

What is the difference between a blender and a mixer?
How to choose an immersion blender for your home
Advantages and disadvantages
Specifications
Rating of immersion blenders based on customer reviews

Features of choosing a blender

Submersible and stationary
With and without additional attachments
With and without chopper
With food processor functions

Video guide to choosing an immersion blender

Which model is better to choose?

A few tips from experts in the field of household appliances will help you solve the dilemma and decide on the choice of device:

if there are small children in the family, it is better to use a blender - the device will help you instantly prepare pureed vegetables or fruits with the ideal consistency;
fans of sports nutrition will also find a blender useful - they can make a protein drink or smoothie in a matter of seconds;
A blender will also be an indispensable assistant for housewives who often prepare homemade baked goods - preparing dough and creams will definitely not take much time;
to create a homogeneous or porous structure, you will need a compact mixer - a simple and easy-to-use device that can instantly cope with light tasks;
if the unit is purchased for infrequent use, a mixer with 2-3 speeds and several attachments included will be a good solution.

Which is better to choose: a blender or a mixer?

With an electrical kitchen appliance, you can quickly prepare your favorite dish, especially if the model is powerful. First, the housewife must figure out what operations she performs most often while preparing food. Advice from experienced consumers will help you choose a kitchen appliance:

To prepare homemade pastries or desserts, it is better to buy a mixer. He will quickly knead the dough, whip the airy cream, and mix a delicious cocktail.
If you have a baby in the house, you will need a blender to prepare the first complementary foods. With its help you can get delicious vegetable or fruit puree.
Using a blender with advanced functionality, you can easily prepare puree soup and chop a variety of products.

Advice! It is better to buy a device designed to perform a specific task, since additional attachments do not always give the desired result.

TOP 3 best mixers

Kitfort KT-1343

A universal device with many programs and functions that simplify the work.

A powerful stationary mixer with a planetary mixing system that fully complies with high quality standards.

During operation, the installed nozzle rotates around its axis and quickly moves in a circle, thoroughly mixing the loaded products.

A high-power engine and a sufficient number of attachments allow you to obtain a mixture with an ideal consistency.

Specifications:

power – 1000 W;
number of speeds – 6;
number of nozzles – 3;
case material – plastic;
weight – 4.5 kg.

Advantages

quality of materials and workmanship;
elegant and stylish design;
almost silent operation;
intuitive interface;
the presence of an easily removable protective cover.

Flaws

the whisk does not reach the edges of the bowl while beating;
slight odor from the protective plastic cover;
short time of continuous operation.

Bosch MFQ 3010

A highly reliable device that combines multifunctionality, high-quality assembly and an affordable price.

An ergonomic two-speed model with four attachments included, which is powerful enough to complete any task.

An important feature of the electric unit is the high quality of materials - thanks to this, the device is reliably protected from mechanical damage.

The mixer also has a pulse mode for quickly mixing ingredients.

Specifications:

power – 300 W;
number of speeds – 2;
number of nozzles – 4;
case material – plastic;
weight – 0.9 kg.

Advantages

easy removal and replacement of attachments;
accelerated operation in pulse mode;
reduced sound power level;
compact design and light weight;
high strength materials.

Flaws

slight heating of the plastic case;
there is a slight vibration during whipping;
the appearance of a specific odor when operating at high speeds.

Philips HR3745/00 Viva Collection

An attractive multi-tasking mixer that stands out for its quiet and long-lasting operation.

A planetary mixer, presented in a durable snow-white plastic case and complemented by suction feet, necessary for a stable positioning of the device on the work surface.

The design is equipped with a capacious bowl designed for 3 liters of liquid, a cone-shaped whisk for whipping and hooks for kneading dough.

Specifications:

power – 450 W;
number of speeds – 5;
number of nozzles – 4;
case material – plastic;
weight – 4 kg.

Advantages

work in accelerated turbo mode;
wide selection of work programs;
button for convenient detachment of attachments;
attractive appearance;
device for winding electrical cable.

Flaws

no mixing spatula included;
noisy operation at maximum power;
plastic bowl for ingredients.

Design features

Both the blender and mixer have unique design features that can directly influence your choice.

What can you do with a blender?

First of all, with its help, delicious cocktails, smoothies, juices are prepared, various products are mixed and crushed, foam and dough are whipped.

Thanks to its grinding qualities, the blender is suitable for families with small children. If the child is not yet able to chew large pieces of meat or fruit on his own, a hand-held immersion blender will turn the food into a homogeneous mass in a short time. We can say that this is the most versatile device.

Both blenders and mixers are divided into two types: submersible and stationary. Let's consider each of the options.

Immersion blender
The immersion blender/mixer is designed for manual use and is a handle-shaped electrical appliance with built-in blades and many accessories, such as mixing whisks or thicker/thinner attachments with blades.

Typically, immersion blenders have only two types of settings - you can select the operating speed and pulse mode. Moreover, the number of speeds and modes depends on the quality and cost of the device. For example, the popular Bosch MSM67190 hand blender offers a choice of 12 speeds, but cheaper Chinese models may have no more than four speeds.

Blender knives and attachments are in most cases made of stainless steel. This is a kind of guarantee that they will be durable.

Blenders can be made of plastic (light and cheaper, but less durable material) or metal (heavier, but more resistant to damage). Also, if necessary, you can easily find both wired and wireless devices on the market.

Advantages of immersion blenders:

Knives are easy to clean and wash
Simple and convenient to use
Multifunctional (includes chopping, mixing and even whipping, since you can even connect a mixing whisk)
Precision of use (you control the direction of the blender attachments)
Low energy consumption
More affordable prices than stationary models
They don't take up much space
Can be stored in various types of containers
Can work wirelessly
Wide range of available models on the market
Relatively quiet operation for this type of equipment

Disadvantages of immersion blenders:

Lack of battery life (the blender must be constantly held in your hands, which ultimately gets tiring)
The product being mixed may splash to the sides if special containers are not used.
Less safety compared to stationary models (open blades)
Performance is subpar (immersion blenders often overheat)

Stationary blender
A stationary blender is a container with knives pre-installed at the bottom, which are located on a stationary base. Various products are placed inside the container, which at the press of a button are crushed to a puree state.

Since the knives are already built into the bowl, there is no option to replace them with alternative attachments, as is the case with immersion models. This is a more effective tool that does not require personal participation from the user, but at the same time more expensive and demanding.

Stationary blenders provide autonomous operation and more precise mixing. However, they are clumsy and work only from the network, and in addition, they are quite noisy when operating.

On the market you will also find models with a base and a spacious bowl. This subtype of stationary blenders will significantly save you time and effort.

Those who often make homemade baked goods (pancakes, omelettes, etc.) will also like the stationary device due to the large number of speeds to choose from. Activities such as kneading dough or whipping creams, which are usually characterized by numerous splashes and contamination of the kitchen, are completely freed from this in the case of stationary blenders with a bowl.

Advantages of stationary blenders:

Can work autonomously;
Higher power
Autonomy
Higher efficiency compared to submersible models
Easy to use (place and press button)
Greater safety due to the fact that no hand contact with the knives is required
Food scraps do not splatter
Significant time savings
Greater efficiency when crushing
Efficient grinding even of very hard products

Disadvantages of stationary blenders:

Take up more space in the kitchen
Work only from the network
In some cases - limited functionality
Quite noisy

Mixer
Mixers, just like blenders, are divided into submersible and stationary models, and have similar advantages and disadvantages. Like immersion blenders, immersion mixers can use a variety of attachments and can also be used as a blender. They usually have a non-slip handle for easy maneuvering, and some more expensive models are also electronically controlled.

Unlike blenders, the main task of a mixer is not chopping, but mixing and shaking products. Mixers are used to transform many ingredients into a homogeneous mass, which is very useful when creating various mixtures: dough, creams, sauces, mousses and purees. Cleaning the mixer is very simple: you just need to remove the individual parts and clean them individually under running water. Some parts are even dishwasher safe.

In general, immersion mixer models are not very different from immersion blender models, even though both can be used as a replacement for each other. But only for a short time, since immersion blenders will overheat if used for a long time, while mixers can work for a longer time.

TOP 3 best blenders

Philips HR2621/90 Viva Collection

High-performance equipment that will help diversify the menu by taking direct part in the process of preparing interesting dishes.

A sophisticated submersible model with continuously adjustable speed and an ultra-ergonomic rubberized handle that is comfortable to hold in your hand.

To prevent splashing, the manufacturer has equipped the universal gadget with a unique wave-shaped protective nozzle.

In addition to the main device, the delivery package includes an oversized chopper. The structural elements can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Specifications:

power – 800 W;
number of speeds – 1;
number of nozzles – 3;
case material – plastic, metal;
weight – 1.3 kg.

Advantages

reliable protection against overheating;
long warranty period;
quick change of accessories with one button;
easy power control;
rich equipment.

Flaws

The cord may not be long enough;
presence of plastic odor;
vibration during operation.

Kitfort KT-1344

An ergonomic device with a detailed design that can cope with tasks of any complexity.

An inexpensive but productive model that effectively combines the functions of two devices: a chopper and a stationary blender.

The unit is equipped with a pulse mode and three operating speeds.

Thanks to this, the user will be able to create the perfect dish without any effort.

The desired mode is selected using the regulator located on the body.

Specifications:

power – 800 W;
number of speeds – 3;
number of nozzles – 4;
case material – plastic, metal;
weight – 4.5 kg.

Advantages

smooth speed control;
simple mechanical control;
optimal number of operating speeds;
the presence of a spacious glass jug;
high-quality grinding of solid products.

Flaws

plastic smell;
the appearance of scratches on the body;
high noise level.

Bosch MSM 66130

An electric unit that lovers of delicious homemade food cannot do without.

A device with a comfortable handle and a metal immersion part, 12 operating speeds and smooth speed control.

Comfortable and, most importantly, safe operation is guaranteed by the presence of a long electrical cable and protection against splashing of components.

Removable parts can be cleaned either by hand or in the dishwasher.

Specifications:

power – 600 W;
number of speeds – 12;
number of nozzles – 2;
case material – plastic;
weight – 1.7 kg.

Advantages

ice crushing function;
reliable attachment of nozzles;
measuring cup with lid;
a large number of speeds;
laconic design.

Flaws

no chopper included;
increased noise and vibration levels;
heating of the case during prolonged operation.

Immersion blender

The submersible device is a handle with a nozzle at the end. The dishes may be included, but you can also bring your own. An immersion blender can also grind both meat and nuts. It has a whipping attachment. So whipping up a cocktail won't be difficult.

There are two types of blender.

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conclusions

When choosing between a mixer and a blender, it is important to remember the following nuances:

a hand mixer is suitable for simple tasks , but a stationary one will help you prepare a large number of different dishes;
for cooking solid foods, it is better to choose a blender - it is much more functional, but its cost is slightly higher;
the main technical parameters of the devices are power consumption and the number of operating speeds ;
special attention must be paid to the safety system, quality of materials and workmanship, as well as the number of replaceable nozzles;
For convenient use, you should give preference to a model with a long power cord.

Comparing characteristics

The first thing you should pay attention to when comparing a blender and a mixer is what is the difference in the main characteristics. This is power, speed limits, productivity.

Power	Speed	Performance
Mixers	150-850 W	From 3 to 6	One portion of processed products up to 1.5-2 liters for the most powerful models
Blenders	500-1500 W	Up to 40 or smooth adjustment	The volume of one serving for powerful models can be more than 2 liters, even with high product density

According to their characteristics, blenders are more powerful and more productive, but mixers take up less space and are easier to clean. When comparing a blender and a mixer, deciding which is better to choose, you need to focus on how exactly the equipment will be used: how often, for what products or recipes.

What's better?

It is not possible to answer this question unambiguously.
Both devices are important for a person who prefers to cook a lot and uses different menus for his household. For those who like to make a delicious dessert, a mixer will be an indispensable thing. In turn, the blender helps to qualitatively chop and make delicious puree soups or mix healthy smoothies, original cocktails, and prepare dough for pancakes. It will also become an indispensable assistant in the kitchen.

Which is more convenient to use and store?

It is extremely important to take care of kitchen appliances, because the duration and quality of use depends on it. It is necessary not only to ensure the cleanliness and integrity of the device, but also to store it correctly.

Failure to comply with the required conditions may be grounds for denial of warranty service. Let's try to dive a little into this topic and find out what nuances there are.

Oddly enough, the answers to most questions are found in the manufacturer's instructions, in the sections devoted to storage and operating conditions. In turn, there should be recommendations for extending the service life.

General requirements for the maintenance of kitchen appliances:

It is advisable to place the most necessary devices in easily accessible places. Let them be arranged in several rows on the shelves;
Categorize, for example, cocktail utensils and the like;
Place the lightest and most compact devices on the top shelves, and large and massive equipment on the bottom shelves. It is better to allocate a separate section in the kitchen for bulky units;
Planning your workspace and furniture in advance will allow you to quickly access tools;
Long-term storage requires removal of removable parts. To ensure that nothing gets lost, it is better to put everything together in a shipping box.

Not recommended:

Store devices on their sides;
Place small equipment on a vibrating surface and operating equipment;
Store appliances on the floor.

As we have already defined, mixers and blenders are divided into stationary and manual. Now let's take a closer look at the ease of use and storage of each of them.

Let’s make a short list and carefully cover it point by point:

The first place is occupied by manual models due to their compactness. Finding a place for them on the shelf will not be difficult. As practice shows, they must be light so that they fit more comfortably in the hand, although they still won’t be able to be used for a long time. Such devices are great for small families, as they are designed for small portions.

Next we have miniature stand mixers and blenders . We touched on this point a little in the “2 in 1 Mixer” part. The peculiarity of these units is that the cook’s hands are free during the process, so it becomes possible to move on to other work, for example, while the dough is kneading, you can quickly crumble the future filling.

On the last line of the list are large models of stationary mixers and blenders . A separate place for such devices needs to be prepared in advance; for small kitchens it will be problematic to allocate a certain area, creating a comfortable workspace. For this reason, this technique is more suitable for professional cooks who cannot do without large bowls and a powerful electric motor.

Sooner or later there comes a time when equipment breaks down and fails. This happens either due to improper use, or simply due to wear and tear over time. No matter how much this saddens us, we should not give up, we must try to find a solution to the problem.

Simple repairs require desire, tools and some initial skills in the field of electronics and electrical engineering.