The kitchen aid mixer has been in the market since 1919. So, for one hundred years, this home appliance has been revolved and remade, with adjustments and improvements into the perfection we see in it today. If you have been using the manual hand mixer, you have probably decided to get the kitchen aid mixer once and for all, so that you enjoy all the goodness that comes with it. You may wonder where to begin from, considering that it comes with many detachable accessories. The truth is, it has more uses than you thought it did and is one of the most multifunctional kitchen appliances ever invented. To understand it better, you need to know all its parts and accessories and their role, and the speeds necessary for the functions.
Kitchen Aid Mixer Speed Adjustments
The speed meter on the kitchen aid mixer has ten different indications. That might appear a little confusing but is easy to understand once you know what speed you need for what function.
Speed to stir. This is the kitchen aid speed you use when you are stirring your mixture into consistency. This speed is to be used as long as you are still adding flour into your mixture; if you change from this speed, your flour will be flying everywhere, and it will become cloudy and messy.
Slow mixing speed. This speed comes in handy when you are dealing with heavy mixes and mashes. For example, if you are mashing potatoes or bananas if you are baking cheesecake or biscuits. As long as your mixture is thick and heavy, and requires you to cut in fat, this is the speed to go with.
The speed for mixing and beating. When you need to do batters that are medium-heavy like cookies and cakes, this is the kitchen aid mixer speed that you need. This speed is also great if you have to add sugar to light mixtures like eggs, as it will ensure efficient mixing and smooth outcome.
Beat and cream mixing speed. This speed usually ‘mixes well’ its batters. It is good for whipping cream and creaming fat into sugar. The consistency that results from this speed is usually well done, smooth, and slightly flowing.
Whip and fast beat speed. The kitchen aid mixer is used to beat eggs more than anything else probably. For this speed, if you need to come up with fluffy whipped cream or you need to whip up egg whites, the result will be desirable.
Top speed for fast whipping. Whipped cream and beat egg whites come out even better with this speed. The difference is the amount of mixture in the bowl. If your mixture is more, expect a flying mess due to the fast speed. Opt to use this speed level for little mixtures of less than half of the bowl.
Functions of Parts of the Kitchen Aid Mixer
Various parts of the kitchen aid mixture have different roles, all working together to get the job done. The motor at the top of the mixer is the engine of the whole device and is used to power the mixer and all other functions of the kitchen aid.
Balloon whip. This is the handy mixer of the kitchen aid mixer, which works with the speed adjustment buttons to deliver your mixtures in their smooth and well-done consistencies. It is made from stainless steel wires multiply crossed to slice into the mixture with ease.
Flat edge beater. This amazing attachment can be used on all speed points, to mix all types of mixtures, from light to heavy. This beater is probably what you would use more than all the other available options anyway.
The wire whip. If you want your egg white and whipped cream best, this wire whip adds air to the mixture to result in a more rich mixture. This wire whip is best used at faster speeds like eight and nine, though.
Dough hook. If you want to make heavier mixtures like bread, the dough hook helps you out by kneading it into the best strength, thereby saving you time, energy, and mess.
Extra attachments. The kitchen aid mixer comes with other extra attachment accessories like the pasta roller and sausage stuffer, to help out with such hectic activities. The food grinder also is essential in helping with any form of grinding and crushing. Take for example chicken or lean steak for your burgers; the food grinder takes care of it all. The vegetable strainer will assist you if you need to extract juice from fruits and vegetables in the kitchen. It is efficient and extracts to the last drop! If you want to shred and slice up your vegetables and cheese, the slicer and shredder will come in handy, making your salads in a matter of minutes. It will also make you pizza cheese slices in seconds or even less.
Grain mill. This super convenient attachment will have your grains ground into flour in no time. It can work on rice, corn, wheat, etc. It can grind them into the desired coarseness, from extra fine to cracked and rugged. This is helpful if you only use a little flour at home, as you do not have to buy packets that will get spoilt because of not being used; you only mill the desired amount and save more. Check out the best electric pressure cooker also!
In a Nutshell
Those are the major parts of the kitchen aid mixer and their functions, as well as the different mixer speeds applicable to the kitchen aid mixer. This advanced kitchen appliance runs most of the functions in the kitchen, and there will be minimal use of the knife for you, hence minimal accidents. It will also help you save on time as it is super fast and efficient, not forgetting the energy you will save by letting it do all the work for you. The kitchen is more fun to be in with the kitchen aid mixer; it minimizes messes and keeps both you and the kitchen clean and easy to work in. It is time to get the kitchen aid mixer to enjoy its superior qualities.