Yes, a stand mixer can replace an electric hand mixer in most cases, as it allows you to whisk, mix, and knead with more power and autonomy. However, the electric hand mixer remains essential for small quantities (like a single egg white) and for kitchens with limited space, thanks to its maneuverability and easy storage.
Many of you ask yourselves this question before investing in a stand mixer: will it really be useful to me every day, or is my electric mixer perfectly adequate? Between the bulkiness on the one hand and the arm fatigue on the other, each appliance has its advantages. This comparison guide will help you decide based on your cooking style and your actual needs.
Understanding the fundamental differences between the two devices
Before determining whether one can replace the other, it's important to understand what distinguishes these two devices. Beyond price and size, their very design reflects different philosophies of use.
The electric mixer: the king of lightness and speed
The hand-held electric mixer embodies simplicity and efficiency for quick tasks. This lightweight appliance , which you hold directly, stores easily in a drawer and is ready to use in seconds. Its two rotating beaters beat at high speed and are particularly well-suited for light and airy mixtures.
Its main advantage lies in its versatility. You control the angle of attack, you can scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go, and you instantly adapt your technique to the desired texture. Whether whipping egg whites into stiff peaks or incorporating icing sugar into buttercream , the electric mixer excels without question.
The power of these appliances generally ranges from 200 to 500 watts, which is more than enough for whipping and emulsifying. Entry-level models start at €20 , while more robust versions with variable speed and multiple accessories can reach €80. This affordability often makes them the first purchase for any baking enthusiast.
The main drawback is the need to hold the mixer steady throughout the entire whipping process. Making meringue for 8 to 10 minutes puts significant strain on the wrist and shoulder. Furthermore, splashing is common if you increase the speed too quickly or if the bowl you're using isn't deep enough.
The stand mixer: power and autonomy at the service of precision
The stand mixer, with its stable base and fixed bowl , represents a radically different approach. Once your ingredients are in the bowl, you start the program and the machine works on its own while you prepare something else. This autonomy truly transforms the way you cook, especially for complex recipes requiring multiple steps.
The power of stand mixers ranges from 500 to 1500 watts depending on the model. This substantial motor allows them to tackle dense and elastic doughs like those used for bread or brioche, where a hand mixer would immediately struggle. The "chaotic-controlled" movement of the beaters ensures perfect homogeneity : the attachment rotates on its own axis while simultaneously completing a full orbit around the bowl, leaving no unmixed area.
The included accessories cover most baking needs. The whisk whips egg whites and whipped cream, the flat beater incorporates ingredients for cakes and cookies, while the dough hook develops the gluten network in yeast doughs. Some food processors also accept attachments such as a meat grinder, grater, or pasta roller.
The investment remains significant: expect to pay at least €150 for an entry-level model, and up to €800 for high-end models like the KitchenAid Artisan. Size is also a concern in small kitchens. Weighing between 5 and 10 kilos and with its considerable dimensions, the stand mixer requires a permanent spot on the worktop or easily accessible storage.
What a stand mixer does better (and what it doesn't replace)
To help you make your decision, let's examine the specific situations where each device excels or shows its limitations.
| Characteristic | Electric Mixer | Stand Mixer |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Whipping egg whites, light mixtures | Heavy kneading, large quantities |
| Clutter | Very weak (drawer) | Important (work plan) |
| Effort | Must be held in the hand | Works independently |
| Average price | €20 - €80 | €150 - €800 |
| Small quantities | Excellent (1 egg white) | Difficult (minimum quantity required) |
| Large quantities | Tiring after 5 minutes | Ideal (for up to 2kg of dough) |
| Heavy pasta | Impossible (bread, brioche) | Specialized for this |
| Flexibility | Total (any container) | Limited to the bowl provided |
| Cleaning | Quick (2 whisks) | Longer (bowl + accessory + base) |
The stand mixer undeniably surpasses the hand mixer for preparations requiring power and consistency. Kneading 500g of flour for bread dough becomes child's play, where a hand mixer wouldn't stand a chance. Whipping egg whites for a large meringue is effortless, with a perfectly homogeneous texture thanks to the planetary mixing action.
Autonomy is a major, often underestimated advantage . While your mixer is whipping up a sponge cake, you can prepare your filling, melt chocolate, or simply clean up as you go. This mental and physical freedom truly transforms the baking experience, especially for complex recipes with multiple steps.
Precision is another advantage of this food processor. Some high-end models include timers that automatically stop the kneading process at the optimal time. This consistency guarantees reproducible results, which is particularly valuable in home baking where kneading directly influences the texture of the bread.
However, stand mixers struggle with small quantities. Whiping a single egg white or 100ml of heavy cream generally doesn't work well, as the ingredients tend to settle at the bottom of the bowl without sufficient contact with the whisk. Most manufacturers recommend minimum quantities, often two eggs or 200ml of liquid.
The lack of flexibility is also problematic in certain situations. You can only use the bowl provided, unlike a hand mixer which adapts to any mixing bowl or saucepan . For gently incorporating ingredients at the end of preparation or adjusting the consistency at the last minute, a hand mixer offers superior responsiveness.
Finally, cleaning a stand mixer takes more time . The bowl, the attachment used, and sometimes even splashes under the motor cover require careful washing. An electric hand mixer , with its two removable beaters, can be rinsed in seconds.
The verdict: In what cases can we do without an electric mixer?
The question does not call for a binary answer but depends closely on your pastry chef profile and culinary habits.
You can reasonably do without an electric mixer if you consistently prepare large quantities, bake several times a week using a variety of recipes, and have enough space in your kitchen to keep the mixer within easy reach. Those who are starting out with homemade bread or baking batch after batch of cookies will find a stand mixer an indispensable tool that fully justifies the absence of a hand mixer.
Large families or baking enthusiasts who regularly entertain will particularly benefit from this setup. Preparing a cake for eight people, an 800g brioche, or a double batch of cookies becomes effortless and easy with a food processor. The investment quickly pays for itself through time saved and increased ease of use.
However, an electric mixer remains relevant, even essential, in several situations. Singles or couples who cook occasionally in small quantities would only use a fraction of the capabilities of a stand mixer. A €40 mixer perfectly meets their needs without taking up valuable space.
Compact kitchens, especially in studios or urban apartments, don't always have room for a food processor that's 30cm wide and 40cm high. The electric mixer slides into a drawer, freeing up counter space once the task is complete – a crucial advantage when every square centimeter counts.
Certain specific preparations are better suited to a hand mixer. Beating a single egg white to glaze a tart, whisking directly in a saucepan for instant whipped cream, or emulsifying a simple vinaigrette requires more time to set up and clean with a food processor than to perform with a hand mixer.
The ideal combination for experienced bakers is to own both appliances and use them in a complementary way. The stand mixer handles the heavy lifting of doughs, large quantities, and lengthy preparations. The hand mixer is used for quick finishing touches, smaller batches, and last-minute adjustments. This setup, while more expensive, offers maximum flexibility.
Buyer's guide: Which one to choose according to your pastry chef profile?
To help you make a concrete decision, here are some recommendations tailored to different profiles.
A beginner discovering the art of baking should start with a good quality electric mixer costing between €20 and €60. Brands like Bosch, Braun, Moulinex , and Just Cook Eat offer reliable models with five speeds and automatic beater ejection. This modest investment allows you to experiment without a significant financial commitment. If your passion for baking continues after a few months, you can always purchase a stand mixer while keeping the hand mixer for smaller tasks.
The occasional baker with limited space will find what they're looking for with an entry-level stand mixer costing around €150 to €200. The Moulinex Masterchef or the Biolomix mixers from Just Cook Eat offer a good compromise. They allow you to knead bread occasionally without exhausting yourself, while remaining affordable. However, keep a basic electric mixer on hand for smaller quantities.
The home baking enthusiast should invest in an ultra-robust stand mixer capable of handling intensive kneading. A Kenwood Chef, a KitchenAid Artisan, or a Bosch MUM5 guarantees the necessary power for hydrated and elastic dough. Expect to spend between €400 and €600 for an appliance that will last for years. At this level of use, an electric hand mixer becomes optional, unless you regularly make small batches of meringues.
The experienced or semi-professional pastry chef will benefit from the combination of a high-end stand mixer and a powerful electric hand mixer. A KitchenAid Professional or Ankarsrum is ideal for large quantities and complex doughs, complemented by a Just Cook Eat or Kenwood hand mixer for quick tasks. This setup represents an investment of €700 to €1000 in total, but truly transforms your kitchen into a pastry workshop.
City dwellers in small apartments with limited kitchens should opt for an electric mixer without hesitation. Even a €50 model with variable speed control and multiple attachments will cover 80% of your needs while taking up about the space of a shoebox. If the urge for homemade bread becomes irresistible, consider traditional hand kneading or compact stand mixers like the KitchenAid Mini (3.3L) , which takes up 30% less space. Another effective alternative is a 4- or 5-in-1 blender/mixer, such as our Biolomix all-in-one blender from Just Cook Eat, which allows you to...
Top 3 best electric mixers
For those on a budget or looking to add to their equipment, these mixers offer excellent value for money:
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Bosch ErgoMixx (€55) : Five progressive speeds, ergonomic handle, 350W of power sufficient for all common preparations. Its turbo function allows for a quick burst of speed without changing speed settings.
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Just Cook Eat Electric Mixer (€23) : The best value for money on the market. 300W, multiple speeds. Perfect for beginners without breaking the bank.
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Kenwood HM430 (€65) : Top-of-the-range hand mixer with continuous electronic speed control and included storage stand. Its robust construction makes it suitable for intensive use.
Top 3 versatile stand mixers
To take the plunge and get properly equipped:
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KitchenAid Artisan (€450-€550) : The ultimate benchmark. Direct drive, perfect planetary mixing action, 4.8L stainless steel bowl , available in 30 colors. Exceptional durability and a wide range of accessories.
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Kenwood kMix (€350) : A credible alternative to KitchenAid with a successful vintage design. It has attachments for adding a blender, food processor, or juicer. Excellent for kneading.
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Just Cook Eat Stand Mixer (€180-€220) : The best value for money on the market. German-made robust construction, 6L bowl , 1200W motor, quick-release attachment system. Very quiet (less than 60 dB compared to an average of 80 dB).
The final piece of advice : If your budget allows for a quality stand mixer and you regularly cook in medium to large quantities, go for it without hesitation. The mixer will effectively replace your electric hand mixer in 90% of situations. Simply keep a basic hand mixer for around €30 for quick, small tasks. This combination will offer you complete flexibility without excessive bulk or a huge expense.
However, if your budget or space is limited , or if you bake less than once a week , an electric mixer or the Just Cook Eat All-in-1 Blender remains the most practical choice. You can always upgrade to a food processor later, when your baking experience and needs justify the investment.
