{"id":385,"date":"2022-10-13T10:13:29","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T10:13:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/?p=385"},"modified":"2022-10-13T05:54:25","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T05:54:25","slug":"are-hand-mixer-attachments-universal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/are-hand-mixer-attachments-universal\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Hand Mixer Attachments Universal?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A hand mixer is a versatile must-have electrical mixing device that comes in handy <\/em>for more than just baking. You can use this appliance for just about anything, be it mixing, blending, beating, or whipping.<\/p>\n

While one would hope to use the hand mixer attachments with other hand mixers, considering how the attachments last longer than the mixers themselves, we come bearing some bad news \u2013 hand mixer attachments are not universal<\/strong> (but more on that later).<\/p>\n

This article will let you in on all the information you need about hand mixers and their attachments. So, keep reading to find out!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why are hand mixer attachments not universal?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"hand-mixers\"<\/p>\n

When it comes to hand mixers, there are only a few attachments that can be called universal. Hand mixer attachments vary according to the brand and the model of the hand mixer.<\/p>\n

Moreover, there is no universal standard between the brands (and sometimes even within a brand). The specifications of your hand mixer model determine which attachments will fit and which won\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Generally, the making of the attachments is guided by two things – the power of the hand mixer and its life. The hand mixer\u2019s fittings decide what can be attached and how it can be attached. So, most hand mixer attachments become unique due to two reasons –<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The size of the attachments varies, which also affects how they can be attached.<\/li>\n
  • The mechanism behind the attachment is not standard and thus differs between brands and models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Which hand mixer attachments fit in other hand mixers? <\/strong><\/h2>\n

    While hand mixer attachments are not universal, some attachments can fit into other models of KitchenAid and some other brands. So, if you are lucky, you can find attachments that can be interchanged between<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Different models of the same brand.<\/li>\n
    • Different brands altogether.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      To check if a hand mixer attachment is compatible with your hand mixer, check your mixer\u2019s model number or the manual specifications of the attachments.<\/p>\n

      Some brands that are relatively flexible in this regard are –<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Sunbeam\"sunbeam\" <\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Agreed, Sunbeam does make it easy to find hand mixer attachments, but they are brand-specific. So, the attachments can only be interchanged between different models of hand mixers from Sunbeam only.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      KitchenAid\"KitchenAid\"<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      While KitchenAid has a universal attachment fit guarantee. Sadly, it is only with regard to stand mixer attachments. However, KitchenAid does make attachments that can not only be used by many of its own hand mixer models but also fit in hand mixers of some other brands.<\/p>\n

      The most popular series from the brand is the KHM series, in which all the products are compatible with most hand mixer attachments produced by Whirlpool and KitchenAid.<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      Types of hand mixer attachments and how they are used <\/strong><\/h2>\n

      Hand mixers have various attachments, and they all serve different purposes. How do you choose which attachment to use? The answer depends on your mixture\u2019s heaviness or thickness and consistency.<\/p>\n

      You need to know the purpose of each to avoid damaging your mixer or what you are cooking.<\/p>\n

      \u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Flat beater\"Flat-beater\" <\/strong><\/h3>\n

      You will get attached to this attachment because of its high versatility and superior ability to mix almost any kind of mixture (sweet and savory).<\/p>\n

      Flat beaters also have the upper hand on whisks because flat beaters are stronger and allow lesser air to enter the batter.<\/p>\n

      When can you use a flat beater attachment?<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Laying the baking foundation – flat beaters are perfect for blending sugar and butter for a fluffy, creamy result.<\/li>\n
      • Heavy mixtures – these mixtures include frosting, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, cookie dough, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Author\u2019s note –<\/strong> When in doubt, bring the flat beater out (unless the mixture is extremely heavy such as bread dough).<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        Dough hook\"Dough-hook\" <\/strong><\/h3>\n

        This attachment does the heavier lifting for you without overheating or damaging the hand mixer. The dough hook comes in two shapes – c-shape and spiral (both shapes can handle dough elasticity).<\/p>\n

        The tool works by completely replicating the kneading done by hand (such as turning, folding, etc.), except the attachment does it faster. When can you use a dough hook? It is most suitable for heavier doughs such as pasta, pizza, and bread.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

        \"Balloon-whisk\"<\/h3>\n

        The balloon whisk is an attachment that is perfect for lighter texture mixtures. It allows air and air bubbles to enter the mixture through the wired gaps to increase the mixture while making it smooth, fluffy, and light.<\/p>\n

        You can use this attachment for lighter mixtures such as –<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Mixing dry ingredients<\/li>\n
        • Fluffy frostings and light cakes<\/li>\n
        • Foaming milk for hot beverages or whipping cream<\/li>\n
        • Beating egg whites and making them fluffy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Author\u2019s note – <\/strong>Since the balloon whisk is solely made of wires in the shape of a balloon, it is not sturdy enough for heavier batters.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          Flex edge beater\"Flex-edge-beater\" <\/strong><\/h3>\n

          The difference between a flat beater and a flex edge beater is that a flex edge beater has one silicone side. This attachment gives mixtures a smooth, silky, and creamy texture.<\/p>\n

          This attachment is a game-changer because scraping the batter from the sides of the container becomes easier. Moreover, if your mixture is sticky because of ingredients such as honey, the flex edge beater attachment is your best friend because it does not allow mixtures to stick to the container.<\/p>\n

          Author\u2019s note – <\/strong>flex edge beaters are better than flat beaters in the case of sticky mixtures.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

          Blending rod <\/strong><\/h3>\n

          A blending rod is perhaps the least common hand mixer attachment you will receive with your hand mixer. This long, thin rod has a blade at the bottom, which makes it convenient for chopping light ingredients such as bananas.<\/p>\n

          When can you use a blending rod? Blending rods work best for –<\/p>\n