Checklist

If you're considering buying a benchtop mixer, here are the features to look for:

• Bowl lock: Gives extra stability during mixing.
• Easy release or eject button: Lets you keep your hands clean when you’re removing the beaters.
• Spring-loaded tilt-head lock: Makes it easier to lift the mixer head.
• Single dough-hook: Performs better than twin dough-hooks.
• Whisk attachment: Useful for making foamy whipped mixtures or for beating egg whites.
• Splashguard: Prevents ingredients from splashing out of the bowl – and it’s handy for “containing” flour (which has a tendency to make a cloud of dust when added). The splashguard’s chute also makes it easy to add ingredients without having to stop the machine and lift the motor head.
• A range of speed settings: Allows different speeds for different functions: slow for kneading and folding; light mixing for puddings and muffins; beating or creaming for butter and sugar or heavy batters; whipping and aerating for cream and egg whites.
• Heavy-duty or “K” beater: Good for mixing cake batter and biscuit dough.
• Stainless-steel bowl: More durable than a glass bowl. It should last the life of the mixer.