Blender vs Mixer (Differences & When to Use)

At first glance, blenders and mixers seem to do the same job. However, there are some key differences between these two tools.

Blenders and mixers have different primary functions. A blender breaks down solid foods into smaller pieces. This process often produces a powder or a liquid. Mixers, on the other hand, combine multiple ingredients into a single substance.

Blenders and mixers both play an important role in the kitchen. But while these tools each have unique uses, sometimes they are interchangeable.

This article will cover the differences between these important kitchen tools and will also provide some guidance on when and how to use them.

When to Use a Blender or Mixer

Chart of Common Blender and Mixer Uses

Recipe / Task	Blender	Mixer	Either One
Smoothies	X
Purees	X
Dips and Sauces	X
Cake Batter		X
Beating Eggs		X
Mashed Potatoes		X
Ice Cream			X
Shredding Chicken			X
Churning Butter			X

The chart above shows some common uses for blenders and mixers. As you can see, there are certain scenarios in which you can use both. Let’s delve into the details of how to choose when to use a blender, a mixer, or either one.

To start, here’s a video that gives a nice overview:

When to Use a Blender

In the most basic sense, blenders turn solids into liquids. Blenders have powerful motors. This makes them a great tool to use when a recipe requires crushing or chopping up solid pieces of food or ice.

Common Blender Uses:

Crushing
Chopping
Pureeing
Liquifying

For instance, if you were making a smoothie, using a blender is your best option. A blender is strong enough to crush the ice and fruits you are putting into your smoothie.

These machines are also useful for creating dips, and milkshakes.

But keep in mind that there are times when you should never use a blender. Imagine you want to beat eggs or make mashed potatoes. A blender will be too harsh for both jobs.

Your eggs would become rubbery and your mashed potatoes would be like glue. In these cases, and many more, a mixer is your best bet.

When to Use a Mixer

When it comes to baking, a mixer is a vital tool. Mixers allow you to create batters, knead dough, and much more. These machines are a bit gentler than blenders. Rather than pulverizing food, mixers combine ingredients into a smooth consistent form.

Use a mixer any time a recipe asks you to do one of the following actions:

Whipping
Whisking
Kneading
Beating

When You Can Use Either One

Interestingly, there are some special occasions where you can use either one of these tools and get good results.

For example, both blenders and mixers can shred chicken. Even though mixers aren’t ideal for chopping food, cooked chicken meat is soft enough for a mixer to handle.

In addition, both these appliances can be useful in making homemade butter. You can expect either a blender or a mixer to be effective in churning cream or even making ice cream.

There are many more uses for blenders and mixers. But what is most important is understanding the main purpose of each machine.

When in doubt, follow this simple rule of thumb:

If you are breaking down solid pieces of food, use a blender.
If you are combining ingredients without breaking down solids, use a mixer.

Different Kinds of Blenders and Mixers

Beyond their fundamental uses, there are different types of blenders and mixers. While they serve the same general functions, it is helpful to know about these different options when choosing between blenders and mixers.

Two Main Blender Varieties

Blenders come in two main varieties.

1. Immersion Blender

Handheld
Versatile
Requires a Separate Bowl

2. Countertop Blender

Larger
Stands by itself
Includes a built-in container

Immersion Blenders

The first type of blender is an immersion blender. An immersion blender is a hand-held blending tool. These blenders are sometimes called hand or stick blenders.

To use an immersion blender, put your ingredients into a bowl, turn the blender on, and move the blender throughout the bowl until your ingredients reach your desired consistency. This type of blender is lightweight and versatile.

Countertop Blender

The other main type of blender is called a countertop blender. One of the most obvious differences between an immersion blender and a countertop blender (other than their size/weight) is that a countertop blender can hold your ingredients.

Rather than using a separate bowl, a countertop blender includes a container. The countertop blender will have an on switch or button and multiple blending settings.

The container provided with countertop blenders is usually transparent, which means you can watch as your blender liquifies your ingredients. This gives you a great ability to judge when your blending is complete.

Two Main Mixer Varieties

The breakdown of mixer types is very similar.

1. Hand Mixer

Handheld
Versatile
Requires a separate bowl

2. Stand Mixer

Larger
Stands by itself
Includes a built-in container

Hand Mixer

Like an immersion blender, a hand mixer is a lighter and more portable mixer option. Hand mixers are easy to hold and to use. They are a good option for any baker.

Stand Mixer

In contrast to the hand mixer, a stand mixer is a more stationary tool. The stand mixer has a built-in bowl and can stand alone on your counter.

A stand mixer can save you some time in the kitchen. This is because the stand mixer’s nature allows you to turn it on and let the machine run on its own. While the stand mixer is working you can complete another separate baking task. Just make sure to keep an eye on the stand mixer and turn it off when mixing is complete.

Mixer Attachments

Mixers also have different attachments to consider. Depending on the mixer, you may find a:

Whisk
Kneading hook
Flat beater or paddle
Food processing equipment

These attachments are meant for different types of mixing jobs. The most common attachment is the flat beater. This is a versatile attachment that can handle many of your more common mixing needs.

If you are interested in buying a mixer, make sure you explore these attachment options and evaluate them as they relate to your favorite recipes (or new things you plan to try).

Price Differences Between Blenders and Mixers

Now that you know how blenders and mixers work, you are probably wondering how much it will cost to add these tools to your kitchen. The short answer is that prices can vary greatly.

The differences in cost are related to specific performance capabilities and special features. Luckily, Consumer Reports gives an outline of common blender prices and mixer prices. Below are price ranges for different types of blenders and mixers.

Immersion Blender: $30-$240
Conventional Countertop Blender: $40-$150
“High-Performance” Countertop Blender: $300-$1,000
Mixers (Hand and Stand): $20-$900

Before you buy, do some research to determine exactly what product you need. Don’t overpay for features that you won’t end up using. It is often most practical to select a simple appliance with good reliability.

Blender and Mixer Long Term Use and Care

We all want reliable tools that we can count on for years to come. So, how can you make sure you are taking good care of your mixer or blender? There are a few easy guidelines you can follow to properly use either of these tools.

General Guidelines:

Don’t force your appliance to do more work than it was designed to handle
Clean your appliance right after use

Using and Caring for a Blender

Don’t overfill your blender
Start at a low setting and increase speed gradually
Don’t run your blender for an excessive length of time for the task you’re asking of it

Make sure you wash your blender right after you use it. Pay close attention to the blades, being sure to remove any food that is stuck to them.

For countertop blenders, cleaning is easy. Just put some warm soapy water into the blender and turn it on as you normally would during use. After a short time, and some thorough rinsing, your blender will be clean and ready to use again.

Using and Caring for a Mixer

As with blender, you should not overwork your mixers. However, this is much easier to avoid since you won’t be using your mixer to break up hard pieces of food.

With mixers, cleaning is most important. For the sake of safety, make sure you unplug your mixer before you wipe it down. Since mixer attachments are removable, they are easy to clean separately.

Conclusion

As with any tool, you should know how to use and care for your blenders and mixers. Buy a quality machine and adhere to the good maintenance habits mentioned above. By following these tips, you can ensure that your blender or mixer will serve you well for years to come.