The best way to choose kitchen mixer parts is simply to choose the part that performs the function that you want. There are many types of mixer parts, and each performs a specific function. Often, the name of the mixer part explains its use. For instance, a wire whip is used to whip foods, a dough hook is used to knead dough, and a grain mill is used to grind grain. When you identify the functions you desire, it is easy to choose the best mixer parts, but it is important to choose only those parts that are made specifically for your brand of kitchen mixer.
Extra parts and accessories are available for most brands of hand mixers and stand mixers. Mixer parts range from a simple beater with a built-in spatula to a fully functioning food processor, so be sure to determine what you want a mixer part to do. Alternate sizes and shapes of flat beaters and wire whips are available, as well as bowl covers, pouring shields, food trays and special tools for pushing food.
A single all-purpose beater or a set of two beaters is standard kitchen mixer equipment. Other useful accessories might include a paddle for gentle folding, a wire whip attachment and a hook or hooks for kneading dough. These might be adequate for most kitchen mixing chores, but special mixer parts can be used when a recipe calls for an advanced preparation method or just to save time on a repetitive kitchen task. Think about the foods that you often prepare and whether a specific mixer part would help you prepare them better.
One popular attachment for hand mixers is a blending tool that can be used to mix healthful fruit smoothies and other juice drinks. The blending tool can be inserted directly into the drinking cup to liquidate and mix the contents with little fuss. Other types of hand mixer parts can perform high-powered whipping of egg whites or slow and steady kneading of stiff pastries and bread dough.
Stand mixers generally have the biggest selection of alternative parts, and quite often, the parts are made for a single kitchen task. For example, a ravioli maker, a pasta press and a pasta cutting attachment are individual mixer parts used to make fresh noodles at home. The function of another mixer part is to grind meat, and yet another is used to stuff sausages. A few more accessories that perform specific duties are a vegetable grinder, a citrus juicer and numerous slicers and shredders.
Mixer parts also include a choice of alternative bowls for stand mixers. Mixer bowls are sold in a variety of sizes and shapes, including some with handles. There also is a selection of bowl covers and pouring shields that can help protect a kitchen from food splatters. If your kitchen often gets messy from splattering when you use your mixer, a part such as one of these might be a good choice.