1. There are many types of mixers available, from basic motor-operated whisks to electric hand blenders. Consider your budget and space as well as the type of cooking you wish to do before you decide.
2. Wattage is important when choosing a mixer. Find one that has a wattage high enough to cope with the tasks you want to complete. The wattage of a mixer is an expression of its power, so when comparing two items, take this factor into consideration.
3. Nobody wants to leave their mixer sitting out on the kitchen counter. Look for a model that folds for storage, has a retractable cord, and offers other features to make it easy to put away. Failing that, look for a model that matches your kitchen decor and remember that you'll need counter space to store it.
4. Many mixers have removable parts that are dishwasher-safe, such as the beaters. Check the manufacturer's instructions to make sure. Typically the body of the mixer is not dishwasher-safe but can be wiped clean easily with soap and warm water.
5. Most mixers come with a handful of extras, like recipe books, blades, spatulas, and mixing cups. If you're purchasing your first mixer, these little items are great to have included so that you don't have to go out and buy them separately before you can use your new unit.
