Mixers

1. The mixer is an essential kitchen tool that is necessary for a few dishes and makes preparing hundreds of others much easier. The come in several varieties, hand mixers, stand mixers, and electric mixers.

2. The original, non-electric hand mixer is something of an antique, but they can still be useful for common tasks such as whipping cream or frothing egg whites. An experienced cook can do the job with a wire whisk, but for most this is a tedious job. If you've got the room and enjoy kitchen gadgetry, a hand mixer is pretty fun to have around.

3. The electric hand mixer is much more common for use in those everyday tasks, and it often comes with various attachments for different kinds of mixing. Usually these are the standard plated beaters and a whisk or two. Naturally, these take up a bit more space than the old-fashioned kind, but not having to turn a crank is pretty great when you've got lots to feed.

4. You can get a basic electric hand mixer for around 20 dollars, but don't expect much from it. They usually have few speeds and aren't capable of mixing tougher jobs like cookie dough.

5. A little more cash will get you mixers with stainless steel construction, more powerful motors (around 290 watts) and around six different speeds. Generally these mixers are a little more attractive and have better ergonomics than the entry-level models.

6. The best hand mixers can cost you upwards of 100 dollars and feature as many as 10 speeds, power burst options, beaters, whisks and dough hooks. Many are even rated for commercial use, meaning they can handle rigorous use on a daily basis.

7. Of course, if you're serious about making bread, pizza dough, or fancy desserts, the real deal, upright mixer with an attached bowl is your best choice. Quality mixers like these start at over 200 dollars but are well worth it if you use them. Often you can attach meat grinders, sausage stuffers, or pasta makers to the motor for even more fun in the kitchen.

8. Kitchen-aid is the most popular stand mixer, but many other companies like Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach and Sunbeam make very reliable mixers.

9. A final word on mixers: don't start on a high speed! You don't know what that thing is going to do and you don't want to be cleaning the walls.