Long gone are the recipe instructions that include the number of hand strokes necessary for mixing a cake batter.  Replacing those exhausting strokes are mixers.  Mixers are one of the most important tools to anyone who makes desserts.  There are three types of electric mixers:  stand, hand and wand.  Stand mixers are heavy and can mix without assistance.  Hand mixers usually have two beaters and require constant movement while mixing.  Mixing wands, also known as hand blenders, have only one beater and have limited mixing capabilities.

Stand Mixers
The advantage of a stand mixer is simple - it all of the work.  The wire whip incorporates just the right amount of air to make the best whipped creams and meringues.  The flat beater makes even getting the last amounts of flour in a cookie dough seem easy.  The dough hook is so good, it takes the fun out of kneading bread.

• KitchenAid Ultra Power Stand Mixer
• Other fine stand mixers such as: Hamilton Beach, Krups and Sunbeam

Hand Mixers
Even with my fabulous stand mixer, I still need a hand mixer.  When I'm mixing in a large bowl, or am mixing in a pot on the stove, I need to use a hand mixer.

•  Black and Decker Power Pro
•  Other fine hand mixers such as: Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, KitchenAid and Sunbeam

Mixing Wands
This is a nifty little invention.  I use this mixer more with batters (pancake and crepe) or to get rid of the unwanted lumps in my pork gravy.  You can also chop nuts with this mixer.

• Braun Handblender
• Other fine companies that make these are Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach and The Rival Company