How to Use a Hand Mixer

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Reviewed by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: February 24, 2025

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• Mixer Safety
|
• Know Your Mixer
|
• Using Your Mixer
|
• Cleaning Your Mixture
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

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Hand mixers are a part and parcel of many kitchens. A hand mixer has a lot of benefits that a regular mixer doesn’t have; they don't use as much power and can be easier to clean and maintain than large standing mixers. This article will tell you how to use a hand mixer safely and efficiently.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Mixer Safety

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1. 
   1
   Read all the instructions that came with your hand mixture. Reading the instructions is the base step of working with any device. Note that each machine has something different in it, though the basic method of working is same in all the devices. Read the manual that came with the device and you will be safe.
2. 
   2
   Make sure that you do not let the machine cords, plug, or even the body to touch water. When you are working in a kitchen, this is a common mistake that may happen.
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3. 
   3
   Do not let children touch this appliance as this can cause injuries.
4. 
   4
   Avoid moving the parts constantly. Try to keep those in a fixed spot which will reduce the risk of damage.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Know Your Mixer

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1. 
   1
   Know the parts of the mixer. A hand mixer has four major parts. They are: as on/off button, power burst button, mixer body button and bowl rest button.

   • There is no separate button to attach the mixing items with your mixer. You will have to do that separately.
2. 
   2
   See what attachments you have. Some common attachment options are flat beaters, straight wire beaters, single whisks, twisted wire beaters and dough hooks. Some of them may come as a gift with your hand mixer.
3. 
   3
   Do not use the bowl rest option when the mixer is on. It will damage your mixer.
4. 
   4
   Keep your case on hand. Most hand mixers come with a storing case. You need to clean and dry your mixer before you put it in the storing case.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Using Your Mixer

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1. 
   1
   Make sure that the mixer is unplugged and the speed is on low before you insert the beaters.
2. 
   2
   Plug the mixer using your cable to the socket. Also, it is time to place the beater into a bowl.
3. 
   3
   Slowly use the speed control button to set your desired speed. Start with 1 and then slowly increase it to your desired speed.
4. 
   4
   When you are done mixing, make sure to turn the speed down to low before you unplug the mixer.
5. 
   5
   Unplug the mixer by pulling the cable off from the socket.
6. 
   6
   Eject the beater that you installed. Each mixer has a different procedure of removing beaters. Read your manual to understand your method. Make sure that the speed is set to 0 before you try this step.
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Cleaning Your Mixture

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1. 
   1
   Turn off and unplug the mixer from socket before you eject the attached items.
2. 
   2
   Use hot and soapy water to clean the attachment first. Attachments will always be dirtier than the main mixer.
3. 
   3
   Take a wet cloth and wipe the main mixer body.
4. 
   4
   Let the mixer dry and then put it in the storing box.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How long can a hand mixer run at a stretch?

  

  Community Answer

  I've run mine for just under an hour and nothing bad happened to it.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 6 Helpful 9
• Question

  I have followed all the instructions on the hand mixer, but it suddenly stopped working; what could be wrong?

  

  Community Answer

  Sounds like the mixture is too thick for the motor or the motor is dying. Try thinning your mixture with a liquid or replace the batteries in the hand mixer.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 8 Helpful 3
• Question

  Why does batter go up the beaters and onto the hand mixer itself?

  

  Community Answer

  The batter might be too thick, or you're using the wrong attachment. For example, don't use beaters to knead dough. Use the dough hooks.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 1 Helpful 9

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Tips

• Always use large sized mixing bowls while mixing your items. This will help you to mix properly.
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• If you are mixing butter or margarine, make sure that they are at room temperature.
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• When mixing, you should always add one ingredient at a time.
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