Many people have mixers in their homes. Some are basic appliances; others act as a cookie or bread dough mixer. While it is always easy to purchase a kitchen appliance capable of blending different substances, it is not always easy to find a good dough mixer. While many machines include this function, several are not able to perform adequately as a cookie dough mixer. Even fewer can take on the heavy role as a bread dough mixer.

Mixing bread dough is tough. In fact, it is one of the toughest things you can ask from a dough mixer, let alone the average machine. When you decide to purchase a mixer, you must always take this into consideration. Research your models. Read the specs. Look at all the consumer reviews. Above all, make sure the dough mixer is actually that - a dough mixer.

It is essential you know exactly what the machine promises. Do not assume all mixers are capable of performing up to your standards. If you want a dough mixer, make sure this is included as a major function. See if the manufacturer states specifically what type of dough the appliance can handle. Is it a cookie dough mixer? Can the machine act as a bread dough mixer? You should also consider the following when you read the manual and discuss the included options with a salesperson.

1) How many speeds does the dough mixer have? How many do you need?

2) What kind of control mechanisms are there? Are they touch, digital or manual?

3) Does the machine have protection against splatter? This may not seem too important if you are mixing small and low levels of liquid. If, however, the substances are juicy and/or liquid, you do not want to see them decorate your kitchen. A tight lid and other protective measures are essential to preventing messes.

4) Is the dough mixer easy to clean? Some wash up easier than others. You must see how easily the machine comes apart. Is it too solid to give a thorough cleaning? Is cleaning your dough mixer going to be a major task?

5) How many attachments come with the dough mixer? How many do you need? Some dough mixers come with multiple attachments; others do not. In many instances, you can add on as you go along. Some can use other manufacturer’s parts. See what your options are after you know what you want. It makes no sense to have attachments you will never use. It is also illogical to purchase a dough mixer for which you cannot hope to obtain the desired parts.

6) How well does the dough mixer perform on both light and heavy tasks of mixing? How much of a demand are you going to make on its capabilities? If you plan to mix large amounts, make sure the dough mixer can handle it. Do not buy one that states light usage then complain it couldn’t handle the heavier mixing tasks.

7) Is the machine hand-held? Does it stand alone? Some people prefer one type to the other. It usually depends upon the length of the tasks at hand and the demands made on the dough mixer. Do you like a portable or hand-held machine? Do you enjoy holding it in your hand while you whip, stir and mix? Do you have the time to stand around? If this picture does not suit you, buy a stand-alone dough mixer. This will allow you greater freedom of movement. You can also turn on the machine and attend to something else.

8) What is the price of the dough mixer? How much can you honestly afford to spend? Is a dough mixer high on your priority list? Will you need to go into debt to obtain your ideal?

9) Is the machine intended for home or commercial use? What are your needs? Are you planning on making enough cookies or bread to feed your neighborhood? If this is true, you may require the use of a commercial dough mixer. If it is just for you and your family, purchase a dough mixer intended for home use.

10) Is size important to you? How much space on your counter top do you have for a dough mixer? Do you need one that you can disassemble and put in a drawer? Would you rather have your dough mixer at the ready or on display for all to see and admire?

Once you have the information and answers to these questions, you can worry about such things as style. While style may be an important factor of your criteria, it is irrelevant if the dough mixer fails to perform its task. If the dough mixer is all style and no substance, you might as well purchase it as a decorative ornament. It will not be the correct functioning tool for your kitchen.

There are many different manufacturers of dough mixers. These include such familiar names as KitchenAid, Bosch, Braun, Cuisinart, Kenwood, Hobart and DeLonghi. You might want to consider the following:

Cuisinart SM-55 - a heavy duty dough mixer. It is great for smoothly kneading heavy cookie and bread dough. It also has a digital timer. This dough mixer comes with a digital timer as well as a fold function and splash guard.

Kitchen aid Ultra Power KHM7T - This dough mixer is also made for heavy duty work. It is great as a cookie dough mixer. The machine has 7 speeds and touch pad controls.

Braun MultiMix 4-in-1 M880 - This is a hand-held dough mixer. It is considered a favorite machine. It is reliable of not as powerful as the above other dough mixers.

KitchenAid K45SS Classic 250-Watt 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer - holds enough 2 for two loaves!

Sunbeam 2379 Mixmaster 300-Watt 12-Speed Stand Mixer with 2 Stainless-Steel Bowls -12 speeds and 3 way mixing action make this a force to be reckoned with!

by Julie-Ann Amos, professional writer, and owner of international writing agency www.ExquisiteWriting.com

Why not create your own HubPages? It's fun and you can make revenue from Adsense and other revenue streams on your pages. JOIN HUBPAGES NOW - SIMPLY CLICK HERE...

This work is licenced under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ or send a letter to CreativeCommons, 171 Second Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, California94105, USA.