The recent resurgence in the popularity of baking – all thanks to a programme that consists of baking in a tent! – has meant that many items of kitchenware are popular too. But if you are new to baking or rediscovering the joys of freshly baked sponges, you may be surprised at the choice on offer for gadgets in the kitchen.
The Stand Mixer
And they all tell you how marvellous they are and that they are a must-have for baking success. Some are new, recent inventions that bring the ability to bake quickly and successfully, whilst others have been around for some time. The Kenwood series of stand mixers is one of those kitchen gadgets that were once a staple of the worktop. And they still are.
Space-saving gadgets did, for a fleeting time, give the stand mixer a run for its money. They could be pulled from the cupboard, whip up a meringue and be put back in without taking up oodles of cupboard or worktop space.
But, with various cooking and baking shows, along with well-known chefs regularly showcasing a stand mixer on their shows – as well as bringing out their own line of kitchen gadgets – it has, once again, fallen back into favour. But why does your kitchen need one?
1 Effortless
Some kitchen gadgets will not operate unless the lid is on properly and the catches which act as safety features are all clasps and closed. How many of us have pushed, pulled and fiddled to get the lid on and the mixing process to start?
With the Kenwood stand mixer, its operation is effortless. Put whatever you need mixing in the bowl, fit the attachment, close it and turn it on. No pushing, no pulling, no fidgeting.
2 Reliable
There is also something familiar and very reliable about a stand mixer from a manufacturer that has been developing and selling reliable mixers for many years. There are stories of Kenwood stand mixers from the 20th Century still being in operation today! They are built with reliability in mind, countless hours of operation and a staple of the kitchen worktop that will last for years.
3 Simple
They are a simple gadget, also this belies the many complex baking operations it can bring to the kitchen. It can knead bread and then perform the delicate operation of whisking egg whites to soft peaks. It can mix the dry ingredients for your Christmas cake, the bowl full to the brim of flours and spices and then mix together softened butter and golden caster sugar. And it does all this with the same simple and effortless operation that you would expect from a stand mixer of this calibre.
4 Sturdy
No need to chase it around the worktop or ‘sucker’ it so that it stays still because the Kenwood has a welcome weight to it. It is sturdy and this is why cooks and bakers enjoy its heftiness in the kitchen.
5 Power
You have all the power you need from the light touch of a gentle mix to the vigorous high-speed whisking. It has the weight to pummel and stretch the gluten strands in your bread dough and the fineness to create the lightest of sponges.
And…
6 It looks good
When someone sees a Kenwood stand mixer on the kitchen top, they know that someone is serious about their baking and their cooking. And this is why you should take a look at the various Kenwood stand mixers available today. At suppliers such as First Ireland, the stock of mixers is comprehensive. Opt for the smaller model or enjoy the delights of the traditionally shaped mixer, or better still, opt for the fabulous new shapes in the range.
Take a look. You won’t be disappointed.
