Joybuy Insights

Buying kitchen appliances: how to find the right one for your kitchen

Whether you’re looking for a hand blender, hand mixer, stand mixer or matcha accessories, kitchen appliances should save you time and work reliably every day. The choice ranges from simple individual appliances to comprehensive sets with several attachments. The key isn’t the longest list of features, but finding the right combination of intended use, power, materials and ease of cleaning.

Common pitfalls when buying kitchen appliances

1. Assuming a higher wattage means better performance

A high power rating may sound impressive at first. On its own, though, it says little about how well an appliance will process ingredients. You should also consider the blade design, speed control, recommended breaks between uses and suitability for particular foods.

A hand blender with 1,000 or 1,200 watts may be suitable for soups, sauces and smoothies. For heavy doughs, however, a stand mixer with a dough hook and suitable power transmission is usually a better choice.

2. Buying lots of attachments that you rarely use

A multi-function blender with a whisk, chopper and measuring beaker can be versatile. However, every attachment takes up storage space and needs cleaning. Before you buy, think about which functions you’ll use regularly. A compact hand blender may be enough for occasional blending, while a hand mixer or stand mixer is better suited to frequent baking.

3. ‘Dishwasher-safe’ doesn’t automatically apply to the whole appliance

The motor unit of an electric kitchen appliance must not be submerged in water. Often, only the removable parts are dishwasher-safe. So check the exact product details: for example, the Bosch MSM 6B100’s blending foot and accessories are dishwasher-safe, but its motor unit is not.

Matcha sets also vary. Ceramic bowls and stainless-steel sieves may be dishwasher-safe, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Bamboo whisks and wooden holders, on the other hand, should be washed by hand and dried thoroughly.

Technical specifications to check

Power, speed settings and operating time

Wattage is just one factor. The following details are also worth considering:

  • Speed settings: Multiple settings make it easier to adjust to soft and firmer ingredients.
  • Turbo or pulse function: Can provide extra power for short bursts.
  • Operating and rest times: Especially important for compact blenders. For example, the ROUNY hand blender has a maximum operating time of one minute, followed by a break.
  • Speed control: Variable control can give you more precision when making sauces, creams and mixtures with different consistencies.

Materials and construction

Stainless steel is a common food-safe material for blades and whisks. For coated cookware, silicone-coated wires can be a good choice, as they’re less likely to scratch the surface when used as intended. According to the product details, the ZWILLING Pro silicone whisk has silicone-coated wires, a stainless-steel handle and a length of 28 cm.

A matcha whisk shouldn’t be left to soak for long periods. After rinsing, it’s best to leave it to air-dry. A fine stainless-steel sieve makes it easier to sift matcha powder, while a suitably sized bowl gives you enough room to whisk.

Size, weight and accessories

A large capacity isn’t practical in every kitchen. Check the following:

  1. Will the appliance fit in your cupboard or on your worktop?
  2. Is it light enough to use for longer periods?
  3. Are a measuring beaker, chopper, whisk or dough hooks actually included?
  4. Can the attachments be fitted securely and removed easily afterwards?

A 6-litre bowl, like the one supplied with the AUCMA stand mixer, can be useful when baking larger quantities. For smaller batches, a compact hand mixer may take up less space.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: budget-conscious beginners
Bosch MSM 6B100 Hand Blender

Bosch MSM 6B100 Hand Blender, 280 W

Why it suits this profile: This compact hand blender is designed for everyday tasks such as blending, mixing and chopping. According to the product details, it weighs 0.6 kg.

How it avoids the pitfall

It focuses on the essential functions rather than a long list of accessories. The blending foot and accessories are listed as dishwasher-safe; the motor unit needs to be cleaned separately.

Key benefits and strengths

280 W motor, turbo button, stainless-steel blades and a bell-shaped guard designed to reduce splashing.

Ideal for: quality-conscious buyers
Kenwood QuickMix Go HMP40000RD Hand Mixer Red

Kenwood QuickMix Go HMP40000RD Hand Mixer Red

Why it suits this profile: This hand mixer is for keen bakers who want to keep their beaters, dough hooks and cable neatly organised.

How it avoids the pitfall

The five speed settings let you start slowly. The accessories and cable can be kept together in one storage solution.

Key benefits and strengths

350 W motor, five speeds, beaters and dough hooks, plus dishwasher-safe parts according to the product details.

Ideal for: specific tasks and frequent use
AUCMA Stand Mixer 6L

AUCMA Stand Mixer, 6L 6-Speed Tilt-Head

Why it suits this profile: This stand mixer is designed for baking, with a bowl, dough hook, whisk and beater.

How it avoids the pitfall

Instead of combining separate appliances for mixing and kneading, it comes with the specified attachments for different doughs and mixing tasks.

Key benefits and strengths

6-litre stainless-steel bowl, six speeds plus pulse function, and a 450 W motor according to the product description.

Ideal for: matcha lovers
YumiPLUS Light green matcha set of 5 pieces

YumiPLUS Light green matcha set of 5 pieces

Why it suits this profile: This matcha set brings together a bowl, bamboo whisk, sieve and holder for preparing matcha at home or as part of a tea ceremony.

How it avoids the pitfall

Each item has a different purpose. Bamboo and wooden parts should be washed by hand and stored dry, in line with the care instructions.

Key benefits and strengths

A combination of ceramic, bamboo, stainless steel and wood or ceramic. The description lists a bowl, whisk, holder and sieve.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

FAQs about kitchen appliances

Which kitchen appliance is best for soups and sauces?

For smaller quantities, a hand blender is handy because you can blend ingredients directly in a tall container. A splash guard and a blending foot that’s long enough make it easier to use. Follow the instruction manual when working with hot liquids to avoid scalds and splashes.

How long do kitchen appliances last?

Lifespan depends on how often an appliance is used, how it’s cleaned and stored, and whether the recommended operating times are followed. Don’t put excessive strain on blades by using unsuitable hard objects. For appliances with removable parts, it’s also important to check the seals, attachments and cables regularly for damage.

Do kitchen appliances use a lot of electricity?

Energy consumption depends on the appliance’s power rating and how long it’s actually running. An appliance with a higher wattage uses more energy than a lower-powered model over the same period. As hand blenders and hand mixers usually run for only a few minutes at a time, how long you use them is particularly relevant to running costs.