Black & Decker Electric Mixer

In the bustling landscape of kitchen gadgets, the Black & Decker MX217-2 Electric Mixer stands out as a versatile and reliable hand mixer. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time in the kitchen, I found this tool to be a noteworthy addition to my culinary arsenal. Its ability to handle a variety of tasks, from whipping up light batters to tackling denser doughs, makes it a handy companion for both novice and seasoned bakers alike.

Design and Build

From the moment I unboxed the mixer, its sleek black design caught my eye. The mixer comes with a convenient storage case that keeps all the attachments organized and free from dust—a feature that's much appreciated in my crowded kitchen drawers. The comfort-grip handle is ergonomically designed, making it easy to hold even during prolonged use. The overall build feels sturdy, and the chrome-plated beaters add a touch of durability and style.

However, I did notice that the mixer is somewhat on the heavier side, weighing in at 12.1 pounds. While this weight contributes to its robust feel, it can be a bit cumbersome during extended mixing sessions. The dimensions, 9.5 x 4.4 x 9.4 inches, make it compact enough to store easily but substantial enough to handle serious mixing tasks.

Performance

One of the standout features of this mixer is its 175-watt motor, which offers five speed settings. This range of speeds makes it versatile enough to handle different mixing needs. I found the lower speeds ideal for gently folding in ingredients, while the higher speeds were powerful enough for whipping cream or beating egg whites to stiff peaks. The POWERBOOST button provides an extra burst of power when needed, which is particularly useful when dealing with thicker mixtures.

The mixer performs admirably with most tasks, but there are a few quirks. For instance, the lowest speed setting is still quite powerful, which can result in ingredients splattering if you're not careful. Using an extra-large bowl mitigates this issue, but it's something to be aware of, especially when adding dry ingredients like flour or powdered sugar.

Attachments and Ease of Use

The mixer comes equipped with various attachments: standard beaters, dough hooks, and a whisk. Each attachment clicks securely into place and ejects easily with the beater eject button, simplifying the process of switching between tasks. The beaters are sturdy and have shown no signs of bending, even after extensive use.

I was particularly impressed with the dough hooks. While the instructions were somewhat confusing about whether to use one or both hooks, I found that using both hooks worked well for kneading dough. However, it's important to monitor the mixer closely to avoid overworking the motor.

Cleaning the attachments is a breeze since they are dishwasher-safe. The main unit itself can be wiped down easily with a damp cloth. One minor gripe is the placement of the exhaust vents, which tend to suck in flour and sugar during mixing. This can be a bit annoying, but it's a common issue with many hand mixers.

Durability

Having used this mixer extensively, I can attest to its durability. The motor does get warm after prolonged use, but it cools down quickly, and I've had no issues with overheating. The beaters and other attachments have held up well, showing no signs of rust or wear.

I did experience one unfortunate incident where the motor stopped working suddenly while kneading a particularly thick dough. There was no burning smell or overheating; it just stopped. While this was disappointing, I'm inclined to believe it was an isolated incident, as the mixer has otherwise performed reliably.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Black & Decker MX217-2 Electric Mixer is a solid kitchen tool that offers great value for its price. Its powerful motor, range of speed settings, and variety of attachments make it versatile enough for most baking tasks. The ergonomic design and easy-to-clean features add to its convenience, making it a go-to tool for both everyday baking and more intensive cooking projects.

Would I recommend this mixer? Absolutely. For anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and reasonably priced hand mixer, the Black & Decker MX217-2 is a great choice. It combines performance and ease of use in a sturdy package, making it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen. However, if you frequently deal with very dense doughs, you might want to consider a more powerful stand mixer to complement this reliable hand mixer.