Pound for pound, a good hand mixer is perhaps the most laborsaving kitchen device. While my grandmother relied on arm strength and force of will to beat a stiff dough or to mash potatoes, a light and easily maneuvered hand mixer saves time and muscles. This one from KitchenAid features seven-speed digital touch control for precision mixing, and an electronic sensor that will adjust the power as you go, so you maintain a steady mixing speed. If you're beating a delicate batter, you can use the Soft Start feature and ease into faster speed. When you're finished, the beaters are easily ejected. If you've ever battled heavy doughs, you'll appreciate the beaters' design: they don't have a center post, so dough won't collect in the middle of the beater and clog the machine. It's also designed for easy cleaning. .
