Stand mixers are great kitchen tools, especially if you frequently make large batches of recipes and can use the break from stirring cookie dough, kneading bread and other high-intensity mixing activities. Unfortunately, a stand mixer isn’t good at everything and there are two very similar places in which it fails to work perfectly. The first is in mixing very small batches, as the blades of the mixer often do not touch the bottom of the bowl. The second is in scraping down the sides of the bowl, largely also due to the mixer blade not coming in contact with the bowl. To ensure you get the best mix, you still need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as you work.
While a few swipes with a spatula doesn’t take that much extra time, there is a gadget that can mix and scrape that would eliminate the need for this extra step. The SideSwipe mixer blade is similar to a standard blade, but has silicone wings bonded to its frame. These act as mini spatulas, extending down and scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl without damaging it. It currently only fits some mixers, but the company is working on designs to fit more machines.
You can watch a video of the SideSwipe versus a standard blade here.
Ryley
January 4, 2008I am in LOVE!!!
Sign me up!!
That is soo neat.. i love it!
Thanks for always find us such neat things!
Amy
January 4, 2008I just bought one, we’ll see if it’s as good as it sounds!
dksbook
January 4, 2008I ordered one about three weeks ago, and it was delivered in 4 days. I love the way it eliminates “side cleaning” of the bowl. My only caveat is that it takes a bit longer to clean the blade of batter/dough. You may have to adjust your Kitchenaid, but directions come with the product, and it only takes a screwdriver and 20 seconds.
Scott at Realepicurean
January 6, 2008I only just got my Kitchenaid Mixer so I haven’t even tried it yet. But when I have, and I learn it (perhaps this great site can help there?) perhaps I’ll be needing one of these!
dms
January 7, 2008I love this idea. Thanks for posting it! I just found your site today and will surely be back again.