This review dives into the Hamilton Beach stand mixer, putting its performance to the test with a delicious pizza recipe. We'll explore its features, including its powerful 300W motor, six speeds, and three versatile attachments: a dough hook, paddle, and whisk. Discover how easily this mixer handles even the toughest doughs, thanks to its robust design and secure locking mechanism. We'll also examine its user-friendly tilt-head mechanism and intuitive controls, making baking a breeze. The review includes a step-by-step guide to making homemade pizza dough using the stand mixer, from activating the yeast to kneading and rising.Beyond the dough-making process, this comprehensive review covers the creation of a simple yet flavorful pizza sauce, the assembly of the pizzas, and the baking instructions. Finally, we'll share our overall impressions of the Hamilton Beach stand mixer, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses based on our practical experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this review will provide valuable insights into the capabilities and usability of this popular kitchen appliance. Get ready to discover if the Hamilton Beach stand mixer lives up to the hype!
Pros And Cons
- Powerful 300W motor
- Six speeds
- Interchangeable attachments (dough hook, cake mixer, whisk)
- 3.5-quart stainless steel bowl
- Bowl interlocks securely
Read more: Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer Review: Best Stand Mixer for 2024?
Unboxing and Features
The Hamilton Beach stand mixer boasts a powerful 300W motor, making light work of even the toughest doughs. Its six speeds provide versatility for various baking tasks. The mixer comes with three interchangeable attachments: a dough hook for bread and pizza dough, a paddle for cakes and other batters, and a whisk for whipping cream and egg whites. The 3.5-quart stainless steel bowl is securely attached via a locking mechanism, ensuring stability during mixing.
Beyond the attachments, the mixer itself features a simple, intuitive design. The tilt-head mechanism allows easy access to the bowl for adding ingredients or changing attachments. Clear instructions are provided to guide users through assembly and operation. The chrome stainless steel finish adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
Pizza Dough Recipe and Mixing Process
This recipe calls for a combination of bread flour and all-purpose flour, along with yeast, oregano, Parmesan cheese, salt, sugar, and olive oil. The dry ingredients are mixed together first, followed by the addition of warm water (100-120°F) and olive oil. The yeast is activated in the warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.
The mixer is used on speed one to initially combine the ingredients, gradually forming a dough. If the dough is too wet, add the reserved ½ cup of flour little by little. Once combined, the dough is removed from the mixer and kneaded by hand to develop its gluten structure. The dough is then placed in a bowl coated with olive oil, covered with a damp towel, and left to rise for approximately 45 minutes.
Pizza Sauce and Assembly
The pizza sauce is made by simmering garlic in olive oil, then adding tomato paste, water, oregano, and Parmesan cheese. The mixture is cooked until it reaches a desired consistency.
After the dough rises, it's punched down and divided into four equal pieces. Each piece is rolled out into a circle and placed on a lightly oiled pizza pan. The pizza sauce is spread over the dough, followed by mozzarella cheese and other desired toppings (onions, salami, corn, etc.).
Baking and Conclusion
The pizza is baked in a preheated conventional oven at 350-380°F for about 30 minutes. The baking time may vary depending on the oven and the thickness of the crust.
The Hamilton Beach stand mixer performed admirably in this pizza-making test. Its powerful motor and versatile attachments made the dough preparation easy and efficient. While this is just one specific task, this review demonstrates the mixer's capabilities in handling heavier doughs. Its user-friendly design and robust build quality make it a great addition to any kitchen. Overall, the Hamilton Beach stand mixer is a solid performer and recommended for those seeking a dependable mixer for various baking needs.
