Bowl Lift vs Tilt Head Mixers which one is the right one to suit your baking needs?
You know that horrible, upsetting feeling you have when you make a purchase and realize once you bring it home that you were expecting something totally different?
Matching the correct mixer to suit your baking needs is important, otherwise you may end up with a mixer that is not up to the job of making large batches of bread or cookie dough.
There are lots of different mixer brands on the market, with KitchenAid mixers probably being the most popular. Within each range there is also a huge choice of different mixers.
Most mixers can be categorized into either a hand mixer or stand mixers. Stand mixers can have a tilt head or a bowl lift configuration.
Bowl Lift vs Tilt Head
If you are considering buying a stand mixer, it’s important to understand the different variations that come with each one so that you are satisfied with your purchase. After all, stand mixers are a kitchen investment that should last you several years at least so you want to be happy with the product.
Among the variations you will see are AC- and DC-powered motors and tilt head and bowl lift mixers, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages, so which one are you looking for?
Tilt Head Mixers
As the title suggests, tilt head mixers have a head that tilts back and forth, which takes place at a joint between the stand and the head. This particular method poses some benefits and some drawbacks.
The tilting head allows for easy access to the bowl and easy removal of the mixing extensions. You will be able to simply tilt the head back and remove both components but you can essentially tilt the head whenever you need to get in the bowl, whether it be to add additional ingredients or scrape the sides.
Bowl Lift Stand Mixers
Bowl lift mixers, on the other hand, have a fixed head as opposed to a tilting head. Unlike the tilting head mixers, the bowl of the bowl lift mixer is held by two clamps and attached to a crank, which you turn either to lift or lower the bowl.
Cranking to lift the bowl will bring it to the mixing or beating utensils to get started whereas lowering the bowl will create the space necessary to remove both the bowl and the mixing components as well as, of course, access and remove your mixture.
Comparing Tilt Head and Bowl Lift
There are some space concerns when discussing stand mixers, which, in general, require a designated spot in the kitchen and you also have to consider verticals.
Vertical space requirements need to be considered for both styles of mixers. You will need room to lift the head of the tilt head mixer and you will need even more room to accommodate the height of the bowl lift mixer, which extends further vertically.
When not in use, tilt head mixers will be able to fit into tighter spaces but bowl lift mixers maintain their vertical regardless.
With that in mind, it’s typically easier to remove individual components from a tilt head mixer as well, given that you are moving the head out of the way entirely. You also won’t need to crank anything before using the machine.
However, the tilting head mechanism also poses some potential issues. For example, the joint where the tilting mechanism sits can loosen and even shake during operation whereas bowl lift mixers are often more stable and used for mixers with powerful motors. So, the mixer you choose may also depend on how often you mix things.
Intense bakers, for example, may benefit more from a bowl lift mixer that provides greater stability and can handle more powerful motors as well as tougher doughs.
Tilt head mixers can still handle firm doughs and are significantly more powerful than mixing by hand or using a hand mixer, making them an excellent choice for the casual chef even.
Choose the Mixer That Suits Your Needs
When considering your mixer, first consider your cooking habits. Do you bake regularly? Are you constantly wondering why you are still mixing your doughs by hand?
Standing mixers are excellent because they allow you to quickly do another task while your mixture is working but you won’t always require the most powerful line of mixers.
Also, keep in mind that DC-powered mixers are more powerful than AC-powered mixers and while AC standing mixers are excellent, DC power may be necessary for professional-level baking and cooking.
Choosing between tilt head and bowl lift mixers will come down to your power requirements, kitchen space, preference, and, of course, financial limitations.
Given that bowl lift mixers typically house more powerful motors, they may also be higher priced.
