• Knowing your mixer speeds can prevent a mess.Food mixer image by Foto Factory from Fotolia.com
  
  If you enjoy baking and cooking, the KitchenAid mixer is a worthwhile investment. The first KitchenAid stand mixer was made in 1919, and it has been a staple in the American kitchen ever since. If you have never used one before, learning some KitchenAid mixer tips will help you get started.
  
  

Mixing Speeds

• It is important to understand the different speeds on your KitchenAid mixer. Typically, KitchenAid mixers are a bit faster than most other brands. According to KitchenAid, its mixers mix most things in half the time of most others. As a general rule of thumb, speed two would be considered low, speed four medium and speed six high.
  
  

Add With Caution

• KitchenAid mixers are fast, so it is best to add ingredients to a moving mixer slowly. Always add things to the outside edge of the mixing bowl, and not directly into the mixing tool. In addition to this, it is best to add ingredients at a lower speed, and increase the speed as the batter thickens, especially when mixing liquids.
  
  

Clean the Base

• After using the KitchenAid mixer, it is important to wash the attachments. That said, you cannot neglect the base of the unit either. Debris from mixing will fly up and out on to the mixer stand, so it is important to wipe it down after each use with a damp cloth. Otherwise, debris may eventually clog the mechanisms and cause technical issues.