A stand mixer can be a perfect small appliance to have in your kitchen. It can handle most mixing jobs, even mixing and kneading bread dough. But this machine is large and cumbersome and not always easy to put away and store until the next time you need to use it.
We love using stand mixers, and the pros definitely outweigh the cons. But we still don’t much care for lifting them and moving them around. Ideally, your stand mixer will have a dedicated place in your kitchen, so you never have to move it around to use it. If you can’t leave it in one place, don’t fret.
Today we will talk about the best ways how to store a stand mixer. Let’s get started.
Trials and Tribulations of Storing a Stand Mixer
While stand mixers can be an absolute Godsend, they can also be a real pain regarding storage. Some weigh as much as 40 pounds and are large and awkward, making them difficult to store.
If you don’t have a lot of counter or table space, it will be necessary to store a stand mixer in the cupboard or another cabinet. This means you’ll have to drag it out and put it away every time you need to use it. Don’t forget about all the attachments – you will need to find a place to store those as well.
Now, don’t let storage scare you into not buying a stand mixer. They are great, and we have a few storage tips for you that will make your life much easier.
Stand Mixer Storage Tips
How you store your stand mixer will depend on a couple of factors: whether you want it to be a prominent part of your kitchen decor or if you wish to have less clutter and keep it out of your way when not in use.
Keep It on the Countertop
If you have adequate counter space, the counter is likely one of the best places to keep your stand mixer. Whenever you need to use it, it will already be set up and ready to go without you having to dig it out of a cupboard or a drawer.
A stand mixer can add a lot to the look of a kitchen. These machines are available in various colors, so you will surely find one that perfectly suits your décor. If you are going to spend a lot of money on a stand mixer, there is no sense in hiding it away. Leave it out so everyone can see it.
Many people who use stand mixers create a unique spot. This is often on a countertop and puts the mixer within easy reach at all times. And, when it is on a countertop, you can show it off whenever you have company in the kitchen.
If you don’t want to show it off but still want easy access to your stand mixer at all times, there is another option for countertop storage. You can get a mixer cover for your stand mixer.
Not only will it keep the machine free of dust and food particles in the kitchen, but some covers even have added space where you can store cookbooks, attachments, and other accessories, so you have everything all in one place when you need to use it.
If you don’t want to spend extra on a cover, you can make your own easily enough if you have a sewing machine and spare time.
Put it in a Drawer
Another option is to put your stand mixer inside a pull-out drawer. This can be ideal for those who do not have a lot of extra counter space to spare. Of course, you will have to lift the mixer out whenever you need to, which can be a pain, especially if you use your mixer a lot. But, if it’s your only option, you can easily make do with a drawer.
These days, many cupboards are designed to have special drawers that fit a stand mixer. Some pretty cool pull-out organizers are ideal for stand mixers, made from solid wood and designed to hold the weight of a stand mixer. These are basically wooden shelves that attach to the side of a cabinet and fit nicely near the bottom.
The only drawback is that you will likely have to install it yourself. Make sure you get the measurements right before you start building.
Use a Mixer Lift Cabinet
You might consider installing a mixer lift cabinet for your stand mixer. This is a great thing to have because not only is it a place to store the mixer, but it is also a countertop, so you don’t have to lift or move it around.
A mixer lift is much like a pull-out drawer, but it elevates so it is at the same height as the countertop you are used to working at. These stands are sturdy enough for a heavy item like a stand mixer, and you won’t have to renovate your kitchen to install this type of cabinet. It will work with any custom-made shelves, so you don’t need to add more cabinets.
It involves using dampeners and adjustable tension springs. It will slide in and out of the cupboard smoothly, and you will have that extra counter space to work with because you won’t be putting the stand mixer on the countertop. When you finish using the mixer, lower the shelf and slide it back inside the cabinet.
One disadvantage to using a mixer lift is that not all of these lifts are ideal for storing the larger, seven-quart stand mixers. If you have one of these larger mixers, having an expert come in and custom-fit a mixer lift is a good idea.
What about Storing the Attachments?
Another thing to consider is how you will store the attachments with your stand mixer. You may only have the attachments included with your purchase or have decided to purchase additional attachments.
In either case, you need a place to store them, and you probably don’t want to leave them lying around on the countertop when you are not using them.
Here are a few storage ideas for stand mixer attachments.
Use the Mixing Bowl
If you only have two or three attachments, they can easily be stored inside the stand mixer bowl. This will keep them out of the way but within easy reach when you are ready to use them. You can place a towel inside the mixing bowl to keep the attachments from becoming scratched or the bowl itself chipping or scratching.
Use Hangers
A great way to store the attachments is by hanging them from hooks. Hooks are designed explicitly for storing stand mixer attachments and aren’t overly expensive.
Also, it looks pretty cool to have your attachments hanging on a wall or from the ceiling, and it keeps them from becoming damaged in drawers. The only downside to this type of storage is that it is not ideal for some larger, multi-purpose attachments.
A similar option is hanging the attachments from a pegboard, which looks fantastic and won’t cost much.
Use a Pull-Out Drawer
We all have a drawer where we keep our cooking utensils. If you have enough drawers, you might consider keeping one for storing stand mixer accessories. You can get a metal slide-out basket that is easy to install, storing your accessories much easier.
In fact, you can use it for storing all of your baking and cooking accessories, with plenty of room to spare. They are made from thick materials, making them very sturdy and durable, and if you have one with a ball-slide system, it will move easily and silently.
The best part is you can pull out the drawer and find everything you need in seconds.
Conclusion
If you bake and cook, you will find that having a stand mixer will make your life much easier. Even if you don’t have enough counter space for permanent mixer storage, you can always find a way to store it when it isn’t being used, and it will be ready to pull out and use the next time you need it.