I always connect James Martin in my mind with sweets and puddings and this is somehow borne out with the James Martin Hand Mixer. Unusually, it comes with a balloon whisk, which is really only used for whipping egg whites and the occasional custard for ice cream and this was why I got it, being a bit of a pudding freak. The James Martin Hand Mixer looks good and also feels nice and solid to use; I liked the way it will stand on its own while you are at another stage in the cooking. It is so messy when mixers dont do that.
The James Martin Hand Mixer is easy on the wrists.
Ever since I did a spectacular one-hand stand a few years ago my reward was six weeks in plaster I have a fairly weak wrist and this Hand Mixer gave me no problems at all. It isnt light and flimsy but the handle is placed well and the non-slip top means that even with buttery hands you dont need to have a strongmans grip to use it. Because the James Martin Mixer is very powerful jobs are done faster as well, so it is by far the least tiring machine I have used. I am not a big bread maker so I havent really tried the dough hooks; for people with weaker arms that is often the test with a hand mixer.
A hint to save you some washing
If you are using the James Martin Hand Mixer in a jug, a word of warning – dont. The powerful vortex from the beaters mean it will surge up the sides and all over you and any other inconvenient surface. This mixer has to be used in an old fashioned bowl I don’t remember reading that in the instructions which came with the mixer but it is advice that you would do well to bear in mind unless you like washing egg out of the dog.
Would I recommend?
I cant think of a single cook who would not get use out of a James Martin Hand Mixer. It is very versatile and easy to store, which is often the problem with mixers. They are either too big and get put away and never used or they are too basic to be of much use. This Hand Mixer manages to be neither. If looks matter to you, it is a smart looking piece of kit which looks more expensive than it is, partly because of the matte black top to the handle and the stylish switches.
What is the James Martin Hand Mixer best at?
As I said, I am a bit of a pudding person, and my custard has never been so smooth and silky since I got my James Martin Hand Mixer. The balloon whisk coupled with the high power means that every drop is properly mixed and fast too; there is no time for it to split over the heat and the results are excellent. Which is not to say that I havent used it for savoury sauces as well, but like its namesake, the James Martin Hand Mixer really does do a really good pud!