Flex edge vs. Flat beater: how to choose

What is a flat beater?

KitchenAid® flat beaters are powered by your KitchenAid® stand mixer and have multiple inner bars that help mix ingredients for recipes such as batters, frostings and fillings. Flat beaters are also helpful for shredding chicken, mashing potatoes and whipping up fresh guacamole.

Because of the versatility of this accessory, every KitchenAid® stand mixer comes equipped with a flat beater, along with a wire whisk and dough hook. Learning how to use your KitchenAid® stand mixer and flat beater properly will help you discover many new ways to incorporate it into your unique culinary creations.

What is a flat beater used for?

Flat beaters can be used in recipes where you need to mix, mash or shred ingredients. Most often, flat beaters are used for dessert-related tasks, such as folding fresh berries into cake batter or making a flaky homemade pie crust.

Rather than using a wooden spoon or KitchenAid® hand mixer to make a sweet or savory mixture, you can use your flat beater accessory. Flat beaters rotate in a circular pattern in your KitchenAid® stand mixer bowl to thoroughly combine both wet and dry ingredients or break up solid foods like boiled potatoes.

What is a flex edge beater?

The KitchenAid® flex edge beater is similar to a flat beater, but it features a flexible edge that scrapes the sides of the bowl while it mixes. Flex edge beaters can help you perform multiple tasks at once, so you can focus more on making.

Unlike flat beaters that come with every KitchenAid® stand mixer, flex edge beaters are typically sold separately. Consult an accessory buying guide to discover what makes each accessory unique and which ones are suitable for you.

WHAT IS A FLEX EDGE BEATER USED FOR?

If you’re exploring recipes that call for butter and sugar, such as buttercream frosting and vanilla butter cake batter, the flex edge beater can help reduce mixing time and the need to scrape ingredients down the side of your bowl. You can use this accessory in nearly any recipe that would require a spatula.

What is the best mixer speed for a flat or flex edge beater?

The ideal speeds for both flat beaters and flex edge beaters are low to medium, specifically speeds 1-6 on your KitchenAid^® stand mixer. Using your beaters within this speed range produces optimal results by thoroughly mixing all your ingredients together while reducing the chances of a messy splatter.

Higher speeds are ideal when using the wire whip to rapidly incorporate air into mixtures.

Are flat and flex edge beaters dishwasher safe?

Putting KitchenAid® stand mixer accessories in the dishwasher can be a quick way to clean up after experimenting with new recipes. If your KitchenAid® flex edge and flat beaters are stainless steel or white polymer coated, they are dishwasher safe.

It’s recommended to put your beater accessories in the top rack of your KitchenAid® dishwasher. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual for more cleaning information, as each accessory is different.

What recipes use a flat beater?

Desserts like macadamia chocolate chunk cookies, upside down pineapple cake and green tea macarons use a flat beater. However, you can also shred chicken with your flat beater to make zesty tacos, mash potatoes for a comforting Shepherd’s pie or use it to make a batch of honey butter biscuits. Use the flat beater in common recipes to discover simple ways to incorporate this accessory into your everyday making.

What recipes use a flex edge beater?

KitchenAid® flex edge beaters are beneficial if you frequently make recipes that use butter, sugar or both as the primary base. Use your flex edge beater and stand mixer to make a classic cake, a matcha cheesecake, or a moist tiramisu for dessert.

You can also try your hand at some savory dishes and whip up goat cheese mousse crostinis or creamy artichoke dip.