Ready to learn about the Different Types of Whisks? Believe it or not – using the right whisk can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving the right consistency or texture. So, if you have only one type of whisk in your kitchen, it’s to upgrade your kitchen utensils collection. Before we take a look at the many different types of whisks available in the market, first, it is important to learn how to pick the right whisk. Read on to find out.
Different Types of Whisks
Now that you know how to choose the perfect whisk, let’s take a look at all the different types of whisks available in the market. Read on to learn about some of the most frequently used whisks.
Balloon Whisk
With wires forming large wide loops, balloon whisk is the traditional whisk found in almost every kitchen. With big and relatively stiff wires, it is good for mixing heavy or voluminous ingredients. It is also particularly good at beating eggs thanks to its rounded shape and a generous size that allows for a nice sweeping motion at the bottom of a round-based bowl.
Double Balloon Whisk
Double balloon whisks encapsulate a ball of wires within the tines of a larger whisk. Despite the similar-sounding name, it looks nothing like the standard balloon whisk. In some designs, the inner ball is formed using the same wires as that of the outer ball. In others, the inner ball is freestanding from the outer tine.
Either way, it is ideal for recipes that require aeration action. You can use it to whip cream, egg whites, or any other thin batter. However, keep in mind that while it provides a great whisking action, it is relatively hard to clean as the inner ball may not easy to reach.
Flat Whisk
Also known as a roux whisk, the flat whisk has a rather “smashed” profile that allows the whisk to slide around the edges of a bowl or a saucepan. The wires of the whisk are aligned in a single layer that slightly turns upward at the end. Unlike most other whisks, these whisks are not bulbous. Plus, the flat shape also makes it easier to clean the whisk.
One of the best times to use a flat whisk is when you want to combine dry ingredients into a sauce or gravy. The whisk will pick every spec and mix it into the dish with unparalleled ease. At the same time, thanks to a rather compressed shape, the whisk is gentle enough to stir curd, custard, gravy, cheese sauce, and more. OXO Good Grip Flat Whisk on Amazon is an awesome choice.
French Whisk
Tired of ending up with fat lumps when you are going for a smooth consistency? Upgrading to a French whisk may be the solution to your problems. French whisks are similar to balloon whisks, except their wires are more elliptical. The narrow shape of the whisk makes it a great choice for reaching the crevices of the pans and bowls and stirring away lumps.
It is advisable to look for a French whisk with stiff wires. If the wires are stiff enough, you can also use your French whisk to stir thick batters and cooking mixtures, including polenta. It also comes in handy when combining ingredients in a narrow container, like a jar, a smaller bowl.
Ball Whisks
Sleek and stylish, ball whisk is a multi-purpose that is quickly gaining popularity all around. Instead of a cage of metal wires, this whisk has long straight prongs with a small metal or silicon ball at the end of each prong.
The sturdy balls work well to break up ingredients and incorporate them in homogenous mixtures. It works specifically great for lighter mixtures. Moreover, the arrangement of the balls helps with aeration, which means you can use it to prepare mouthwatering meringues, cream pie fillings, soufflés, and more. PomeloHome offers their ball whisks in three different sizes.
Tea Whisk
If you are a fan of matcha, then you absolutely need a tea whisk for an authentic Japanese experience. Also known as Matcha whisk or Japanese chasen, a tea whisk is a traditional Japanese kitchen utensil.
It is crafted using a single piece of bamboo and features multiple tines. This type of whisk is specifically designed to whisk matcha. Since it has many more prongs as compared to a standard whisk, it works well to whisk the beverage into a frothy suspension.
The good news is that while it may not look like it at the first look, these beautiful and unique kitchen tools are built last. Plus, they are also easy to clean. All you have to do is rinse the whisk with warm water after every use.
Mini Whisk
As the name suggests, mini whisks are smaller in size. A standard mini whisk is around 6 inches long from the tip of the handle to the end of the prongs. At nearly half the size of a regular whisk, your mini whisk cannot perform like a full-duty whisk. For instance, it may not be the best choice for stirring a pot full of sauce or for beating a dozen eggs.
However, it is perfect for getting the small jobs done, such as beating a couple of eggs or whisking dips and sauces. Plus, the small size means that it can fit into tight spaces. You can use a mini whisk to blend ingredients in a mason jar or a cocoa mug.
How to Choose a Whisk for Your Kitchen
Are you ready to buy a new whisk? Here are the things to consider to make sure you pick the right whisk that helps you whip up your favorite recipes within minutes.
Size of the Whisk
Whisks are available in different sizes. The size of the whisk is measured from the top of the wires to the tip of the handle. I use the standard 12-inch whisk for most jobs around the kitchen. However, smaller whisks that are almost half the size of a regular kitchen whisk are also my all-time favorite. About 5 to 6 inches long, they are better suited for smaller jobs, such as combing through herbs or beating a few eggs.
On the other hand, if you regularly cook food in large quantities, you may want to reach out for a bigger whisk to make sure it meets your needs. Remember, using the wrong sized whisk means you may have to exert more elbow grease. Your hand will tire, and the food may not mix well. This makes it important to pay attention to the size while choosing the perfect whisk for your kitchen.
Whisk Handle
Look for a whisk with a sturdy handle to make sure you whisk away all you want without worrying about loosening the handle. It is advisable to opt for a handle that is sealed. This will keep food and water from following into the handle, where it can cause rust and bacteria problems. Finally, make sure that the handle offers a nice comfortable grip and is not excessively heavy.
Wires
Notice the number of wires carefully when buying a whisk. For most common tasks, such as emulsifying a vinaigrette or making a meringue, the goal is to create as much movement as possible. This can be achieved by using a whisk that has many wires. For example, using a 12-wire whisk will give you better results as compared to using a 6-wire whisk.
Next, check the size of the wire. For the best whisking action, make sure that the wires are a different size. So, instead of bunching up, they remain separate as you use the whisk. However, they shouldn’t be so wide apart that they constrict the movement by running into each other.
The Bottom Line Regarding Types of Whisks
Whisks are one of the most important tools around the kitchen. I have a drawer full of them! Now that you know about different kinds of whisks, you are also all set to buy the ideal whisk for your kitchen and build your very own whisk collection.
When you are out in the market, you might notice whisks in different materials. Many people ask if they should go for stainless steel or silicon whisks. Well, let’s get this straight – stainless steel whisks are most readily available and a popular choice among chefs.
They are lightweight and provide effective whisking action. Another reason why you may be interested in buying a stainless steel whisk is that it won’t chip, corrode, or react acidic food. The only problem with using stainless steel whisks is that the metal wires can scratch the non-stick surface.
This is where silicon whisks come in. Designed with silicon coated wire, these whisks are perfect for use with non-stick cookware. You can also look into wooden whisks. They are not as popular or handy as stainless steel or silicon whisks. However, they are great for preparing chocolate, sauces, or other condiments.
Apart from the material, the choice of the best whisk for you boils down to how you want to use the whisk and your personal preferences. For example, if you are looking for a standard balloon whisk, consider the collection at OXO. OXO Good Grips 11″ balloon whisk is particularly good. On the other hand, if you are looking for an extraordinary mini flat whisk for making sauces and gravy, Pyrex Flat Whisk Made of Silicone may be an excellent choice for you.
Choose the right whisk today to take your culinary experience to the next level! For that reason, how about reading about different types of kitchen timers? or maybe Splatter Screens and what about can openers?
