Ribbon blenders have many purposes, but they all have the same goal: to combine two substances. They do this by spinning one substance around another, creating a ribbon-like texture that is an essential part of many baked goods. Mixing might seem like a simple task, but knowing how a ribbon blender can meet your baking needs.
What is a Ribbon Blender
A ribbon blender is a kitchen utensil used to mix ingredients easily. Ribbon blenders are lined with two different blades, rotating in opposite directions to make the batter or dough smoother. They are typically made of plastic or metal but also glass or silicone for specific purposes.
Some ribbon blenders are explicitly designed for cake batters. The addition of eggs and oil will cause the oil to accumulate on top of the batter instead of sinking into it, resulting in the cake not rising properly. These types of blenders have a specially designed “draining” channel that runs underneath the blades while they’re spinning, allowing any excess liquids to drain away while the ingredients stay mixed.
What Types of Ingredients Can a Ribbon Blender Mix
A ribbon mixer is frequently used to blend liquids with dry ingredients, such as flour or baking soda. Ribbon blenders can also mix eggs and other wet ingredients. Many batters for bread, cakes, cookies, pancakes, and waffles require the use of a ribbon blender for large-scale food processing.
How to Clean a Ribbon Blender
It’s best to use hot soapy water when cleaning ribbon blenders. A kitchen brush or cloth can remove any stuck-on bits of food. Many blenders can go in the dishwasher, but you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing so. When removing sticky ingredients from the ribbon blender base, it helps to soak it overnight.
It’s vital to turn the ribbon blender off before removing them for cleaning. Turning the machine off will prevent accidents.