Buying guide for Best whisks
A high-quality whisk is a versatile kitchen tool that blends ingredients while incorporating air into the mixture. You can use it to mix batter for pancakes, whip egg whites for meringue, or blend sauce for a savory dinner.
Most whisks have a long handle with wire loops at the end, but beyond those basics, there are different types of whisks to choose from. For example, would you be happier with a balloon whisk, a flat whisk, a spiral whisk, or a different type? Similarly, would you prefer a whisk made of stainless steel, silicone, or another material? It’s best to get your purchase right the first time so you don’t end up wasting money and kitchen space. We’re here to help.
This buying guide provides answers to your questions about whisks as well as some excellent product spotlights. Read on to find out what you need to know and to learn about some of the best whisks available right now.
Key considerations
Types of whisks
Balloon whisks: Balloon whisks are versatile and widely used. Thin wires bend into wide loops to create a large, round shape, making these utensils perfect for tasks like whipping cream and preparing batter, soup, and sauce.
French whisks: French whisks are similar to balloon whisks, but they have a narrow, flat shape that allows them to reach tight corners in deeper bowls. They work well for whipping eggs and cream, mixing batter, and blending sauce. If you’re combining ingredients in a narrow bowl or container, reach for a French whisk.
Ball whisks: Ball whisks feature a group of straight wires, each with a small ball at the end. The wires add air to the mixture and blend it well. Dry mixtures, thin mixtures, and containers with tight corners often call for a ball whisk.
Flat whisks: Flat whisks have a single layer of wire loops that curve up a bit at the end. They are ideal when you’re working with shallow bowls or pans and are excellent for preparing sauce, gravy, and roux.
Spiral whisks: Spiral whisks feature a wire looped into a ring with a second wire wound around it in a series of spirals. They work well for mixing sauce, gravy, roux, and salad dressing.
Dough whisks: Dough whisks are made of thicker wire that loops around itself to create concentric circles. These whisks are designed to mix dough and extremely thick batter without overworking the ingredients, so you don’t end up with a tough finished product.
Size
In most cases, you should match your whisk size to the size of the bowl, pan, or container you’re using. The three most standard whisk sizes are 10, 12, and 14 inches, but you can also find whisks smaller and larger than that.
If you’re only going to buy one whisk, a 10- or 12-inch model may be your best bet. However, if you mix in small containers, you may prefer a 6.5- to 8-inch whisk. An extremely large mixing bowl may warrant the use of a 14-inch whisk.
Expert Tip
If you’re whisking proteins like eggs, be sure to scrub the wires with soap and water when you’re finished to remove any leftover food.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Features
Material
Stainless steel: Stainless steel whisks are considered the gold standard. That’s because stainless steel is rust-resistant and highly durable. It doesn’t react with acidic foods and is dishwasher safe. Notably, a stainless steel whisk could damage some cookware materials, such as a nonstick or copper pan.
Silicone: Silicone whisks typically feature a steel or nylon base coated with food-grade silicone. These utensils won’t scratch nonstick and copper surfaces, and they withstand heat better than plastic whisks. A silicone whisk doesn’t make as much noise as a stainless-steel whisk when you’re working, either.
Plastic: Plastic whisks may be inexpensive, but they often aren’t very durable. The plastic could snap when you’re blending a denser mixture, and it can’t withstand high temperatures.
Nylon: Nylon whisks are typically coated with silicone and have a lightweight, comfortable feel in the hand. They aren’t as durable as stainless-steel whisks.
Handle
The handle is a key feature of any whisk. Avoid handles that are too long or heavy because they can cause fatigue when you’re whisking for long periods. Some people prefer a whisk with a molded silicone grip because it’s comfortable to hold and allows for a better grip when your hands are wet.
Make sure the handle is sealed, too. That prevents liquid and food from getting inside the handle, where bacteria can grow.
Ease of cleaning
Cleaning a whisk can be a challenge because of all the looped wires. For the easiest cleanup, choose a dishwasher safe whisk so you don’t have to worry about scrubbing every nook and cranny.
Expert Tip
There are lots of different shapes and styles of whisks out there. Pick the one that best suits your purpose and is easy to clean – avoid buying a unique one just because it’s interesting to look at.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Accessories
Mixing bowl set: When whisking up your favorite recipes, you need a high-quality set of mixing bowls.
Cookware set: When you want to whisk up a tasty pan sauce or gravy, you need a reliable cookware set to work with.
Whisk prices
Whisks vary in price based on type, size, material, and other features. Most cost between $4 and $45.
Inexpensive
The most affordable whisks cost between $4 and $8. Larger nylon and plastic whisks, as well as smaller stainless steel and silicone whisks, are found here. In exchange for the low price, you may end up with a shorter handle or a utensil that isn’t as durable as something costlier.
Mid-range
Whisks that wear mid-range price tags cost between $8 and $23. Larger stainless steel and silicone whisks with long handles and comfortable grips are found here. You can also find some sets with multiple size options in this price range.
Expensive
The priciest whisks run between $23 and $45. This includes large stainless-steel whisks, sets of stainless-steel whisks, and whisks made of specialty materials like copper. A whisk in this price range should be very durable with comfortable handles.
Expert Tip
For faster, more comfortable whisking, try holding the whisk upside down in your hand, as if you were gripping a ski pole, place the whisk in your bowl, then use your wrist to move the whisk in small quick circular moves to bring your mixture to the consistency you’d like.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Tips
- Avoid using your wrist when whisking for long periods. There aren’t enough muscles in that area to generate the power you need to keep from getting tired.
- Whisk from side to side rather than a circular motion. You generate more force that way, which helps with aeration.
- Turn the bowl as you whisk to agitate your ingredients. This helps you get the job done faster.
- Familiarize yourself with a few tricks of the trade. For example, when whipping egg whites, you’ll get better results if you let them come to room temperature before whisking them. When whipping cream, refrigerate the bowl beforehand to help the cream hold together.
FAQ
Q. How is whisking different from beating?
A. When you whisk ingredients, the main goal is aerating the mixture to achieve a light, airy texture. Beating usually involves vigorously mixing ingredients to give them a thicker texture.
Q. What type of whisk is best for the average home cook?
A. If you tend to make basic, everyday recipes, you really only need two whisks: a highly versatile balloon whisk and a flat whisk. With these two utensils, you’ll be able to whip and mix batters, sauces, gravies, and roux with ease.
Q. What’s the best way to clean a whisk?
A. The easiest way to clean a whisk is in the dishwasher, but not all whisks are dishwasher safe. If your whisk requires hand washing, the best way to clean it is to fill a bowl with warm, soapy water. Move the whisk through the water mixture as you would if you were whisking eggs or cream to clean the crevices between the wires. Rinse the whisk with hot water when you’re done. Try to wash your whisk as soon as possible after using it so you don’t have to contend with dried-on debris.
