Types of Whisks
How Many Whisks Are Too Many?
If you’re an avid cook or baker, the answer is “you can never have too many”, duh.
But if you’re just starting out your whisk collection, below are some of our favorite whisks to keep around the kitchen. From aerating whipped creams to kneading thick doughs.
Though it is possible to mix anything and everything with one whisk, or even a fork or a chop stick like in the good ol’ days, finding tools take make you feel confident and make the task more efficient is always a good investment.
BALLOON WHISK
Balloon Whisk: This is the most common type of whisk that is used for general mixing, whipping, and aerating ingredients like eggs, whipped creams, and light batters. The wires are usually thin, making the whisk super light weight, giving you the ability to whisk at a quicker speed. This whisk is ideal for mixing a batter/sauce/custard that is on the thinner side like a vinaigrette, aioli, ice cream base or caramel.
A medium-sized balloon whisk is a must-have for any baker.
FLAT WHISK
Flat Whisk: Flat whisks have a wider, flatter shape and are ideal for mixing and blending in shallow pans or skillets. They work well for making sauces, roux, or gravies. If you’ve ever made something in a shallow pan or baking dish, like bread pudding or a sheet tray, like a quiche, this whisk is great for mixing on flat surfaces.
FRENCH WHISK
French Whisk (Piano Whisk): French whisks have a long and narrow shape, where the wires are usually thicker than a balloon whisk. These are great for mixing things that are a bit thicker like pastry creams, pate a chouxs, thick cake batters or items in a deeper pot that require a little elbow grease. Another whisk we use frequently.
MINI WHISK
Mini 6” Whisk: Besides their cuteness, a mini whisk is handy for small tasks being mixed in a small container. Perfect for mixing powdered gelatin in water, yeast, a small salad dressings or beating eggs in a cup. Great for every day cooking.
SPIRAL WHISK
Spiral Whisk: Spiral whisks have a flatter, coiled wire design and are excellent for quickly mixing and frothing liquids like milk, cream, hot chocolate or coffee. It’s small shape is also great for mixing items in small containers.
DOUGH WHISK
Danish Whisk (Dough Whisk): If you frequently make bread or pastry doughs, a dough whisk might be very useful to you. It’s sturdy design, typically with a wooden handle, can be very helpful in mixing and kneading doughs. It’s large openings help the ingredients easily fall through without the risk of over mixing. Also great for pancakes! This specialty whisk isn’t common, but such a fun addition to any collection.
