When I started to research whisks I had no idea there were different types for different uses. I have a little stainless steel whisk that I use every other day. A whisk is so much better than using a fork.
Why is a whisk called a whisk?
Because of its ability to have a quick stroke, sweeping movement.
Is a whisk essential?
The whisk is an essential kitchen tool that comes in a surprising array of styles.
What is the main purpose of a whisk?
Whisks are used to blend ingredients together quickly or to incorporate air into ingredients such as egg whites or heavy cream in order to increase the volume of the mixture.
Can Whisk Be Used with Nonstick Cookware?
It is never recommended you use metal utensils on nonstick cookware. Instead, opt for whisks with a silicone coating or ones made of other materials including wood, Rubber or plastic.
Types of whisks
Piano / Balloon Whisks
Balloon or piano whisks are made with thin wires and typically feature a bulbous end. These whisks are considered a multipurpose or everyday whisk because they’re great for a variety of common kitchen tasks.
Some common uses for this type if whisk are
Whipped cream
~ Meringue
M Eggs
& Egg Whites
Lightly mixing dry ingredients as a
substitute for sifting
French whisks are similar to balloon
whisks, but they feature a slimmer profile with slightly thicker wires. While these thicker wires are perfect for mixing together heavier ingredients, they are still meant to be flexible enough to create added movement. Because these French whips feature a narrow end, they’re able to fit into the corners of your pots and pans to scrape up product and prevent foods from burning on the stove.
Uses for French Whisks
With their thick wires and thin frame, here are a few common uses for French whisks:
~ Sauces
~ Emulsions such as vinaigrettes
~ Batters
~ Pancakes
Custards
Ball / Kettle Whisk
Kettle whisks feature long handles and a large, cage-like ball at the end. These kettle whips are used for mixing ingredients together in deep kettles or stock pots. And, because these kettle whisks feature long handles, you can mix ingredients together while keeping your hands away from the stove.
Mini Bar Whisks
Mini bar whisks are designed specifically for whipping egg whites in a bar setting.
Egg whites are used to craft light and airy cocktails such as the gin fizz, champagne flip, or a white lady. The miniature size of these bar whips ensures they work in any glass size and fit in compactly behind the bar. Because these bar whisks feature the same thin wires and bulbous end as piano whisks, they bring movement to your mixture and add air into your egg whites to create a fluffy and frothy product.
Conical Whisks
Conical whisks feature thin wires formed into an elongated shape with a wider middle and narrow end. This distinct shape, which resembles a diamond, is designed to reach ingredients caught in the corner of your pots.
Flat or roux whisks
feature a number of looped wires, typically four, in a flattened ballooned shape. These whisks are designed to be used with shallow pans in order to reach the optimal angle when mixing. The lower the handle can be to
Uses for Flat / Roux Whisks
Flat or roux whips are ideal for use with the following:
M Gravy
~ Roux
~ Sauces in shallow pans
… Removing poached eggs from water
~ Substitutes as a fish spatula when
Spiral whisks
Spiral whisks are composed of a singular wire loop wrapped in tight coils. Because the head of this whisk is placed at an angle, it is meant to always be in contact with the bottom of your pan during the mixing process. This allows the whisk to catch all ingredients and prevent burning.
As the angled head makes contact with the bottom of the pan, the smaller coils work to break up clumps of dry ingredients for a smoother final product. Because of their flat, compact construction, spiral whips are also ideal for use in small bowls where balloon or French whisks may be too bulky.
Spiral whisks are composed of a singular wire loop wrapped in tight coils. Because the head of this whisk is placed at an angle, it is meant to always be in contact with the bottom of your pan during the mixing process. This allows the whisk to catch all ingredients and prevent burning.
As the angled head makes contact with the bottom of the pan, the smaller coil where balloon or ideal for use in small bowls where balloon or French whisk may be to bulky.
Dough whisks
are, as their name suggests, perfect for handling tough dough or batters without overworking the ingredients. Unlike wooden spoons, the thin wires are perfect for swiftly cutting into your dough and scraping away flour pockets for a smooth and consistent mixture.
Use a dough whisk to create decadent desserts or freshly baked breads including:
~ Brownies
~ Muffins
~ Pancakes
& Waffles
~ No-knead bread
~ Scones
~ Irish soda bread
From 24-hour diners to high-end hotels, every commercial kitchen should have the right whisk on hand to handle a variety of tasks. Whether you’re creating a roux to thicken mac and cheese or topping cake with flavored whipped cream, it’s important you use the right whisk for the job. Having the perfect tool in your kitchen can save time
