An automatic electric food mixer can be an invaluable tool for those who do a considerable amount of cooking. The smaller, portable models (which may be hand-held or mounted on a stand) are capable of performing tasks such as creaming, beating, and whipping. Larger mixers are typically used on a stand and can handle greater quantities of food. Many of these models are equipped with a variety of optional attachments that enable operations such as coffee grinding, slicing, and shredding, and even knife sharpening. Blenders, on the other hand, are designed primarily for pureeing cooked foods and vegetables (often for soup-making) or for extracting juice from fruit. While they can also be employed for mixing and even cake-making, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.