★★★★★ 5
Putting my $.02 into the mix
Size: Basic Frother, Color: Black
My old, lame hand mixer finally gave up the ghost. I ordered one of those “stick blenders” but it was waaaay too powerful for my purposes. (I don’t need it to dice/chop/pulverize fruits or veggies - if you need that, this mixer isn’t for you.) I needed something in between. I kept coming back to the “milk frothers,” but I had my doubts that one of those could mix up my morning shake. I tried a frother some years ago, and it wasn’t designed for blending ingredients, just for frothing liquids. Still, I had an idea (like some of you might) that what I needed was not a true stick mixer, nor a true milk frother. Something in between. I needed a “frother on steroids.”
I settled on this one-the YUSWKO YW-218. It had the regular frothing head, but also two other heads. One looks like a mini bread hook; the other like a mini whisk.
I plugged it into charge and it did take the stated time to come to a full charge. (Like any kid with a new toy, I tried turning it on before charging, but the low state of charge resulted in the high-medium-low settings not behaving correctly.)
For my first few forays into blending, I tried the mini bread hook thingee. It worked OK, but not as well nor as quickly as I wanted. I then shifted to the mini whisk thingee. I didn’t really prepare well. I combined my milk-protein powder-carnation breakfast-malt flavoring-imitation (yeah, I know, it probably causes cancer, but only in California) vanilla flavoring concoction into my normal medium-sized concession cup (you know, the smaller ones you get at high school basketball games), lowered the whisk head into the goop, and turned it to “low.” In a second, I was wearing my shake. But the power capacity was more than enough to do what I was needing.
Anyway, since that first attempt with the whisk head, I’ve gotten the routine down. And it is EXACTLY what I needed. (I’ll try to attach a video to show you.). Clean up is simple. You can do it with soapy water and a brush or rag, but I just run the thing in clear water and ensure I get all the sticky stuff off. I tried the soapy water, but I got a LOT of suds.
A few pointers. First, charge it up all the way before using it. I haven’t had to recharge for two weeks now. You’ll use a regular, small phone-charging brick. (Two words of CAUTION. I found that the included, cheap charging cord did not work. It got really hot, like there was an electrical short in it. So I found one of my own. Also, DO NOT USE the larger charging blocks like the ones from Ap*le. I tried and it was too much.) Second, I assumed that the low speed would be the less aggressive and thus the less “throw-stuff-out-of-the-cup” setting. But that hasn’t proven true for me. I’ve found that the medium setting makes my ingredients behave better (less throw-out and quicker blending). Experiment with different speeds, even though it may not make immediate sense. Third, practice with plain water first (I’ve already told you how I know this). That’ll give you a “feel” for what this frother will do. Fourth, practice with different sized cups. I’ve since changed to the taller concession cups, as they prevent throw-out. Fifth, start practicing with your cups down in a sink. Less mess to clean up and no need to change clothes before you head out to work or school (I’m a teacher). Finally, familiarize yourself with the way the three buttons work. My previous mixer required me to keep the button depressed to blend. If I let up on the button, the unit would stop. Not so with this one. A light press to start, let go, then a light press to stop. Don’t keep mashing the button.
Final thoughts: this frother is just what I needed. If your experience sounds like mine, I think this one’ll give you good service.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2022
