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What “instruments” do you use for hand stirring?
I’ve dropped the last of my glass stirring rods onto the floor, and so it’s either time for me to buy some new ones….or perhaps you all are using something better these days that I should buy instead?
Thank you. -
9 Replies
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What is it for and what is the batch size?
Maybe a metal spoon work.
That is what i use for samples
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I gave up on glass stirring rods after I broke one while stirring and it cut my thumb pretty badly. You can try a stainless steel stirring rod or a metal spoon as @Abdullah suggests.
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I use electric ice cream makers. I am lazy (or smart).
I have several sizes….they make tiny ones that are perfect for my 150 gram batches.
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I don’t hand stir. It is ineffective and not the preferred technique.
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I only stir by hand to pre-homogenize some phase of the formulation before heating or using the mixer, but almost every time I prefer to use glass rods… when I’m not using it I try a silicone/rubber spatula or a stainless steel one. I prefer the silicone ones, but as they’re a little bit large it’s more for a brief homogenization than something more complete in itself. They’re very good at removing residues too.
In the end you can use almost anything in your reach, but please: even if you’re in a hurry DON’T use the glass thermometers… I’m tired of seeing experienced formulators use them when trying to streamline processes… just… don’t. -
I often make very small samples (50g) and sometimes need something to stir a bit by hand, especially if an ingredient has gotten stuck onto the sides or bottom of the beaker.
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Graillotion said:I use electric ice cream makers. I am lazy (or smart).
I have several sizes….they make tiny ones that are perfect for my 150 gram batches.
@Graillotion I love this idea!!
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My favorite for small batch stirring is the Ateco 4.5″ straight spatula. It has a nice stainless blade and comes in both a wood (#1384) and plastic handle (ultra version #1304). No other brand I’ve tried has as good of a blade.I also have a couple of small narrow Wilton unibody silicone spatulas.And I recently relented and bought some short glass stirring rods, despite my general clumsiness, as they are the best tool for some materials and tasks.
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helenhelen said:Graillotion said:I use electric ice cream makers. I am lazy (or smart).
I have several sizes….they make tiny ones that are perfect for my 150 gram batches.
@Graillotion I love this idea!!
This is the one I use….perfect for 150-225 gram batches. Feels a little bit like a piece of junk…and I figured I’d get 10-20 uses out of it….but 100’s of uses later…she is still chugging.
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