Hand mixers are primarily designed for light to medium mixing tasks such as beating eggs, whipping cream, and mixing cake batters. While they are not specifically engineered for heavy mixing tasks like kneading thick doughs or heavy cookie batters, some hand mixers come with additional attachments and higher power settings that can handle slightly heavier tasks.

Hand mixers typically come with a variety of attachments that enhance their versatility and make them suitable for various mixing tasks. The specific attachments included can vary depending on the brand and model of the hand mixer. Here are the most common attachments you might find with a hand mixer:

1. Beater Attachment: These are the standard attachments that come with most hand mixers. They are used for general mixing tasks like beating eggs, mixing cake batters, and whipping cream.

2. Whisk Attachment: Whisk attachments have wire loops and are designed for whipping ingredients like egg whites, heavy cream, and meringues. They create fluffy textures and incorporate air into the mixture.

3. Dough Hook Attachment: Some hand mixers come with dough hook attachments that are designed for kneading dough for bread, pizza, and other baked goods. While hand mixers may not handle heavy dough as well as stand mixers, dough hooks can help with lighter dough.

Cleaning and properly maintaining a hand mixer is important to ensure its longevity and safe use. Here are some tips on how to clean and maintain your hand mixer:

1. Detach and clean all of the attachments: Remove any attachments, such as beaters or whisk attachments, from the hand mixer and give them a good clean.

2. Wipe down the body: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the body of the hand mixer. Avoid getting water near the motor or the power cord.

3. Avoid submerging in water: Never submerge the hand mixer's motor housing in water. Only clean the external parts and attachments.

4. Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Avoid using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish and electronics of the hand mixer.

Remember that non-stick coatings can vary in quality and durability. While using a hand mixer in non-stick cookware/bakeware is generally possible, it is important to exercise caution to avoid scratching or damaging the non-stick surface.

While hand mixers are primarily designed for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients, they can also be used for blending soups and sauces to some extent. Hand mixers are best suited for blending soups and sauces that have a relatively smooth and liquid consistency.