A piano whisk is a kitchen utensil that is slightly different from other whisks. Instead of having tons of wires, it usually has about seven or eight wires in total. The piano whisk also has a slightly rounded head, instead, which many claim is helpful in whisking sauces, especially in flat pans.
Length and materials of pianos whisks vary. Silicone types are now available and these may be particularly desirable if you are whisking sauces in very hot pans. These are often rated for not melting in temperatures as high as 750 degrees F (398.89 degrees C). A silicone piano whisk can also be of benefit because it will not scratch non-stick pans, a common problem with stainless steel or aluminum whisks.
Piano whisk length varies, and you may want a few to accommodate different sizes of pans, and the ability to keep your hands away from high heats. The shortest piano whisks are about 8 inches (20.32 cm), and the longest are about 14 inches (35.56 cm) long. The width of the head can vary too, and some of these whisks will look more flat, rounded, and wider than others.
You can use the piano whisk in a number of applications. Whisk salad dressings, sauces, and the like to your heart’s content. These whisks may not be as effective for whipping cream or eggs, since fewer wires mean creation of fewer air pockets, which help to aerate cream or eggs. If you’re mixing cupcakes or muffins though, this type of whisk could be preferable, since it won’t cause too many air bubbles to create “holes” or “tunnels” in baked products.
You’ll find considerable price differences in piano whisk types. Most cost at least $10 US Dollars (USD), and some are well over $20 USD. Silicone whisks are more expensive. Whatever price you’re willing to pay, you should try to find a piano whisk that is sealed where the wires leave the handle. Unsealed types can make the whisk much harder to clean, and can result in small bits of food becoming stuck between the wires, rendering the whisk useless much sooner.
