I think I'm the only one in this forum that doesn't own a Kitchen Aid mixer. I only have a hand mixer and I need to start mixing up my BC icing for a wedding cake that I'm doing this weekend. Any advice on using the hand mixer? About 3 times ago I kind of over heated my mixer and hope it doesn't happen again. How long do I need to mix the icing after everything is incorporated? 5 min. or less... more?  Thank you all!

AI only had a hand mixer for the first couple of years and it's no problem, I still prefer it for some things actually! It just takes a bit longer :-)

I'd whip my bc for about 5 mins then give the wee mixer a rest then another 5 mins etc till I was happy.

But remember if it's gonna die on you it'll be in the middle of mixing, it won't just 'not work' one day you lift it out the draw so if it's on its way out and overheats a lot best replace it before you get stuck in :-)

Thank you! I was just unsure of the mixing time too. I wish I could afford a KA but it's just not possible :(  So I should mix for a total of about 10 min. after everything is incorporated? I usually only mix for 5, maybe that's my problem. 

I, too, only had a hand mixer the first couple of years I was in business. For heavier doughs I stopped every couple of minutes. For buttercream, also. Even though it's not a dense dough, the buttercream takes a lot longer so the mixer is used longer. Better start making buttercream now... Good luck with your cake!

True LOL I should start now!! :)

Kitchen Aid Hand Mixer is still a handy tool in the kitchen.  I have had mine for years and use it for whipping cream, beating eggs, color mixing small batches of icing, and I always use it for making cream cheese icing.  Some times I just don't want to mess with the big mixer. Just don't over heat it, as the ladies recommended above.

So hang onto it when you can afford a Stand Mixer, whichever brand you purchase.

Hopefully you'll become one of the great bakers and start posting beautiful cake photos.