The 5 Best Hand Mixers for Every Budget

Even though it might not seem like it…

…a hand mixer is as useful and versatile a kitchen tool as a stand mixer.

Almost as well as their larger cousins…

…the best hand mixers are able to handle tough doughs and thick batters…

…but they are best suited to quick, light-duty kitchen tasks…

…such as whipping cream, beating eggs, and blending dressings.

In addition, hand mixers have a few benefits for home cooks…

…whose needs are limited to quick tasks and special occasions…

…such as a lower price tag and less counter space when compared to hand mixers.

A number of models have attachments (such as hooks and whisks)…

…and compartments for storing items.

With so many models available on the market…

…how do you decide which one is best for you?

You’ll find a list of the best hand mixers on this page to aid you in your search.

We are going to hear Yelena’s story before going to the next section…

My old hand mixer died earlier this year.

What I was mixing was sprayed on me and my kitchen by the replacement I bought.

It happened every time. Because it’s supposed to have a good slow speed,

I bought another hand mixer in a state of desperation.

It really does the job. I have used it twice, and so far everything has stayed in the bowl.

Thus far, I am very pleased with it, and I would recommend it to my parents.

Now that we’re ready to begin…

A Buyer’s Guide to Hand Mixers

Basic Attachments

Every hand mixer comes with a beater attachment.

Beater attachments historically had a central post around…

…which the beaters were built.

These days, most beater styles are wire beaters without any obstructions…

…and are usually easier to wash.

Beaters can be reinforced nylon or silicone-coated…

…to make it easier to mix all the way to the sides of the bowl…

…and avoid scratching it during use. 

Additionally, some models come with a whisk attachment…

…making whipping cream a breeze.

Most hand mixers come with dough hook attachments or offer them separately.

Mixing dough is certainly possible with either of these methods…

…but keep your expectations tempered.

It may be possible to make a tiny batch of very soft cinnamon roll dough…

…but be careful not to overwork your machine.

Remember, you’ll be pushing the mixer through that dough as well. 

Power

Hand mixers typically have a power of 200 to 250 watts.

Anything less than 200 watts isn’t going to handle a lot…

…and will need to be replaced much sooner than a slightly more powerful mixer. 

Braun’s HM5130 MultiMix hand mixer has an impressive 350 watts of power…

…which is as powerful as some stand mixers.

It takes less effort to mix a recipe with a powerful mixer…

…so carefully consider the types of things you’ll be mixing with it. 

Speeds & Controls

Most quality hand mixers have speeds ranging from 5 to 10. 

The more speeds your mixer has, the more control you’ll have during mixing.

Controls for speed range from digital readouts…

…with buttons to speed dials to lever controls. 

Having a mixer that has a low or slow start feature…

…(or several low speeds to get mixing going) is extremely helpful.

You don’t want a cloud of flour or cocoa powder flying out of your bowl…

…as soon as you turn on your mixer.

Many mixers feature a turbo button that can help power through…

…tough spots in your batter or finish off your mix quickly. 

Attachments and batters usually release with a lever or button.

Several mixers feature a timer or counter to help you keep track of your mixing time. 

Read on…

Storage

Nowadays, almost all high-quality mixers…

…have the option of storing various accessories.

The most popular storage solution is a clip-on base that stores…

…all the attachments and the power cord, with the mixer body on top.

So you don’t have to rummage through your silverware drawer…

…to find the right attachment, and cabinet storage is a bit easier. 

You can also use a storage bag or case to keep everything together. 

Price

Don’t despair if the price of a stand mixer makes you sweat!

There are a range of prices for hand mixers, from the budget-friendly to the high-end.

The hand mixers recommended here are in the $100 range…

…but can often be found at discounted prices from various vendors.

You can still make cupcakes with a $30 hand mixer.

It’s worth it to invest in a more expensive model if you need more attachments…

…better storage options, and a little more power.

Warranties

Typically, hand mixers come with a one-year warranty.

In many cases, retailers will refer you to the manufacturer…

…if the machine breaks or malfunctions during use.

Check online or on the packaging for warranty information. 

With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your hand mixer to last for years.

Your machine should not be visibly or audibly struggling, overheating, or stalling.

Here’s the main thing…

Our Top Picks for Hand Mixer

Let’s go through them one by one…

Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer

Cuisinart’s hand mixer includes all the features you need…

…plus some extras, and it comes with a storage case.

The powerful motor is controlled with a simple on/off switch…

…and a one-touch speed control lets you choose between nine speeds.

The set includes two beaters, one whisk, two dough hooks, and a spatula…

…all of which are stored in a clip-on case you can tuck the cord into.

As opposed to a button, there is a latch here…

…to make sure you don’t accidentally release the beaters.

The Cuisinart handled all the tasks we threw at it:

…chocolate chip cookie dough, rice pudding, and bread dough.

It is, however, noisier than similar models.

Pros:

• Attachments are easy to install and remove.
• Nice storage case
• Works on thick doughs

Cons:

• Shakes with thick mixes
• Short attachments
• Loud on high speeds

“Hand mixers aren’t usually packed with extra features, but the Cuisinart has the basics in its best modern version.”

Stacey L. Nash — Writer

BLACK+DECKER Helix Performance Premium Hand

A mixer like this is ideal if you need to mix cake batters…

…whip creams, and soft doughs quickly and easily…

…but you don’t want to spend a lot on features you’ll never use.

An ergonomic design and nylon helix beaters provide two times more surface area…

…than a typical wire beater. This product is highly recommended…

…for those with limited budgets and looking to utilize it occasionally.

A Black+Decker Helix mixer is lightweight…

..so holding it isn’t tiring, and it has five speeds…

…so you can start out slowly and gradually increase to a faster speed.

Power boost increases the speed until you release it…

…so you can power through lumps and then continue mixing at the original speed.

The beaters are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Despite the fact that it wasn’t the best for egg yolks…

…our tester found it to have “good power,” particularly for the price.

Two helix beaters, two dough hooks, one wire whisk…

…and a storage case are included with the appliance.

There are a number of fun colors to choose from…

…including tangerine, teal, lime green, purple, red, black, gray, and white.

Pros:

• Great color options
• Snap-on storage case
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Difficult to remove attachments
• Requires high speeds for thick doughs
• Loud on high speeds

Keep reading…

Oster HeatSoft Hand Mixer

The hand mixer will come in handy if you tend…

…to whip out your baking ingredients…

…before you realize the recipe requires softened butter.

You don’t have to risk it melting into a puddle in the microwave…

…when you use this hand mixer.

It can soften cold ingredients 12 times faster while you mix…

…so you don’t have to wait until they reach room temperature.

It can also be used without the heat as a regular mixer.

With a 270-watt motor and seven speeds, this mixer also features a power boost.

Using the included lever, you can eject the included beaters…

…dough hooks, and whisk; all are dishwasher-safe, as is the magnetic nozzle.

With the included storage case, we can stay organized in our baking drawer.

Pros:

• Perfect for softening butter
• Powerful
• Convenient storage case

Cons:

• Beaters are short

Go on…

KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II

When you’re looking for a mixer that does more than just mix…

…the KitchenAid has a few extras that make it a little more handy…

…than the average mixer. The mixer has nine speeds…

…from a super-slow speed for stirring in ingredients…

…all the way up to a high speed for whipping cream or making fluffy meringue.

Even if you choose a high speed, the mixer will start slowly and build up…

…so you won’t have to worry about ingredients falling out.

The cord locks into place on either side of the mixer to keep it out of the way…

…no matter which way you face or where your outlets are.

It comes with two turbo beaters, a stainless steel whisk, two dough hooks…

…and a blending rod, allowing you to use it like an immersion blender.

When not in use, you can keep the parts neatly together in the included storage bag.

You can choose from five different colors to match or accent your kitchen.

Pros:

• Easy to attach and detach beaters
• Good power
• Convenient attachment options

Cons:

• Shakes with thick mixes
• LCD speed display difficult to read

Hamilton Beach Professional 7-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

This sleek, mid-priced mixer is available in silver and matte black…

…and will help you whip up tasty treats in no time.

A Soft Scrape rubberized beater (no more annoying clanging against the bowl! )…

…whisk and dough hooks…

…and a snap-on storage case keep all of the attachments together…

…so they don’t get lost or damaged.

Hamilton Beach’s model also has seven levels of speed…

…including a quick burst function at every level…

…and a slow-start speed to prevent splatter.

A comfortable and functional mixer with an ergonomic grip…

…that won’t leave your hands feeling tired or stiff.

Because of its lightweight DC motor, it can be easily held.

With the swivel cord lock, lefties and righties alike can find…

…just the right position for the cord.

Pros:

• Ergonomic grip for prolonged use
• Rubberized beaters for quiet mixing
• Snap-on accessories case

Cons:

• One of the heavier mixer options

Sum Up!

It may seem that all hand mixers are the same at first glance…

…but there are a few factors that determine the right one…

…for your food preparation needs.

Some models come with whisks, beaters…

…and dough hooks to mix any batter effectively.

Durable beaters and dough attachments will ensure their performance as well.

Most traditional models include stainless steel tools…

…but there are some with nylon or rubberized handles…

…that provide more strength and help you achieve that perfect, lump-free consistency.

Some come with a storage case for cords and attachments…

…and some are even cordless for extra convenience. 

Conclusion

Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Hand Mixer is our favorite hand mixer…

…if you’re looking for an all-around great hand mixer.

Need extra power and quietness?

This Hamilton Beach hand mixer has seven different speeds…

…including a quick burst function at every speed level…

…and a slow-start speed to prevent splatters.