![Person's hand holding the Breville The Handy Mix Scraper over a bowl of whipped cream](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/UP10OmFCgYGudWVBRNSVKefMOXU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-hand-mixers-test-breville-scraper-ashley-craiger-03-88f4fdb0e3f74360a75125cf72dc21c0.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Ashley Craiger
When you think about baking and mixing, you may think a stand mixer is the best option for speed and power. But handheld mixers are just as capable, if not more agile than their freestanding counterparts. The most capable hand mixers are able to handle tough doughs and thick batters almost as well as their larger cousins, but where these handheld gadgets really shine is in a wide range of quick, light-duty kitchen tasks, such as whipping cream, beating eggs, blending dressings, and more.
Hand mixers are also less expensive than stand mixers and they take up less room on the counter. Plus, many models come with attachments (such as hooks and whisks) and storage compartments. But how do you know which one's best for you? We tested the best hand mixers to help you choose.
Best Overall
Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus Hand Mixer
Easy to attach and detach attachments
Convenient storage case
Works on thick doughs
Loud on high speeds
This Cuisinart hand mixer includes all the features you need, plus a few extras that make it our favorite choice. The powerful motor has a one-touch digital speed control that lets you easily select and move through the nine settings while the mixer is in use. The ultra-convenient clip-on storage case holds the power cord and all of the mixing attachments, even the included plastic spatula.
The design of this hand mixer played a big part in receiving our top vote! The inside of the handle is curved, similar to the handle of a knife, which we found made for a comfortable and stable grip while mixing, even when one-handed. Rather than a button to release the beaters on top of the handle, there's a trigger latch on the inside of the handle, where you’re less likely to accidentally hit it. Additionally, the power cord is thoughtfully designed to swivel to the left or right, and locks in place to stay out of the way while you're mixing—conveniently adaptable to left or right-handed users.
During testing, the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus tackled everything from whisking together dry ingredients and whipping cream, to mixing thick peanut butter cookie and bread doughs. Nine speeds are more than what most hand mixers offer, so we weren't convinced that it was necessary to have that many—until we tried it for ourselves. The additional two speeds made for seamless speed changes, and the SmoothStart feature keeps ingredients from flying out of the bowl the moment you turn the mixer on. We noticed that the machine is louder than other models at its top speeds, although the mixer didn't show any other signs of struggling (like overheating or excessive shaking).
Number of Speeds: 9 | Attachments: 2 beaters, 1 whisk, 2 dough hooks, plastic spatula | Power: 220 watts | Weight: 4 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Carolyn Malcoun
The Spruce Eats / Carolyn Malcoun
The Spruce Eats / Carolyn Malcoun
The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash
Most Powerful
Braun MultiMix Hand Mixer
Easy, one-handed speed adjustments
Sturdy design
Easy to clean
Not the best storage case
At 350 watts, this hand mixer blows the competition out of the batter—Some stand mixers don't even have 350 watts of power. This one uses something called "SmartMix" technology, which basically means the motor is aligned vertically for better weight distribution. This, plus a soft, slip-resistant handle makes for a comfortable grip.
Braun also did away with ventilation slots, so you can stop worrying about ingredients making their way inside the unit; simply wipe with a cloth to clean. It only comes with whisk and dough attachments, but that's because the whisks double as beaters depending on the speed setting. Speaking of speed settings, there are nine, not including a "Turbo" feature. We don't love the storage case it comes with because it is just a bag, but hand mixers don't take up a ton of space anyway.
Number of Speeds: 9 | Attachments: 2 beater/whisks, 2 dough hooks, 1 food chopper | Power: 350 watts | Weight: 2.2 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Rose Cirrincione
The Spruce Eats / Rose Cirrincione
Best Budget
Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Balloon whisk attachment
Easy to handle and operate
Great for beginners/kids
Not appropriate for very thick doughs
This incredibly popular hand mixer is a staple in home kitchens everywhere. While it doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some of the other hand mixer models, it’s a simple reliable mixer that’s been on the market for generations. Updated to include a snap-on case for keeping mixer attachments, this set includes both beater and whisk attachments (an upgrade from previous versions).
At peak use, the 6-speed hand mixer utilizes a 250-watt motor, and a "burst" button to power through any clumps you may come across in your batter (though it is tough to get through thick doughs). Easy to store, and lightweight enough for both adults and kids to handle, this mixer is ready for brownie mixes, cake batters, and lightweight cookie doughs. This hand mixer is also designed to rest on the side of the bowl if you need to put it down while working on your project—without worrying about dripping batter all over your counter. We also think this would be a great mixer for kids to use while learning to bake.
Number of Speeds: 6 | Attachments: 2 beaters, 1 whisk | Power: 250 watts | Weight: 2.8 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Theriot
The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Theriot
The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Theriot
The Spruce Eats / Elizabeth Theriot
Best Cordless
KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer
Battery level indicator light
Sleek minimalist design
Smaller size is easy to store
Only appropriate for light-duty mixing
KitchenAid is obviously known for its high-quality stand mixers, but we were curious to see how the different hand mixer models performed. We tested four different KitchenAid hand mixers, including the 7-Speed Cordless model, since it’s one of the few name-brand appliance companies that offers a cordless mixer option. Given how much power a mixer requires over a sustained period of time, cordless appliances tend to sacrifice performance for convenience.
As far as performance goes, the biggest perk is that we didn’t have any issues charging the hand mixer, nor did it lose power while we were in the middle of any projects. When it came to mixing ingredients that needed beating, like cake batter and frosting, the mixing time was more comparable to typical mixing times. But we did notice that it took a bit longer to tackle simple projects, like whipping cream. Most of the hand mixers we tested took less than five minutes to whip a bowl of chilled heavy cream, but this one took nearly 10 minutes. As can be expected after using a mixer for 10 minutes straight, the weight of the machine was noticeable and wasn’t especially comfortable to hold. Part of the reason for the longer whipping time might be because it only comes with beater attachments and not an actual whisk attachment (although the design of the wire beaters seems like a hybrid beater-whisk style).
We also noticed that this hand mixer struggled with slightly thicker cookie dough once all of the dry ingredients were added to the dough. If the mixer can’t power through the ingredients, it simply stops working (which is most likely an intentional safety feature meant to keep the internal components from overheating, stripping, or breaking under pressure). With all of that said, we were prepared to make some trade-offs in functionality for the convenience of having a cordless hand mixer, so we aren't at all disappointed in how the mixer performed. Overall, the mixer feels sturdy, without overheating or making any alarming noises while mixing. Infrequent bakers likely won’t have any issues with softer batters and doughs.
Number of Speeds: 7 | Attachments: 2 beaters, 1 charging cord | Power: 12 volts | Weight: 2.1 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Abigail Moore
The Spruce Eats / Abigail Moore
The Spruce Eats / Abigail Moore
The Spruce Eats / Abigail Moore
Easiest to Control
Hamilton Beach Professional 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Quieter than other models
Easy to use one-handed
Eject attachments with trigger-style latch
Tricky to attach snap-on case
We tested three Hamilton Beach hand mixers for this collection, but there were a few features that set the Professional 5-speed hand mixer apart from the others.
The first thing we noticed while testing this mixer was how easy it was to use one-handed, thanks in part to the relatively light weight of the machine and partially because of the placement of all of the operating functions. Like most other models, the power and speed controls are on top of the mixer, along with a QuickBurst button for a hit of extra power. The rolling-style lever that controls the power and speed has a raised notch that makes it easy to control with your thumb while the machine is on. But what we really like about this mixer is that it’s got the same attachment release trigger as our best overall mixer pick. The trigger-style release cuts down on the chance of accidentally releasing the beaters while you’re mixing, and it’s less of a struggle to release them when it’s time to take the machine apart.
Included with the set are a wire whisk attachment and a snap-on storage box to keep the sturdy wire beaters, whisk, and power cord tidy when storing. We found that the storage case was a little difficult to clip into place. The hand mixer also doesn’t include dough hook attachments like some of the more expensive models, which makes this mixer less appropriate for mixing up heavier cookie and bread doughs.
Number of Speeds: 5 | Attachments: 2 beaters, 1 whisk | Power: 120 watts | Weight: 2.8 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Kathryn Standing
The Spruce Eats / Kathryn Standing
The Spruce Eats / Kathryn Standing
Best High-End
Breville Handy Mix Scraper
Easy one-handed speed dial and attachment release
Useful timer feature
Smart torque adjustment
Heavy
Appliances are getting smarter, this hand mixer included. It detects the attachment and adjusts the speed to the best range for that particular style of mixing. It offers higher torque at lower speeds and nine speeds so you can start slow and work your way up. We loved the double-whisk design, which made it incredibly easy to whip eggs.
The scraper beaters are coated so you can beat right against the side of the bowl with less noise. There’s a count-up timer so you can keep track of the mixing time for recipes that require a specific mixing length. A mixing light makes it easier to see what’s in the bowl, and a power boost button lets you momentarily increase the speed to get past a lump in the batter, then resume mixing at normal speed. A pause button lets you stop mixing momentarily so you can add ingredients.
While we found all of the features of this mixer to be nearly perfect, the mixer is one of the heaviest options at four pounds. All the parts store in a case that clips onto the bottom of the mixer, and the cord tucks in there as well.
Number of Speeds: 9 | Attachments: 2 beaters, 2 whisks, 2 dough hooks | Power: 240 watts | Weight: 4 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Ashley Craiger
The Spruce Eats / Ashley Craiger
The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash
The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash
Most Colorful
KitchenAid Ultra Power Hand Mixer
Easy to match with a color scheme
Compact design
Dishwasher safe attachments
No storage case
We get it, you’ve put effort into designing your kitchen, and you want everything to coordinate. From your kitchen appliances down to your silicone spatulas—there’s a color theme, and you want to keep it going. KitchenAid is here to provide you with all of the colorful appliances you could want that conveniently match several other small machines they offer. The KitchenAid Ultra Power 5-Speed Hand Mixer is available in 13 different color options to suit your needs, admittedly at a premium.
This model isn’t as versatile or powerful as other KitchenAid models but includes a set of wire beater attachments. Five speed settings take you from gentle mixing to rapid whipping with just a few clicks. If your mixer acts up for any reason, KitchenAid provides a 1-year hassle-free replacement warranty to keep you baking. We wish it came with a few more attachments and a storage case, but this hand mixer is sturdy enough to be stored as it is.
Number of Speeds: 5 | Attachments: 2 beaters | Power: 145 watts | Weight: 2 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Sarah Martens
The Spruce Eats / Sarah Martens
The Spruce Eats / Sarah Martens
Best for Whipped Cream
BLACK+DECKER Helix Performance Premium Hand
Great color options
Snap-on storage case
Inexpensive
Difficult to remove attachments
If you’re looking for a faster, easier, and inexpensive way to whip up fresh cream or meringue but you don’t want to spend a lot for functions you’ll never use, this mixer fills the bill. It’s got an ergonomic design and nylon helix beaters that offer two times more surface area than your typical wire beater.
The Black+Decker Helix mixer is lightweight, so it’s not tiring to hold and it has five speeds, so you can start slow and work your way up to a faster speed for whipping or beating. The power boost button increases the power 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 cleanup.
The appliance comes with two helix beaters, two dough hooks, one wire whisk, and a storage case. While it's not super easy to get the attachments off and it does shake slightly while in use, we found it has good power, particularly for the price. It's available in a number of fun colors, including tangerine, teal, lime green, purple, red, black, gray, and white.
Number of Speeds: 5 | Attachments: 2 helix beaters, 2 dough hooks, and 1 wire whisk | Power: 250 watts | Weight: 3.26 pounds
The Spruce Eats / Alana Al-Hatlani
The Spruce Eats / Alana Al-Hatlani
The Spruce Eats / Alana Al-Hatlani
Final Verdict
If you're looking for an all-around great hand mixer, we're fans of the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer. A reliable and budget-friendly option that performs exceptionally well for most baking and cooking projects is the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer.
How We Tested Hand Mixers
We tested 19 different hand mixers across every major brand and price point. The key factors that we took into consideration were the physical comfort of the machine while in use, how well it managed to perform essential mixing and whipping functions, and the ease of operation. We also took into consideration the design appeal and price for the value when further refining our top choices.
Each mixer was tasked with whipping cream and mixing cake batter or cookie dough. In cases where dough hook attachments were provided, those were tested as well. Hand mixers with special features, like heating elements, additional attachments, cordless power, or timers, were reviewed based on how well those features performed above and beyond the standard features, and any trade-offs that may have been made to accommodate them.
![Hand mixer next to a stainless steel mixing bowl full of whipped buttercream](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/1uEcjun53_1CNyck1irVtNA1_cA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-hand-mixers-test-meuller-MM505-john-somerall-02-307ac13d78194bc49c2f493d98f20d49.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / John Somerall
Other Options We Tested
- KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II: This hand mixer comes with more attachments than any of the other models that we tested, but several of them seemed superfluous. In place of a blending rod, we would have preferred a sturdier storage case than the drawstring bag that’s included. Additionally, it wasn’t any better at mixing dough than comparable or more reasonably priced models. During testing, it struggled to thoroughly mix cookie dough, requiring us to change attachments from the beaters to the dough hooks. We’d be happier with a hand mixer with fewer features and better overall performance.
- Dash Smart Store Compact Hand Mixer: We wanted to like this hand mixer so much for its compact size and impressively low price point, but when it came down to it, the Dash Smart Store Compact hand mixer struggled to perform even the most basic tasks. We didn’t think it was possible for a hand mixer to be too lightweight, but this one is, leaving it feeling flimsy and uncomfortable to use.
- Oster HeatSoft Hand Mixer: The Oster HeatSoft Hand Mixer is clearly made for people who regularly forget to bring their butter to room temperature before starting a baking project. The product description says that it “softens butter 12x faster” than leaving a stick of butter on the counter for 30 minutes—which we aren’t disputing. But it’s ultimately not a function that feels all that necessary, especially given how uncomfortable it is to use for any length of time. The hand mixer weighs about 4.6 pounds, which is nearly double the weight of other models and was noticeably taxing to hold during testing.
What to Look for When Buying a Hand Mixer
Basic Attachments
All hand mixers come with beater attachments. Classically, the beater attachments were designed with a central post that the beaters were built around. Now, most beater styles are wire beaters without any obstructions and are typically easier to wash. Some beaters are either reinforced nylon or silicone-coated to make mixing all the way to the sides of the bowl convenient and avoid scratching the bowl in the process.
Several models also come equipped with a whisk attachment, making whipped cream a snap. Usually, there is just one whisk attachment, although the Breville Handy Mix Scraper model comes with double whisks for even faster whipping.
Many hand mixers come with dough hook attachments or offer them separately. While these are certainly an option, keep your expectations tempered when it comes to mixing doughs. A tiny batch of very soft cinnamon roll dough may be possible, but be careful not to push your machine too far. And remember, you’re going to be giving your arm a workout pushing the mixer through that dough as well.
Power
The average power for hand mixers is between 200 to 250 watts. Anything less than 200 watts isn’t going to handle very much and will likely need replacing much sooner than a slightly more powerful mixer. The Braun HM5130 MultiMix hand mixer boasts an impressive 350 watts—which is as powerful as some stand mixers. The more powerful the mixer, the less work you have to do to get your recipe mixed, so carefully consider the types of things you’ll be using your mixer for.
Speeds & Controls
Speeds range anywhere from 5- to 10-speed settings on most quality hand mixers. The greater the number of speeds your mixer has, the broader the range of control you’ll have during the mixing process. Speed controls vary from digital readouts with buttons to speed dials to lever controls.
Mixers that come with a low or slow start feature (or several low speeds to get the mixing going) are incredibly helpful. A cloud of flour or cocoa powder flying out of your bowl the moment you turn the mixer on isn't the way to kick off any baking project. For a little boost of power, many mixers include a "turbo" button that helps power through tough spots in your batter or finish off a mix quickly.
Beaters and attachments typically release with a button or lever. A few mixers include a timer or counter to conveniently track your mixing time for precise recipes. The Breville Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer even has a built-in light that illuminates the bowl below for an easier look at what you’re mixing.
Comfort & Weight
Not to be overlooked, the comfort and weight of a hand mixer are as important as any other feature of the mixer—after all, you have to hold the machine up with your own strength. Hand mixers are intentionally designed with lightweight motors and gears, and they range from 2 to 4 pounds total. Most people prefer a hand mixer on the lighter end: between 2 to 3 pounds.
Some hand mixers are ergonomically designed for a comfortable and secure grip. Curved handles with non-slip, padded, or silicone grips make it easier to handle your mixer while it’s working. Several mixers also stand or balance on their own when you need to put the mixer down for a minute.
Storage
Almost all quality hand mixers come with some kind of storage option these days. The most popular storage solution includes a clip-on base that all of the attachments and power cord get stored in, with the mixer body on top. This saves you from the hassle of rummaging through your random silverware drawer for the right attachments and is a little less awkward for cabinet storage. Other options include a storage bag or storage case to help keep everything in one place.
![Oster HeatSoft Hand Mixer](https://www.thespruceeats.com/thmb/nyOphGB6PiFZ15c2JUMzT2D1cuY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ses-hand-mixers-test-oster-jennifer-zyman-01-f7e985f1f7474d2f82e48b5724e599b4.jpg)
The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Zyman
FAQs
What can you make with a hand mixer?
Hand mixers are built for medium-duty mixing of foods that would be too difficult or time-consuming to mix by hand, but not so difficult as to require specialty mixing equipment, like a stand mixer. Most home cooks use a hand mixer for common baking projects like creaming butter and sugar for soft cookies and cake batters, whipping cream and egg whites, and making very soft doughs — like cinnamon rolls. Hand mixers can also be used for quick savory projects, like whipping mashed potatoes, shredding cooked chicken, mixing dips, and gently bringing soups together.
Are hand mixer beaters universal?
Hand mixer beaters are not universal. Occasionally a specific brand will make the same style of beaters for multiple hand mixer models. While many beater attachments look very similar, there are usually slight differences that can affect how the beaters attach to the mixer. If you need to replace the beaters for your hand mixer, the best place to check for replacement parts is directly with the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit.
What kind of bowls can you use a hand mixer with?
Hand mixers can be used with just about any bowl. The sturdiest bowls to use hand mixers with are stainless steel bowls, followed by tempered glass bowls. Both of these types of bowls can easily withstand the wear and tear of the beater attachments hitting up against the sides of the bowl with minor if any, damage. When using plastic, melamine, or wooden bowls, the beater attachments may leave marks on the sides of the bowl, so you may need to toss the bowl after prolonged use if the beaters start to chip off any bowl material.
Ceramic bowls are okay to use with a hand mixer but are not quite as strong as tempered glass. While chipping and breaking aren’t very common, it’s still possible. Beaters may also chip off some of the finish or glaze of delicate ceramic bowls. If you’re using plastic, melamine, wood, or ceramic bowls, consider purchasing a hand mixer with plastic or silicone-coated beaters to help protect your bowls.
Can you use a hand mixer instead of an immersion blender?
Hand mixers and immersion blenders are inherently different tools and are typically used for different purposes. You cannot use a hand mixer to blend a perfectly smooth soup, cream, or sauce. If you’re using an immersion blender to make salad dressing, you may be able to make it with a hand mixer instead, but it’s likely to be a messier process. At best, a hand mixer can be used to help break foods down, but it will seldom give you the perfectly smooth products you’ll get with an immersion blender. Conversely, an immersion blender cannot make cookie dough, cake batter, or doughs.
How do you shred chicken with a hand mixer?
You can shred chicken with a hand mixer as long as you follow a few simple guidelines. You want to shred the chicken with the beater or dough hook attachments on the lowest setting while the chicken is still warm and tender. If there are any large chicken pieces, break them down by hand or with a fork before using the hand mixer. Instead of focusing the mixer on one area, make sure to move the mixer around to hit all of the chicken. If your hand mixer has a pulse setting, that’s even better. Working the chicken on a low or pulse setting will help prevent turning your chicken into whipped chicken or chicken pâté.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Donna Currie is a food writer and product tester for The Spruce Eats and she also has her own cookbook, Make Ahead Bread, a cookbook meant to simplify the bread-baking process.
Stacey L. Nash is a product tester for The Spruce Eats and personally put four of the hand mixers on this list to the test in her own kitchen, using them to whip up chocolate chip cookies, bread dough, and rice pudding, and evaluating factors like power, design, and features.
This round-up was updated by Jenny Kellerhals, who also wrote the accompanying buying guide. Jenny has been a professional pastry chef in New York City for over 10 years and has first-hand experience with a wide range of professional and home appliances. Her cabinet space is limited, so only the most reliable equipment makes the cut.