These 9 Best Hand Mixers Are Versatile and Efficient

But with all of these models available on the market, how do you know which one’s best for you? Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best hand mixers to help you choose.

Hand mixers also come with a few bonuses for home cooks who only need mixers for quick tasks and special occasions: they’re less expensive than stand mixers and they take up less room on the counter, for example. Plus, many models come with attachments (such as hooks and whisks) and storage compartments.

It may not seem like it, but the hand mixer is as valuable and versatile a kitchen tool as the stand mixer. 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.

“Even though this hand mixer only comes with a set of wire beater attachments, it’s very handy to have around for projects that are too small for the full-sized stand mixer. It’s ideal for small projects like a batch of whipped cream, but can also make a regular-sized batch of cake batter and frosting without overworking the mixer.” — Jenny Kellerhals , Baking Expert for The Spruce Eats

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 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 mixer only includes beater attachments and has a 150-watt motor—so it won’t tackle quite as many projects as a more powerful appliance. It’s best to use it for whipping creams, cake batters, brownie batters, and light frostings. Available in two colors, plus grey and white to provide a cute accent to your small kitchen space.

Built for tiny kitchens, the Dash Smart Store Compact Hand Mixer is as small as it gets while still being effective. The overall measurements clock in at 7.3-inches long by 4.5-inches high and a minuscule 2.5-inches wide—intended for a tight kitchen drawer. Or even a bookshelf if push comes to shove. The beaters detach and clip into the handle of the mixer for ultra-compact storage.

“The Hamilton Beach 6-Speed is widely available, even at some grocery stores that sell kitchenwares. It’s easy to use, even for kids that are just learning to bake — but can power through small but serious baking projects too. The beaters are best for thicker cookie doughs, and the whisk attachment is better suited for cake batters and whipped creams.” — Jenny Kellerhals , Baking Expert for The Spruce Eats

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. Easy to store, and lightweight enough for both adults and kids to handle. 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.

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).

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.

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 hand mixer 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.

Of course, you can use without the heat as a regular mixer as well. The mixer boasts a 270-watt motor and seven speeds, plus a power boost. Eject the included beaters, dough hooks, and whisk using the lever for easy cleanup; all are dishwasher safe, as is the magnetic nozzle. We love that it comes with a storage case to keep our baking drawer organized.

If you have a habit of eagerly whipping out your baking ingredients before realizing that the recipe calls for softened butter, this hand mixer is for you. Rather than risk melting it into a puddle in a microwave, reach for this hand mixer with heat technology. The Oster gently softens cold ingredients 12 times faster, and it does so while you mix—no need to wait until they reach room temperature.

“There’s a lot of shaking and noise with the Helix. However, considering the price, it did incredibly well.” — Stacey L. Nash , Product Tester

The appliance comes with two helix beaters, two dough hooks, one wire whisk, and a storage case. It’s available in a number of fun colors, including tangerine, teal, lime green, purple, red, black, gray, and white.

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. While it’s not the best for egg yolks, our tester found it has “good power,” particularly for the price.

If you’re looking for a faster, easier way to mix cake batter, whip cream, and soft doughs, 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. Our tester highly recommended it for those “on a tight budget and looking to use it occasionally.”

“It’s surprising how many features Breville packed into this hand mixer…You would think with a 240-watt high torque motor that the Breville might sound like a lawnmower, but it’s incredibly quiet.” — Stacey L. Nash , Product Tester

This comes with two scraper beaters, two dough hooks for denser doughs, and two balloon whisks for whipping cream or making other light, fluffy mixtures. While our tester found all of the features of this mixer to be nearly perfect, they did note that the mixer is one of the heaviest options. At four pounds, the mixer did get a little heavy with extended use. All the parts store in a case that clips onto the bottom of the mixer, and the cord tucks in there as well.

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.

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.

Appliances are getting smarter, like this hand mixer that 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. Our tester loved the double-whisk design, which she said made it “incredibly easy to whip eggs.”

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

Our tester found the Cuisinart tackled all the tasks thrown its way: chocolate chip cookie dough, rice pudding, and bread dough. However, she warned it’s louder than other models. While the Cuisinart 9-speed hand mixer might be slightly less attractive than the KitchenAid hand mixers, it performed comparably during our tests and costs slightly less.

It comes with two beaters, one whisk, two dough hooks, and a spatula that all store in a clip-on case that you can also tuck the cord into. Rather than a button to release the beaters, this has a latch, so you’re less likely to accidentally release the beaters.

This Cuisinart hand mixer includes the features you need, plus some extras—and a clip-on case to hold everything for storage. The powerful motor operates with a simple on/off switch and a one-touch speed control lets you select one of the nine speeds.

This hand mixer includes two turbo beaters, a stainless steel whisk, two stainless steel dough hooks, and a blending rod so you can use it like an immersion blender . It also includes a storage bag so you can keep all the parts neatly together when it’s not in use. It’s available in five classic KitchenAid colors so that you can match it to, or accent your kitchen.

The soft-start means that even if you choose a high speed, the mixer will start slow and build up, so you won’t fling ingredients out of the bowl. The cord locks into place on the left or right side of the mixer to keep it out of the way, no matter which which hand you use or where your outlets are.

If you’re looking for a mixer that does more than just mix, the KitchenAid has a few extras that make it a little handier than the average mixer. It 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 a fluffy meringue. Our tester reported that it “completed every mixing task we put it to,” but noted that “it did shake, and the noise level increased when the mixer was at higher speeds,” but even so, it was quieter than some of the other mixers we tested.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an all-around great hand mixer, we’re fans of the KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II. Want extra power and extra quiet? The Breville Handy Mix Scraper is worth the splurge for the serious baker.

What to Look for When Buying a Hand Mixer

By Jenny Kellerhals

The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash

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. 

The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash 

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 aren’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 options 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. 

The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash 

Color

Typically hand mixers come in a white, black, or silver/chrome finish, but some brands also provide a variety of colors for people who like to coordinate their appliances and add a kick of color to their baking routine. The wide range of mixer colors provided by KitchenAid has changed the game when it comes to kitchen design—and while there aren’t quite as many options available in the company’s hand mixer line, there’s still a nice variety to choose from. Black+Decker has gotten into the color game as well, with a small but attractive line of hand mixer colors at a fraction of the price of the KitchenAid line. 

Price

If the price of a stand mixer makes you sweat, don’t despair! Hand mixers come in a range of prices, from the budget-friendly to the splurge-worthy. Most of the recommended hand mixers here are in the $100 ballpark, but can often be found at reduced prices from different vendors. A $30 hand mixer will still get your cupcakes made. But if you’re interested in more attachments, better storage options, and a little more power, it’s worth it to invest in a more expensive model.

Warranties

Warranties on hand mixers typically max out at the 1-year mark. Many retailers will refer you to the manufacturer if the machine breaks or malfunctions during use, so check online or the packaging for warranty information. 

As with stand mixers, you are likely to get years of use out of your hand mixer with careful use and maintenance. Do not push your machine to the point that it is visibly or audibly struggling, overheating, or stalling.

Types of Hand Mixers

Manual Egg Beater

The hand-cranked egg beater is the original hand mixer, invented in the 1850s and intended primarily for (you guessed it) beating and aerating eggs. While these mixers are still in production, their usefulness is limited to eggs and can’t withstand mixing or whipping anything more substantial. 

Electric Hand Mixer

Electric hand mixers all have the same general construction. A handle is mounted on top of a motorized set of gears that operate the beaters, in a lightweight housing. Hitting the market in the 1950s, they quickly replaced their manual predecessors and have been an essential tool in residential kitchens since. 

Cordless Hand Mixers

A cordless hand mixer seems like the next coolest iteration of the hand mixer, but it’s got some big drawbacks that prevent it from taking over the market. Most of the cordless models are priced higher than the average hand mixer and offer less power—especially over extended use. Cordless mixers come with beater attachments but are limited when it comes to any other attachments.

It’s beneficial to be able to mix up a recipe on any countertop in your home regardless of outlet availability, but you’ll need to make sure your mixer is charged well in advance (at least 2 hours for some models). Cordless hand mixers are recommended for kitchens with limited power outlet availability, whipping on the go, or for a clean production look while filming your YouTube cooking show. 

The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash 

Brands

Cuisinart

Cuisinart is a powerhouse in the small appliances world. Classically known for food processors, Cuisinart has expanded its line to a wide range of handheld and countertop appliances, reliably crafted at approachable prices. While there aren’t a variety of hand mixer colors available, the brushed stainless steel finish is a consistent look across the entire product line: contemporary and unfussy. Cuisinart appliances are widely available and can easily be found online, as well as in nearly all department stores and larger retailers. 

KitchenAid

Easily one of the most popular brands for stand mixers, KitchenAid also has a line of hand mixers with several levels of features tailored to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a dependable entry-level mixer or a versatile and powerful hand mixer, KitchenAid has you covered. While the mixers can be on the higher end of the price spectrum, you can rest assured that you’re getting your money’s worth. The 5-speed hand mixer model is available in over a dozen colors for those interested in coordinating their appliances or kitchen color palettes. 

Breville

Best known for their high-quality (and luxury-priced) coffee appliances, this Australian company developed its stateside market with more premium countertop and handheld appliances. Breville hand mixers are designed to be both powerful and convenient, with every feature you could ask for included. Luxury colors that include “black truffle,” “royal champagne,” and “oyster shell” accent almost every contemporary kitchen style.

Black+Decker

Black+Decker made its name in hardware stores with dependable construction, home improvement, and lawn care equipment. A Black+Decker drill set has been a staple on Father’s Day and holiday gift lists for decades, alongside lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners, and most recently—a line of small kitchen appliances. Known for economically priced equipment that efficiently gets the job done, the Back+Decker hand mixers have also developed a flair for design with a streamlined modern shape and a bright palette of color choices. 

 The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash

Oster

Oster has been specifically making kitchen appliances since the 1940s, beginning with the first countertop blender, followed by a line of electric hand mixers (playfully called the Osterette). Focused on small appliances ever since, its line of equipment has expanded to include machines for serious cooks. Now producing a variety of countertop ovens, blenders, juicers, and grills, Oster focuses on innovation at a friendly price. 

Braun

Famously known for electric shavers, Braun originally began as a radio and audio equipment manufacturer in Germany in the 1920s. Like every other appliance manufacturer in the 1950s, Braun jumped at the opportunity to develop mixers and food processors, which became so popular that the design wasn’t changed for nearly 40 years. The kitchen appliance line today is a little bit more focused than some other brands, only offering mixers, blenders, and coffee makers. Braun offers high-tech machines that are built to last, with contemporary aesthetics in the middle to high price range. 

Dash

A relative newcomer to the kitchen appliance world, Dash began creating attractive and easily accessible equipment in 2010. Since then, they’ve expanded their line to include brightly colored machines small enough to fit in almost any kitchen for nearly any level of cooking experience. The line of products includes hand mixers, waffle makers, air fryers, rice cookers, electric kettles, and electric griddles to name a few—all at a fraction of the price of some of the bigger brands. Perfect for college students moving into their first apartment or downsizing equipment in your already stuffed-full kitchen.

Maintenance 

Wipe your mixer down after each use with a wet soapy sponge and wipe dry. Most attachments are dishwasher-safe, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid submerging your hand mixer in liquid and take care not to get food in the motor casing.

Accessories & Additional Features

All hand mixers come with beater attachments, and some come with a whisk and dough hook attachments. But if you’re looking for more versatility from your hand mixer, different brands offer some additional accessories and features at a premium.

 The Spruce Eats / Stacey L. Nash

The KitchenAid Digital 9-Speed Hand Mixer comes with a blending rod attachment, doing some of the work of an immersion blender to quickly blend a sauce or salad dressing without switching appliances. 

Combining appliance functionality, the Braun HM5120 MultiMix comes with a chopper/food processor attachment. This is especially handy for recipes that include chopped nuts or chocolate. While not large enough to handle big food processing projects, the convenience of having a quick chopper at the ready will cut down on your prep time. 

All bakers have been guilty of forgetting to temper their butter before baking at some point. If you’re the kind of baker who consistently forgets that step—or perhaps you’re more of an impulsive baker—a mixer like the Oster HeatSoft hand mixer, which comes with a heating element to soften the butter for you while you work, might be the way to go. At a friendly price, you’ll never be punished for spontaneously deciding to whip up a batch of cookies with cold butter. 

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.