The Best Affordable Hand Mixers: Reviews And Buyer’s Guide

While we adore stand mixers for heavy-duty baking and blending, there are occasions when you require a more—well—handy tool!  

Hand mixers are ideal for whipping up fluffy egg whites or creaming butter and sugar for chewy chocolate chip cookies. However, selecting the correct mixer can be challenging, especially if you are unsure of what to look for. 

Ascertain an Appropriate Weight 

Although all hand mixers are compact (which is the purpose, isn’t it?), some are lighter than others. When you’re mixing up many batches of fudgy brownies, using a more lightweight hand mixer helps reduce arm fatigue.  

However, a mixer that is excessively light makes control more difficult. Select a mixer from the in-store display to determine your ideal weight. 

Which Features Do You Require? 

Speed: Hand mixers are available in three, five, or even ten speeds, depending on the amount of diversity desired or required. A mixer with a slow start mode is ideal for combining dry components, preventing spills and splatters. And, while most mixers are around 150 watts, you can purchase one with up to 220 watts of additional power, which is ideal for blending the thicker dough. 

Attachments: Do you intend to use your hand mixer for purposes other than mixing baking ingredients? Purchase one that includes a range of attachments, including a dough hook, whisk, and spatula. While sturdy stainless-steel beaters will last the longest, if you’re concerned about scratching your set of fine mixing bowls, opt with silicone-coated attachments. Consider this Hamilton mixer with six speeds and gentle, silicone-coated beaters. 

Consider the Following Features 

Sound: No worry about waking up the kids on a Saturday morning to make waffles from scratch if you use a hand mixer intended to be as quiet as possible. Reviewers like the powerful (but silent!) construction of this KRUPS 10-speed mixer. 

Handle: While numerous handle styles and sizes are available, it is critical to select ergonomic and comfortable to hold (think: rubber or silicone grips). You don’t want it to slip from your grasp throughout the mixing process. 

Space-saving design: For those limited to a room in the kitchen, search for a hand mixer with a retractable cord or a compact body that fits into even the most crowded cabinet. Due to the unusual hand mixers’ design, some models have a storage box that allows them to be stacked in a closet or organized neatly in a drawer. 

How Much Does a Hand Mixer Cost? 

A hand mixer can cost anywhere from $20 and $100, depending on its quality and the number of extra features. If you frequently use your mixer, consider investing in a higher-quality model that will last longer.  

It’s also a good idea to look for a mixer that comes with a warranty that covers any damage or broken parts. Consider the best hand mixer, as determined by our Test Kitchen. 

Make the right purchase with the hand mixer buying advice above—and then try one of these unexpected recipes with your fresh new mixer!