The 5 Best Hand Mixers For Cooking And Baking

Beating eggs the old-fashioned way -- aka by hand -- is not only tiring, but can result in inconsistent mixtures that may ruin your favorite recipes. To get truly consistent results, then -- and to save yourself some energy -- you need one of these electric hand mixers. With powerful motors and a diverse range of attachments, they take the hard work out of whipping up creams and doughs, but also give you enough control over the mixture to get your recipes just right, every time. Our list features options ideal for a wide range of budgets and purposes, and includes both standard mixers for baking and cooking as well as one immersion blender for smoothies and other light creams.

1. KitchenAid KHM512ER 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer

KitchenAid KHM512ER 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer

With five speeds and a comfortable, ergonomic design, the KitchenAid Ultra Power will mix up your favorite recipes in no time.

Best Overall

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Few companies feature as comprehensive a line of hand mixers as KitchenAid, which offers four differently powered models in the same sleek and comfortable design. Among those, this 5-speed unit is likely best for most people, since it combines enough power to mix everyday doughs and cream with a price tag that won’t break the bank. It also comes in a huge range of colors, so you’re sure to find one to fit your personal kitchen aesthetic.

Pros:

Comes with beater attachment and accessories
Lockable swivel cord
Starts slow

Cons:

Highest speed isn’t very fast
Beaters could be more durable

2. Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Storage Case

Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Storage Case

For a slightly more affordable option than our #1 choice that still gets the job done, the Hamilton Beach Electric is a great alternative.

Best Runner-Up

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The Hamilton Beach Electric is a slightly more affordable version of our number-one choice, which makes it a great option for cooks who don’t have as much money to spend but still need a reliable mixer for all their daily cooking. The best-selling model features a six-speed motor that is powerful enough to whip medium doughs and bread, but delicate enough that it won’t send lighter batter splattering everywhere. It also boats several design features that make it a joy to use, such as a bowl rest and a snap-on plastic storage case.

Pros:

250 watts peak power
Quick-burst mode
Lightweight but sturdy

Cons:

Not ideal for very heavy recipes
Cord doesn’t lock

3. Breville BHM800SILUSC BHM800SIL Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer

Breville BHM800SILUSC BHM800SIL Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer

Cooks who demand nothing less than the best need the Breville Handy Mix, a premium mixer that does it all.

Best High-End

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Hand mixers can be so much more than electric-powered egg beaters, as the Breville Handy Mix so effectively demonstrates. The 9-speed model is one of the most advanced on the market, featuring a powerful 240-watt motor and a range of features that make whipping up all your favorite recipes easier than ever. Among those features is its proprietary Beater IQ technology, which automatically detects the attachment type you’re using and changes speed accordingly.

Pros:

Mixing light for visibility
Built-in count-up timer
Detachable storage compartment

Cons:

A little expensive
Rubber on beaters may wear over time

4. Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 500 Watt 9-Speed Immersion Multi-Purpose Hand Blender

Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 500 Watt 9-Speed Immersion Multi-Purpose Hand Blender

Light creams call for a lighter mixer, and the Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick 500 is one of the best.

Best Immersion Blender

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Not all recipes call for a heavy beating of the sort that full-size hand mixers can deliver. For lighter mixtures, including creams and even smoothies, an immersion blender — like this Mueller Austria Ultra-Stick — is more appropriate. Featuring a blending arm with a fixed blade and an ergonomic upright handle, it’s perfect for thoroughly mixing a whole range of delicate concoctions without splattering or bubbling, including eggs, peanut butter, or fruit and veggie purees.

Pros:

Comfortable rubber grip
Durable full copper motor
Easy to clean

Cons:

Cord can get tangled
Sharp edges can damage pans

5. BLACK+DECKER Lightweight Hand Mixer

BLACK+DECKER Lightweight Hand Mixer

Whether you're a once-a-year baker or an amateur on a budget, the Black+Decker Hand Mixer is an affordable and functional choice.

Best On A Budget

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We all love to cook, but some of us more so than others. If you’re only baking for the annual holiday or birthday party, you likely don’t need a huge, expensive mixer. Instead, pick up this Black+Decker Hand Mixer, a lightweight — and extremely affordable — solution to your mixing needs. It’s not going to get you through any marathon bake-offs, but for the occasional cake or cookies, it’s perfectly fine.

Pros:

Lots of ergonomic features
Lightweight and easy to use
Dishwasher safe parts

Cons:

Not the most powerful model
Also not the most durable

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of mixer do I need?

Mixers come in at least two styles: handheld models, which, as their name suggests, are manually operated using one hand, and standing mixers, which feature a full mixing bowl along with a more powerful motor attached to the base. The former are best for whipping up lights creams and batters, while the latter are for heavier materials, such as pizza doughs and breads. Which one is right for you, then, will depend on how much cooking and baking you do, and what kind. It also depends on your budget — handheld mixers are generally cheaper — as well as how much space you have in your apartment — standing mixers are generally larger and heavier.

How should I care for my mixer?

This depends on what kind of mixer you have. Some handheld mixers include parts that are fully dishwasher safe, so all you have to do is disassemble them and throw them on the rack. Standing mixers require more care, since they can’t be broken down so easily. Generally, a good idea is to detach as many parts as possible and soak them all in warm water when finished cooking, while wiping down everything else. Make sure to dry everything immediately after washing, too.