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When it comes to kitchen gadgets, there's none we love using more during baking marathons than a hand mixer. With a smaller footprint than a traditional stand mixer, hand mixers are not only way more compact and versatile — they’re also generally more affordable. Whether you're whisking eggs, mashing potatoes, or kneading dough for a batch of homemade baked goods, a hand mixer makes those repetitive tasks much easier. And if you’re shopping for the perfect holiday gift for the home baker in your life, add one of these top-performing hand mixers to your cart for a sweet surprise.
The Best Hand Mixers
- Best Overall: Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Hand Mixer
- Best Budget: Mainstays 5-Speed Corded Hand Mixer
- Quietest Mixer: BLACK+DECKER Helix Performance Hand Mixer
- Most Portable: KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer
- Best Smart Mixer: Breville Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer
What to Consider
Just like a good blender or coffee maker, a hand mixer should make kitchen tasks easier. These are the main things to consider before you decide on the best hand mixer for you:
Weight
The best hand mixer should relieve your arm from the soreness of repetitive whipping and do a better job of mixing your batter or dough. But using a heavy mixer can be even more taxing on your arm and shoulder, especially since you should be able to maneuver your mixer around a bowl with ease for several consecutive minutes. Look for a hand mixer that's around 2 pounds, as it will likely have the right power-to-weight ratio for optimum handling and performance.
Wattage
This number indicates the maximum amount of power that the mixer can provide. If you’ve ever experienced the painful sound of stuck beaters trying to churn through a sticky dough, you’ll know how much of a difference a powerful motor can make. While not all manufacturers list this spec, you’ll want a mixer that’s in the range of 220 watts and above — especially if thick bread dough and chocolate chip-loaded cookies are your specialties. It’s also important to check reviews for a model that has a good distribution of that power. You can have the strongest hand mixer in the world, but if it doesn’t distribute the power congruently, then you could easily overbeat eggs or splatter your precious batter all over your kitchen.
Nearly all hand mixers now come equipped with multiple speed controls, which gives you control over the strength of your blending. The models in this guide have a minimum of five and a maximum of nine-speed settings, plus one product with a claimed infinite number of speeds to choose from.
Storage Ease
The fact that hand mixers are relatively small kitchen devices makes them great for kitchens of pretty much any size. However, some come with snap-on covers that allow you to store their beaters and other attachments, such as charging cords, in one easy-to-find place. Some immersion blender bundles have similar systems for all of the add-ons, too. It certainly helps keep things organized.
How We Selected
Several of the hand mixers in this guide are longtime favorites of our team, and we've whipped up countless batches of cookies, peanut butter brownies, focaccia, and banana bread with them. Other models are included because they've garnered rave online reviews from users who tout their design, power level, and special attachments.
In our team’s testing, we focused on in-hand comfort, noise level, general ease of use, and storage features with each model. We’ve looked for and highlighted design features in these hand mixers that may not be immediately apparent when comparing specs online. To us, it’s important that any user can pick up one of these hand mixers and be able to start using it immediately. We also know that many people prefer hand mixers because they’re lightweight and easy to maneuver and store, so these were important criteria when considering which hand mixers to include in this guide.
Finally, we considered nice-to-have features on the mixers we tested, such as storage functionality, diverse mixing attachments, and cordlessness.
Ready to get cooking? Check out our guide to the best hand mixers for all of your baking kneads.
Learn more about how we test products, from the questions we ask our testing team to the types of products we feel are worth testing to the overall time we put into our testing process.
1
Best Overall
Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Hand Mixer
Pros
- 9 different speed controls
- Equipped with 3 types of beaters and a snap-on storage container
Cons
- Not easy to lay standing on its back; could be messy
This hand mixer is quiet, comfortable in the hand, small, and easily maneuverable. It’s the total package and the one we’d most enthusiastically recommend.
With nine different speeds, a one-touch speed control, and a simple on/off button, Cuisinart's Power Advantage Plus Hand Mixer is one of the best hand mixers you can buy.
This mixer’s nine speeds range from slow and steady to surprisingly fast. Instead of a physical toggle, users can press the large buttons on its handle to crank up or turn down the power.
This was one of our team's favorite models to test because it offers pretty much everything that a good mixer should have at a cost that's fair for its performance level. It comes with two standard beaters, two dough hooks, a spatula, and a snap-on storage container to help keep everything organized — even the cord fits inside!
One happy reviewer points out another smart feature of this hand mixer: “Unlike most mixers which supply their motors with different electric powers at different settings, this mixer supplies electric power partially based on the mixing speeds. In other words, it will supply an extra burst of power to the motor when the mixing speed is slow, like mixing tough dough. It only does so temporarily to avoid overheating the motor.”
More: The Quirkiest Kitchen Gadgets That Make Cooking Fun
Key Specs
Weight | 2.4 lbs. |
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Power level | 220 watts |
Speed controls | 9 |
Available colors | 3 |
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Might have trouble working with tough doughs
It may be best for mixing things like loose batters, cookies, whipped cream, and eggs, rather than sticky bread or cookie doughs, but this small and lightweight under-$15 hand mixer tackles easy-to-work cooking tasks with total ease.
Even if you bake infrequently, a hand mixer is incredibly useful to have in the kitchen (you won’t believe the amount of time it’ll save you), but we understand that you may not want to shell out for a pricey, top-of-the-line model. Thankfully, the Mainstays 5-Speed Corded Hand Mixer is a lightweight and very budget-friendly model, and it's perfect for the needs of occasional bakers.
This mixer has five variable speeds, a moderate amount of power (150 watts), and an easy-to-use eject button that'll release the beaters when you’re done. For storage, the beaters can also snap onto the bottom of the mixer so you won’t lose them. Reviewers rave about these handy features, plus the fact that this hand mixer is also comfortably lightweight and quiet (perfect for whipping up pancake batter while your houseguests sleep in).
Key Specs
Weight | 1.61 lbs. |
---|---|
Power level | 150 watts |
Speed controls | 5 |
Available colors | 1 |
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Pros
- Offers cord-free operation with a battery-level indicator
- Soft-start feature starts the mixer slowly to prevent accidents
Cons
- Straight handle can be difficult to hold
- Noisy
If the words cordless hand mixer make your eyes light up, this is the model to get. It is easy to use anywhere in the kitchen and can handle standard baking tasks without issue. Just keep in mind that you’re paying for design convenience, not versatility.
The KitchenAid 7-Speed Cordless Hand Mixer untreathers you from your outlets, so you can bake wherever there's more elbow room in your kitchen (or elsewhere in the world). This device is designed with a lithium-ion battery that fully recharges from empty in under 2 hours, and its handy power indicator lets you know its current level so you're never caught with a dead battery mid-mix. In a pinch, you can still use the device while it's attached to its charging cord.
This hand mixer is lightweight and equipped with seven speeds, along with a genius soft-start feature that powers up the device slowly so that you don't splatter your batter everywhere. It also comes in a range of fun colors.
The cordless design is its key selling point — it doesn't come with any other attachments besides the two beaters, and reviewers say that it's not the quietest device. Its straight handle may also be tricky to use for those with limited wrist mobility.
One satisfied baker raves that this mixer is “perfection: lightweight, easy to use, cleans in the blink of an eye. And NO CORD dangling across counters or ready to attack the beaters without provocation. I can use it several times before charging - I have never run out of power.”
Key Specs
Weight | 2.09 lbs. |
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Speed controls | 7 |
Available colors | 7 |
4
Quietest Mixer
BLACK+DECKER Helix Performance Hand Mixer
Pros
- Powerful, yet quiet operation
- Five speed intervals
Cons
- Slightly heavy
This hand mixer looks and feels like a premium product, although it's surprisingly inexpensive. It's powerful yet quiet, which are two features that you rarely see in the same product.
With five speeds, plus a turbo boost feature at any speed interval, durable reinforced nylon beaters, and a very powerful 250-watt motor, the Black and Decker Helix Performance Hand Mixer can handle virtually any baking task, from kneading to whipping. It also comes with two dough hooks and a single whisk attachment, making it one of the more versatile mixers that we tested.
The best part about this model is that you can skip the earplugs next time you want to beat together a batch of chocolate chip cookies: Our team's testing found that its motor runs at a pleasantly low-decibel hum that won’t wake up the neighbors. Its beater heads also have no exposed metal, and the rubberized coating muffles any ear-splitting clanging against the side of your mixing bowl. (That's great news for all of you midnight bakers.)
We love its modern, streamlined design and the fact that it also comes in five other colors to match various kitchen aesthetics. Its included storage case can keep all of its attachments and the cord neatly stowed together.
Key Specs
Weight | 3.16 lbs. |
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Power level | 350 watts |
Speed controls | 5, plus Turbo Boost |
Available colors | 6 |
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5
Best Smart Mixer
Breville Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer
Pros
- Powerful, sensor-activated controls automatically adjust speed for you
- Silicone-tipped scraper beaters help to minimize noise
- Comes with two whisk styles and a snap-on case
Cons
- Heavy design
- Pricey
This substantial hand mixer is up to pretty much any kitchen task, from flour sifting to dough kneading. If you're not ready to commit to the shelf space required by a stand mixer, this is a great alternative that offers a ton of power at a cheaper price.
The Breville Handy Mix Scraper is one of the smartest hand mixers our team has ever used. Equipped with an electronic sensor that automatically scrolls through nine speeds to ensure consistent mixing, this intuitive kitchen appliance is up to virtually any baking task.
While this hand mixer model is a powerhouse, it is also the heaviest and most expensive of the bunch. Luckily, its ergonomically shaped handle will help you get an easier grip on it. And if you're a serious baker, its ability to power through big batches of all types of dough in less time will help justify the cost (and arm workout).
The Breville comes with two dough hooks, two balloon whisks, and a snap-on case, but we particularly love its dual silicone-tipped scraper beaters that hit every nook and cranny of the mixing bowl without making a loud clacking sound — a very important benefit. They are also much easier to clean than standard beaters due to the coated endings on each whisk (though they should be cleaned by hand, not in the dishwasher).
Key Specs
Weight | 4 lbs. |
---|---|
Power level | 240 watts |
Speed controls | 9 |
Available colors | 2 |
6
Best for Kids
KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- Swappable cord positioning is great for left-handed users
Cons
- Not powerful for easily mixing tough doughs
If you typically bake soft and easy-to-mix projects like pumpkin pie filling, whipped egg whites for meringue, melted chocolate, or doughy pie crusts, this is an easy-to-use mixer that's comfortable to hold and looks great in any kitchen.
Featuring a lighter-than-average weight at just two pounds, the KitchenAid 5-Speed Hand Mixer may not be the most powerful model, but it's comfortable and easy to hold and great for beginners or even little kitchen helpers. It comes with two stainless steel beaters that can easily eject from the mixer with just a push of a button, which is much safer than yanking them out of the device.
Bonus: When our team tested it, we found that we could lock the cord into either the left or right side of the mixer unit to approach baking projects from any angle without risking a batter-covered cord. Lefties, rejoice!
This KitchenAid mixer has over 21,000 reviews and a whopping 4.7 stars on Amazon. Among the happy reviewers is one who writes, “I am beyond impressed with the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer! This mixer is a kitchen essential for me. Its versatility allows me to handle a wide range of recipes – from gently stirring in chunky ingredients at the lowest speed to whipping egg whites or heavy cream at the highest speed.”
Key Specs
Weight | 2 lbs. |
---|---|
Power level | 60 watts |
Speed controls | 5 |
Available colors | 8 |
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Pros
- Can be used as a stand or hand mixer
- Comes with 3 types of attachments, along with a 4-quart bowl
Cons
- Looks a little clunky
This versatile stand/hand mixer may not be the most attractive or easiest to store, but is great for giving your arms a break in the kitchen and for anyone who wants a stand mixer but doesn’t want to pay the price tag.
Flexibility in the kitchen is key, especially if you normally have more than one project going at a time, and this two-in-one device delivers for home bakers who want it all. The Hamilton Beach Classic Stand and Hand Mixer features a 290-watt motor that's more powerful than many hand mixers and great for most mixing tasks. Plus, its hand mixer component can detach from the base to be used independently if you want more precise control over where the beater blades go.
Its 4-quart bowl is perfect for holding small- to medium-sized batches, and its six-speed supply has enough versatility for all your basic baking needs. This mixer comes with a double beater attachment, a single whisk attachment, and double dough hooks.
Key Specs
Weight | 5.2 lbs. |
---|---|
Power level | 290 watts |
Speed controls | 6 |
Available colors | 3 |
Pros
- Snap-on storage case
- Wireless
- "Infinite" speed controls
Cons
- One color option
This hand mixer offers the ease of cordless beating with a compact storage case and what Hamilton Beach calls “infinite speed control.” Of course, the appliance doesn’t actually have an infinite range of speeds. But it does have a rotating wheel to control your mixing that doesn’t limit you to finite stages like many other mixers. We particularly enjoyed this feature throughout our testing because it gives you more precise control over your baking project and allows you to dial in on a Goldilocks speed that’s not too slow or too fast.
The mixer also comes with a snap-on clear plastic storage case that holds both beater attachments and a whisk attachment, as well as the charging cord. In our tests, the mixer beat cream to firm peaks with ease in under 10 minutes. It’s also not overly noisy, even at the highest speeds. There is a clear battery level indicator on the front of the mixer, and 10 minutes of charging can provide you with enough power to mix for five continuous minutes.
Key Specs
Weight | 2.81 lbs. |
---|---|
Speed controls | Infinite |
Available colors | 1 |
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9
Best for Large Batches
Cuisinart Electric Hand Blender & Mixer
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Easy to control
Cons
- No storage case
This is a heavy-duty cordless hand mixer from Cuisinart, a brand known for producing high-quality kitchen appliances. Though this mixer doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you’ll find on other models, such as a storage case or whisk attachment, it is built to last and has a strong enough motor to run circles around cheaper options.
This is a great option if you’re a big-batch or high-frequency baker. When we put this hand mixer to the test, the Cuisinart motor handled sticky and hard-to-mix doughs and batters, including bread and pizza doughs, with ease. The battery is also long-lasting, so you can easily prepare several batches without a recharge (which takes about two hours from zero to fully charged).
Key Specs
Weight | 4.8 lbs. |
---|---|
Speed controls | 5 |
Power level | 7.4 volts |
Available colors | 1 |
Pros
- 9 speeds
- 3 attachment styles
Cons
- Not cordless
With Smeg’s signature retro design and seven unique color schemes, this handheld mixer is perfect for the baker with a strong sense of style. The mixer also helpfully comes with three sets of attachments. You have the standard beaters, as well as two wire whisks (most mixers have just one whisk attachment). The Smeg appliance also has a set of small detachable hooks that are great for kneading thick, stretchy dough.
The mixer has nine speed settings and a clear digital display that lets you know your current power level. The attachments are easy to insert and remove without any button pressing, though they do need to be hand-washed.
Key Specs
Weight | 2 lb. 8 oz. |
---|---|
Speed controls | 9 |
Power level | 220 watts |
Available colors | 7 |
Lizzy Briskin
Food Editor
Lizzy is the Food Editor at Food Network Magazine and a contributor to The Pioneer Woman Magazine. She loves writing about food, cooking it, eating it, and thinking about it, especially if the food includes caramelized onions, pickles, or whipped cream (but not necessarily together).
Geoff Nudelman
Geoff is a lifestyle journalist & copywriter focused on helping brands make the world a better place through compelling copy. He’s a regular contributor at several outlets, including Barron’s, InsideHook, AskMen and several Hearst titles. You can check out more of his work at geoffnudelman.com.
Melanie Yates
Senior Digital Editor
Melanie Yates is the Senior Digital Editor at House Beautiful, where she oversees design, gardening, and home renovation content. Since joining the team in 2024, Melanie ideates, assigns, and edits digital stories from in-house and freelance writers and helps execute big-picture projects for the brand. Prior to this role, Melanie was a senior editor at Best Products for over eight years, where she launched the site’s home vertical, conducted numerous bedding product tests, wrote The Present Perfect newsletter column, and produced video tutorials on how to wrap a gift. A lifelong enthusiast of the written word, Melanie holds a BA in broadcast journalism from Hofstra University and a certificate in copyediting from UC San Diego Extension. She’s always on the lookout for the next vintage find to furnish her Queens apartment.