When all you need is a little help mixing, hand mixers are a light and portable alternative to a clunky and expensive stand mixer. Home cooks and professionals alike turn to this kitchen tool when a mixing task just doesn’t need the power of a stand mixer.
It may not look like a classic hand mixer, but if you are looking for a sturdy kitchen tool for all of your mixing needs, the Black+Decker Helix Performance 5-Speed Mixer is a great choice for you.
What to know before you buy a hand mixer on Amazon
Handle
The handle of your mixture should feel comfortable and easy to hold. If you have large hands, they should not feel cramped or wedged in the mixer. On the flip side, if your hands are small, they shouldn’t be swallowed by the mixer or slip around too much. Look for something that feels just right.
Weight
A standard mixer can be heavy because you don’t have to hold it, but weight matters when it comes to a hand mixer. Some older models are made entirely out of metal and are very heavy.
You don’t want something too light as to be insubstantial, though. Again, look for that happy medium of heavy enough to do the job but not so heavy that your hand mixer is exhausting to hold.
Controls
Your hand mixer‘s buttons should be easy to operate but not so easy that you accidentally turn it on or increase the speed when you don’t want to. Most hand mixers have buttons that stick out from just below the handle, but some have knobs or dials. Whatever you choose is largely a matter of preference.
Hand mixer on Amazon features
Attachments
The standard hand mixer attachment is a wire beater. This works well for most tasks a hand mixer would tackle.
Some mixers also include a wire whisk, which is great for light and fluffy egg whites and whipped cream.
Speed settings
Mixers can have anywhere from 5-16 speed settings. Most cooks only need or really use around nine of those settings. There is no need to pay extra for settings you won’t use.
Pulse or speed boost
In addition to the standard speeds, some hand mixers come with variable speed control or a “pulse” setting. This allows you to add a short burst of speed to your mixing.
Keep in mind that this boost uses a lot of wattage. Use it for only 20 seconds at a time to avoid burning out the motor.
Stability indentation
A stability indentation is a simple notch below the motor housing. This allows you to rest the hand mixer on the edge of the bowl without worrying about it falling over.
Hand mixer on Amazon cost
Hand mixers are one of the most affordable improvements you can make to your cooking. Compact models on the low end can cost as little as $10. Name-brand hand mixers with more features can cost over $100.
Hand mixer on Amazon FAQ
Can a hand mixer mix tough dough, like for cookies or bread?
A. This depends on the wattage. Low-watt mixers may struggle to mix stiff chocolate chip cookie dough and they not have enough power to mix bread dough. If you plan on making stiff dough frequently, it’s best to invest in a more powerful mixer.
Even with a high-watt mixer, start by incorporating dry ingredients by hand first, then switch to a hand mixer to finish the job.
How do you clean a hand mixer?
A. The beaters for your hand mixer are likely dishwasher safe, but check your owner’s manual to be sure. If they are, rinse any remaining food and toss them in your dishwasher’s silverware basket. You can also wash them by hand if you prefer.
Wipe the body of your hand mixer down regularly to remove any food that splashed up from the bowl. For safety, remember to unplug the mixer before you begin to wipe.
How long will a hand mixer last?
A. Most hand mixers come with a 1-year warranty. If your mixer fails in that period, the company will provide a free replacement.
In general, though, your hand mixer should last three to four years with regular use. Prolong its life by following any directions for care and maintenance in the hand mixer’s owner’s manual.
Which hand mixer on Amazon should I get?
Best of the best hand mixer on Amazon
Black+Decker Helix Performance 5-Speed Mixer: available at Amazon
Our take: The contoured attachments on this premium mixer make for better mixing.
What we like: This model has an industrial look for a modern take on mixing. The beaters are made of reinforced nylon and have a large surface area for effective performance. The mixer has a Turbo Boost setting for more efficient beating.
What we dislike: Some users did not like the plastic beaters and were concerned about their mixing strength.
Best bang for your buck hand mixer on Amazon
Dash Smart Store Compact Hand Mixer: available at Amazon
Our take: When you’re short on space (and cash), this mixer is a great choice.
What we like: This model has a 150-watt motor and three speed settings in a compact package. The beaters are high-grade stainless steel and make short work of whipping cream and beating eggs.
What we dislike: Because of the low wattage, it’s best for only light use.
Honorable mention hand mixer on Amazon
Braun Electric Hand Mixer: available at Amazon
Our take: Experienced cooks will love this powerful kitchen workhorse.
What we like: This mixer boasts 350 watts of power and a variety of attachments. The VarioControl speed dial allows cooks to toggle speed up or down as they need it. This model also comes with a 2-cup chopper.
What we dislike: Some users found the mixer hard to hold. Others found it less powerful than expected.
Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
