Whether you’re a master baker, a keen tryer or a nightmare in the kitchen, a good electric hand mixer is likely to make your life a whole lot easier.
A hand whisk is something that’s been around for years, and this compact and convenient appliance will save you all of the arm work in the kitchen. Whip up a cake, delicious whipped cream or the fluffiest eggs without breaking a sweat.
To help you narrow down the myriad of hand mixers on the market, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones around.
Based on past user reviews and heaps of in depth research, we’ve compared the following hand mixers based on their power, useability and their results, so you can figure out which one will suit you according to your needs and budget.
Best Hand Mixers
| # | PREVIEW | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1
Best For Higher Budgets
1Dualit 89303 Hand Mixer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| 2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| 3
Best Overall
3Bosch CleverMixx Hand Mixer
|
|
Show other buying options |
|
| 4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| 5
Best For Low Budgets
5Kenwood HM535 Hand Mixer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Buy On AO1. Dualit 89303 Hand Mixer
- Complete with a flat beater, dough hooks and a balloon whisk.
- Four speed options.
- Base stand with an integrated cord tidy.
- Ejection button for easy removal of accessories.
The Dualit brand has been around for years, constantly updating their handheld food mixer to stay ahead of the curve in the market.
Its latest addition, the Dualit 893303 is the brand’s most durable and powerful addition yet.
With four speed settings and 400 wattage, this mixer can tackle a huge variety of cooking tasks. From gentle folding to powerful whisking, this appliance has it all.
To add to that, the hand mixer comes complete with flat beaters, dough hooks and even a balloon whisk, so you can have even more control over your cooking.
While you’ll need to find your own way of storing the attachments, the retractable electric cord that tucks away under the advice makes for neat storage in your kitchen.
The Dualit hand mixer does come in at the heavier end of the scale when compared to other brands of the market, but its soft rubber grip makes it easy and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
It’s also extremely well balanced, so you won’t lose it halfway through and send it spinning off across the room.
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Dishwasher safe appliances.
- Different colours to choose from.
- Neat storage with a retractable cable.
Cons
- Heavier than others on the market.
- A little bulky.
2. Russell Hobbs 14451 Hand Mixer
- Six speed settings.
- Two steel beater attachments.
- Accessory release button.
- Classic white finish.
If you’re working to a tight budget, but you’re desperately in need of a hand whisk, then it’s worth giving the Russell Hobbs 14451 a try.
What it may lack in power, it makes up for in terms of useability. Simply plug in the appliance, click in the detachable steel beaters, and get mixing. Within easy reach of your thumb, you’ll find a wheel that controls the 6-speed settings, so you’ll have complete control over your cake, bread or otherwise.
A great bonus is its lightweight frame, which makes it the perfect hand food mixer for kids and the elderly.
Once you’ve finished cooking, the attachments can be removed with the click of a button and safely hand washed or popped in the dishwasher.
Specifications
Pros
- Simple and easy design to use.
- Affordable.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Comfortable to hold.
Cons
- Can overheat when used too much.
- Limited power.
3. Bosch CleverMixx Hand Mixer
- Comes with beaters and dough hooks that are easy to change.
- Four different speed settings.
- Attachments are dishwasher safe.
- Pulse action.
Not only does this chic electric mixer look the part, but it plays the part too. Featuring two different attachments, the classic twin beaters and additional dough hooks, whipping up a cake or a loaf of freshly baked bread is no problem.
Keen cooks will also be glad to know that this appliance features four speed settings and a turbo boost option, giving you full control over your bowl of goodness.
Don’t be put off by its compact size, as this is one of the lightest hand mixers on the market. So you won’t need to worry about that annoying arm ache while waiting for the egg whites to whip up perfect peaks.
Its size also has no correlation to the appliance’s power, as this hand mixer is one of the most powerful on the market.
Specifications
Pros
- Compact design.
- Plenty of attachments.
- Levels of speed to aid a multitude of uses.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Shorter shelf life than others in the market.
- Limited colour scheme available.
4. Wahl James Martin Hand Mixer
- Five speed settings.
- Comes with twin beaters, twin dough hooks and a balloon whisk.
- Air vents to keep the motor cool.
- Pulse button for extra power.
Boasting a sought-after combination of affordability and practicality, this Wahl James Martin Hand Mixer is a great addition to any aspiring baker’s kitchen.
Featuring twin beaters, twin dough hooks and a balloon whisk, there isn’t anything you can’t do with this nifty appliance.
As well as a choice of attachments, users can choose from five different speeds depending on their cooking needs, and the comfortable rubber grip allows you to carry out the whole task with ease.
Unlike a lot of affordable hand mixers, this particular model has a powerful motor, and cleverly places vents so it won’t overheat before the task is finished.
Specifications
Pros
- Comfortable rubber grip.
- Quality stainless steel for a durable product.
- Dishwasher safe attachments.
Cons
- Attachments must be carefully fitted for proper use.
- Works for short bursts only.
5. Kenwood HM535 Hand Mixer
- Twin beaters and twin kneader attachments.
- 5 speed settings and a pulse button.
- Shiny chrome finish.
- Attachment storage.
For a hand mixer that comes in at the cheaper end of the price scale, the Kenwood hand mixer has a surprising amount of features to help you out in the kitchen.
Along with twin beaters and twin dough hooks, users will appreciate the 5 speed settings and a handy pulse button, all of which can be controlled with your thumb. All of which are extremely useful when whipping up a storm in the kitchen.
One of the most unique features of the Kenwood is its storage. When you’re finished using the attachments, they clip to the mixers underside, allowing you to hide them away in your kitchen until they’re needed again.
Specifications
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Neat and easy storage.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Dishwasher friendly attachments.
Cons
- No balloon whisk.
- Could be more powerful.
Hand Mixer Buying Guide
Best Brands
You won’t be short of brands to choose from when it comes to buying a hand mixer.
From brands that have been on the market for many years like Kenwood and Dualit, to celebrity-backed hand mixers like Wahl, to high-end electronics brands that have branched out into the kitchen gadget world like Bosch, there’s something for everyone on the market.
Power
Traditionally, wattage meant more power. But, when it comes to sussing out the power of a hand mixer, wattage isn’t always the best measure to use. This is mainly due to recent advances in technology, where hand mixers have a lower wattage but more energy-efficient motors.
Generally, the more powerful the hand mixer, the faster it will combine, kneed or whisk your ingredients. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider what you’ll be using the mixer for, and basing your choice of appliance off that.
For example, if you’ll be using the mixer primarily for cake batters or whipping cream, you’ll be fine with lower wattage or lower power mixers. If, however, you’ll be using it to knead bread, you’ll want something over and above the 300W mark.
Speed Settings
Most hand mixers will come with at least three or four different speed settings, though there are various appliances on the market that offer up to twelve different settings.
The more settings a mixer has, the more control you’ll have over your mixture, whether it be a cake, dough or whipping up a bit of cream. A good number of hand mixers will also come with a pulse feature, allowing you to add a burst power and speed when necessary.
Size & Weight
After speed and power, the size of a hand mixer is an important factor to consider. While you might be tempted to go for the most powerful hand mixer, these are, quite often, the heaviest. Heavy mixers can weigh up to 1.5kg and can become uncomfortable to use for prolonged periods of time.
Light hand mixers can be as light as 750g and make mixing for a long time much more comfortable. Unfortunately, these can often lack power, so it’s worth finding a happy medium depending on your cooking needs.
Attachments
As a standard, most handheld mixers come with metal beaters. These are commonly used to fold air into batters for cakes, but can also be used to whip up egg whites and cream.
The majority of models are usually equipped with twin dough hooks too, which are designed to knead the bread dough for keen home bakers.
Only a few models include a balloon whisk attachment. These are rounder and slightly larger than the usual beaters, and manage to incorporate more air into cake mixes and egg whites.
Some hand mixers also come with a handy clip-on bowl, replicating a stand mixer.
All hand mixers include difference attachments, so it’s worth taking note of those that are included in the price. You may also be able to buy add-on accessories at a later date, so if you want a bit more of a multi-functioning appliance, make sure to choose one that has additional accessories for sale.
Grip
If you’re going to be using your electric hand mixer a lot, or for a long time, you’ll probably want to invest in one with a good comfortable grip.
Most hand mixers are made with a soft rubber grip, with handy pulse buttons you can reach with your thumb. You might find that the cheaper models only have a plastic grip which can become uncomfortable.
Cleaning
A large majority of hand mixers will come with detachable and dish washer safe attachments which make cleaning a piece of cake.
You can usually detach the whisks, beater or hook with the simple press of a button, or twist of the attachment itself.
As many appliances are made with wipeable exteriors, you should be able to clean the outside of the hand mixer with a warm, soapy cloth.
Stand Mixers vs Hand Mixers
Stand mixers and hand mixers are subtly different appliances that ultimately achieve the same result.
Hand mixers are the most popular of the two as they are the most affordable and don’t take up much room in your kitchen cupboard. Like stand mixers, they come with a variety of attachments, lending themselves to a huge array of tasks in the kitchen.
Stand mixers will achieve everything that a hand mixer does, with a slightly better emphasis on bread and dough making. While these are generally more expensive than hand mixers, they’re stand-alone machines that allow you to multitask in the kitchen.
Other than its price, another disadvantage to the stand mixer is its size – you’ll need to set aside some worktop space for these large appliances.
Pricing Range
You can get your hands on a hand mixer for as little as £10 and as much as £100.
At the more affordable end of the scale, you’ll find perfectly usable hand mixers that may be slightly less powerful, and burn out a little easier. Cheaper hand mixers are also more likely to come with just one attachment – the beater.
If you’re prepared to spend a little more on a hand mixer, you’ll notice that the power of the machine and its aesthetics improve greatly. Upmarket appliances also tend to come with a few added attachments and nifty storage abilities.
Our Verdict
There’s nothing more satisfying than pulling a perfectly risen cake or loaf of bread from the oven and tucking in while it’s still warm.
But to get to that stage, you’ll need the right equipment, and a hand mixer is just about the most versatile appliance you can have in the kitchen.
This extensive hand mixer review and handy buying guide have proved that you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on one of these appliances, but you can splash out on something fancy if you want to as well.
While we’d say that all of the hand mixers in this list are definitely worth giving a go, the Bosch CleverMixx Hand Mixer still remains the best in terms of affordability, useability and outcome.
