Keen bakers often opt for a hand mixer when they can’t justify the expense or countertop for a full-size stand mixer, but we love the flexibility cordless designs give us in the kitchen. Our Ecommerce staffer Molly Cleary put each of these hand mixers through a rigorous testing process in our testing kitchen (more on that lower down the page) to discover which will suit your culinary needs best. In doing so, not only was she able to ensure each hand mixer was meticulously tested, but she was also able to compare like-for-like to bring you honest results.
Best hand mixers 2023 as tested by our team
Why you should buy it: Good looks, great functionality; outstanding power for a cordless. The KitchenAid Cordless Hand mixer is our top choice thanks to the fact it combines aesthetics and functionality absolutely perfectly. It has the polished retro look that the brand is famous for, the convenience of being cordless, and the performance that you need to get your smaller baking tasks done efficiently. ‘The cordless element makes things even more aesthetically pleasing,’ says our tester Molly. ‘But don’t fall into the trap if you know you’re horrendous at charging things, as this mixer needs more attention than usual.’ Why we love it It’s just great quality, our tester Molly reports. It has two sturdy beaters which sit somewhere between traditional balloon whisk and beater shapes, meaning they’re good substitutes for both. That saves on storage space and meant it aced cookie dough and cake batter, despite the lack of added attachments. Features With seven speeds to choose from, you can fold as well as a whisk, so whether you want to keep your mix dense or fill it with as much air as possible, there is a speed setting for you. We’re fans of the blue velvet color, but there are seven to choose from. And as you’ll know if you’ve read our KitchenAid Artisan review, you can get it in Empire Red or stay classic with a matte black or clean white. Our full KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer review has more information. Why you should buy it: Excellent performance, fabulous looks. With just one look, we think you’ll find it easy to agree that this Smeg hand mixer is the essential choice for those looking to spruce up their kitchen with their purchase. Available in a series of glorious bright and pastel colors, this mixer marries together style and speed, with nine options for various baking tasks. ‘In terms of performance, I was doubly impressed with how powerful and user-friendly this mixer was. It takes mere minutes to do what you need it to when it comes to batter,’ says our tester Molly. ‘The price tag of this mixer might put some customers off, but if you love the aesthetics on offer here, then you’ll be glad to hear the performance matches up.’ Why we love it It has a full range of attachments, with two dough hooks, beaters, and whisks, and each of these performed excellently in our tests. Another standout feature of excellence with this mixer is the seamless digital control panel, which also features a very handy timer. The finishing touches are all there with this mixer, from the included embroidered dust case to the iconic Smeg lettering on the exterior, and there’s no doubt that this is the prettiest mixer you could opt for. Features As we found in our Smeg 1950s Stand Mixer review, the nostalgic design here is a crucial feature. Looks aside, we loved the user-friendly display, easy controls, nine speeds to use, and non-slip feet to help the mixer stay in place on our countertop. Our full Smeg Retro 50s Hand Mixer has more information. Why you should buy it: High performance and quality, great looks. This Dualit mixer is a standout choice thanks to its practical design, genuinely useful features, and the fact it performed adeptly in our tests. Perfect for occasions where you don’t need the capacity or power of a stand mixer, this pick will let you get the job done without prior fuss. ‘This Dualit mixer is high-quality, with a focus on pragmatism and straightforwardness,’ reports our tester Molly. Why we love it The main reason this Dualit mixer is such a success is its focus on practicality. There is a year-long guarantee available if you purchase it straight from Dualit, and the parts of this mixer are replaceable, meaning you can carry it with you for many years of your life. This emphasis on quality that lasts is excellent in terms of value and sustainability. Features The feature that we loved the most during testing was the retractable cord, which makes storage as easy as it should be. This mixer also has a full range of attachments and straightforward controls. Our full Dualit Hand Mixer review has more information. Why you should buy it: Ergonomic design a triumph in performance stakes; aced all of our tests. Why we love it The MultiMix is very powerful, with a 350-watt motor that matches some of the most popular food mixers on the market. This was very much so reflected in our tests, with this mixer breezing through all of our mixtures, regardless of the density. It also has a design that promotes easy cleaning, with a sealed body that won’t let any mixture seep inside. ‘I loved this hand mixer performance-wise as much as the KitchenAid; the only reason it’s further down the list is the KitchenAid’s looks are so much more alluring,’ says Molly, our on-staff tester. ‘That said, this is much more affordable.’ Features There are two dough hooks included with this mixer too, which are excellent for mixing pastries or bread doughs. The controls are also cutting edge, using a dial turn system that you can operate with one hand, whilst you use the other to steady your mixture. Whilst it might not be the most aesthetically pleasing mixer in the world, it contends with the best when it comes to a stellar mixing performance. Our full Braun MultiMix 5 review has more information. Why you should buy it: Nine speed settings; great power; good looks. If you want the best corded hand mixer and have a larger budget, the KitchenAid KHM926CU 9-Speed Hand Mixer is our top pick. With a cord to help pack in that extra power, and with a stunning design, we think this mixer is very much worth the splurge. Our tester Molly was very clear that this model is just as good as our top pick, also a KitchenAid: ‘You get more for your money with the additional attachments, and the controls are a little smoother to use.’ Why is it further down the list? We simply find cordless hand mixers more practical to use. Why we love it Why? Well, for a start there are nine speed settings. These use a slow start (to prevent spills and messes) and range from speed one, which is great for folding, to speed nine, which is perfect for meringues. Features Speed is adjusted using the buttons at the top of the mixer, and is clearly displayed on an LED screen. There’s also a beater ejector button that keeps fingers from getting messy when you’re done, and a lockable swivel cord that keeps it from getting in the way when cooking. Our full KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer review has more information. Why you should buy it: Affordable; managed our tests well; cordless. We like the Cuisinart RHM-100 EvolutionX 5-Speed Cordless Hand Mixer with its five speeds, stand-up display, and impressive runtime. Why we love it There are so many reasons to go cordless when hunting for a new hand mixer. It gives you the option of making swiss meringue without worrying about finding a place nearby to plug in, and if you have a kitchen island it can sit on the counters without all the clutter of a cord. ‘Though it performed well in all of our tests, it didn’t quite feel like it had the push behind it that some of the contending mixers did,’ says staff tester Molly. ‘However, with an RRP of $79.95, it will remain in my favorite kitchen tools line-up for a long time yet.’ Features We noted that you cannot use this hand mixer while it’s charging, so be sure to charge it ahead of time if you plan on using it. Our full Cuisinart EvolutionX Cordless Hand Mixer review has more information. Why you should buy it: Great mixing power; heated technology; seven speeds. The Oster HeatSoft Hand Mixer has one of the smarter designs in our lineup of the best hand mixers thanks to its heated technology. Gone are the days of waiting for your butter to reach room temperature with this baking gadget, which also has great mixing power. Why we love it Recognizing an issue that home bakers come across far too often, this mixer warms butter as you mix it to bring it to the right temperature for incorporation by blowing warm air into the bowl as you mix. The result? Fluffier cakes and cookies, without the hassle. ‘It performed well in all of our tests, and has a solid range of speeds and the best pick of attachments from all of the hand mixers we tested,’ reports our tester Molly. Features It has seven speeds and a burst of power button, as well as a button to activate and disable the heated features. This hand mixer has an easily-stored case that contains all the attachments and snaps securely shut. It also includes a whisk attachment, which is perfect for whipping cream and finer mixtures. Our full Oster HeatSoft Hand Mixer review has more information.
Where to buy the best hand mixers
How we test and review the best hand mixers
At Homes & Gardens, we know that how we test products is crucial to whether you can trust our evaluations and our rankings. That’s why Molly extensively tested the hand mixers within this round-up side by side in order to truly evaluate which model was the top performer, as you can see from our photos. Molly tested each of the hand mixers in this guide simultaneously at the Future testing facility in Reading, England, in order to gauge which models are worth spending your money on. There were various elements to the testing process including three different tasks to evaluate the power of each mixer, and additional time is given to testing out various additional attachments that came with each mixer. A series of tests were devised in order to establish their abilities, from whipping up cream to mixing cake batter. The tests were made as quantifiable as possible, with recordings of time taken to adequately mix as well as decibel readings. In each of the reviews linked here, you’ll see the testing process behind the stars awarded to these mixers. Below you’ll find more information on Molly, who tested these mixers, and why she has the expertise to tell you which model to buy.
What is the best hand mixer?
Our top pick of the best hand mixers goes to the KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer (opens in new tab). It’s designed to incorporate all your ingredients and adjusts its power by detecting the attachments you use automatically. There’s also high praise for the Cuisinart RHM-100 EvolutionX 5-Speed Cordless Hand Mixer if you’re looking for a top cordless option to allow free movement around the home as you bake. The range also features one of the best immersion blenders we tested, which is also cordless.
What is the best cordless hand mixer
Our top pick of the best cordless hand mixers is the KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer (opens in new tab). It aced all our tests and also adjusts its power by detecting the attachments you use automatically.
Features to consider when choosing a hand mixer
Speeds Hand mixers offer anywhere from 5 to 9 preset speeds. Lower speeds are ideal for integrating ingredients without overworking a batter, and a higher speed can beat egg whites or heavy cream to stiff peaks. Every hand mixer in our guide has a speed setting for any task you may wish to use it for, but it’s no surprise that the more premium options offer more speeds. These will give you more flexibility in the kitchen and offer a wider range of functions for keen home chefs. Storage Many of the best hand mixers come with cases that contain the machine itself as well as all of its attachments in one easy and convenient space. This makes storage simple and prevents clutter when not in use. Weight None of the best hand mixers are very heavy, but if you plan on using it for prolonged periods of time it’s worth making sure it won’t become cumbersome. Attachments Every hand mixer will come with beaters as standard, but some offer extras including dough hooks, balloon whisks, and even spatulas for increased functionality. Considering buying a stand mixer instead? We compared the hand mixer vs stand mixer to see which made a better batch of brownies.
Can a hand mixer replace a stand mixer?
To understand whether one of the best hand mixers can replace one of the best stand mixers in your kitchen, you need to know what each is capable of and which is most suited to your cooking needs. Hand mixers – light and small, as we have seen – can be used to whip, beat and mix small batches and, if cordless, can be really practical for the occasional baker or anyone with little room for a traditional stand mixer. Stand mixers are bigger, so can take on bigger batches and, because they have more speed and power and are hands-free, are much more suited to regular bakers who cook for a crowd or freezing ahead. Most stand mixers have more attachments than most hand mixers, so always interrogate what you are getting for your money when comparing. The final difference? Price: hand mixers are much cheaper, generally, than stand mixers. So, can you replace one with the other? You can buy a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer if you don’t cook too much, too often.
