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How do you choose the best hand mixer in 2024? What features and functions should the best hand mixer have to suit your needs? Read our article and make an informed choice.
Hand mixers are home appliances that allow mixing and easy combination of ingredients in the kitchen.
These appliances help to mix and homogenize wet or dry ingredients much faster and better than you do by hand, saving you time and producing much more consistent results.
The best hand mixer helps you effectively mix the ingredients for ice cream, glaze, potato mash, marshmallows and much more.
Cleaning a hand mixer is easy and fast because it is equipped with removable paddles that can be easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.
The best hand mixer takes up little space in the kitchen, and is usually small enough to be stored in a drawer.
Top 3 Recommended Best Hand Mixers
Best Hand Mixer: What to Look for
The first step to choosing the best hand mixer is to identify your needs. Are you a professional baker who requires a mixer that can handle a range of dough types, or are you a home cook who needs a mixer for the occasional batch of cookies or whipped cream?
The frequency of use and the type of recipes you will be making should guide your decision. If you’re a sporadic baker, an inexpensive, basic model might suffice. However, for those regularly whipping up doughs and batters, investing in a high-end, robust hand mixer could pay dividends in the long run.
Power and Speed
A hand mixer’s power capacity is often gauged in watts. Power ratings typically range from 200 to 400 watts, but some heavy-duty models can go beyond that. This specification is critical as it determines how effectively your hand mixer can handle different mixing tasks.
A hand mixer with a low wattage (200-250 watts) may be sufficient for mixing soft mixtures, such as cake batters, whipped cream, or sauces. They can also handle occasional dough mixing, although it might take longer and put more strain on the motor compared to a more powerful mixer.
On the other hand, a mixer with a higher wattage (300-400 watts or more) has more power to handle heavier, denser mixtures, such as bread or pizza dough, without straining the motor. This makes high-wattage mixers the ideal choice for frequent bakers or those who regularly work with a variety of doughs and batters.
Another significant aspect is speed. Most hand mixers come with multiple speed settings, typically ranging from three to ten. A variety of speeds allows for more precise control when mixing.
Low speeds are ideal for combining dry ingredients or mixing light, liquid mixtures without splattering. Medium speeds are handy for creaming butter and sugar or mixing cake batters. High speeds are perfect for tasks requiring aeration, such as whipping cream or egg whites, where the aim is to incorporate as much air as possible to achieve a fluffy, light texture.
Some mixers also offer a burst or turbo feature that provides an extra power boost for tackling particularly tough mixing tasks or for getting through a task more quickly.
To summarise, understanding the power and speed of a hand mixer is essential. A powerful, high-speed mixer can save time, reduce effort, and improve the consistency and quality of your recipes, making these two elements vital considerations when purchasing your ideal kitchen helper.
Quality and Durability
Quality is paramount in any kitchen appliance, and hand mixers are no exception. When examining the quality of a hand mixer, it’s important to take note of the materials used in the product’s construction. This often directly impacts the mixer’s performance, longevity, and overall user experience.
High-quality hand mixers typically feature robust construction with a good proportion of stainless steel or other durable metal components. These mixers are often heavier, but the extra weight contributes to the appliance’s stability during operation. Moreover, metal components usually outlast their plastic counterparts, especially when it comes to the beaters and other attachments that bear the brunt of the workload.
Another indicator of quality is the motor. A high-quality motor ensures consistent performance, even when mixing tougher, denser doughs. Motors in high-quality mixers are usually more durable, designed to withstand regular use without overheating or failure.
The quality of the attachments is equally essential. Look for attachments such as beaters and dough hooks that are made from thick, robust materials like stainless steel that resist bending or warping. Some mixers even offer coated attachments for non-stick compatibility and easy cleaning.
Durability goes hand in hand with quality, as it refers to the hand mixer’s ability to withstand use (and occasional misuse) over time. A durable hand mixer should have a solid, well-constructed body that can resist the wear and tear of regular use. It should also be able to handle a range of mixing tasks—from whipping delicate egg whites to kneading heavy bread dough—without the motor straining or the unit overheating.
It’s also important to note that quality and durability often correlate with price. Higher-end models tend to feature more durable construction and high-quality components, but they also come with a steeper price tag. Conversely, budget models might not last as long, but they could still meet your needs if you’re an occasional baker.
Attachments and Accessories
When it comes to choosing a hand mixer, the range of attachments and accessories it comes with can greatly influence its versatility and how much you can get out of your purchase.
Let’s delve into the various attachments and accessories you should consider.
- Standard Beaters: These are the most common attachments that come with every hand mixer. They are perfect for mixing cake batter, whipping cream, or beating eggs. High-quality beaters are usually made from stainless steel for durability and easy cleaning.
- Dough Hooks: These are particularly useful if you frequently make bread or other baked goods requiring kneading. They take the hard work out of kneading, making it quicker and easier to produce a smooth, elastic dough.
- Balloon Whisk: Some hand mixers come with a balloon whisk attachment, which is ideal for whisking egg whites or cream to achieve a fluffy consistency. They’re also useful for making dressings or sauces.
- Blender Rod: A less common but handy attachment is the blender rod, which essentially turns your hand mixer into an immersion blender. It can be used for pureeing soups, making smoothies, or blending sauces.
- Spatula Attachment: Some high-end hand mixers come with a spatula attachment. This can be used to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated.
- Storage Case: While not an attachment, a storage case is a valuable accessory. It makes storing your hand mixer and its attachments easy and organised, ensuring you won’t lose any parts between uses.
When evaluating attachments and accessories, consider their quality and construction. Like the mixer itself, high-quality attachments are typically made from robust materials like stainless steel, which offer superior durability and ease of cleaning.
Also, check how easy it is to attach and detach these parts—some mixers feature a one-click system, which is highly convenient. Ensure the attachments are dishwasher safe, too, for hassle-free clean-up after cooking.
In conclusion, a hand mixer with a variety of attachments can greatly expand its functionality, turning it from a simple mixing tool to a multi-purpose kitchen gadget.
However, remember to consider your specific needs and cooking habits, as more attachments can mean a higher cost.
The key is to strike a balance between versatility and affordability, based on what you’ll realistically use in your culinary adventures.
Comfort and Ease of Use
Comfort and ease of use are paramount when choosing a hand mixer, as these factors can significantly affect your baking experience.
Here are some key elements to consider:
- Weight: Hand mixers need to strike the right balance between being lightweight for comfortable handling and heavy enough for stability during operation. If a mixer is too heavy, it can lead to fatigue, particularly during lengthy mixing sessions. Conversely, if it’s too light, it might lack the sturdiness needed to handle thicker doughs or batters effectively.
- Ergonomic Design: The design of the hand mixer plays a crucial role in its ease of use. Look for mixers with ergonomic handles that fit comfortably in your hand. Some models feature non-slip handles for a better grip, a handy feature when dealing with vigorous mixing tasks.
- Control Placement: The position and layout of the controls also influence the ease of use. Ideally, the speed and power controls should be within easy reach, allowing for quick adjustments while mixing. Some models offer touch-sensitive controls, while others feature mechanical sliders or dials. The choice between these comes down to personal preference.
- Easy Attachment Eject: A hand mixer with an easy beater ejection system allows you to remove the beaters or other attachments without getting your hands dirty. This is usually achieved by pressing a button that disengages the attachments, allowing them to be removed easily.
- Cord Design: The design of the cord can also affect ease of use. Some mixers feature a swivel cord, which is ideal for both right and left-handed users. Additionally, models with a retractable cord offer easy storage and reduce clutter.
- Cleaning: Lastly, consider how easy the mixer is to clean. Are the attachments dishwasher-safe? Can the mixer body be easily wiped down? Less time spent on cleaning means more time enjoying your culinary creations.
In summary, comfort and ease of use should be top priorities when choosing a hand mixer. Remember that even the most powerful and feature-rich mixer can be a poor choice if it’s uncomfortable or cumbersome to use. The goal is to find a mixer that feels like a natural extension of your hand, enhancing your baking experience instead of complicating it.
Price and Warranty
Price is often one of the first things you’ll consider when choosing a hand mixer. The cost of a hand mixer can vary considerably, from budget models that cost under £20, to high-end mixers that can set you back over £100.
Typically, the price is a reflection of several factors, including the brand reputation, power, build quality, number of speed settings, additional features, and the range of included attachments. For instance, a budget mixer might offer basic features and have fewer speed settings, while a high-end mixer might come with a robust motor, multiple speed settings, several attachments, and a sleek design.
It’s important to set a budget that aligns with your needs and usage frequency. If you’re an occasional baker who only needs to whip cream or make a cake now and then, a budget or mid-range hand mixer might serve you perfectly. On the other hand, if you’re an avid baker or professional chef who regularly tackles a variety of tasks such as kneading dough or mixing thick batters, investing in a high-quality, durable, and more expensive mixer may be worthwhile.
Warranty is another essential factor to consider. A warranty is a promise from the manufacturer to repair or replace your hand mixer if something goes wrong within a specified period. Warranties for hand mixers can range from one to five years, depending on the brand and model. Some manufacturers offer limited warranties, which only cover specific parts or require the customer to pay for labour costs.
In general, a longer warranty period indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s quality and durability. Therefore, while a hand mixer with a longer warranty might be more expensive upfront, it could potentially save you money in the long run if something goes wrong.
Moreover, make sure to read the fine print of the warranty. It’s crucial to understand what’s covered and what isn’t, as well as the process for claiming the warranty if necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to hand mixers. The best hand mixer for you will hinge on your unique requirements, the frequency of use, and your budget.
By considering the power, speed, quality, attachments, comfort, and price, you can make a well-informed choice that brings a touch of ease and excellence to your baking endeavours.
Remember, the best hand mixer is not necessarily the most expensive one but rather the one that best fits your needs and brings joy to your cooking experience. Happy baking!
Recommended Hand Mixers
Taking into account the above recommendations and criteria, analysing the existing offer and buyers’ opinions, we can present you below some good hand mixer models that offer excellent quality/price ratio.
- Everyday hand mixer in a white finish
- Six speeds for different food types and for accurate mixing results
- Simple blade removal using the easy release button
- GREAT RESULTS: The 450W powerful motor makes mixing easy and delivers superb results for all your baking endeavours
- FIVE SPEEDS: 5 Speeds plus turbo make light work of all folding mixing and whisking for all your favourite dishes
- STRENGTH AND DURABILITY: The stainless steel beaters and kneaders included are non degradable for durability and strength
- POWERFUL 400 W HAND MIXER: The Bosch CleverMixx MFQ2420BGB Hand Mixer efficiently whisks and effortlessly kneads all sorts of mixtures thanks to the sophisticated design and powerful yet quiet motor, making any baking or cooking task simple.
- IDEAL FOR CAKES AND BREADS: There are 4 speed settings to choose from depending on your baking requirements including an additional turbo setting and easy eject button.
- STAINLESS STEEL KNEADING HOOKS ensure smooth kneading so you can master challenging mixtures for homemade bread or pizza; remain in full control thanks to 5 convenient mixing speeds and turbo function.
- A RANGE OF BAKING ATTACHMENTS: The Flat Beaters are perfect for mixing cookie dough, cake batter, liquids and creaming butter and sugar. The Whisk is for light mixtures like cream, egg whites and meringues. Use the Dough Hooks on a slow speed to mix bread and pastry dough
- POWERFUL 400W MOTOR: This powerful hand blender comes with a 400 watt motor and 4 speed settings to make light work of all your baking demands
- UNIQUE CORD TIDY: Cleverly designed with a retractable cord and integral plug storage, this simple yet elegant feature will create less clutter and minimal storage space required
- GREAT RESULTS The 300W powerful motor makes mixing easy and delivers superb results for all your baking endeavours. Provides sufficient power for everyday baking
- SLOW SPEED Keeps your ingredients within the bowl while reducing the messes of folding, mixing, and whisking for all your favourite dishes
- LIGHTWEIGHT Our lightest hand mixer for precise control over your mixtures
- BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED HAND MIXER FINISHED OFF IN SILVER - This electric hand mixer has been engineered to be as light as possible as well as being ergonomically designed so every user can get the most out of this amazing hand mixer. One of the great advantages of using electric hand mixers compared to a stand mixer is the fact that you can use it with any bowl or a number of bowls at any given time.
- COMES WITH ACCESSORIES REQUIRED FOR BAKING - The Duronic handheld mixer electric whisk comes with an array of tools so you can get the correct results by using the correct tools. All the tools can be easily attached into place as well as easily detached using the eject button. Included: 1 Whisk, 2 Bread / Pizza Dough Hooks and 2 Beaters to help with tasks such as: whisking egg whites, mixing your favourite cookie or cake recipe, or kneading dough.
- A SMART STORAGE CASE INCLUDED SO YOU NEVER LOSE YOUR ACCESSORIES - How many times have we lost accessories or spent ages looking for them in the kitchen cupboard? Well now you don't have to with the storage case that was specially made for the Duronic HM4 Hand Mixers. It is made of strong clear plastic so its durable and you can have a clear visual of everything inside before storing it away until your next use when you will find all the accessories always in the same place.
- 🍰【2024 ALL-IN-1 300W MULTIFUNCTIONAL HAND MIXER】:1* Whisk, 2* Beaters, 2*Dough Hooks and 1* Snap-On Storage Box. 2024 Newly Upgraded All-pure Copper Motor Has 300W Ultra-high Power. 304 Dishwasher Safe Attachments, Storage Box With Snap And Tick Marks Not Only Easy To Store, Easy To Measure Volume But Also Portable To Take It To Any Place.
- 🍩【UPGRADE 5-SPEEDS & TURBO BOOST】: Meet All Your Mixing Needs. Use Three-Dimensional Blowing To Improve Mixing Efficiency And Reduce Mixing Time. Turbo Boost And Self-Control Speed Design Can Speed Up Each Speed at the same time. Starting The Mixer At A Slow Speed Will Effectively Prevent Splashing Of Ingredients.
- 🧁【TWO-WAY FAST HEAT DISSIPATION & COMFORTABLE USE】:Fuselage Can Dissipate Heat By Convection Of Hot And Cold Air In Multiple Directions, Prolonging Using Life. Round Handle Provides Comfortable Handling. Body Is Made Of Rigid Material And Wear Resistant. Perfect Shape Design Is Easy To Wipe Which Will Greatly Save Cleaning Time.
- ANTI -SPLASH MIXING: The first gear of electric whisk has a low rotation speed design. Starting from the first gear, mixing your flour will not splash out, you could easily control it and keep your kitchen table clean and tidy.
- 6-SPEEDS AND TURBO FUNCTION: Hand mixers with 6 progressive speeds and the turbo function can help you quickly complete the task of mixing a large number of ingredients. Speed 1-2 for egg and flour, Speed 3-4 for mixing butte and fillings, Speed 5-6 for mixing egg white cream to make cake.
- SNAP-ON STORAGE CASE: This hand mixer electric includes a convenient snap-on storage case. All of the accessories can be neatly stored in this durable, transparent storage box,which is convenient and it will also save kitchen space for you.
Last update on 2024-10-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API