The question must be asked: Do you really need a hand mixer if you already have a stand mixer? Our answer is a resounding “Yes!” Having a handheld beater as well as a stand mixer means making whipped cream to top a tres leches cake at the same time as the batter was being slowly mixed in the stand mixer, or to work together in the kitchen as one blends a quick bread dough for breakfast and the other a pizza dough for dinner. “Hand mixers are useful kitchen tools for whipping foods like egg whites, meringues, icing, cream, or whipped cream,” says Megan Meyer, PhD, Senior Director of Science Communications at the International Food Information Council. “They are also helpful for mixing cake batters, blending salad dressings and marinades, and beating cookie dough—essentially incorporating a variety of ingredients.” Meyer warns that “some ingredients, such as chocolate chips, nuts, and some fruits, shouldn’t be incorporated using a hand mixer since they can interfere with the mixer’s motor. When choosing between a hand mixer and stand mixer, hand mixers are more affordable, compact, and lightweight.” As with all tools, think of how you’ll be using the handheld mixer in your own kitchen, and how often. This list is a pretty serious collection of the best hand mixers. One of them will be just right for you! There’s a really great range of power with its total of nine different speed settings to handle any job, and the entire mixer and cord fit neatly into the detachable storage compartment provided. Accessories included are two scraper beaters, two dough hooks, and two balloon whisks. There’s even a built-in light to aid with seeing the ingredients as you work! Price at time of publish: $150 Dimensions (LxWxH): 9 x 3.7 x 10 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Wattage: 250 W Easy to handle, it has a soft-grip handle and a heel rest that prevents tipping when resting between use and an angled cord lock that works on both left and right sides. It also comes in classic KitchenAid colors if you’re looking to match your other kitchen appliances. Price at time of publish: $110 Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.5 x 3.5 x 6.4 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Wattage: 220 W Weighing only 2 pounds, this a great option for anyone who experiences arm fatigue with heavier mixers, and lightweight enough for kids to use. It’s also nice for cleanup since the two tapered beaters can be thrown in the dishwasher. This hand mixer could definitely make a thoughtful gift item to send to a friend along with a jar cookie mix or to give to a young person as they’re first learning to cook. Price at time of publish: $13 Dimensions (LxWxH): 8 x 7 x 4 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Wattage: 150 W Included in this set are two different attachments, a whisk, and two traditional beaters. The built-in groove that lets you rest the mixer on a bowl while adding ingredients is a helpful feature that adds pleasure to the work! It’s available in black and white with the standard storage case, or in red with an upgraded storage case with an easy-access door and two added dough whisks. Price at time of publish: $28 Dimensions (LxWxH): 8.3 x 5.7 x 9.2 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Wattage: 250 W So compact it weighs less than two pounds, it’s fantastic if you have limited kitchen storage. The attachments are designed to fit into a clip under the handle to make the mixer very easy to store in small places, it even fits flat into some kitchen drawers! Included in this set are two beaters, a recipe book, and access to a recipe database. Price at time of publish: $20 Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.3 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Wattage: 150 W The 300-watt handheld mixer comes with traditional rectangular beaters, dough hooks, and a whisk. The four-speed settings accommodate any recipe mixing needs, and the bonus of a retractable power cord and integral plug housing makes storage neat and easy. Price at time of publish: $120 Dimensions (LxWxH): 8.5 x 4.5 x 9.5 inches | Weight: 2.9 pounds | Wattage: 300 W Just because this is rechargeable, it doesn’t skimp on power. It has seven speeds to allow you a lot of control, and can easily stand on its own as you add more ingredients. The set includes two stainless-steel turbo beaters and a charger. Price at time of publish: $100 Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.5 x 3.5 x 11.7 inches | Weight: 2 pounds
What to Look for in a Hand Mixer
Wattage
When purchasing a kitchen appliance, wattage is generally used as a measurement of power. Hand mixers aren’t as powerful as stand mixers, but some models have more wattage than a small stand mixer. The wattage of a hand mixer can range between 150 and 300 watts. For more intense jobs, opt for a model with a higher wattage. Most hand mixers have around 250 watts, which is plenty of power for most jobs.
Speeds
More speeds usually indicate more versatility. Hand mixers can have as few as three speeds and as many as nine speeds, though most have 5 or 6 speed settings. You may need to go back and forth between lower and higher speed settings depending on the recipe, and having a variety of speed settings gives you the flexibility to do so.
Attachments
Traditional beaters are the standard attachments that come with all hand mixers, though some also include whisks and bread hooks. Like speed settings, having a variety of attachments increases the versatility of your hand mixer. Unlike a stand mixer, purchasing separate attachments later on is difficult for hand mixers, so make sure you get them up front.
What are the different types of beaters for?
The main attachments that come with a hand mixer include traditional beaters, whisks, and bread hooks. Beaters incorporate air into a mixer, making them suitable for mixing cake batter, muffin batter, and mashed potatoes. They are the most versatile and might be the attachment you reach for the most. Whisks are great for fluffy mixtures like meringues, egg whites, and frostings. As the name suggests, dough hooks are used to knead dough and are likely the most time-saving attachment.
How do you avoid a mess when using a hand mixer?
Anyone who has used a hand mixer has likely experienced the splatter and mess from ingredients flying out of the bowl. To minimize the mess, start on a low speed setting and gradually work your way up to the right speed. Make sure you are using a large enough bowl — using a bowl that is too small may result in the contents spilling over. When the ingredients are incorporated, gradually return to the slowest speed setting and turn off the mixer before removing it from the bowl.
Why Trust Simply Recipes?
Karen Resta is a NYC-based writer specializing in food culture and history, cooking, pastries, and restaurants. A former executive chef who began her professional journey as a pastry chef, she travels around the globe as a photographer and writer, always finding the best authentic food and pastries along the way. She spends a lot of her free time in her kitchen and is passionate about finding quality within your given budget. Having the right tools and knowing how to use them makes all the difference in baking and cooking, and she curated this list with that in mind. Read Next: The Best Mandolines
