Just whip it, whip it real good! That's what you'll be doing with your new kitchen gadget after reading this hand mixer buying guide.
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What to Look for Before You Buy a Hand Mixer
Updated on Nov. 03, 2021
We love stand mixers for heavy duty baking and blending, but sometimes you need a gadget that’s more—well—handy! Hand mixers are perfect when you need to whip up fluffy egg whites or cream butter and sugar together for chewy chocolate chip cookies. But choosing the right mixer can be tough, especially when you aren’t sure what exactly to look for.
To help you choose the perfect mixer, you can depend on our hand mixer buying guide below.
Find a Good Weight
All hand mixers are compact (that’s kind of the point, right?), but some are more lightweight than others. Using a lighter hand mixer helps prevent arm fatigue when you’re mixing up multiple batches of fudgy brownies. But when the mixer is too light, it will be harder to control. Pick up a mixer from the in-store display to find a weight that’s right for you.
What Functionality Do You Need?
Speed: Hand mixers come with three, five and even 10 speeds to choose from, depending on how much variety you want or need. For mixing dry ingredients, a mixer with a slow start feature will prevent messes and splatters. And while the majority of mixers have power of around 150 watts, you can buy one with additional power of up to 220 watts which is great for blending thicker dough.
Attachments: Plan to use your hand mixer for more than beating together baking ingredients? Buy one that comes with a variety of attachments like a dough hook, whisk or spatula. Sturdy stainless steel beaters will hold up the longest, but if you’re worried about scratching up your set of nice mixing bowls, choose attachments that have a protective silicone coating. Try this Hamilton 6-speed mixer with soft, silicone-coated beaters.
Special Features to Consider
Sound: No need to worry about waking up the kids on a Saturday morning making waffles from scratch if you’re using a hand mixer that’s specifically designed to be as quiet as possible. Reviewers recommend this 10-speed mixer from KRUPS for its powerful (yet quiet!) build.
Handle: While there are a variety of handle types and sizes, it’s important to choose one that is both ergonomic and easy to hold (think: rubber or silicone grips). You don’t want it slipping out of your hands as you mix.
Space-saving design: For any cooks who are tight on space in the kitchen, look for a hand mixer that has a retractable cord or a smaller body to help you squeeze it into even the most packed cupboard. Since hand mixers are an awkward shape, some also come with a storage case so they can be stacked in a closet or neatly arranged in a drawer.
The Cost of a Hand Mixer
The cost of a hand mixer can range from $20 all the way up to $100, depending on the quality and amount of special features it has. If you use your mixer frequently, consider getting a more expensive, higher quality one that will last longer. Finding a mixer with a warranty to cover any damage or broken parts is a smart idea, too. Check out the best hand mixer according to our Test Kitchen.
Use the hand mixer buying guide above to make your perfect purchase—and then make one of these unexpected recipes with your brand new mixer!
Surprising Recipes to Make with a Hand Mixer
Creamy Mashed PotatoesEveryone needs an amazing recipe for creamy mashed potatoes—and these smooth cream cheese mashed potatoes are our pick. With just five ingredients (plus salt and pepper), they are easy to make, and the cream cheese adds a rich tanginess.
Check out the best hand mixer according to our Test Kitchen.
Mocha Baked AlaskasMake these baked Alaskas ahead of time—you can torch the completed desserts and freeze them up to 24 hours before serving. —Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Ricotta Gnocchi with Spinach & GorgonzolaWhen my family comes for a visit, they always ask me to make this unique dish for dinner. Homemade cheesy gnocchi is topped with a rich sauce made with butternut squash, spinach and Gorgonzola.— Brud Holland, Watkins Glen, New York
Cheesy Sausage StromboliI've had a hundred requests for this recipe over the years. Perfect for brunch or as an evening snack, this sausage-filled bread is not tricky to make—and I never have to worry about storing leftovers! —Vada McRoberts, Silver Lake, Kansas
Pineapple Carrot CakeThis pineapple carrot cake is sweet, tangy, fluffy and soft. It's perfect for snacking or when you want a dessert that isn't as sweet as other cakes or cookies.
Midwestern Meat PiesWhen I moved to the Midwest in 1966, I discovered many ethnic foods that I had never heard of before. One of my friends introduced me to this recipe, similar to sandwiches from Nebraska's widely known Runza restaurant chain, and it quickly became a favored dish in my home. —Dolly Croghan, Mead, Nebraska
Chocolate S'mores TartI created this tart for my kids, who love having s'mores on the fire pit. It’s truly indulgent. We simply can't get enough of the billowy marshmallow topping. —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer TorteA line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Reese’s Peanut Butter CheesecakeIndulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Reese's peanut butter cheesecake. With a graham cracker and Oreo crust, a peanut butter layer and a decadent cheesecake filling swirled with hot fudge, this dessert is a chocolate and peanut butter lover's dream come true.
Easy Batter RollsThe first thing my guests ask when they come for dinner is if I'm serving these dinner rolls. The buns are so light, airy and delicious—and help make the meal. —Thomasina Brunner, Gloversville, New York
Frosty Watermelon IceHere's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
Butter Pecan CakeThis irresistible butter pecan cake features multiple layers, plenty of toasted buttery pecan crunch and a thick layer of buttercream frosting. In a word, it's delicious. Serve with a scoop of vanilla or maple ice cream to complement this decadent southern dessert.
Bacon & Sun-Dried Tomato Phyllo TartsFrozen mini phyllo tart shells are so convenient and easy to use. Just add a savory filling featuring sun-dried tomatoes and bacon, then pop them in the oven.—Patricia Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska
Peanut Butter Caramel BarsWhen my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
English Muffin BreadSlathering butter (or honey or chocolate hazelnut spread) on a slice of this craggy English muffin bread is ultra-satisfying, as it catches and pools in the crannies, making each bite a delight.
Loaded Mashed PotatoesTake a classic dish for a spin with this loaded mashed potatoes recipe, with fresh, savory flavors elevating one of our favorite comfort meals.
Red Velvet Crepe CakesIt's well worth the time to make this beautiful and delicious cake. Each moist layer is separated by a rich and creamy filling. Treat your family on special occasions with this cake. —Crystal Heaton, Alton, Utah
Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed PizzaFor 30 years, friends have been telling me to open a pizzeria using this recipe. It even freezes well. —Elizabeth Wolff, Carmel, Indiana
Sweet Potato-Cranberry DoughnutsI grew up near Idaho, which is famous for spudnuts, a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. I reworked a recipe using sweet potatoes and cranberries to come up with this variation. I like to serve them for dessert. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Banana Monkey BreadHomemade dough, a caramel-pecan glaze and fresh bananas make this banana monkey bread the ultimate dish to devour at brunch.
Tomato FocacciaTomato focaccia bread is a fantastic side for all sorts of dishes, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, sea bass, and more. It's also fantastic on its own or topped with a fried egg.
MacaronsThese cookies are a French classic, but you don't need to rush to a patisserie. Learn how to make macarons at home and get all the tips from our pastry pros.
Bread BowlRe-create a perfectly cozy at-home version of Panera's famous bread bowl with this copycat recipe.
Meringue Shells with Lemon CurdWe love a dazzling dessert of meringue shells filled with sunny lemon curd. It’s sweet and tart, crunchy and fluffy. Top this lemon curd dessert with whipped cream and berries. —Kris Brill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Come-Home-to-Mama Chocolate CakeYou'll spend less than a half hour whipping up this cure-all cake that starts with a mix. Sour cream and chocolate pudding make it rich and moist, and chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate make it decadent comfort food at its finest. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
