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by: Jennifer Blair, BestReviews Staff
by: Jennifer Blair, BestReviews Staff
A hand mixer may not provide the same power as a stand mixer, but it can make quick work of plenty of kitchen tasks like mixing cake batter or whipping cream.
A hand mixer should feel comfortable in your hand. It should also include all the attachments you need for your favorite recipes. If you’re looking for a versatile, powerful hand mixer from Amazon, the Cuisinart Power Advantage 9-Speed Handheld Mixer is the best choice.
Before you start shopping, you want to be sure that a hand mixer is the best appliance for your needs. Many home cooks assume a stand mixer is the better option, but there are several reasons you might prefer a hand mixer or want one in addition to your stand mixer.
A hand mixer’s handle should feel comfortable in your hand. Many mixers feature an ergonomically designed handle, so it fits the palm of your hand well. You can also find models with a nonslip grip to give you better control over the mixer.
A hand mixer should also be a good weight, so it’s not too heavy to use. However, you don’t want a mixer that’s too light either because it will be difficult to control. A medium-weight mixer that weighs 2-3 pounds is usually your best bet.
Your hand mixer should have easy-to-use controls that let you adjust its settings quickly and smoothly. It’s especially important to choose a model that allows you to change speeds with ease. If a hand mixer has stiff controls, you may accidentally place it in the high setting when you really want low or medium, making a mess.
The best hand mixers should also feature control buttons with a protective plastic casing. That prevents food from getting caked around them during mixing.
A hand mixer can offer as few as three speeds and as many as 16. You’ll want a model with enough speeds to work for a wide range of recipes. For most home cooks, a hand mixer with five to nine speeds is sufficient. However, if you do a lot of creative cooking and baking, you may want to pay extra for additional speeds.
You can also find hand mixers with a controlled speed feature. This setting lets you select a high-speed option, but the mixer slowly increases the speed instead of hitting it immediately, so you don’t wind up with a mess on your counter.
Hand mixers can feature an assortment of attachments, so you want to check that any model you’re considering has the attachments you need.
Some common hand mixer attachments include:
With a hand mixer, you have to keep a hand on the grip to prevent it from falling into the bowl you’re mixing in between blending steps. However, you may make a mess if you have to lift a mixer with dripping beaters out of the bowl to complete another step in your recipe.
Fortunately, some hand mixers feature a stability indentation just below the motor’s housing. That allows you to sit the mixer on the edge of the bowl, so it won’t fall in when you have to complete another step for your recipe.
For more control over your mixing, opt for a hand mixer with a pulse and/or boost feature.
The pulse feature lets you mix with short bursts of speed, so you can start mixing your ingredients without creating a mess on your counter.
The boost function generates an extra burst of power from the current speed setting. It can be helpful for ingredients that are difficult to mix or blend and also helps prevent a mess. The boost mode usually shouldn’t be used for more than 20 to 30 seconds at a time on most hand mixers, though, or you may overheat the motor.
Some hand mixers come with a storage container for the attachments. Many models actually feature a container that snaps onto the bottom of the mixer, so all of the pieces are together in a compact package for storage.
Hand mixers on Amazon usually cost $12-$130. Models that cost less than $25 typically aren’t that powerful or durable. For $25-$55, you can find quality hand mixers with enough power for most basic mixing jobs. If you’re willing to pay $60-$130, you’ll get more power, speed and features.
A. The attachments are removable, so take them off when you’re done mixing. Many are dishwasher-safe, so you can place them in the dishwasher’s basket for washing.
For hand-washing, run the attachments under warm water and wipe them down with a damp rag or cloth that has some dish soap on it. Rinse them well afterward. You can also wipe down the mixer’s body with a damp rag or sponge once it’s unplugged. Never submerge the body in water.
A. The majority of hand mixers can mix up cookie dough and other thick batters. You may want to mix the dry ingredients in by hand initially to prevent a mess, though, then switch to the hand mixer to finish the mixing.
Cuisinart Power Advantage 9-Speed Handheld Mixer
What you need to know: With a powerful motor and nine speeds, this hand mixer is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of recipes.
What you’ll love: It features a powerful 220-watt motor and a one-step power switch and nine speeds. It includes beaters, a whisk, dough hooks and a spatula attachment, which are all dishwasher safe. The sturdy snap-on storage case fits all the attachments, too.
What you should consider: It’s heavier than other options, weighing 4 pounds.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Dash Smart Store Compact Hand Mixer
What you need to know: This space-saving hand mixer is not only affordable but powerful for such a compact model.
What you’ll love: It features a 150-watt motor and three-speed settings. The wraparound cord and flat design make it easy to fit in most drawers. It’s especially good for whipping cream and eggs. The high-quality stainless steel attachments are highly durable.
What you should consider: It isn’t as powerful as larger hand mixers, but it’s perfect for light and medium mixing.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This German-engineered hand mixer is durable and powerful, making it an excellent option for advanced home cooks.
What you’ll love: It boasts a 350-watt motor, providing 50% more power than the previous model. It includes a wide array of attachments, including a chopper attachment. The VarioControl speed dial allows you to easily adjust the speed while mixing.
What you should consider: Some users found it uncomfortable to hold.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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