Stand and Hand Mixers
Stand and Hand Mixers: Top Picks for Every Kitchen
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerFor serious bakers, the KitchenAid KSM150 is the top stand mixer. The Cuisinart HM-90BCS excels as a hand mixer. For budget, the Hamilton Beach 62682 offers solid performance. These three cover most needs.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
KitchenAid KSM150
★★★★★ 4.8 / 5 best overall stand mixer
The KitchenAid KSM150 is a classic tilt-head stand mixer with a 5-quart stainless steel bowl. It offers 10 speeds and a direct drive motor that handles heavy dough. Owners praise its durability and wide range of attachments.
Motor Power 275 wattsBowl Capacity 5 quartsSpeeds 10Weight 26 pounds
- Excellent build quality
- Many available attachments
- Smooth operation on heavy dough
- Heavy and takes up counter space
- Price is higher than competitors
Best for: best overall stand mixer
Cuisinart HM-90BCS
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best hand mixer overall
The Cuisinart HM-90BCS is a 9-speed hand mixer with a 220-watt motor. It includes a whisk, dough hooks, and a storage case. Users find it comfortable to hold and effective for thick batters.
Motor Power 220 wattsSpeeds 9Attachments Whisk, dough hooks, beatersWeight 3.5 pounds
- Powerful motor for a hand mixer
- Comfortable grip
- Comes with a storage case
- Cord can be short for some
- Noisy at high speeds
Best for: best hand mixer overall
Hamilton Beach 62682
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best budget stand mixer
The Hamilton Beach 62682 is a 4-quart stand mixer with a 300-watt motor. It features a tilt-head design and 6 speeds. Owners say it handles most baking tasks well for the price.
Motor Power 300 wattsBowl Capacity 4 quartsSpeeds 6Weight 10 pounds
- Very affordable
- Lighter than many stand mixers
- Simple controls
- Not for heavy dough
- Plastic gears may wear over time
Best for: best budget stand mixer
KitchenAid KHM512
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best hand mixer for frequent use
The KitchenAid KHM512 is a 5-speed hand mixer with a 135-watt motor. It includes a whisk and dough hooks. Its sturdy construction makes it a favorite for regular baking.
Motor Power 135 wattsSpeeds 5Attachments Whisk, dough hooks, beatersWeight 3.2 pounds
- Reliable brand quality
- Easy to clean attachments
- Comfortable handle
- Fewer speeds than some models
- No storage case included
Best for: best hand mixer for frequent use
Breville BEM800XL
★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 best for heavy dough
The Breville BEM800XL is a 5-quart stand mixer with a 550-watt motor. It features a unique LCD timer and 12 speeds. It handles dense bread dough with ease.
Motor Power 550 wattsBowl Capacity 5 quartsSpeeds 12Weight 22 pounds
- Very powerful motor
- LCD timer is handy
- Stable and quiet operation
- Expensive
- Large footprint on counter
Best for: best for heavy dough
OXO Good Grips 1133300
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 best budget hand mixer
The OXO Good Grips 1133300 is a 9-speed hand mixer with a 240-watt motor. It has a one-handed speed control and a swivel cord. Users appreciate its comfortable grip and easy storage.
Motor Power 240 wattsSpeeds 9Attachments Whisk, beatersWeight 2.8 pounds
- Comfortable non-slip handle
- Swivel cord is convenient
- Lightweight
- No dough hooks included
- Motor can overheat with heavy use
Best for: best budget hand mixer
Sunbeam Mixmaster 2488
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 best for small kitchens
The Sunbeam Mixmaster 2488 is a 5-quart stand mixer with a 300-watt motor. It has a compact footprint and a tilt-head design. It is ideal for those with limited counter space.
Motor Power 300 wattsBowl Capacity 5 quartsSpeeds 12Weight 12 pounds
- Compact and lightweight
- 12 speeds for versatility
- Affordable price
- Not as powerful as larger models
- Some users report wobbling at high speeds
Best for: best for small kitchens
We compared specs like wattage, bowl capacity, and included attachments. We also considered owner feedback on durability and ease of use. This guide helps you pick the right mixer for your needs.
What to Look For in a Mixer
Start with motor power. More watts mean better handling of thick dough. Check the bowl capacity for your typical batch size. Consider the available attachments. A whisk and dough hooks are standard. Look for a sturdy build and easy-to-clean parts.
Stand Mixers vs Hand Mixers
Stand mixers are hands-free and handle heavy tasks. They take up counter space and cost more. Hand mixers are portable and easier to store. They require more effort for thick mixtures. Choose based on how often you bake and your kitchen space.
Choosing for Bread and Dough
Bread dough needs a powerful motor. A stand mixer with at least 300 watts is recommended. Hand mixers may struggle with stiff dough. Look for models with dough hooks and a sturdy base. Owners report better results with stand mixers for bread.
Choosing for Cakes and Whipping
For cakes, a hand mixer is often sufficient. It provides good aeration and control. A whisk attachment is essential for whipping cream or egg whites. Stand mixers are convenient for large batches. Both work well for lighter mixtures.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a stand mixer and a hand mixer?
A stand mixer sits on a counter and works hands-free. A hand mixer is handheld and requires you to hold it. Stand mixers are more powerful and handle heavy dough. Hand mixers are lighter and easier to store.
Which is better for bread dough, stand or hand mixer?
A stand mixer is better for bread dough. It has a stronger motor and can knead for longer. Hand mixers may overheat or struggle with stiff dough. Look for a stand mixer with at least 300 watts.
Can I use a hand mixer to make cookies?
Yes, a hand mixer works well for cookie dough. It can cream butter and sugar effectively. For stiff dough, you may need to finish by hand. A powerful hand mixer like the Cuisinart HM-90BCS handles it well.
What is the best stand mixer for a beginner?
The Hamilton Beach 62682 is a good starter. It is affordable and easy to use. It handles basic baking tasks. As you advance, you may want more power.
How many watts do I need in a stand mixer?
For light baking, 250 to 300 watts is enough. For heavy bread dough, look for 500 watts or more. More power means better performance on tough jobs.
Are hand mixers good for whipping cream?
Yes, hand mixers are excellent for whipping cream. Use the whisk attachment and start on low speed. Increase speed as the cream thickens. They give you good control.
Can I knead dough with a hand mixer?
You can knead light dough with a hand mixer. Use dough hooks and keep the speed low. Heavy dough may strain the motor. For serious bread, a stand mixer is better.
What is the best budget stand mixer?
The Hamilton Beach 62682 is a top budget pick. It offers good performance for the price. It is lightweight and reliable. It may not handle heavy dough as well as premium models.
Is a stand mixer worth it for occasional baking?
If you bake a few times a month, a hand mixer may suffice. A stand mixer is worth it if you bake often or make bread. It saves time and effort. Consider your frequency and storage space.
How do I clean a stand mixer?
Most attachments are dishwasher safe. Wipe the base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the mixer in water. Check the manual for specific instructions.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most bakers, the KitchenAid KSM150 is the best stand mixer. The Cuisinart HM-90BCS is the top hand mixer. Budget buyers can trust the Hamilton Beach 62682. Choose based on your baking habits and space.
