Best Mixers
- by Dino Paccino
- Last Updated: June 28, 2023
The best mixers are distinguished by performance characteristics such as mixing speed, noise level, and ease of use. A mixer’s core function is to mix foods or liquids for food preparation. The best mixer is one that mixes foods and liquids thoroughly, at a reasonable cost, and without creating a mess in the kitchen. Some of the most common use cases of mixers include mixing ingredients for making cake or kneading dough to make bread in your home.
One way to choose is by going with the best-rated mixer. Mixer reviews and ratings are a good indicator of what you can expect when you buy it. The best mixer brand names include Hamilton Beach, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Cuisinart, Oster, and Black and Decker.
Our Top Mixer Picks
- 1. Best Overall - Cuisinart SM-50BC
- 2. Best Features - KitchenAid RRK150PT
- 3. Best Budget - Hamilton Beach 6-Speed
- 4. Best Capacity - COOKLEE Stand Mixer
- 5. Best Cordless - KitchenAid KHMB732BM
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1. Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
- 12 mixer speed settings
- Splash guard with pour spout
- 500 watt motor
The Cuisinart SM-50 BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is powerful as it is equipped with a 500 watt motor. The bowl is made of polished stainless steel giving it a sleek look and durability. There are 12 speeds which allow for precise mixing. With a wide range of mixing speeds, the mixer is capable of mixing to combine cake ingredients and also thoroughly knead bread and bagel dough.
The mixer also comes equipped with a splash guard for the bowl that has a pour spout. This feature reduces the chance of splashes creating a mess while the mixer is running and allows users to carefully stream in ingredients for a more precise mixing process.
Pros
- Durable mixer with polished stainless steel bowl
- 5.5-Quart capacity is large enough to satisfy most home cooking and baking needs
Cons
- May not remain stable at high speeds
2. COOKLEE Stand Mixer, All-Metal Series 6.5 Qt. Kitchen
- Pulse setting
- Splash guard with pouring shield
- 600 watt motor
The COOKLEE 6.5 Qt. Mixer is a precisely designed mixer capable of mixing up to 1500 grams of cake dough and one dozen eggs. The shell is made of cast aluminum alloy and the bowl is made of stainless steel for a good balance of smooth and sturdy throughout the surface of the product. There is a pulse setting in addition to the 6 speeds which allows for increased control when mixing. Since all the attachments are dishwasher safe, the unit is very easy to clean.
The design of the mixer allows for a very thorough mixing process, as the planetary-style engineering of the mixer completely rotates the beater around the bowl. COOKLEE is also known for its customer service, offering 24/7 online support for customers in the case that problems arise when customers use their mixers.
Pros
- COOKLEE can offer full five-year quality guarantee
- 6.5-Quart capacity is large enough to satisfy most home cooking and baking needs
Cons
- Only 6 mixer speeds versus competitors with 10+ mixer speeds
3. KitchenAid RRK150PT 5 Qt. Artisan Series
- 10 mixing speeds on sliding scale
- Power hub allows for attachments that increase the mixer’s versatility
- 59-point planetary mixing style
The KitchenAid RRK150PT 5 Qt. Mixer Artisan Series is a top-tier mixer capable of performing a number of different culinary functions with its built-in power hub. The power hub is capable of hosting 15 different, optional attachments including a pasta roller, food grinder, ice cream maker, and juicer. There are 10 mixing speed options that can be adjusted on a sliding scale, allowing for a very controlled build up of speeds if desired. The flat beater and dough hook are both dishwasher safe making them easy to clean after any baking project.
The mixer is designed with a 59-point planetary mixing style with 59 touch points per rotation around the bowl. This intentional design feature helps the mixer easily mix dough sufficient for up to four loaves of bread or 9 dozen cookies in a single batch.
Pros
- Very versatile product if the power hub is used
- Sturdy design means that bowl will stay stable even at high speeds
Cons
- Mixer is expensive compared to similarly sized/powered products
4. KitchenAid KHMB732BM Cordless Hand Mixer, 7 Speed
- Soft start
- Quick charge for last-minute mixing
- Cordless
The design of the KitchenAid KHMB732BM Cordless Hand Mixer makes it easy to use and great for people who seek to maintain a clean and organized cooking or baking space while mixing. The mixer is powered by a rechargeable lithium ion battery so there is no cord, allowing users to easily move with the item in the kitchen without any risk of tangling other kitchen items and knocking them over. The mixer is also able to stand on its own, enabling users to maintain a clean and organized mixing area.
Seven speed options give users a range of options for beating from a slow stir to a high speed mix that can facilitate whipping egg whites or cream for baking. The battery can reach a full charge in 2 hours with a quick charge option to facilitate sudden mixing needs. There is also a soft start feature, that allows users to bring the beaters up to speed gradually, so as to avoid spattering.
Pros
- Cordless
- Easy to store
Cons
- Top speed settings not comparable to other mixer types
5. Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Case, Beaters, Whisk
- QuickBurst
- Snap-on case
The Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer is a powerful mixer when compared to many other hand mixers. It has 275 watts of max power which makes it capable of easily whipping and mixing ingredients into both heavy and light mixtures. The mixer also comes equipped with a snap-on case that holds the three included beater attachments, optimizing storage and reducing the likelihood of losing attachments.
The slow start speeds allow users to gradually build up to maximum speeds, reducing the risk of spattering and creating a more controlled mixing experience. There is also a QuickBurst feature that works like a pulse feature in a blender, allowing users to add extra power to their mixing in precise increments.
Pros
- Powerful 275 watt peak power
- Easy to store attachments
Cons
- Not cordless
6. Mueller Electric Hand Mixer, 5 Speed 250W Turbo with Snap-On Storage Case
- Non-slip handle
- Snap-on case
The Mueller Electric 5-Speed, 250W Hand Mixer is a powerful and compact mixer. It weighs 2.53 lbs and is capable of fulfilling most mixing needs including kneading dough. The mixer is designed for easy storage in the mixing area, as it can be stored upright. There is also a snap-on storage case allowing for convenient and efficient storage of the cord and four included attachments.
The soft grip non-slip handle greatly reduces the risk of losing control of the mixer while mixing and makes the mixing experience more comfortable and secure. Of the four included attachments, two are traditional metal beaters and the other two are chrome plated hooks that give consumers the ability to mix doughs and heavier mixtures with ease.
Pros
- The included hook attachments are not always included with hand mixers
- Attachments are easy to store
Cons
- Not cordless
7. Ankarsrum Stainless Steel Original 7 Liter Stand Mixer
- Over seven included attachments
- Quiet 600 watt motor
- On/off knob with 12-minute timer
- Adjustable from 45 to 130 rpm
The Ankarsrum Stainless Steel Original 7 Liter Stand Mixer is one of the most powerful non-industrial mixers available on the market. It is incredibly durable, with a bowl made of stainless steel and a 600 watt motor that is effective and also quiet. Numerous attachments are included with the product such as a dough roller, dough knife, dough scraper, dough hook, dust cover lid, and multi-wire balloon and single-wire cookie whips. It is a versatile product that can be used for all types of mixtures from thick doughs to light and airy creams.
Adding to the features of the mixer is a self-adjusting speed control which shifts from 45 to 130 rpm, as well as an on/off knob with a 12-minute timer to enable automatic shut-off of the mixer after a selected amount of time has passed. The bowl’s 7 quart capacity is capable of fulfilling the largest home baking needs. Furthermore, the mixer is backed by a manufacturer’s seven year warranty (motor) and one year warranty for the attachments.
Pros
- Powerful and quiet
- Motor and attachments are backed by warranty
- Durable
Cons
- High learning curve for using mixer
8. Hamilton Beach 6 Speed Electric Stand Mixer
- Tilt-up head
- Visual aid that displays optimal speeds and attachment types for different mixtures
This mixer is both functional and space efficient. It has a flat top and a tilt-up head, so it is not clunky and does not require too much kitchen counter space. The tilt-up head allows for easy access to the bowl when adding ingredients or changing attachments. There is a visual aid located above the mixing speed dial that displays the use cases of each attachment and the optimal speeds for mixing cake dough, bread dough, and custards. Included with this mixer are a flat beater, a whisk, and a dough hook so a large range of mixture consistencies can be achieved.
This mixer is designed for planetary mixing action, so the mixing completely rotates around the inside of the bowl, reducing the chance of ingredients sticking to the side and making clean-up less of a burden for users.
Pros
- Space efficient
- Planetary mixing action reduces clean-up burden
Cons
- Comes with a plastic paddle mixer instead of metal
- Motor has a max power of only 300W
9. Waring Commercial WSM10L 10 qt Countertop Planetary Mixer
- ¾ HP motor
- Strong and durable stainless steel design
This heavy duty mixer is capable of executing the mixing needs of professional bakers and cooks. It is powerful with a ¾ HP motor and gear driven transmission. It has thermal overload protection so the risk of overheating is mitigated when mixing large doughs and batters. There are 3 speeds and 3 included metal attachments: a dough hook, a chef’s whisk, and a mixing paddle.
Durability is assured by the stainless steel body of the mixer and the 10 quart capacity is sufficient for handling large batch mixing. Since the mixer runs on planetary mixing technology, users can be confident all ingredients will be thoroughly incorporated.
Pros
- Mixer can be placed on countertop
- Planetary mixing technology
Cons
- May be too small to meet all commercial baking needs
10. Norpro Egg Beater Classic Hand Crank Style
- Nylon drive gears
- Heavy duty stainless steel beaters
The Norpro Egg Beater Classic Hand Crank is a small and sturdy hand crank mixer that makes small batch mixing jobs easier. The nylon drive gears ensure efficient mixing and a durable product that will not get worn out by heavy ingredients while mixing.
The inclusion of two beaters allows for a more consistent final product and decreases mixing time. There is also a plastic handle which is easy to grip and therefore comfortable for users.
Pros
- Mixer can be used in any type of mixing bowl
- Less expensive than many electric alternatives
Cons
- Expensive compared to other hand crank mixers
11. Hakka Commercial 50 Qt. Spiral Dough Mixer
- 50 quart stainless steel bowl
- 2500 watts power
The Hakka Commercial 50 Qt. Spiral Dough Mixer is perfect for professional bakers who aim to make bread, pizza, or cake. With 2500 maximum watt power capability it is fit for any size of mixing project and the 50 quart bowl capacity can accommodate large-scale mixing needs.
The spiral dough mixer works by rotating the bowl and this mixer can reach a top mixing speed of 193 rotations per minute. Up to 50 lbs. of dough can be kneaded at a time and the timer allows the operator to easily manage large kneading projects.
Pros
- Mixer is capable of large scale mixing
- Timer allows for easier mixing process
Cons
- Dough may stick to hook at high speeds
12. Hamilton Beach Classic Stand and Hand Mixer
- 2-in-1 mixer serves as stand mixer and hand mixer
- Shift & Stir lever for thorough mixing
The Hamilton Beach Classic Stand and Hand Mixer is versatile as the mixer can detach from the stand and become a hand mixer when needed. This makes it an optimal tool for home bakers who may desire both a stand mixer and a hand mixer but cannot keep both tools in their kitchen for cost or space reasons. The technological features on this mixer include 6 adjustable speeds and a shift & stir bowl lever that rotates the bowl from side to side for thorough mixing. Adding to this mixer’s versatility is the quick burst function that allows for even more precise control when mixing batters and creams.
There is no sacrifice for power as the mixer can reach 290 watts. Furthermore, the mixer comes with durable metal dough hooks, whisks, and beaters.
Pros
- Users can save kitchen space and increase kitchen utility by using dual-functional product
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons
- Plastic elements on some parts of the mixer make it less durable than all-metal stand mixer alternatives
What are the best types of mixers?
There are at least 4 types of mixers on the market. Their features characterize these.
- Stand Mixers: This type of mixer uses a gear-driven mechanism to mix beaters in a bowl that is attached to the main body or stand. Stand mixers are heavier than hand mixers and are therefore more durable.
- Spiral Mixers: This type of mixer has a mechanism that rotates the bowl to facilitate the mixing process. In this case, since it is the bowl being rotated and not the beater, it is best for mixing gentle and airy doughs that should not be overworked.
- Hand Mixers: Hand mixers perform the same function as stand mixers except the bowl is not attached to the mixer but stands separately from the appliance. Hand mixers can be electric or manual. Electric hand mixers can be used for heavier duty mixing jobs than hand mixers, and may be cordless or have a cord.
- Professional Mixers: This type of mixer is large and typically comes with a bowl with a 10 quart or greater capacity. Pizzerias, bakeries, and cake shops all use professional mixers to mix large amounts of batter or dough at any time. Some professional mixers may be countertop mixers, though most are very large and have designated spots in professional kitchens.
It is worth noting that mixers are not confined to one type. They can have a number of these features.
What are the best stand mixers?
The best stand mixers include the Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer and the COOKLEE All-Metal Series 6.5 Qt. Kitchen Stand Mixer. They both have splash guards for the mixing bowls with pour spouts that reduce the risk of ingredients spattering and allow for more precision in the mixing process.
What are the best spiral mixers?
The Hakka Commercial 50 Qt. Spiral Dough Mixer – 220V/60Hz Mixer Phase 3 is one of the best spiral mixers on the market. It boasts a maximum speed of 193 bowl rotations per minute making it perfect for mixing pizza and bread doughs at an industrial scale.
What are the best hand mixers?
The Mueller Electric Hand Mixer, 5 Speed 250W Turbo with Snap-On Storage Case is one of the best electric hand mixers on the market. It has a snap-on storage case that reduces the risk of losing the included attachments. The Norpro Egg Beater Classic Hand Crank Style Stainless Steel Mixer is one of the best hand crank mixers. It has nylon drive gears that make it more durable than other available hand crank mixers.
What are the best professional mixers?
The best professional mixers include the Waring Commercial WSM10L 10 qt. Countertop Planetary Mixer and the Hakka Commercial 50 Qt. Spiral Dough Mixer. The Waring mixer is professional grade and fits on a countertop. The Hakka mixer has a maximum power of 2500 watts and can handle up to 50 lbs. of dough at a time.
What functionality should you expect from a mixer?
The functionality that you should expect from a mixer includes even mixing, clean mixing with minimal or no residue on the sides of the bowl, and stability at high speeds. Good mixing will increase the likelihood of a good finished cake, bread, pastry, or cream. The speed settings allow you to customize how fast you are looking to mix. Some speeds will be better than others for whipping cream, mixing cake batter, kneading dough, etc. Mixers also usually come with multiple attachments that include mixing paddles, whisks, and hooks. The attachment the user implements will vary based on the food product being mixed in the mixer.
What should you know before buying a mixer?
There are several things to consider when buying a mixer. The most important thing to look at is the type of mixer being purchased. This is important because different mixers are better suited for different tasks. A stand mixer will be better for kneading dough than an electric hand mixer. An electric hand mixer will whip creams and egg whites faster than a hand crank hand mixer. A spiral mixer will not mix as aggressively as a stand or electric hand mixer and is better used to gently mix airy doughs.
The overall price is another factor to consider. No matter the price point, finding a good balance between cost and features assures you value for money. This does not necessarily mean going for the priciest or cheapest option available.
Control is a major factor when mixing. Bakers and home cooks alike need to mix doughs and batters to certain textures and consistencies. As such, it is important to consider the range of speed options available on a mixer, as well as the maximum speed attainable. A hand crank mixer will be slower than an electric mixer, so it may not be the best option for those who need to mix ingredients to fluffy or airy textures quickly. Bread dough in many cases needs strong and repetitive kneading, and not all mixers can do the work required for making a cohesive and airy bread dough.
It is also important to select a mixer that is adequate for your use cases. Some usage and style cases to be mindful of are whether you can knead dough with the mixer and the size of the mixer needed to accomplish one’s objectives in the kitchen. Do you need all of the different uses of a mixer?
Convenience features such as a timer and automatic shut-off also come in handy. The possibility of the bowl shaking at high speeds is undesirable.
What is the average price range for the best mixers?
The best mixers come at a price range of $30-$600. Mixers with many speed settings, all-metal compositions, and timers tend to be more expensive than mixers with few adjustable speed settings. Electric hand mixers are also considerably less expensive than stand mixers. The material of the mixer is also factored in the price. Mixers with stainless steel or aluminum finishes are more expensive than those with plastic finishes.
What is the main difference between a mixer and an immersion blender?
The main difference between a mixer and an immersion blender are the construction and use cases of the two types of item. Immersion blenders are long, stick-like electric hand blenders that have small blades and are used for blending liquids like sauces and soups. They are used for these types of foods because they are less likely to spatter the food or liquid being blended. Mixers should not be used to mix liquids as that may cause liquids to spatter. Also, mixers generally come in the form of stand mixers or hand mixers, which are attachments that rotate to mix the ingredients placed in a bowl. An immersion blender has blades that rotate and that are a part of the blender itself.
What mixer is considered superior?
For home cooks, stand mixers are considered to be superior due to their durability, power, and versatility. Their design allows for even mixing without a high risk of spattering ingredients. They are capable of handling any mixing task that could be performed with a hand mixer, and also knead bread dough, which makes their use cases wider than hand mixers which cannot easily be used to knead bread dough. However, they are expensive compared to hand mixers, use more power, and take up more space.
What are the common mistakes of using a mixer?
The common mistakes you can make when using a mixer include mixing quantities of dough or batter that are too small for the bowl. If insufficient quantities of ingredients are placed in the bowl of a stand mixer, the beater may not be able to fully incorporate the ingredients. This is an issue that happens more often with stand mixers and professional mixers, as the bowl size is fixed and gets attached to those products when mixing. Another mistake is setting the mixer on too high of a speed at the beginning. High speeds can cause spattering of ingredients so it is best to gradually bring the beaters to a high speed so as to avoid a kitchen mess. Some mixers have gradual start mechanisms to deal with this issue. Other common mistakes include not letting the mixer cool down after heavy usage. All electric mixers generate considerable heat during the mixing process and while there are usually heat dissipating mechanisms within the mixers, a mixer may overheat with long and continuous use. Letting the mixer cool down after long, continuous usage is critical for proper maintenance of the appliance. Using mixers properly gets easier as you learn how to use mixers.
What criteria define the best mixer?
The criteria for the best mixers include mixing speed, noise level, and versatility. There are several things to consider when selecting the mixer. The most important question to answer is, “How thoroughly will this mix the ingredients?” This may be difficult to determine without trying the range of devices available. Functionality and reliability can be established by leaning on the experiences of other users.
You can do this by reading customer reviews. This will also help you gauge the lifespan of
a mixer. These are some of the things we considered when choosing mixers.
What type of reviews do the best mixers have?
Mixers will have a varied range of reviews from excited and disgruntled customers alike. Complaints and praise are often tied to the core features of each type of mixer.
The most common praise that stand mixers will receive is how durable they are. One of the most common complaints comes from avid home bakers, as they use the mixers for many different tasks. The most common complaint avid home bakers have are when stand mixers fail to fully rotate the beaters around the sides of the bowl.
The most common praise that spiral mixers receive is how good they are at handling airy doughs such as pizza doughs. The most common complaints include that sometimes dough might escape from the bowl and stick to the hook during the mixing process.
The most common praise for hand mixers is how compact they are. Hand crank mixers do not generate as much heat as electric hand mixers, but are also not capable of the same functionalities as the mixing speed is limited to the operator’s cranking speed. Electric hand mixers are praised for being light and effective. Common criticism for electric hand mixers comes from users who do not like dealing with the cords often attached to these mixers.
The most common praise for professional mixers is that they facilitate the mixing of large quantities of dough. There aren’t usually complaints about this category of mixer itself but users may complain if their specific professional mixer does not work properly.
What are the best kitchen tool brands?
Below are some of the best kitchen tool brands that also make mixers.
- Cuisinart: Cuisinart is known for their high quality mixers. Other kitchen tools that they produce include air fryers, food processors, toasters, and bread machines.
- Kenmore: They are known for their heavy duty kitchen products. In addition to producing mixers, other kitchen tools that they produce include microwaves, ranges, cooktops, and dutch ovens.
- Hamilton Beach: They have an excellent range of versatile mixers. They mainly make small and medium sized kitchen tools that include air fryers, blenders, kettles, ice makers, and juicers.
- KitchenAid: They have a wide variety of mixers. Their brand is well known and praised by avid home bakers for being best-in-class. In addition to mixers, they also sell kitchen appliances like microwaves, grills, wall ovens, and refrigerators.
How long do the top mixers last?
The lifespan of the top mixers will vary depending on what they are made of and how they are used. A moderately used mixer made of a sturdy material such as stainless steel will have a lifespan of at least fifteen years. This can be stretched to twenty five years or longer with some care.
Mixers that are heavily reliant on plastic or other less robust materials have an average lifespan of up to 10 years. They tend to suffer from general wear and tear. Electric hand mixers usually fall into this category. This period can be lengthened or significantly reduced depending on build quality, use, and maintenance.
Where to buy a mixer?
Nowadays, mixers are widely available both online and in stores. These are some
of the best places to buy them:
Walmart: Average Prices range between $39.95 and $379.99. Delivers in 1-3
days.
Amazon: Average Prices range between $15.99 and $499.87. Delivers in 1-2
days.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Average Price ranges around $34.99 and $479.99. Delivers in 2-5 days.
Target: Average Price ranges between $17.99 to $249.99. Delivers in 3-7 days.
You can also buy them directly from most manufacturers.
What are the other best kitchen tools?
We have covered plenty of mixers in this post. There are other kitchen tools that you can use together with your mixer. These include:
- Hand blenders
- Stand mixer attachments
Stand mixer attachments can be purchased to expand the number of use cases for your stand mixer. Such attachments include: pasta press, spiralizer, food grinder, and juicer. Brands such as Cuisinart and KitchenAid sell both stand mixers and the listed stand mixer attachments.
Why Trust Kitchen Infinity?
Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!
Dino Paccino
Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.