Mixers

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What's behind our mixer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 50 models in mixers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is based on performance and noise, plus convenience factors. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Whipping time
All mixers made excellent whipped cream and meringue; whipping time reflects how fast they did so.
Mixing
Proficiency at mixing cookie dough.
Convenience
Convenience considers factors such as ease of using controls and inserting and removing beaters.
Noise
Noise was judged at the unit's highest speed.

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Recommended mixers

Recommended mixers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended mixers

Mixer buying guide

To find the mixer that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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Just about any stand or hand mixer will do for simple chores. Hand mixers cost less but don't do as well at heavy-duty tasks such as mixing dough. Stand mixers are more expensive and take up more space, but a good one can save you a lot of muscle power. If you're looking for information about mixers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ mixer reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our mixer buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and mixer reviews to help you choose the best mixer for your needs.

Ratings & recommended mixers

Hand mixers (22)

Most hand mixers will whip and mix acceptably. One of the big differences among models lies in how they handle cookie dough.

The Ratings rank hand mixers by performance and convenience.

Stand mixers (28)

Most stand and hand mixers will whip, mix, and mash acceptably. One of the big differences among these machines lies in how they handle dough. Big, pricey stand mixers stand up to dough better and work faster than hand mixers or less-expensive stand mixers. But our tests still showed differences in how well these more-expensive machines perform.

Stand mixers work in different ways, too. Some use two beaters, which spin against each other; others use one beater, which spins in one direction and moves around the bowl the opposite way. All but the four lowest-rated models are equipped with one beater.

With most stand mixers, you tilt the mixer head up to remove the beater(s) or bowl; with some KitchenAid models, you crank a lever that lifts or lowers the bowl.

The Ratings rank stand mixers by performance.

Mixer buying guide

For whipping, puréeing, and a host of other food prep tasks, a reliable mixer is essential. The market is divided into hand mixers and stand mixers that range in price from $10 to $400.

Just about any stand or hand mixer will do for simple chores. Hand mixers cost less but don't do as well at heavy-duty tasks such as mixing dough. A few models we tested did a good job when we used their dough hooks, though.

If you're buying a hand mixer, look for one that comes with extra attachments. A separate whisk makes whipping easier. Wire beaters are easier to clean than traditional center-post beaters. In addition, mixers with slow start-up are less likely to cause splatters.

Stand mixers are the go-to appliance for mixing big batches of cookie dough, kneading bread dough, and whipping cream until it's light and airy. For an extra $60 to $140, you can add attachments that transform the mixer into a grinder, ice-cream machine, or fresh-pasta maker.

Our tests showed considerable differences in how well particular models of hand and stand mixers performed. And while manufacturers stress wattage and number of speeds, neither figure necessarily translates into better performance. Use this mixers guide to help your buying decision.

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