Mixer Buying Guide
How We Test Mixers
Consumer Reports partners with an independent lab to test mixers on a variety of tasks. To test mixing performance, we make pancake batter, aiming for smooth yet frothy results, and we mix egg whites to see how quickly each appliance can achieve a light and fluffy texture. We also whip heavy cream, aiming for an airy, smooth texture.
Stand mixers go through additional tests. We test each stand mixer’s ability to produce smooth and consistent cake batter. We also emulsify ingredients for mayonnaise, with the highest-scoring stand mixers producing mayo with a uniform texture in less time.
Kneading is a laborious task that most stand mixers handle well, sparing the need for elbow grease. In our kneading tests, we time how long it takes to knead bread dough while evaluating the evenness and rise of the dough as well as the bread’s structure and consistency.
We also judge noise when the mixer is running at its highest speed. To score mixers on convenience, we assess how easy it is to connect and remove the beaters and adjust the mixer speeds.
In the Mix: What to Consider
A major consideration when buying a mixer is how much you want to spend. The hand mixers in CR’s tests range from less than $20 to more than $160, and our test results show that you don’t have to spend top dollar to get a good one.
The stand mixers we test range from about $50 to $1,000, and most of the stand mixers we identify as the best are priced somewhere in the middle. Spend more and you can add attachments like a fresh pasta maker, spiralizer, or meat grinder to transform your stand mixer into an essential dinnertime tool.
If you’re buying a hand mixer, you might also consider a model with extra attachments. A separate whisk makes whipping easier. Hand mixers with a slow-start option are less likely to cause splattering or a cloud of flour, powdered sugar, or other powder as you begin mixing. Many hand mixer models nowadays come with dough hooks as well, but they’ll likely require that you use a considerable amount of hand strength.
Considering a stand mixer? In addition to taking stock of your counter and storage space, make sure there’s enough clearance between the top of your counter and the bottom of your cabinets, if that’s where you’ll use the mixer. Most models have a head that tilts up when you add or remove the beaters and bowl, so you should make sure you have enough space to accommodate the extra height. Other stand mixers have a lever that raises and lowers the bowl while the head stays stationary.
No matter which type of mixer you choose, our tests show considerable differences in how various models perform. We’ve also found that while manufacturers tend to emphasize wattage and number of speeds, neither figure necessarily translates into better performance.
The Hand or the Stand
Which type of mixer suits your cooking the best? In addition to considering the amount of space you have to store the mixer, match the machine to the foods you most frequently prepare.
Hand Mixers
These are best for light-duty tasks such as whipping cream or egg whites, mixing cake batter, and making mayonnaise or an aioli from scratch. And while they may be able to knead dough, it’ll likely take longer than it would with a stand mixer and require more effort to control.
Most of the top-performing hand mixers have wire beaters without the thick center post found on traditional-style beaters, which tend to be harder to clean. Some hand mixers come with additional attachments. To find information on those, check out individual model pages under features and specs.
One definite plus is that hand mixers are easy to store and don’t require any counter space.
Stand Mixers
Stand mixers can do everything hand mixers can do, and are more capable of mixing thick batters and bread dough. But they’re heavier and take up counter space, or must be lifted out of a cabinet to use, which can be challenging, given their weight.
Most models we test come with a paddle mixer, whisk, and dough hook, which spin in one direction and move around the bowl. Some use two beaters, which spin against each other. Our stand mixer model pages provide details, including the height and weight of each mixer and which attachments are included.
Features to Consider
Here are a few features worth noting to make mixing a snap, keep it safe, and make cleanup easier.
Comfort
A hand mixer should be well balanced and comfortable to hold. A stand mixer shouldn’t be too heavy for you to lift into and out of a cabinet. (This might not be a concern for people with enough space to leave their mixer out all the time.)
Photo: Getty Images
Type of Beater
Look for a mixer with wire beaters, without the thick center post found on traditional-style beaters. Wire beaters are easier to clean.
Photo: iStock
Speed
Stand mixers may have as many as 15 speed settings, and hand mixers have up to nine. But don’t be swayed by the number alone. We think three well-differentiated speeds are sufficient. The slower the lowest speed, the better, because slow speeds prevent splattering.
Photo: Commercial Chef
Locking Powerheads
You should be able to lock a mixer’s powerhead in the up position so that it won’t crash into the bowl when the beaters are weighed down with dough. You should also be able to lock it in the down position so that the beaters don’t ride up in the bowl when tackling stiff dough.
Photo: James Worrell
Stability
On a hand mixer, an indentation on the underside of the motor housing allows it to perch on the edge of a bowl so that it doesn’t tip over.
Photo: James Worrell
Comfort
A hand mixer should be well balanced and comfortable to hold. A stand mixer shouldn’t be too heavy for you to lift into and out of a cabinet. (This might not be a concern for people with enough space to leave their mixer out all the time.)
Photo: Getty Images
Mixer Brands
KitchenAid is one of the most prominent brands in the stand-mixer market, accounting for a substantial share of sales. Other established brands, including Hamilton Beach and Cuisinart, also have a notable presence. Use these profiles to compare mixers by brand.
