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The 6 Best Hand Mixers of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

These top-rated picks can tackle everything from mixing cookie dough to whipping cream.

By Eva Bleyer and Abigail Bailey
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An electric hand mixer is a versatile piece of kitchen gear for home cooks and bakers alike. Since the cost of a stand mixer isn't in everyone's budget and mixing by hand can be tiring, a hand mixer is a great solution for whipping up your favorite sweet and savory recipes at home — plus they're easy to store.

What's the best hand mixer for most people? Our top-tested model for 2023 is the Breville Handy Mix Scraper, which is suitable for a wide range of home cooks. While it costs over $100, we think the price is well worth it given its versatility (it offers multiple attachments and nine speed settings) and useful features (like a built-in light and timer). If you're on a tighter budget, we recommend the Hamilton Beach Electric Hand Mixer.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, we’ve tested over 30 hand mixers and stand mixers in the last two decades. When we evaluate mixers, we assess their performance by beating egg whites, whipping cream and mixing tough cookie dough. We also look to see how easy they are to operate, navigate the different speed settings, switch out attachments and clean.

To help you determine which is the best hand mixer for your needs, we've narrowed down our list to the best of the best, whether you're looking for a model under $30 or prefer one that's cordless.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Handy Mix Scraper

    Best Overall Hand Mixer

    Breville Handy Mix Scraper

    $150 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

    Best Value Hand Mixer

    Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

    Read more
  • 3
    Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer

    Most Versatile Hand Mixer

    Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer

    Read more
  • 4
    MultiMix 5 Hand Mixer

    Best Hand Mixer for Baking

    Braun MultiMix 5 Hand Mixer

    Read more
  • 5
    Hand Mixer With HeatSoft Technology

    Fastest Hand Mixer

    Oster Hand Mixer With HeatSoft Technology

    Read more

At the end of this guide, you can see how we evaluate hand mixers in our Lab, plus everything you need to know to shop for your perfect mixer. Looking for more kitchen tools to speed up your prep? Check out our guides the best food processors, mini food processors and immersion blenders.

      1
      Best Overall Hand Mixer

      Breville Handy Mix Scraper

      Handy Mix Scraper
      1
      Best Overall Hand Mixer

      Breville Handy Mix Scraper

      $150 at Amazon$150 at Walmart
      Credit: Breville
      Pros
      • Aced every Lab test, from bread dough to cookie dough and more
      • Light shines on bowl during operation
      • Silicone coating on beaters
      Cons
      • Pricey

      Breville’s hand mixer got top scores in our testing, excelling at whipping egg whites, beating cake batter, mixing oatmeal cookie dough and kneading bread dough. This nine-speed model is able to recognize which attachment you’ve inserted (beaters, dough hooks or whisks) and automatically adjust its speed to match each task.

      The beaters have a silicone coating to help prevent scratches and the loud clanking that’s sometimes caused by beaters hitting the sides of the bowl. Plus, it has a light that turns on while beating to help you see into the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated, and a built-in timer. It also comes with a case, so you can easily store the attachments. It's a bit pricey, but we think the extra features and attachments make it worth the splurge.

      Weight4 lbs
      Dimensions 3.5" x 8.5" x 10.25"
      Number of speed settings9
      Power240 watts
      Included attachmentsSilicone-coated beaters, dough hooks and whisks
      Storage Snap-on case
      2
      Best Value Hand Mixer

      Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

      Best Seller
      6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
      2
      Best Value Hand Mixer

      Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer

      Credit: Hamilton Beach
      Pros
      • 46k+ five-star reviews on Amazon
      • Snap-on compartment makes for tidy storage
      • "QuickBurst" button for tough ingredients
      Cons
      • According to reviews, there isn’t a true low speed

      Amazon reviewers have been raving about this budget-friendly hand mixer, so much so that it has gotten over 46,000 five-star reviews! Although we haven’t tested this model in the Lab yet, Hamilton Beach hand mixers have performed well in past testing.

      The mixer is equipped with six speed settings, though many reviewers noted there isn’t a true low speed, so it can be somewhat tricky to start off gently or slowly mix flour into a batter. But what's great is its "QuickBurst" button, which provides an extra burst of power to whip through firm cream cheese or cookie dough ladened with nuts. Another particularly handy feature is the convenient snap-on case to neatly store its two beaters and whisk along with the mixer, instead of keeping them loose in a drawer.

      Weight2.86 lbs
      Dimensions 5.7" x 8.3" x 9.2"
      Number of speed settings6
      Power250 watts
      Included attachments Beaters and a whisk
      Storage Snap-on case
      3
      Most Versatile Hand Mixer

      Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer

      Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer
      3
      Most Versatile Hand Mixer

      Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer

      Credit: Cusinart
      Pros
      • Snap-on storage case keeps all pieces together
      • Swivel cord for both right or left-handed consumers
      • Dishwasher-safe removable parts
      Cons
      • In our testing, mixer needed assistance when mixing cake batter

      This Cuisinart hand mixer comes with two beaters for beating cake batter or buttercream frosting, a whisk for whipping egg whites or cream, two dough hooks for kneading bread or pizza dough and a spatula to help you scrape down the edges of your bowl – a versatile amount of accessories for a variety of baking needs. This mixer has nine speeds, including three low-start speeds that help prevent splattering so you can gently mix ingredients at a 1 or 2 speed or beat through tough batter with a 8 or 9 speed.

      All of the attachments are dishwasher-safe and store nicely in a snap-on case. We also appreciated that the cord swivels so the mixer can easily be used by right- or left-handed consumers. While many of the picks offer some of these versatility features, this pick has it all. Note: In our testing, we did have to scrape down the bowl regularly to help mix the cake batter.

      Weight4 lbs
      Dimensions8.46" x 3.94" x 8.94"
      Number of speed settings 9
      Power220 watts
      Included attachmentsBeaters, dough hooks, a whisk and a scraper
      StorageSnap-on case
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      4
      Best Hand Mixer for Baking

      Braun MultiMix 5 Hand Mixer

      On Sale
      MultiMix 5 Hand Mixer
      4
      Best Hand Mixer for Baking

      Braun MultiMix 5 Hand Mixer

      Now 22% Off
      Credit: Braun
      Pros
      • Performs well across all kinds of tasks
      • Attachments are dishwasher-safe
      • Convenient storage pouch for attachments
      • Comes with dough hooks
      Cons
      • Model comes only in black

      Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, the Braun MultiMix 5 is a versatile option with nine speed settings and a rotating dial so you can easily swap between incorporating flour into a batter or folding nuts into a dough. It aced our egg white whipping test and our cookie dough test, so you can use it for delicate and heavy baked goods alike.

      It has only two whisks and dough hooks, but the manufacturer says its whisks are "multi-use" as they can act as both beaters and whisks. They're easier to clean too, because the whisks' tines are wider and more spread out than typical beaters. Plus, all of the attachments are dishwasher safe, should you choose to go that route, and there's a storage pouch to keep them together. The mixer does only come in black, though.

      Weight2.2 lbs
      Dimensions8.3" x 3" x 8.7"
      Number of speed settings 9
      Power350 watts
      Included attachments Multi-use whisks and dough hooks
      Storage Drawstring bag
      5
      Fastest Hand Mixer

      Oster Hand Mixer With HeatSoft Technology

      On Sale
      Hand Mixer With HeatSoft Technology
      5
      Fastest Hand Mixer

      Oster Hand Mixer With HeatSoft Technology

      Now 14% Off
      Credit: Oster
      Pros
      • Softens cold ingredients as you mix
      • Comfortable handle
      • Mixer can sit upright when not in use
      Cons
      • Attachments are hand-wash only
      • Heavy

      If you’re a spur-of-the-moment baker who just can’t wait for ingredients to come to room temperature, this model is a great option. It has a built-in fan that will blow warm air into your mixing bowl to gently soften cold butter, so there’s no more waiting around for uneven microwaving.

      In our testing, we found that it was able to soften butter within one and a half minutes, in contrast to the 30 minutes it usually takes for butter to soften when left out at room temperature. We also liked how comfortable the handle was to hold and we appreciate that it can sit upright when not in use – so dirty beaters won't touch the kitchen countertop.

      It has seven speed settings and can beat through cookie dough, whip cream and more. It also comes with beaters, dough hooks and a whisk attachment that all fit into a snap-on container. However, take note that all of the attachments are hand-wash only.

      Weight4.64 lbs
      Dimensions 4.8" x 9.6" x 9.6"
      Number of speed settings7
      Power270 watts
      Included attachments Beaters, dough hooks and a whisk
      Storage Snap-on case
      6
      Best Cordless Hand Mixer

      KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer

      On Sale
      Cordless Hand Mixer
      6
      Best Cordless Hand Mixer

      KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer

      Now 15% Off
      Credit: KitchenAid
      Pros
      • No need for an outlet during operation
      • Includes soft-start feature for reducing splatter
      • Great for right- and left-handed consumers
      Cons
      • Doesn't include whisk or dough hook attachments like some other models

      KitchenAid’s Cordless Hand Mixer is not only an attractive piece of kitchen equipment because of its sleek and rounded design, but it’s also cordless, so you’re not tethered to an outlet and can use the hand mixer wherever you want. Bonus: Since there's no cord, it's great for right- or left-handed users. And it comes in six other colors, if black isn't your thing.

      The manufacturer claims you can make up to four batches of cookies on one charge. There are seven speeds and a convenient soft-start feature, which allows you to gradually work up to your desired speed while reducing splatter. Though we haven’t tested this model yet, according to Amazon reviews, it’s quiet, lightweight and it holds its charge. This model comes with only beater attachments and has no storage container.

      Weight2.09 lbs
      Dimensions11.69" x 3.54" x 7.56"
      Number of speed settings7
      Power12 volts
      Included attachmentsBeaters
      Storage None
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      How we test hand mixers

      line break

      During our most recent test in the Good Housekeeping Institute, we assessed the variety of speeds, the ease of attaching the beaters, the comfort level when holding the hand mixer and how easy it was the use the controls and clean the mixer.

      oatmeal cookie dough with hand mixer beats inside
      Eva Bleyer / Good Housekeeping Institute

      We've tested over 30 mixers in the last two decades, but in our most recent test, we tested 22 hand mixers in the Lab and at home. We mixed oatmeal cookie dough (as shown in this image) to see how well it mixed through tough ingredients. Beat yellow cake mix, kneaded white bread dough and whipped egg whites (as shown in the image below) and heavy cream.

      egg whites sitting on a sieve after being whipped by a hand mixer
      Eva Bleyer / Good Housekeeping Institute

      We also consulted online reviews to see which hand mixers consumers love, in addition to which ones they have difficulty with. When making our picks, we also considered how intuitive each model was to use, as well as its ergonomics and any useful features and included attachments.

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      What to look for when shopping for a hand mixer

      "

      ✔️ Power: A good hand mixer gravitates around 200 to 300 watts of power. This power will help it to muscle through tough cookie dough filled with nuts, oats or chocolate chips without slowing down or shutting off. All of the picks on our list fall within a good amount of wattage to get most of your mixing jobs accomplished.

      ✔️ Speed settings:
      Having many speed settings to choose from is a good feature to look for. Low settings are great at first when you need to gently mix without any splattering, but then you'll want a high setting for mixing through tough batters and ingredients.

      ✔️ Comfort: Since you’ll be holding up the hand mixer for an extended period of time, a heavy mixer can tire your arm out quickly. Look for lighter mixers with a comfortable grip. We suggest shopping in person and lifting and holding the hand mixers on display, if possible.

      ✔️ Accessories: All hand mixers come with detachable beaters, but only some models include other attachments, such as whisks or dough hooks. Although additional attachments do usually increase the price of the model, they give your hand mixer more uses.

      ✔️ Cord vs. cordless: If you’re short on outlets in your kitchen or if they’re in inconvenient locations, you may want to consider a cordless hand mixer. You do have to remember to charge them regularly, but they allow for ease of use by both right- and left-handed people. If you’d rather not leave your hand mixer on a charger, you can look for a model with a swivel cord so it stays out of the way when you're using the mixer.

      ✔️ Storage: Extra accessories are nice to have, but they can get lost in drawers easily. Then, before you know it, you only have one beater hanging around. Models with storage options, like a bag, to keep all of the pieces together. If you’re looking to save space, some models have snap-on storage cases to house the accessories with the mixer so they’re all in the same place when you need them.

      What is the difference between mixing by hand and a hand mixer?

      linebreak

      A hand mixer gives you extra power to fully incorporate ingredients and get a batter velvety smooth without tiring out your hand and arm muscles like you would if you were attempting to hand-mix them. While there are certainly some batters, doughs or ingredients that can be hand mixed, things like a homemade aioli, whipped cream or finely shredded chicken can be done quickly with the help of a mixer.

      What is the difference between a hand mixer and a stand mixer?

      linebreak

      Most hand mixers are more affordable and can be stored easier than stand mixers since they're less bulky and take up less counter space. They can also be easily moved from one side of your kitchen to another. Whipping up a custard on your stove or needing to use a specific bowl? A hand mixer is your best bet.

      Holding a hand mixer at high speed for a long time can tire your hand because of the force required to keep the mixer steady. While with a stand mixer, you simply have to push a button and the mixer will do all of the work for you. Tough doughs and ingredients that need to be whipped for over 10 minutes are best conducted with a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer.

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      Why trust Good Housekeeping?

      knk

      This article was originally written by Eva Bleyer, the reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab. In addition to hand mixers, she has tested many kitchen appliance categories, including induction ranges and gas ranges, microwaves, blenders and so much more. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in Food Studies, Nutrition and Public Health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. She loves how easy and convenient hand mixers are.

      This article was most recently updated by Abigail Bailey, who writes about a wide range of products for GH, including kitchen gear and home goods. Her family is known to swipe her baked goods when they’re straight out of the oven. She worked closely with the experts in the Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab to research the ins and outs of hand mixers for this update.

      Headshot of Eva Bleyer
      Eva Bleyer
      Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Reviews Analyst

      Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.

      Headshot of Abigail Bailey
      Assistant to the General Manager

      Abigail (she/her) covers everything from kitchen gear to mattresses and smart blinds for the Institute, as well as assisting the General Manager in any number of projects. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.A. in creative writing, as well as earning her M.S. in publishing digital and print media from New York University. Before GH, she worked at LSU Press and The Southern Review literary magazine. In her free time you can find her quilting, cross-stitching or trying to figure out how to squeeze one more bookshelf in her tiny apartment. 

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