ConsFirst / Hand mixers
Hand mixers: the downsides, first
Hand mixers draw few 1–2 star Amazon ratings (5–9% for every model we checked), so the real differences are in testing: power with stiff cookie dough splits testers and owners for seven of the eight, and fast first speeds that fling ingredients come up often. Here are the most popular hand mixers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared12 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 hand mixers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Breville
$$$CordedScore 4.0/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)The listing pools BHM800 colors (about 3,500 ratings).The most powerful and best-equipped hand mixer in three expert tests, with a bowl light, timer and storage case. Its silicone-coated beaters have a longevity problem, which is why Wirecutter dropped it as a pick.
Top complaints
- Silicone beater coating cracksVery common
Wirecutter says the silicone on the scraper beaters split and cracked after less than a year, shedding into food, and replacement beaters had been out of stock on Breville's site for over a year. Amazon's summary says some owners report beaters falling apart after a few uses.
- Splatter when whipping with the beatersMentioned often
Serious Eats says that with the rubber-coated beaters it was the slowest to whip cream and threw a lot of splatter; with the balloon whisks it was fast and clean. The coated beaters also take more work to hand-wash.
- Heavy and priceyMentioned often
Wirecutter calls it heavy; Good Housekeeping lists it at 4 lb and its main con is the price. Amazon's summary says value for money is mixed.
What owners love
- Powers through dense dough
ATK says it creamed butter and whipped meringue faster than any other model and muscled through dense cookie dough. Good Housekeeping says it aced every lab test, including bread dough.
- Quiet, with useful extras
Rubber-tipped beaters cut the clanging (ATK, Serious Eats). It has a bowl light, timer, pause button and a snap-on case (Serious Eats, ATK, Good Housekeeping).
- Owners rate it highly
Amazon's summary says buyers call it the best on the market and praise its power, light and quiet operation.
Skip it if…- You want a light mixer
- You want beaters that last for years
- You only whip cream now and then
Good for- Frequent bakers who want the most power
- Thick cookie dough and big holiday batches
- Keeping every attachment in one case
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough5.0
Why 5.0?
Fastest at creaming and meringue and easy on dense cookie dough (ATK); aced bread dough (Good Housekeeping). - Speed range & slow start4.0
Why 4.0?
Nine speeds with a digital readout and pause button (Serious Eats, ATK), but Serious Eats found it powerful even at medium-high and messy with the beaters. - Weight & comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
Serious Eats found the angled handle comfortable, but Wirecutter calls it heavy and Good Housekeeping lists 4 lb. - Beaters & storage5.0
Why 5.0?
Coated beaters, two whisks, dough hooks and a snap-on case for attachments and cord (Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping). - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Wirecutter saw the beater coating crack within a year; Amazon durability feedback is mixed; 1-year warranty (Serious Eats).
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best hand mixer: it has it all, but it splattered with the coated beaters when whipping cream and is on the expensive side.
- America's Test Kitchen: Winner: the fastest at creaming and meringue, with the widest beaters and the most helpful features.
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall: aced every lab test, from bread dough to egg whites; pricey.
- Wirecutter: A former top pick, dropped because its silicone-coated beaters cracked and shed within a year.
#2
KitchenAid
$$CordedScore 3.7/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)About 10,400 ratings; the listing may pool colors.Wirecutter's top pick: the only mixer in its test to handle chunky cookie dough without strain, and quieter than the rest, with a soft start. It comes without dough hooks or a case, and some owners find it underpowered.
Top complaints
- No dough hooks or storage caseMentioned often
Wirecutter notes it comes only with beaters and one whisk; dough hooks cost extra (about $24) and there is no case.
- Fiddly buttons and switchMentioned often
Wirecutter says the speed buttons are hard to press because of a raised metal divider. Amazon's summary says some owners find the speed control hard to change and the on/off switch awkward with one hand.
- Power and mixing split ownersMentioned often
Amazon's summary says speed, power and mixing performance get mixed feedback, with some owners finding the power insufficient.
What owners love
- Strong on chunky cookie dough
Wirecutter says it was the only model to cream butter and sugar and fold in all the mix-ins without slowing down or warming up.
- Quiet, with a soft start
Its DC motor ran with a low whir where others shrieked, and it ramps up gently so dry ingredients don't fly (Wirecutter). Amazon owners praise the quiet operation and slow start.
- Light and comfortable
About 2 lb, among the lightest Wirecutter tested; Amazon owners like the light weight and ergonomics.
Skip it if…- You want dough hooks in the box
- You want a storage case
- You want easy-to-press buttons
Good for- Cookie dough with lots of mix-ins
- Quiet mixing
- Adding dry ingredients without a flour cloud
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough4.5
Why 4.5?
Wirecutter's best performer on chunky cookie dough, though some Amazon owners find the power insufficient. - Speed range & slow start4.0
Why 4.0?
Soft start keeps flour in the bowl (Wirecutter, Amazon), but the buttons are hard to press and the speed meter is harder to read. - Weight & comfort4.5
Why 4.5?
About 2 lb and well balanced (Wirecutter); Amazon owners praise the weight and ergonomics. - Beaters & storage2.5
Why 2.5?
Beaters and one large whisk only; no dough hooks and no storage case (Wirecutter). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Standard 1-year warranty (Wirecutter); no specific durability problems were reported in the sources read.
What experts say
- Wirecutter: Top pick: powerful, quiet and comfortable; flaws are no dough hooks, no case, hard-to-press buttons and a 1-year warranty.
#3
Cuisinart
$$CordedScore 3.7/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)About 11,300 ratings, pooled across HM-90 colors (the HM-90BCS listing shows the same count).A long-time favorite with every attachment, a storage case and a 3-year warranty, rated a best buy by ATK. It is loud, and testers disagree on whether its lowest speed is gentle enough.
Top complaints
- LoudVery common
Wirecutter calls it one of the louder mixers it tested, a shrill racket. Serious Eats found the noise grating and unpleasant.
- Starts fast and can fling ingredientsVery common
Wirecutter says it starts at a breakneck speed whatever the setting. Serious Eats saw it fling chocolate chunks out of the bowl. Amazon's summary says some owners find the low speed very fast.
- Slows on chunky dough; some units failMentioned often
Wirecutter saw it slow down on mix-ins and get warm after bread dough. Good Housekeeping had to scrape the bowl often. Amazon's summary says some owners report it breaking in under two years.
What owners love
- Nearly matches the best
ATK says it performed the same as its winner without the extras, and was one of the fastest models. Amazon owners praise its power.
- Every attachment plus a case
Beaters, whisk, dough hooks and a spatula, stored in a snap-on case (Good Housekeeping, Wirecutter). The cord swivels for left- or right-handed use (Good Housekeeping).
- 3-year warranty and proven longevity
Wirecutter has used one since 2013 with no complaints and notes the 3-year warranty.
Skip it if…- Noise bothers you
- You want a very gentle first speed
- You want a light mixer
Good for- A complete kit with case at a mid price
- A long warranty
- Easy-to-read digital speed display
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough4.0
Why 4.0?
One of ATK's fastest models and powerful per Amazon owners, but it slowed on chunky dough in Wirecutter's test. - Speed range & slow start3.0
Why 3.0?
ATK and Good Housekeeping praise a wide range with low-start speeds, but Wirecutter, Serious Eats and Amazon owners say it starts too fast. - Weight & comfort3.0
Why 3.0?
Simple, easy-to-press controls (Wirecutter, ATK), but Good Housekeeping lists 4 lb and it is loud. - Beaters & storage4.5
Why 4.5?
Beaters, whisk, dough hooks and spatula in a snap-on case, though Wirecutter finds the case fussy to attach. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
3-year warranty and a Wirecutter unit in use since 2013; Amazon durability feedback is mixed.
What experts say
- America's Test Kitchen: Best buy: performed like the winner, with the most intuitive controls in the lineup.
- Wirecutter: Runner-up: does almost as well as the KitchenAid 7-Speed and adds hooks and a case, but it's loud and starts too fast.
- Good Housekeeping: Most versatile, with low-start speeds to prevent splatter; it needed regular bowl scraping.
- Serious Eats: Not a pick: powerful and efficient, but loud and it flung chocolate chunks.
#4
KitchenAid
$$$CordedScore 3.5/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)About 8,800 ratings; the listing may pool colors.A light, quiet KitchenAid with nine speeds and extra attachments, often on sale. Testers found its controls confusing and its handling less precise than the 7-Speed.
Top complaints
- Confusing controlsVery common
ATK says its switch plus multiple buttons were hard to master, and testers accidentally turned it off mid-mix almost every time.
- Harder to control; flings ingredientsMentioned often
Wirecutter says it worked no better than the 7-Speed, was harder to control and flung ingredients out of the bowl more than the Cuisinart.
- Middling on chunky dough; power doubtsMentioned often
Serious Eats says it was mid-pack for speed and bucked on large chocolate chunks. Amazon's summary says some owners are disappointed by the power and split on value.
What owners love
- Wide speed range
ATK says the range from lowest to highest suits both delicate and difficult tasks.
- Light and quiet
About 2 lb and very quiet (Serious Eats); ATK liked how light it felt; Amazon owners praise the quiet operation.
- Extra attachments
Comes with dough hooks, a whisk and a blending rod that made frothy hot chocolate (Serious Eats).
Skip it if…- You want simple controls
- You mix lots of chunky cookie dough
- You want a hard storage case
Good for- Wanting dough hooks and a whisk from KitchenAid
- Quiet mixing
- Buying on sale
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough3.5
Why 3.5?
Creamed efficiently (ATK) and matched the 7-Speed (Wirecutter), but bucked on chocolate chunks (Serious Eats); Amazon power feedback is mixed. - Speed range & slow start3.0
Why 3.0?
Nine speeds with a wide range (ATK), but confusing controls (ATK) and ingredient flinging (Wirecutter). - Weight & comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
About 2 lb and light in the hand (Serious Eats, ATK); very quiet. - Beaters & storage4.0
Why 4.0?
Beaters, dough hooks, whisk and blending rod, stored in a cloth bag rather than a case (Serious Eats). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
1-year warranty (Serious Eats); no specific durability problems were reported in the sources read.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: A longtime favorite that is often on sale: great on whipped cream, decent on cookie dough.
- America's Test Kitchen: Recommended with reservations: wide speed range and light, but confusing controls.
- Wirecutter: Not a pick: works about as well as the 7-Speed but is harder to control and costs more.
#5
Braun
$$CordedScore 3.5/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)About 1,760 ratings; the listing is for HM5100 and also names HM5130BK, so variants may be pooled.Fast and powerful for Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping, with a smooth variable speed dial and a 3-year warranty. ATK found it bogged down in firm cookie dough and flung ingredients on restart.
Top complaints
- Splatter and flingingVery common
Serious Eats says it makes slightly more mess when whipping cream. ATK says the speed wheel is separate from the power switch, so restarting after full speed flung flour or cream.
- Testers disagree on powerMentioned often
ATK says it couldn't match its favorites and was bogged down by firm cookie dough, while Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping found it powerful.
- Plastic parts and a stiff eject buttonMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners report plastic parts breaking after minimal use. Serious Eats says the eject button needs more force and it isn't the lightest.
What owners love
- Very fast
It whipped cream fastest in Serious Eats' timing table (2 min 27 s) and aced Good Housekeeping's egg white and cookie dough tests.
- Smooth speed dial and comfortable grip
The knob adjusts speed smoothly (Serious Eats); Amazon owners like its ergonomics, including for arthritic hands; ATK liked the comfortable handle.
- Easy-clean beaters and 3-year warranty
Rounded MultiWhisk beaters are easier to clean, all attachments are dishwasher-safe (Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping), and the warranty is 3 years (Serious Eats).
Skip it if…- You want a traditional whisk
- You want a mixer with no splatter
- ATK's 'not recommended' rating worries you
Good for- Fast whipped cream
- Smooth variable speed control
- Hands that like an ergonomic grip
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough3.5
Why 3.5?
Powerful and fast for Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping, but ATK says firm cookie dough bogged it down. - Speed range & slow start3.5
Why 3.5?
Nine speeds plus turbo on a smooth dial (Serious Eats, Amazon), but ATK saw flinging when restarting at a high setting. - Weight & comfort3.5
Why 3.5?
About 2.1 lb; comfortable handle (ATK) and praised for ergonomics on Amazon, but Serious Eats says it isn't the lightest or most comfortable. - Beaters & storage3.5
Why 3.5?
Beaters and dough hooks in a bag; no traditional whisk (Good Housekeeping, Serious Eats). - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
3-year warranty (Serious Eats), but Amazon durability feedback is mixed with reports of plastic parts breaking.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: A powerful pick that whips faster than most; slightly messier and not the lightest.
- Good Housekeeping: Best for baking: aced egg whites and cookie dough; no traditional whisk.
- America's Test Kitchen: Not recommended: bogged down by firm cookie dough, and the separate speed wheel led to flinging.
#6
KitchenAid
$$$CordlessScore 3.3/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)Small sample: about 920 ratings.The cordless pick at Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping: light, balanced and good at whipped cream and cookie dough. It ships with beaters only, and the battery may not last several back-to-back batches.
In the box: Battery and charger included
Top complaints
- Beaters onlyVery common
Serious Eats and Good Housekeeping note it has no whisk or dough hooks; only beaters and a charger come in the box.
- Battery planningMentioned often
Serious Eats says the battery indicator turned yellow halfway through a third task (frosting), so back-to-back batches need recharge time.
- Power and weight split ownersMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners find it powerful enough while others say it lacks power, and opinions differ on whether it is light or heavy. Serious Eats found the beater-eject button stiff.
What owners love
- Cordless freedom
No cord to drag around or outlet to stay near (Serious Eats); the battery is removable and swappable (Good Housekeeping). Amazon owners like the cordless convenience and battery life.
- Good results
Serious Eats says it whipped cream and mixed cookie dough well; Good Housekeeping got airy whipped cream and smooth cake batter.
- Light and quiet
1.88 lb, balanced and quiet (Serious Eats).
Skip it if…- You bake several batches back to back
- You want a whisk or dough hooks included
- You bake on a whim and forget to charge
Good for- Kitchens with awkward outlets
- Light, quick jobs like whipped cream
- Owners of other KitchenAid Go tools
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough3.5
Why 3.5?
Mixed cookie dough well for Serious Eats, but Amazon owners are split on power. - Speed range & slow start3.5
Why 3.5?
Seven speeds on an unnumbered slider that is still easy to align (Serious Eats); Amazon owners say the speeds suit thick batters. - Weight & comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Light, balanced and cord-free (Serious Eats), though some Amazon owners call it heavy. - Beaters & storage2.0
Why 2.0?
Beaters only, with no case; the eject button is stiff (Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping).
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best cordless: surprisingly capable, but plan ahead for charging and expect only beaters.
- Good Housekeeping: Best cordless: airy whipped cream and smooth batter; no whisk or dough hooks.
#7
KitchenAid
$$CordedScore 3.0/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)About 28,800 ratings, pooled across colors.A very popular, light no-frills KitchenAid with a gentle low speed. It has no extra attachments, and both testers and owners find it short on power for stiff dough.
Top complaints
- Underpowered for stiff doughVery common
ATK says it took a few seconds to get going in stiff cookie dough even at top speed. Amazon's summary says some owners find it seriously underpowered and only 5 speeds limiting.
- No extra attachmentsVery common
Wirecutter and Serious Eats note it comes with no attachments beyond beaters, so it isn't as all-purpose.
- Mixed durability; louder than a cheaper rivalMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners report it breaking after months. Serious Eats found it louder than the Hamilton Beach 5-Speed, with a shorter warranty.
What owners love
- Gentle lowest speed
ATK says its lowest speed was ideal for whipping cream or adding flour without flinging, with an easy slider.
- Light
ATK especially liked how light and easy to maneuver it was.
- Popular for quality, colors and value
About 28,800 Amazon ratings; owners praise its quality, color options, value and quiet motor.
Skip it if…- You make stiff or chunky cookie dough often
- You want a whisk, hooks or case
- You want a long warranty
Good for- Whipped cream and batters
- A light, simple mixer
- Lots of color choices
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough3.0
Why 3.0?
Eventually powered through stiff dough (ATK), but Amazon owners are split and some call it underpowered. - Speed range & slow start3.5
Why 3.5?
Very gentle low speed and simple slider (ATK), but only five speeds (Wirecutter, Amazon). - Weight & comfort4.0
Why 4.0?
Light and easy to maneuver (ATK). - Beaters & storage1.5
Why 1.5?
Beaters only; no whisk, hooks or case (Wirecutter, Serious Eats). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon durability feedback is mixed and Serious Eats notes a shorter warranty than the Hamilton Beach 5-Speed.
What experts say
- America's Test Kitchen: Recommended: gentle low speed and light, though slow to get going in stiff dough.
- Serious Eats: Not a pick: performed nearly identically to the cheaper Hamilton Beach 5-Speed but was louder, with no extras.
- Wirecutter: Not a pick: it works, but has no extra attachments and fewer speeds.
#8
Hamilton Beach
$CordedScore 2.7/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-11)About 67,000 ratings; the listing may pool colors.The most-rated hand mixer on Amazon and Good Housekeeping's best value, with a snap-on case and bowl rest. Three expert tests found it weak on stiff cookie dough, and its first speed can be too fast.
Top complaints
- Struggles with stiff doughVery common
Serious Eats says it struggled with stiff cookie dough; Good Housekeeping says it didn't mix oatmeal raisin dough thoroughly; Wirecutter says it lacked power and slowed even when creaming butter and sugar.
- First speed too fastMentioned often
Amazon's summary notes issues with the first setting. ATK found the lowest speed of its Hamilton Beach 6 Speed sent flour flying.
- Breaks after a year; loud and vibratesMentioned often
Amazon's summary says multiple owners report it breaking after a year. Serious Eats found it loud with a slight plastic smell; Wirecutter says it vibrated and caused hand strain.
What owners love
- Great value
Good Housekeeping's best value pick; Amazon owners consider it good value for money.
- Snap-on case and bowl rest
The case holds beaters, whisk and cord, and the bowl rest keeps beaters over the bowl during pauses (Good Housekeeping). Amazon owners like the storage.
- Good with cream and batter
Good Housekeeping says it whipped cream with ease and made smooth cake batter; QuickBurst adds power for firm cream cheese.
Skip it if…- You make thick cookie dough often
- You need a gentle first speed
- You want a quiet mixer
Good for- Whipped cream and cake batter on a budget
- Tidy storage with a snap-on case
- Occasional holiday baking
Scores (tap for why)
- Power with stiff dough2.0
Why 2.0?
Weak on stiff cookie dough in Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping and Wirecutter tests; QuickBurst helps with firm ingredients (Good Housekeeping). - Speed range & slow start2.5
Why 2.5?
Six speeds plus QuickBurst; Good Housekeeping found the switch easy, but Serious Eats couldn't read the dial well and Amazon owners report a fast first setting. - Weight & comfort3.0
Why 3.0?
Good Housekeeping found the handle comfortable, but Wirecutter says it is heavy (about 2.5 lb) and vibrates. - Beaters & storage3.5
Why 3.5?
Beaters and whisk in a snap-on case, plus a bowl rest (Good Housekeeping). - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon's summary flags durability, with multiple reports of it breaking after a year.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best value: easy, comfortable and tidy, but not as good for thick dough.
- Serious Eats: Not a pick: struggled with stiff cookie dough and was loud; get the Hamilton Beach Professional 5-Speed instead.
- Wirecutter: Not a pick: heavy for its class (about 2.5 lb), vibrated, and lacked power.