The best hand mixers of 2026, tested and reviewed by a professional baker
We tried models from brands including KitchenAid, Breville, Cuisinart and more — and the winner surprised us.
One controversial hill I, a professional baker, am willing to die on is that most home cooks can get away with owning a good hand mixer vs. splurging on a stand mixer. Don't get me wrong — I adore my KitchenAid stand mixer! But unless you're tackling big baking projects regularly, a durable handheld appliance will usually get the job done without putting a big dent in your wallet. Whether your cake recipe calls for creaming butter and sugar together (a task many of us dread) or you want to top your pie with homemade whipped cream, the best hand mixers can ease a lot of the effort.
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But are they all equally effective? That's what I set out to determine: I've been using my trusty hand mixer (an affordable, no-frills Hamilton Beach model) for nearly 10 years, and while I haven't felt the need to replace it, I was curious to see how these contact contraptions have evolved. So I put nine corded and cordless models from brands like KitchenAid, Breville and Cuisinart to the test — and even I was surprised by the overall winner.
Best hand mixers of 2026
Britt Ross/Yahoo
Number of speeds: Six | Features: Boost button, storage container| Wattage: 250W| Attachments: Two beaters, two dough hooks, one whisk | Cord length: 60 in. | Noise level: Average | Warranty: Two-year limited
What I liked: I owe Black+Decker an apology, as I didn't have high hopes for this unassuming mixer. Yes, the brand has been around for ages, but I don't really associate it with top-tier baking products as much as, say, handheld vacuums. Imagine my surprise when this model gave some of the splurgier brands a run for their money!
First, I was impressed by how easily it blended butter and sugar together, especially given that its beaters had thin, wiry blades. The "turbo" button added extra oomph, getting the job done lickety split. One of the tests I performed was adding mix-ins to cookie dough to see how the mixer handled chunkier ingredients, and I found that it had no trouble incorporating chocolate chips. It also whipped both heavy cream and egg whites like a champ. I was impressed by its power, and even more so that I could maintain control, even on higher speeds. On the flip side, I appreciated that the lower settings were, in fact, low, meaning I didn't have to worry about a flurry of flour up in my face.
From a design standpoint, the Black+Decker is fairly simple: It has six speeds that are easy to navigate with one hand while mixing, as well as the aforementioned "turbo" button to enhance each speed. All of the attachments one could want are included (two beaters, two dough hooks and one whisk), as well as a storage container to keep everything corralled. And I mean everything — even the mixer fits inside! For a solid appliance with all the accouterments, it's incredibly well-priced.
Minor criticisms: If I had to be nitpicky about anything, I'd say that the handle could be a bit thinner — but I also have tiny hands. Otherwise, this mixer is a fabulous product and value.
- Great power, especially with "turbo" button
- Includes large storage container, plus abundant accessories for every type of mixing task
- Reasonable price point
- Handle could be a tad thinner
Britt Ross/Yahoo
Number of speeds: Six | Features: "Burst" button, storage container| Wattage: 250W| Attachments: Two beaters, one whisk | Cord length: 60 in. | Noise level: Average | Warranty: One-year limited
What I liked: Full disclosure — I've been using this very mixer for about a decade, and it hasn't let me down. Because it performs so well at such a wildly low price, I held the other mixers in the testing pool (all of which were more expensive) to high standards. I wasn't at all shocked that this affordable model outperformed many of them; it's solidly built and can reach impressive speeds.
Its thick-wired beaters creamed butter and sugar like it was nothing, and the whisk attachment proved effective in my cream- and egg white-whipping tests. Adding chocolate chunks to cookie dough was a breeze as well, and when I needed a little more power, the "burst" button came through.
If you're going to spend a lot of time mixing, you'll want a comfortable handle, and this one had the best feel of all the models I tried. Its storage container is also a much-appreciated add-on.
Minor criticisms: After comparing this mixer to eight others, I can call out a few qualities that could be improved. For starters, it took longer during the whipping test than some of the others, and it can be a bit difficult to keep steady at higher mixing speeds. It also doesn't come with dough hook attachments. But all things considered, it's a fantastic appliance at an even better price point.
- Impressive power
- Includes storage container and whisk attachment
- Very affordable
- Durable and long-lasting
- Does not include dough hook attachments, so may not be ideal for bread bakers
- Took longer to whip cream and egg whites than some other models
Britt Ross/Yahoo
Number of speeds: Seven | Features: Cordless design, slow-start feature| Wattage: 60W| Attachments: Two beaters | Cord length: N/A | Noise level: Average | Warranty: One-year limited
What I liked: Is a cordless hand mixer that much more convenient than a corded one? Personally, I wouldn't say it's a must-have feature, but it's pretty darn cool! Outlets are not easy to come by in my kitchen, so being able to mix from my dining room table sans cables comes in handy. I'd heard great things about this model from my parents, so I had high hopes when I put it to work.
I was pleased to find that it creamed butter and sugar effectively and with control, and that chocolate chunks were no match for its thin yet sturdy beaters. Because it didn't include a whisk attachment, I used said beaters to whip cream and egg whites, and they did a solid job, albeit on the slower side.
To use the mixer, you need to attach a rechargeable battery, which I assumed would weigh it down. Surprisingly, it felt pretty lightweight, and the handle was a comfortable width. When the battery is fully charged, you get about an hour's worth of mixing — ample time to make many batches of cookie dough or cake batter — so I can see this being useful for holiday baking. Another plus: The soft-start feature slowly brings the beaters to speed, minimizing mess.
Minor criticisms: It would have been nice if this mixer came with at least a whisk attachment to make it more versatile, but the beaters perform just fine (and hey, fewer attachments to keep track of). Speaking of which, it doesn't include a storage container.
- Holds a charge for a long time, ideal for baking multiple batches
- Can be used anywhere and doesn't have cords to get in the way
- Fairly lightweight and comfortable in hand
- Slow-start feature helps prevent messes
- Only comes with two beaters and no other attachments or storage container
- On the pricier side
Britt Ross/Yahoo
Number of speeds: Five | Features: N/A| Wattage: 60W| Attachments: Two beaters | Cord length: 60 in. | Warranty: 1-year limited | Noise level: Average
What I liked: Not everyone needs (or wants) the flashiest appliances on the market. If you're just beginning your baking journey, a no-frills, straightforward hand mixer might be just the ticket. This is the model I would recommend to anyone who wants to start with the basics. It might not have any bells and whistles, but it couldn't be more intuitive to use, and it's a solid mixer to boot.
Is it the most powerful mixer I've tested? No, but in some ways, that's a good thing, as it allows amateurs to beat, cream, whip and mix with plenty of control. It has enough strength to cream butter and sugar together, even if it takes a bit longer, and it incorporated chocolate chips into cookie dough with ease. Whipping cream and egg whites to stiff peaks also took a little longer, but it got the job done.
It has a very comfortable handle that isn't too wide, and the unit itself isn't too heavy or bulky. It's also very user-friendly when it comes to switching speeds — just push the lever up and down, which is easy to do with one hand while mixing.
Minor criticisms: A lack of "turbo" or "boost" settings makes this a less-powerful mixer, but for those who favor ease over fancy features, it's ideal. Note that it only comes with beater attachments and no storage container.
- Very user-friendly design — easy to change speeds with one hand
- Comfortable handle and not too heavy
- Great price point
- Not as strong as some of the other mixers, but gets the job done
- Only includes two beaters and doesn't come with a storage container
Britt Ross/Yahoo
Number of speeds: Nine | Features: Boost button,built-in light, built-in timer, storage container| Wattage: 240W| Attachments: Two rubber scraper beaters, two dough hooks, two whisks | Cord length: 47 in. | Noise level: On the quieter side | Warranty: One-year limited
What I liked: Having tested kitchen gear for years, I'm rarely surprised by a product. Well, color me stunned by this mixer, which I'd originally written off due to its high price tag. It certainly felt sturdy when I picked it up, and I've been impressed by Breville products in the past. However, I've always championed hand mixers for their affordability, and the thought of shelling out over $150 for one seemed outrageous. This one just might be worth it.
Let me start by saying that I would only recommend this mixer to people who take baking seriously, don't have room for a stand mixer and want the next best thing. What I love about this model is that it has several cool features that are actually useful. Take the built-in light, for example: Now you'll be able to see clearly into your mixing bowl to remind yourself how many teaspoons of baking soda you've already added when you lose count. There's also a built-in timer, which comes in handy when a recipe calls for creaming butter and sugar for five minutes. The mixer comes with two beaters, two dough hooks, two whisks and a storage container — the most accessories of any mixer I tested.
As far as performance, this handheld mixer did not disappoint. It easily creamed butter and sugar together, and did so quickly, even without the "turbo" setting. It had no issues mixing chocolate chunks into cookie dough, and it took no time to bring heavy cream and egg whites to stiff peaks using the "turbo" button.
Minor criticisms: This mixer was among the heaviest of the bunch (not so surprising given its quality). And while many of its extra features are helpful, I didn't think its rubber scraper beaters were any more effective than standard metal ones. They did seem a bit quieter when they hit my metal mixing bowl, however.
- Very powerful mixer — feels durable
- Has a built-in light and timer
- Comfortable handle for longer mixing periods
- Comes with a bunch of helpful accessories, including two whisks instead of one
- A bit heavy
- The most expensive hand mixer we tested
Factors to consider when choosing a hand mixer
Hand mixers might seem like simple, straightforward appliances, but there are more variations than you'd think. These are the most important qualities to keep in mind when shopping for one.
✓ Corded vs. cordless: With a corded model, you'll never have to wait on batteries to recharge — a boon during the holidays when you're making many batches of cookie dough! That said, dealing with cords can be a pain, especially if you're short on space. Cordless models also let you mix from anywhere (within reason!), so you don't have to worry about finding a free outlet.
✓ Speed settings: The models I tested ranged from having five speed settings to nine, and those with more tended to be more expensive. While having more speeds to choose from offers more versatility, I find that it's not always essential. If you're not often whipping cream or egg whites to stiff peaks — tasks that require more power — paying more for additional speeds might not be necessary.
✓ Attachments and accessories: Hand mixers typically include two beater attachments, but some also come with whisk and/or dough hook attachments. You're almost certain to get the most use out of the beaters, which do everything from creaming butter and sugar together to shredding chicken; that said, a whisk attachment can be helpful for whipping ingredients like cream and egg whites. As for dough hooks, I don't find them especially useful — I'd rather mix and knead dough by hand if I'm going to be holding a mixer anyway. That said, dough hooks can be helpful for those with limited hand mobility.
✓ Design: As I was testing hand mixers, I realized that I'd been taking comfort for granted! The one I'd been using for years had a grippy handle I could comfortably hold, but the body wasn't as lightweight as some of the others. If you plan to use a hand mixer on the regular, you'll want to make sure it's one you won't mind holding for extended periods of time. Take note of the speed control as well; I prefer a simple button that can be pressed up or down using the same hand I'm holding the mixer with, but some models feature dials or buttons you have to move side to side, which I find trickier. Size is also an important factor; many people opt for a hand mixer over a stand mixer due to space limitations, and while most are nice and compact, others can be a bit bulky or come with attachments that you'll have to find room for.
✓ Price: As far as I'm concerned, if you plan on spending a significant amount of money on an electric mixer (say, over $100) and have enough space, I would choose a stand mixer — even if it's not from a fancy brand. The reason I love hand mixers is that they can tackle many of the same tasks as their upright counterparts while being far more affordable. For the extra money, I'd rather have a machine that can mix on its own while I attend to other things. One feature I'd consider shelling out a bit more for is a cordless design, since it's pretty cool to mix a batch of cookie dough on your coffee table while you watch TV (not that I've done this…).
Time to see which mixers creamed the competition...
(Britt Ross/Yahoo)How we test hand mixers
Before turning any of the mixers on, I washed the attachments with warm, soapy water, as recommended by many instruction booklets — a smart rule of thumb for most new kitchen tools. Next, I read the instructions for each mixer before assembling; most models are very straightforward and intuitive, but I wanted to make sure I was aware of any quirks. Finally, I put the mixers through a series of tests to evaluate their strength, speed and ease of use.
Call me extra, but yes, I did take my butter's temperature to make sure it was the proper consistency for the creaming test.
(Britt Ross/Yahoo)Creaming contest: One of, if not the, most common tasks people rely on hand mixers for is creaming butter and sugar together. This is often the first step in many cake and cookie recipes, as thoroughly combining these ingredients helps aerate your batter or dough for a lighter texture. It's also something many of us would rather not do by hand, unless you're looking to give your arms a workout.
For this test, I used the beater attachments, which came with every model. For consistency's sake, I used a half-cup of room-temperature butter (roughly 65° to 70°F) and a half cup of granulated sugar. I used each mixer to beat the two ingredients together in a metal mixing bowl, and noted how effortlessly and quickly the beaters completed the task. I stopped the mixers once the butter and sugar mixture was fluffy and thoroughly combined. While I was mixing, I also noted how comfortable the mixers felt in my hand, and how easy it was to shift between speeds.Chocolate chip challenge: Based on the results from the creaming contest, I chose five mixers to advance to this step. I wanted to see how the mixers performed when adding mix-ins to dense cookie dough, so I made a simple mixture of sugar, butter, eggs and flour. I then used the mixers to incorporate a half-cup of chocolate chunks, observing how well their beater attachments handled the thick dough and distributed the chocolate pieces.
Stiff peak performance: For the final test, I had the top five contenders whip heavy cream and egg whites, separately, until they achieved stiff peaks — meaning, if you lifted some of the cream or egg white up with the beater, it would hold a peak shape (pictured below) vs. drooping down. This is useful when making whipped cream, meringue or beating egg whites to fold into a light cake batter. If the mixer included a whisk attachment, I used it for this step; if not, I used the beater attachments.
Note: While some of the top-performing hand mixers came with dough hook attachments, I did not feel the need (knead?) to test them. As mentioned earlier, I don't find hand mixers particularly useful for kneading bread dough — I would either use a stand mixer or knead by hand.
This is what we mean by stiff peaks!
(Britt Ross/Yahoo)Other hand mixers we tested
Cuisinart Power Advantage 9-Speed Hand Mixer: I appreciated that this mixer included beaters, dough hooks, a whisk and a storage container and that it was easy to change speeds while mixing. That said, the beaters tended to come loose, and I didn't have much control over the mixer while creaming butter and sugar at an effective speed, which made the process a bit messy.
Braun MultiMix 5 Hand Mixer: While this mixer certainly did a great job during the creaming test (the beaters glided through the butter very smoothly), I wasn't a fan of the design. To switch speeds, you had to scroll through each one using a dial, which wasn't easy to do while the mixer was on. The "turbo" setting was also the very last selection, rather than acting as a boost for the other speeds, and the mixer didn't come with a whisk attachment. That said, anyone who enjoys a two-in-one appliance will appreciate that it doubles as a food chopper — though you'll need to make sure you have extra space, as there's just one small storage bag for the beater and dough hook accessories.
Beautiful 6-Speed Hand Mixer: This wallet-friendly mixer had no trouble creaming butter and sugar, but, as with the Braun mixer, switching between speed settings felt awkward. To do so, you have to push a button side to side vs. up and down, which proved more difficult. The mixer was heavier than expected, given its compact size, but it doesn't take up much space and comes with a storage container.
Hamilton Beach Professional Cordless Hand Mixer: I was curious to see how this model compared to KitchenAid's cordless mixer, as it costs a bit less. Ultimately, I felt that while it creamed butter and sugar together just fine, it was a bit unwieldy, even at lower speeds. I also preferred KitchenAid's design; the Hamilton Beach cordless mixer's weight isn't evenly distributed (it's very front-heavy), and you have to turn a dial to switch speeds, which isn't ideal.
Chocolate chips evenly distributed? Check.
(Britt Ross/Yahoo)Hand mixer FAQS
Are handheld mixers worth it?
I believe that anyone who enjoys baking — even casually — should own some sort of electric mixer to make tasks like creaming butter and sugar together easier. I'm also of the mindset that hand mixers are absolutely sufficient if you're sticking to simple bakes like brownies, cookies and cakes. They take up very little space, and you can get a solid model for under $30. In my professional opinion? Yes, they are definitely worth it!
What can you make with a hand mixer?
A better question might be, what can't you make with a hand mixer? OK, maybe not a steak, but a hand mixer can whip up nearly everything a stand mixer can, from muffins to buttercream to chocolate mousse. Some people even like using them to shred chicken for pulled-meat sandwiches or to mash potatoes. I do think stand mixers are the better option for kneading bread dough, as you can let the dough hook do the work while you attend to other things, but otherwise, hand mixers are incredibly versatile.
Why trust us?
I started baking professionally about a decade ago, working with commercial kitchen equipment to produce dozens of cakes, bread loaves and pastries a day. Since then, I've tested hundreds of kitchen tools designed for culinary pros and home cooks alike — and I have strong opinions about which ones are worth incorporating into one's arsenal. I might not be cranking out cookies at 5 a.m. anymore, but I spend much of my free time preparing baked goods in my small kitchen, and a trusty hand mixer is one of my most-reached-for essentials.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
