Choosing the best hand mixers: Three great hand mixer options for the home baker

Not everyone wants to have a large stand mixer, such as a KitchenAid, taking up space in their kitchen.  And sometimes, a large mixer is too cumbersome for small mixing needs.  But like any kitchen gadget, there are good handheld mixer options and there are poor ones.  Read more to learn what to look for in a good mixer, as well as three that are highly recommended.

What to Look For in a Hand Mixer

The first thing to look for in finding the best hand mixer is the variety of speeds offered.  A good hand mixer option should have at least 5 speeds, with 6 being ideal.  The hand mixer should also have a slow start or very low speed, to help avoid splattering at start-up.

Another key thing to look at is the comfort of the handle.  Look at how the mixer will be held in your hand.  The models with handles that are too parallel will not be as comfortable to use as the mixer handles that are slanted slightly.

And lastly, look at the overall construction.  If there are seams on the bottom of the mixer, near the beaters, look for another model.  Those seams are just begging for sticky dough and sugar to become trapped in them.  Also look at how easy to clean the mixer will be.  A good design should be easily cared for with just a damp cloth.

The Best Hand Mixers

• KitchenAid 7-speed Ultra Power Plus Handmixer:  With seven speeds, a great design, 200 watts of power, and a one-year warranty from a major brand, this hand mixer is one of the best on the market.  Additional attachments are also available, expanding the capabilities of the mixer.
• Hamilton Beach 6-speed Classic Hand Mixer: This hand mixer makes the cut because of the great design features, including a bowl rest and a QuickBurst button for a surge of extra power.  Additionally, it comes with traditional beaters, wire beaters and a whisk attachment, making this mixer ideal for many different baking needs.
• Dualit Professional Five-speed Hand Mixer:  This mixer is for the serious home cook or baker who wants and needs a little more from their mixing appliances.  It has 300 watts of power, a whisk attachment, a retractable cord, and the ability to work with stiff doughs, something many other mixers are incapable of.  The price is a little higher than the cost of most hand mixers, but the extra features outweigh the additional cost.