I have had my trusty KitchenAid hand mixer for more than a few years. In fact, I actually don’t remember when I first got it, only that it has help up very well and works well. This is a good testament to the longevity of my model, but hand mixers can actually vary a lot in size, power and their ability to get the job done in the kitchen, whether you’re beating egg whites or mixing cookie dough. In their most recent issue (March 2010), Consumer Reports put nine different hand mixers to the test to see which were the best.
The compared the mixers on several features: whipping time (heavy cream), mixing ability (cookie dough), convenience and noise.The top finished was a KitchenAid Architect Series model, with lots of speed, great turning power and a quiet motor, it was easy to use and whipped up cream in less than half the time of some of the low-finishing models. It is also the most expensive mixer tested, so it is worth noting that the second place finisher – a KitchenAid UltraPower 5 – was $30 less and performed just about as well, although it was a touch less powerful.
They also noted that most of these models are available with additional attachments, including whisks and dough hooks, which are well worth looking for if you don’t have a stand mixer and want to get a lot more versatility from your hand mixer! Ratings for all models tested are listed below:
Full Consumer Reports Ratings (in performance order, scores out of 100)
- KitchenAid Architect Series KHM920A Â Â 83/100
- KitchenAid UltraPower 5 KHM5APÂ Â Â 73/100
- Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-70Â Â Â Â 72/100
- Dualit Professional 5-speed 88520 Â Â 68/100
- GE (Walmart) 169204Â Â Â Â Â 59/100
- Kalorik Cmm-18661 4-in-1 Combination     59/100
- Black & Decker Power Pro MX217Â Â Â Â Â 50/100
- Sunbeam Heritage Series 3156 Â Â Â 48/100
- Hamilton Beach 6 Speed 62695V Â Â Â 38/100
caroline
February 18, 2010I would have to disagree with the KitchenAid Architect Series being first on the list. Mine died within 2 months! I had bought it to replace a cheap hand mixer that had lasted me several years. The KitchenAid stand mixers are solidly built, as we all know, but their other appliances seem to be lacking in quality.
janna
February 19, 2010I actually like the Kitchen Aid mixers alot and think they’re up there rightfully… And none of my Kitch Aid stuff ever died 🙂
Jeff
April 2, 2018Yes, they are gorgeous on the countertop, and they are very handy for certain kitchen tasks, but i think that a good hand mixer is just as useful for nearly every kitchen task. If you don’t make bread, marshmallows, and a few other heavy-duty recipes, you don’t really have to have a stand mixer.