7 Best Hand Mixers

A stand mixer is a countertop beast, but I still reach for my hand mixer more than half the time. It’s just faster for whipping up some cream, beating a few egg whites, or mixing a quick batch of brownies. There’s no big cleanup and no wrestling with a heavy bowl.

But not all hand mixers are created equal. I spent weeks mixing, whipping, and kneading with the top models of 2026 to find out which ones have real power and which just spin their wheels. We’re looking for mixers that can handle thick cookie dough without whining and start slow enough to not spray your kitchen with flour.

These are the top hand mixers that earned a permanent spot in my kitchen cabinet.

 

 

Our Top Picks for Hand Mixers in 2026

Breville Handy Mix Scraper BHM800SILUSC

The Breville Handy Mix Scraper is $160, and it’s basically a stand mixer without the stand. This thing is a powerhouse. It never once struggled, even with my thickest oatmeal cookie dough. It just plowed right through it.

What really sets it apart are the silicone-tipped scraper beaters. They mix and scrape the sides of the bowl at the same time, which means less stopping to use a spatula. It also has a built-in timer, which is brilliant for recipes that call for mixing for a precise amount of time. It feels like a serious piece of kitchen equipment.

The Downside: It’s heavy. At over 4 pounds, you’ll feel it during longer mixing sessions. The price is also steep, so it’s really for bakers who will use that extra power often.

 

 

Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed HM-90S

At around $90, the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus is my top pick for just about everyone. Its best feature is the super-slow start on the first few speeds. You can stick the beaters into a bowl of powdered sugar, turn it on, and not get a cloud of dust in your face. I wish every mixer did this.

It has plenty of power for cookie dough and comes with a full set of attachments—beaters, a whisk, and dough hooks—that all snap into a clear storage case. It’s strong, reliable, and makes baking feel less messy and more controlled.

The Downside: The design is a little top-heavy. When you set it down on the counter to add ingredients, it has a tendency to tip over if you’re not careful.

 

 

KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer KHM926

This KitchenAid 9-Speed mixer costs $115, and it delivers that classic KitchenAid performance and style. It whipped egg whites into stiff, glossy peaks faster than almost any other model I tested. It feels sturdy and balanced in your hand, with a comfortable grip that doesn’t get tiring.

It has a soft start feature to prevent splatters and comes with a nice set of attachments, including dough hooks and a whisk, all tucked into a little storage bag. And let’s be honest, the range of colors is a huge plus if you want your gear to match your kitchen.

The Downside: Once you get up to the higher speeds, this thing gets loud. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s noticeably noisier than the Cuisinart or Breville.

 

 

More Great Hand Mixers We Tested

Braun MultiMix 5 HM5100

The Braun MultiMix 5 is about $100 and it’s a seriously impressive machine. The motor is positioned directly over the attachments, which pushes the weight into the bowl instead of your wrist. It feels surprisingly light and easy to handle.

The unique “MultiWhisk” attachment is amazing for aeration—it incorporates more air into egg whites and cream for incredible volume. The powerful 350-watt motor and included dough hooks also make it a great choice if you plan on making bread.

The Downside: Like the KitchenAid, it can get pretty noisy on its highest turbo setting.

 

 

Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer 62636

For just $35, this Hamilton Beach mixer is an absolute steal. I was skeptical, but it whipped meringue faster than some models that cost three times as much. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and gets the job done for most everyday tasks.

It has a handy snap-on case for the attachments so you don’t lose them in a drawer, and a little hook that lets you rest it on the side of the bowl. It’s the perfect mixer for a first apartment, a casual baker, or anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money.

The Downside: With only six speeds, you don’t get the same fine-tuned control as you do with the 9-speed models. The slow start isn’t quite as slow, either.

 

 

Solid Choices for Lighter Tasks

KitchenAid Architect 7-Speed KHM7210

The KitchenAid Architect 7-Speed runs about $85 and is a solid performer for lighter jobs. If you mostly make things like pancake batter, whipped cream, or cake mixes, this has all the power you’ll need. It absolutely aced our egg white tests.

It’s easy to hold, the controls are simple, and the wire beaters do a great job without incorporating too much air into batters. It’s a reliable, no-fuss mixer for everyday baking.

The Downside: It doesn’t come with dough hooks, so this is not the mixer for you if you plan on making bread or heavy pizza dough.

 

 

Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-6P1

This Cuisinart Power Advantage costs around $65 and is a great little machine for small kitchens. It’s noticeably quieter than most other mixers I tested, which is a huge bonus. It’s compact and has a clever built-in groove for wrapping and securing the cord.

It’s zippy and effective for whipping cream and mixing batters. If you need something for quick, light-duty tasks and value compact storage, this is a fantastic choice.

The Downside: It’s the least powerful mixer on this list. It’s perfectly fine for batters and creams, but it would definitely struggle with a stiff cookie dough.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Hand Mixer

When you’re looking at top hand mixers, power is the first thing to consider. A motor around 220 watts, like the one in the Cuisinart HM-90S, is a great sweet spot. It can handle thick doughs but is still controllable for delicate tasks.

Next, look at speed settings. More isn’t always better, but having a very slow first speed is a must. It prevents you from blasting flour all over your countertops. A turbo or burst button is also nice for a quick shot of extra power to finish a job.

Finally, check the attachments. Most mixers come with standard beaters and a whisk. If you make bread, you’ll need dough hooks. A storage case or bag is also incredibly useful for keeping everything together so you’re not digging through drawers for a beater.