Best Food Mixers in 2021 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Nothing beats the mixing ability, power, and versatility of a reliable electric mixer, especially when you often deal with mixing tasks that are time-consuming or impossible to do by hand properly.

If you are someone who enjoys baking or finds kneading bread dough is your life’s passion; you’ll want to check out our list of the best mixers, which can do almost anything; from whipping up egg whites or cream, to blending even the most difficult ingredients.

Key Differences Between Various Types of Electric Mixers

There are two different types of electric mixers: stand mixers and hand mixers. While the handheld models offer convenience and portability, the stand mixers are much more versatile and are best suited for those who bake regularly.

Though stand mixers and hand mixers are different in many ways— size, power, price, and functionality, these two models are built to handle a variety of batters and mixes with ease.

Stand Mixer

If you think the stand mixer is a unitasker, you’re completely wrong. As not only does it take the hassle out of mixing, whisking, whipping and kneading, a stand mixer also excels at delivering better and more consistent results compared to handheld mixers.

Thanks to its large capacity and the sturdy paddles, these models can take the hard work out of making large batches of cake, dough, or batter, making it faster and easier to handle heavy mixtures than using other methods. Give your arms a rest and use a stand mixer!

Stand mixers get the job done on their own, without hands-on attention. They are fully automatic and require much less time and effort on your part compared with non-electric mixing methods, particularly if you often deal with lots of sticky dough. However, stand mixers are not plug-and-forget devices.

You’ll want to watch your machine as it works or be constantly back and forth from it. Though it definitely takes a huge amount of the work for you, it’s not like an Instant Pot where you can set it and walk away.

In general, stand mixers are quite a bit more expensive than hand mixers. This is due to their size, capabilities and features: they usually have more power, more durable parts and they often include extra attachments.

Hand Mixer

Simply speaking, hand mixers are eggbeater type mixers that include a motor. Unlike stand mixers which tend to take up quite a lot of space on your counter, a hand mixer really shines as a small and easy-to-store replacement for light duty jobs like making cakes, whisking up egg whites and kneading bread dough. For the occasional baker or anyone whose kitchen space is not roomy enough, this hand-held mixing device is just for you.

A typical hand mixer is less expensive and not as strong as a stand mixer. That’s why it usually takes more time to knead a thick batter, and they may not be able to handle dough. Though they may not have as many capabilities as a stand mixer, they do offer a flexibility and portability their counterpart does not.

Stand mixers must stay in one spot when working. They are only compatible with their own mixing bowls, which lock onto the machine when it is working while hand mixers can work wherever you need to in the kitchen and with all types of bowls. That being said, these handheld machines require a bit of manual work to be operated. This also means scalp injury resulting from hair entanglement in the mixer blades will more likely to occur. And because the mixing bowl is not in a fixed position, you need to be mindful that it doesn’t slip during mixing and make sure it is deep enough to keep the mixture from splashing out.

How to Choose the Best Kitchen Mixer

A good electric mixer should be powerful enough to efficiently mix all the ingredients at the same time. If you buy a hand mixer, it's best to find a balance unit that features an ergonomic design. Sturdy but not too heavy, this model should be comfortable to hold so that even when you're holding it to mix for extended periods of time, it will never lose its appeal.

On the other hand, don’t choose something that is too light or you may feel you don’t have enough control. This type of product tends to vibrate and move around while in use, especially when the mixture is thick. As a result, you will be focused on trying to control your machine rather than enjoying its convenience.

Design and power addressed, here are some other features you will want to consider:

1. Range of Speed

Electric mixers provide a quick and easy way to create consistent mixtures with a lot less manual effort on your part. Many have the advantage of allowing users to choose a specific speed for different recipes.

While high speeds are recommended for whipping cream and egg whites, a low speed comes in handy for combining delicate batters and will help prevent contents from splashing out of the mixing bowl. Check to see what speed settings are included in your desired model.

2. Dishwasher-Safe Accessories

Besides making sure that you can use each attachment and setting with ease, it's also important to check whether the attachments included with your mixer are dishwasher safe. In general, some of the attachment like the whisk, paddle, and dough hook can be put in the dishwasher, but it's best to check the manual instructions for sure.

3. Extra Features

Many affordable stand mixers feature a power hub, which is not really necessary but can be useful for those who want to take full advantage of their versatile machine. The power hub will allow users to connect multiple accessories, like a food grinder or pasta maker, thus increasingthe machine’s capability. If you make a vast variety of dishes that require many different tools, this could be something you’d enjoy.

Electric stand mixers with multiple metal beater attachments are becoming more popular, as these models make it more convenient for users to handle a variety of recipes. A paddle for beating batters and cookie dough, a dough hook for kneading bread, and a whisk for whipping egg whites are standard attachments you can expect in models with prices starting from $150.

Some hand mixers have extra attachments as well, but they're either included or not— they're not sold as optional.

A lot of people like hand mixers equipped with storage containers which are extremely handy for when you want to keep your machine and all of its accessories in one place, neatly and tidily.

Whether you buy a hand mixer or stand mixer, it's advised to look for a device that has attachments designed with quick-release mechanisms so that they can be put on or taken off easily.

Reviews of the Best Food Mixers 2021

Without any further ado, let’s jump into our best mixers list.

1. KitchenAid KSM150PSER – Best to Buy in 2021
2. Hamilton Beach 62682RZ – Best Hand Mixer
3. KitchenAid K45SSOB Classic – Best KitchenAid Mixer
4. Bosch Universal Plus – Best Mixer for Baking
5. Ankarsrum Original AKM 6220 – Best Dough Mixer
6. Cuisinart HM-90BCS – Best Budget Mixer

1. KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan - Best to Buy in 2021

Maxing out at 550 watts of power, the KitchenAid Artisan is one of the fastest stand mixers on our list, taking less than 15 minutes to bring 24 cupcakes worth of frosting to the perfect consistency. With a wide range of speeds, this tilt-head stand mixer is also one of the most versatile machines on the market. Its powerful motor can readily handle all sorts of baking tasks.

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• Various color options

• Durable and reliable

• Dishwasher-safe attachments

• Excels at mixing dough

• Quite bulky

Size and Strength

This best stand mixer is 13.9 inches tall, 14.1 inches deep, and 8.7 inches wide. It’s not a small machine and may take up a lot of kitchen space, but it is considerably smaller than many heavy-duty kitchen appliances out there. It will fit well on the countertop under the cupboards.

Powering the whole mixer is a 550-watt motor with plenty of low-end torque. It’s powerful enough to churn through even the chunkiest cookie mixes. The motor runs quietly and allows you to switch between ten speeds. Equally impressive, the mixer rarely gets hot even after extensive use and can gradually speed up to avoid splashing ingredients. With these abilities, the KitchenAid Artisan is a great choice for both low- and high-volume applications.

Included Accessories

In the package you will find a nylon-coated beater for mixing batters and frostings, a dough hook for kneading various types of dough, a wire whip for beating cream and egg whites, and a pouring shield for guiding either dry or wet ingredients into the bowl without making a mess.

The mixer also comes with a five-quart stainless steel mixing bowl which is large enough to accommodate nine dozen cookies, four loaves of bread or seven pounds of mashed potatoes in a single batch. The bowl has a comfortable handle and locks firmly into the flat base via several anchor points to prevent it from vibrating or becoming dislodged while mixing.

Aside from the wire whip, all the accessories are dishwasher safe. They also can be attached and adjusted easily.

Extra Feature

The most notable feature that really makes this device stand out is the built-in power hub where you can attach any of KitchenAid’s 15 optional attachments for a variety of different recipes. In other words, the power unit allows your mixer to become an all-in-one kitchen appliance. It is not only a gateway into the world of baking but also opens up whole new realms of cooking creativity.

Like most of KitchenAid’s products, this mixer is available in an array of colors. At the time of writing, the KitchenAid KSM150PSER comes in 20 different color options, making it easy for buyers to find the one that best matches their aesthetic preferences. You’re sure to find a unit that complements your kitchen.

The KitchenAid Artisan has a 1-year limited warranty.

2. Hamilton Beach 62682RZ - Best Hand Mixer

The Hamilton Beach 62682RZ is an excellent appliance to have when you need a mixer but don’t really need the power of a full-size stand mixer. Though there are an abundance of high end products which are a lot more versatile and can do a better job, you will be pleasantly surprised at how well this mixer performs for the price you pay. Whether you’re learning to cook or a first time user of a mixer, this tool will be perfect for you.

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• Snap-on case for easy storage

• Good quality attachments

• Compact and sturdy

• Lightweight

• Easy to clean

• A little loud

• The motor can get hot

Compact and Lightweight

The Hamilton Beach 62682RZ tops our best hand mixers list this year because of its thoughtful design and efficient mixing capabilities. It’s 9.2 inches tall with the storage case included, 8.3 inches deep, and 5.7 inches wide. This compact size helps minimize the storage space needed and should be fine to leave on your kitchen counter even if you have a small kitchen.

At only three pounds, this machine is claimed to be one of the lightest hand mixers on the market. But don’t worry, it doesn’t vibrate/move around without your say-so. It’s light enough that you can control it with one hand, leaving your other hand free to do other tasks, such as adding ingredients or holding the mixing bowl.

The Hamilton Beach 62682RZ is a standard hand mixer that comes with a pair of basic beaters, which can aerate eggs for genoise in less than seven minutes. It has a nice variation of speeds and a quick burst button right on the top for additional power at any speed. With the motor peaking around 250 watts, it has enough strength to handle a range of recipes, from making mixed drinks to whipping egg whites.

Even though the lowest speed setting isn’t very low at the start (we wished it would be), the mixer does bring the beaters (or the whisk) up to the selected speed GRADUALLY to help prevent the ingredients splattering everywhere.

Ease of Use

As a nice bonus, there is a built-in groove designed to sit on the edge of any mixing bowl. Thanks to this feature, you can rest your mixer over the bowl any time you want to take a break, which helps prevent drips from covering your countertop, making clean up easier later on

Many people love the machine's ergonomic handle that helps ensure a secure and comfortable grip, making it much easier to mix longer without hand strain and fatigue.

The storage container is made of plastic and comes in handy for keeping everything clean and organized. It also helps to protect your attachments from unnecessary damage in the kitchen drawer.

The power cord is about six and a half feet long and swivels from side to side making it more flexible to use. It is secured into a little nylon holder located on the right side.

Useful Accessories

Besides two traditional beaters, the machine also includes a heavy-duty whisk. Whether you want to beat eggs for an omelet or whip up a quick vinaigrette, your hand mixer will do it all. Keep in mind that those attachments are not dishwasher-safe, but many users have found they are very easy to clean by hand.

Drawbacks

Some reported that the motor gets a bit hot after extensive use, especially when running at the highest speed, but isn’t hot enough to burn your hand when touched. So be aware that you cannot let the mixer run for extended periods of time. It is a good idea to let it cool off for a few minutes if it starts to get hot.

Many users have a difficult time fitting the whisk, the beaters, and the power cord into the snap-on case. We think it would be nice if the container was an inch longer so that all the included accessories could lay flat easily. However, this is splitting hairs and has no bearing on the machine’s functionality and overall performance.

3. KitchenAid K45SSOB Classic - Best KitchenAid Mixer

This tilt-head model is one of the top-selling KitchenAid stand mixers on Amazon. The compact, powerful mixer is good at mixing heavy doughs or batters in small quantities and comes with all sorts of features to make the baking process more effective.

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• High quality

• Time saving

• Best for light-duty tasks

• No pouring shield

• No handle on the bowl

Great for Light-Duty Applications

The KitchenAid Classic stands out from the rest with its quiet motor, consistent performance, and long operating life. This is, in fact, the quietest stand mixer we reviewed. That’s because it has a less powerful motor than most on this list, which is probably why it often struggles with dense cookie dough at the very end of the mixing process. So, if you are looking for something that can handle big jobs , we don't think the KitchenAid Classic is the right choice.

On the other hand, if you don’t intend to mix dense doughs or big batches, you’ll find the machine’s 250-watt motor strong enough to incorporate all ingredients quickly and effortlessly.

Extra Attachments

The mixer comes with standard attachments, including a coated flat beater, coated dough hook, and wire whip. It lacks a transparent pouring shield that helps prevent ingredients from splashing out of the bowl, but so far, we haven’t seen any complaint from users when it comes to adding ingredients. Thanks to the power hub, you can also buy extra attachments to make pasta, shred cheese, and grind meats or vegetables.

The dishwasher-safe mixing bowl holds 4.5 quarts, making it roomy enough to blend six pounds of mashed potatoes or knead the dough for six dozen cookies or three loaves of bread in a single batch. That said, it doesn’t have a handle, so it can be a pain to remove the bowl full of dough or batter.

Like our main pick, the KitchenAid Classic comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

4. Bosch Universal Plus - Best Mixer for Baking

We recommend this outstanding mixer for those who cook and bake a lot. Though the machine is a bit on the expensive side, it’s well worth your consideration, given its incredible bread dough kneading ability and the wide line of extra baking attachments.

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• Good for kneading a BIG bowl of dough

• Dough hook of industrial-strength

• Powerful motor

• A bit expensive

• Cannot use hot liquids due to its plastic bowl

Unique Design

The Bosch kitchen mixer is a compact, lightweight unit with an under-bowl motor. It works well without excessive motor strain and doesn’t take up too much of your kitchen space. Compared with conventional mixers, the mixer can breeze through tough tasks in about 25% less time.

Since this mixer may be more efficient than your old one, you might need to modify your recipes slightly in terms of mixing or kneading time.

With its heavy-duty motor, the Bosch Universal Plus has no problem kneading a big bowl of dough. Not only that, the mixer can tear up just about anything you throw at it with ease, from ice cubes to chicken breasts. The convenient suction cups on the base also stabilize the machine on your countertop, so it can do its job without hopping around.

The sound of this machine’s 800-watt motor will give you an indication of its power level. Relatively speaking, though, it’s one of the quieter stand mixers on our list.

Heavy-Duty Attachments

The unique open bowl design eliminates the need to adjust the mixer’s head to add ingredients. Additionally, the two-piece fitted splatter guard helps minimize mess and spills. The 6.5-quart bowl is entirely made from BPA-free plastic which can prevent the dough from sticking to the container, making clean-up a breeze. Unfortunately since the bowl is made of plastic, it’s no good for hot liquids. Don’t use the Bosch Universal Plus mixer to make marshmallows.

The machine’s hefty dough hook mimics the kneading motion of a baker’s hands. It folds through the entirety of the dough batch once every four rotations. A helpful bowl scraper keeps the material off the bowl’s sides and optional extenders help out if you’re working with one loaf’s worth of dough. The mixer can also happily knead large batches— it can even knead dough for 14 one-pound bread loaves or 400 cookies in one go!

Dual wire whips deliver a unique triple whipping action. It allows users to whip as little as one egg white into a cup worth of beautiful meringue. The cookie paddles handle medium-to-thick batters and cookie doughs pretty efficiently. They’re also ideal for creaming butter. The cake paddles can mix pourable batters or light mixtures and ensure you have the right amount of air in your mixture for a light, fluffy cake.

The Bosch Universal Plus stand mixer comes with a 3-year warranty on its motor and transmission and a 1-year warranty on attachments and other parts.

5. Ankarsrum Original AKM 6220 - Best Dough Mixer

Any home chef who is serious about baking and really wants to reach a professional level should try the Ankarsrum AKM 6220. With its large capacity, great feature set, and unmatched efficiency, the mixer is one of the select few stand mixers made specifically for foodservice kitchens. So besides being suitable for home use, the machine is also a go-to choice for many small businesses. Though it’s far more expensive than the competitors, it can be worth the investment in the long run.

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• Well designed attachments

• Solid construction

• Durable

• Energy saving

• Quite expensive

• Poorly constructed gears

• Requires knowledge on how to use

An Extraordinary Stand Mixer

The Ankarsrum AKM 6220 is the most powerful stand mixer on our list, reaching 0.8 horsepower (800 watts) at its peak. The motor mixes, blends, and knead well without those worrisome grinding and gnashing sounds.

The intuitive speed control knob allows you to adjust the speed from 45 to 130 RPM. An electronic speed sensor allows you to choose the right speed for your desired texture and consistency. As a nice bonus, it also comes with a built-in programmable timer which will shut the machine off automatically. Just set the shutoff timer anywhere from one to twelve minutes.

The Ankarsrum AKM 6220 is protected under a 7-year warranty.

Unique Design

Made of sturdy chromed steel, the mixer measures about 19 pounds, with a footprint of 16 by 14 inches. It is slightly taller and bulkier than our top pick. Despite the larger size, it still fits neatly underneath your cabinet.

Unlike the KitchenAid KSM150PSER, this mixer has no tilt mechanism. As such, it can withstand torsional stresses much better. That’s why it works on large batches and handles thick bread dough without showing even the slightest sign of strain.

This bowl-lift mixer also offers more convenience and flexibility. In particular, while some tilt-lead mixers might require you to stop the motor and lift the beating tool before adding ingredients, this device allows you to dump ingredients in when it’s running. The motor is located in the housing base, so it’s never in the way.

That motor-in-base design is what truly sets this mixer apart. Rather than mixing attachments that move and rotate, the Ankarsrum’s whole bowl rotates. This leaves the top much more open and also reduces the hazards posed by rotating bread hooks and beaters. A steel arm holds Ankarsrum’s robust tools in a fixed position so the bowl’s spinning motion can do the hard work. Many users prefer this mixing method as it simplifies the addition of ingredients while the motor is running.

The main disadvantage of bowl-lift design is that the mixing bowl and attachments take extra effort to remove. Since the mixer’s head remains stationary, the attachments must be removed in order to free the bowl. Many users find this extra step annoying. But we think once you get accustomed to the new style, it won’t bother you.

Included Accessories

A dough roller, dough scraper, dough knife, dough hook, yeast lid, double beater with a 3.7-quart plastic bowl, balloon and cookie whisks, and a 7.5-quart mixing bowl are all included. The stainless steel bowl doesn’t have a handle and is large enough to tackle up to 21 cups of flour— enough for seven to 10 loaves of bread. Like the KitchenAid, the mixer also features a power take-off outlet for optional attachments.

Drawbacks

The Ankarsrum is tricky to use, especially if you aren’t used to bowl-lift models. It requires some adjustment to operate it and a bit of self-study is particularly useful if you want to figure out how to use the mixer on your own. It may help to watch one of the many videos posted on YouTube that demonstrate its use.

Keep in mind that the included roller tool can be used for just about everything except whipping creams and egg whites. The gears on the beating tool are plastic, which may break if used on particularly tough material. For the price point, we really think the gears should be higher quality.

6. Cuisinart HM-90BCS - Best Budget Mixer

Would you like to buy a hand mixer that looks like a million bucks, but costs less than a hundred bucks? If yes, the Cuisinart HM-90BCS Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer is the mixer for you.

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• Affordable price

• Useful storage container

• High quality attachments

• Compact size

• Poorly designed cord

The Best Hand Mixer for Light-Duty Use

The Cuisinart HM-90BCS is really a good hand mixer, even though it’s not made for every task. The machine is very useful for quick, light mixing jobs as well as being easy to store, taking up hardly any space at all. It has varying speeds from very slow to whipping frenzy. Like the best hand mixer on our list, even at the slowest speed, it always starts very fast, but that’s not a problem. You know this will happen, so you learn to hold it above your batter for a few seconds until it slows down.

Notable Feature

All the attachments are excellent quality with a sturdy appearance, especially the whisk which is compact enough to use in a measuring cup or even a wide glass. On top of that, with a powerful motor, users are sure not to experience any lagging, whining noises, or the smell of the motor being overworked.

We also especially like the storage container it clicks into. It holds all the attachments neatly in one place. There will be no having to hunt for the beaters and no loose cord getting tangled up.

Drawbacks

Some have reported that the attachments can fall out unpredictably. But we think the problem happens when you don’t put them into their matching openings. For clarification, there are two different fitted holes for the attachments and they look different. If you fit them appropriately, they will never fall out. So, it’s not a big deal at all. You should in no way feel this mixer is dangerous or that you have to take any extra precautions when using it. Just be mindful about this matter before inserting the attachments.

Also, as many buyers noted, the cord attached to the mixer is poorly designed. It doesn’t swivel from side to side far enough to be out of your way when sitting on the counter, causing it to pull off center or difficult to lay flat.

From our perspective, the cord should be able to swing 180 degrees so that there’s more flexibility and it doesn’t impede smooth mixing.

Top-rated Mixers Comparison Chart

Related post: Food Mixers and Blenders

The Best Mixer Brands

1. KitchenAid

KitchenAid is among the largest mixer manufacturers in the world and is one of the top kitchenware brands in America. Since 1919, the company has been producing great electric mixers, combining outstanding quality with long lists of handy features that help simplify the cooking process significantly. There are KitchenAid mixers for everyone, from home cooks to professional bakers.

2. Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach mixers are powerful, budget-friendly and pretty well-built. Unlike KitchenAid, all Hamilton Beach models come with a useful snap-on storage case to keep all the attachments safe and organized. For further convenience, they’re designed with the unique Bowl Rest feature, which allows the mixer to sit on the edge of the bowl itself to prevent messy drips. If you’re searching for an inexpensive mixer that is powerful enough to handle a variety of baking tasks, go for the Hamilton Beach models.

3. Cuisinart

Cuisinart is an affordable brand when it comes to home appliances, particularly electric mixers, countertop ovens, and food processor. With its cutting edge-technology and top-notch customer service, the company does business in more than 70 countries around the world. Cuisinart’s mixers are typically cheaper than others, but they’re definitely of a higher quality, with a solid design and wonderful performance.

Conclusion

This is our list of the best mixers this year which should be helpful in informing your buying decision. Our quest for the best products is never over and we will continue to evaluate more models and update this list as new options are added. So please check back often if you don’t find the machine you’re interested in today.