Best hand mixers

Fancy yourself as the next Paul Hollywood or Mary Berry? Then an electric hand mixer should be on your list of essential kitchen kit. We all know stand mixers are a thing of beauty for the worktops, but if you want something that’s going to get the basics done quickly and efficiently, then you can’t beat (excuse the pun) a handheld mixer.

Whether you’re investing in your first model, need to update an old one or simply don’t have space for a larger stand mixer, there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration before parting with your cash.

Firstly, check your chosen appliance has all the attachments you need. Whisks, dough hooks and beaters are standard with most models but some come with more and others come with less, so it’s worth making sure you have what you need before you buy.

Secondly, look at its ease of use as models vary in weight and if you’re going to be prepping like a pro for hours, then a lighter model might be best. Storage is a big consideration, too, and although hand mixers are small in size, a compact design works better if you’re short on space. You’ll also find models that have helpful features, such as retractable cords and space for the attachments to clip on so they can stay with your hand mixer rather than getting lost in your utensils drawer, never to be seen again!

Lastly, consider what you’re likely to be using it to cook and what settings you might require – more basic models will have between two and four speeds, while others can feature up to nine for when you really need a hard-hitting power surge.

We rounded up 10 of the best hand mixers on the market and put them to work, beating, stirring and whipping up a storm…

Dualit hand mixer in polished chrome

Best for: cutting-edge style

Be prepared to fall in love with the sleek good looks of this hand mixer, which had us oohing and aahing as soon as it was out of the box. At 400W and with four speeds, we found it easy to control even at a slow speed. Plus, its retractable cord and integral plug storage keep it tangle free.

£58.96 | Amazon | Buy it now

Fearne by Swan hand mixer

Best for: pretty aesthetics

You may have trouble choosing a colour when it comes to this model, which comes in four pastel shades including Peacock (shown), but once that’s decided you can get down to some good ol’ baking. We found it to be a lightweight model that at 400W and with five speed settings, gives a powerful mix right from the get-go.

£35 | AO | Buy it now

Russell Hobbs Your Creations 3-in-1 hand mixer 18962

Best for: travelling chefs

Hands up those that like to bake when they travel? No? Well you might when you see this design’s clever storage carry case, which makes this hand mixer a doddle to transport. Great for whisking, beating and mixing, this 300W design features five speed settings, with an extra turbo function, too.

£25 | Debenhams | Buy it now

Judge Electricals Twin Blade 6-speed hand mixer

Best for: a good all-rounder

A strong, masculine design that’s easy to assemble and equally easy to use. Six speeds, a 300W motor and turbo function all contribute to a powerful design that works hard for such a low price. A good choice for a first hand mixer that will last, without paying the big bucks.

£28.99 | Wayfair | Buy it now

Kenwood HMX750CR KMix Electric hand mixer

Best for: well designed storage

This little beauty’s clever storage unit sold it to us alone, as it fits the cord, mixer and attachments in to keep them tidy and together. It’s not the lightest model around, but it has a 350W motor, five speeds and a comfortable soft-grip handle, which in our opinion, is one of the best.

£79.99 | Argos | Buy it now

Tower T12016 stainless steel hand mixer

Best for: bargain hunters

If you don’t want to shell out a lot on a hand mixer then this is the one for you. At 300W and with six speed settings, it performs well, is easy to use and all at an amazing price. Slightly more basic-looking in design than some of the others, but for that price you really can’t go wrong.

£19.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Lakeland 2-in-1 hand and stand mixer

Best for: getting the best of both worlds

Get more bang for your buck with this 300W model, which you can use as a hands-free stand mixer or unclip the hand unit for extra control. Features include five speeds, beaters and dough hooks. Great as a two-in-one option if you’re unsure whether to go for a stand or hand mixer, or don’t have room for both.

£49.99 | Lakeland | Buy it now

KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer

Best for: serious chefs

Available in black, red, silver and cream, this is the model to invest in if you’re looking for an all-singing, all-dancing design. It comes with two beaters, two dough hooks and a whisk, but also has a soft-start feature, LED display, nine speeds and soft-grip handle. Extras include a cotton storage bag and mixing rod to help make smoothies and sauces. It’s not cheap, but you get a top-notch model for your money.

£109.99 | Currys | Buy it now

John Lewis Black/stainless steel hand mixer

Best for: value for money

Simple, efficient and reliable, this 350W model comes with beater and dough hook accessories and features five speed settings, with an additional boost option for extra power. It’s not the most high-tech mixer, but it’s definitely not basic and falls middle of the row for us – a good design with an equally good price.

£29.95 | John Lewis | Buy it now

Bosch CleverMixx hand mixer

Best for: power without the noise

Another good all-rounder, the CleverMixx features a 400W motor, which is surprisingly quiet – ideal if your kitchen is part of an open-plan space where you don’t want to disturb others. It’s light and easy to hold, features four speeds and an additional turbo/pulse setting and comes with the standard beaters and dough hooks.

£39.99 | Amazon | Buy it now

Verdict:

The winner? It’s been a tough call as all of our 10 chosen models performed well, but there were two stand-out designs for us. Firstly, the Dualit mixer caused quite a stir (see what we did there?) with our testers due to its sleek looks, retractable cord and the fact that the power is easily controllable and doesn’t splatter its ingredients all around the kitchen. It was a clear winner and all of us felt we would happily pay the extra for such a smart-looking model. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option that’s good value for money, then the Fearne by Swan mixer will do you proud, making short work of whisking and beating with a good lot of oomph when you need it.