The Best Hand Mixers That Pros Reach for Instead of Heavy Stand Mixers

For many bakers, KitchenAid is synonymous with its beyond-popular stand mixer; however, it turns out that the brand makes some excellent hand mixers, too. “I love this mixer because it’s versatile, efficient, and so durable,” explains Chelsey White, owner of Chelsweets LLC. “It can stand up to a stiff cookie dough but also can whip up a batch of whipped cream. I’ve had mine for years and it still works great.”

Of course, versatility is just one reason to love this hand mixer. According to Josh Lehenbauer, food photographer and recipe developer, this option is an affordable, low-maintenance version of KitchenAid’s prized stand mixer. “Sometimes, the thought of breaking out my stand mixer is enough to make me second guess the baking task at hand (not to mention cleaning it),” he shares. “That’s never the case with this little cutie! It allows me flexibility for those smaller baking adventures and is a breeze to clean with its easily-released accessories.”

Ready to take your baking to the next level? Not only does this KitchenAid hand mixer have seven variable options so it can whip up everything from fluffy meringues to thicker doughs, but it’s also battery operated. According to Michelle Lopez of Hummingbird High, this small feature is a total game-changer. “Going cordless just gives you so much more mobility,” she explains. “I don't have to worry about the hand mixer cord accidentally dipping into the bowl of batter, and I'm not limited to the countertop space that's near an outlet.”

However, if cordless isn’t your thing, Lopez says she’s also a big advocate of Breville’s Handy Mix Scraper Hand Mixer — and for good reason. Between the ergonomic handle and rubber-tipped scrapers — which maximize contact with the bowl without any annoying clanging — this pick appeals nicely to all of the senses. But perhaps the best part about this hand mixer is its IQ Beat Technology, which can detect the attachment you’re using and adjusts to the ideal speed for it. And, with nine speed settings to choose from, that hidden talent will make your time in the kitchen significantly easier.

As a recipe developer, food photographer, and creator of Browned Butter Blondie, Heather Mubarak is no stranger to the kitchen. When her meal calls for a hand mixer, she reaches for Cuisinart’s 9-Speed Hand Mixer. “It comes with two beaters, a whisk attachment, and two dough hooks which all fit neatly in a handy snap-on case for easy storage,” shares Mubarak, who has previously partnered with Cuisinart. “It’s sleek; easy-to-maneuver, thanks to a power cord that swivels; and I give it major bonus points for the slow start feature.” In fact, she says this option kneads dough just as well as her stand mixer.

Just because your hand mixer has a job to do doesn’t mean it can’t look good, too. For the perfect mix of form and function, Smeg’s mixer will deliver. “I love the design and beauty of the Smeg,” says Jocelyn Delk Adams, founder of Grandbaby Cakes. “It looks both modern and classic.” Although the design might be inspired by the 1950s, the tech is very much top-of-the-line. Nine speed levels for endless versatility? Turbo mode when you need some extra power? A slow start for a controlled mix? Check, check, and check.

With Cuisinart’s 7-speed hand mixer, you can ramp the speed up or slow it down with the press of a button instead of dealing with fiddly knobs or dials. The digital display is also easy to see, so there's no second-guessing, either. “It feels super sturdy and with the seven speeds, it has significantly more power than many of the other ones I've worked with,” says Bernice Baran, food blogger at Baran Bakery. “This hand mixer has also lasted me so many years, while others have come and gone. It's one of my go-tos in the kitchen!” Cuisinart’s hand mixer is also one of the more price-efficient options, giving you the best bang for your buck.