As a handy addition to the stand mixer, a hand mixer is convenient for smaller tasks such as beating eggs, stiffening egg whites, whipping cream, and blending sauces.
A hand mixer is small and takes up less space on your counter and cupboards. It is relatively cheaper and lighter than a stand mixer. And it is also easy to clean after use.
It's worth investing in a good quality, well-made hand mixer. A slightly rounded, narrow bowl is needed to get the best result, as you can move the beaters around the bowl to ensure a more even mix.
Best Hand & Stand Mixers
Here are the best brands of mixers in Australia, as rated by consumers in Canstar Blue’s latest review:
- KitchenAid
- Breville
- Kenwood
- Kambrook
- Breville
- Kmart
What features to consider when purchasing a hand mixer?
- Weight
Look for a machine that is not too bulky because that won't be comfortable to use. Also, the hand mixer should not be very light because it will not be powerful enough or won't give you support.
- Handle
The handle should be comfortable with a non-slip grip.
- Attachments
These need to be the right length, as shorter beaters will restrict the size of the bowl you can use. Beater attachments are all you'll need – whisks and dough hooks don't necessarily provide better performance.
Opting for stainless steel attachments solves the problem of metal flecking off beaters into batches of food, as there's no coating to peel or flake - just solid, dishwasher-proof stainless steel.
- Controls
Controls should be easy to access, and speed settings should be smooth to change.
We have narrowed it down to the following hand mixers loved by Aussies through our extensive research to find the top picks of hand mixers in Australia.
1.Breville The Handy Mix & Store
For someone tired of losing beater attachments to the mysterious kitchen drawers, the Breville Handy Mix and Store is a dream solution. This mixer retails at $65. For the price, you get a grunty little electric hand mixer with a retractable cord.
There's plenty of space to store your beaters and dough hooks underneath. Its 300W motor is enough to handle anything from delicate meringue to basic doughs.
Pros
- This hand mixer comes with a storage case to keep all your attachments in one spot.
- Five versatile speeds for anything from kneading dough to whipping cream.
- Pulse function for an added speed boost when you need it.
- Save even more space without worrying where the cord's going to go - it retracts into the unit itself.
- Dishwasher-friendly stainless steel beaters and dough hooks for more rigid construction
Cons
- lack of low-speed options, which makes it hard to mix flour and other dry ingredients.
Shop now: Breville The Handy Mix & Store
2.Kenwood Hand Mixer HMP30.A0S
The Kenwood 5 speed hand mixer is a superb little performer in the kitchen.
It is light but robust and delivers perfect results when folding, mixing, and whisking food ingredients.
- GREAT RESULTS: The 450 W powerful motor makes mixing easy and delivers superb results for all your baking endeavors
- FIVE SPEEDS: 5 Speeds plus turbo make light work of all folding mixing and whisking for all your favorite dishes
- STRENGTH AND DURABILITY: The stainless steel beaters and kneaders included are non-degradable for durability and strength
- COMPACT DESIGN: Compact design for easy storage, even in smaller kitchens with detachable beaters for cleaning with ease
- KITCHEN HELPER: Effortlessly whisks, mixes, and kneads. Let your handy kitchen assistant do all the hard work and with the bonus of no mess thanks to a unique splash guard
Shop now: Kenwood Hand Mixer HMP30.A0S
3.KitchenAid Artisan KHM926 Hand Mixer
More than just a consolation while you save up for a KitchenAid stand mixer, this Artisan mixer is one of the most impressive electric hand beaters you can buy. Maybe that's why it scored almost 4.5 stars from nearly ten reviews on ProductReview.com.au. They're not the cheapest at RRP $209, but KitchenAid hand mixers come with all the bells and whistles. They even include a liquid blending attachment for milkshakes and a proper whisk.
The beaters and dough hooks are made from sturdy, dishwasher-safe stainless steel, and the mixer has a 2-year warranty. Reviewers commented that it's a dream for dinner parties, as it's so quiet you can whip cream without disrupting the conversation. Some have even had success making dough (the edible kind). It's also reviewed by CHOICE, and people say it's a lightweight hand beater that makes quick work of meringues.
Pros
- You won't just get stainless steel beaters and dough hooks with this one - KitchenAid also includes a proper whisk for meringues and eggs, as well as a milkshake whisk for whipping sauces and other liquids.
- 2-year warranty
- The motor has a soft touch for mixing flours and dry ingredients.
- The KitchenAid Artisan hand mixer is much quieter than other mixers.
Cons
- This mixer is a little on the pricier side, but its features and quality justify the price tag.
Shop now: KitchenAid Artisan KHM926 Hand Mixer
4.Sunbeam Mixmaster HeatSoft Hand Mixer
The Sunbeam Mixmaster HeatSoft is a little pricey at around $99 and has a niche feature which means it might not be suitable for everyone. So what sets it apart from the rest?
The Sunbeam Mixmaster HeatSoft is designed to soften butter as you beat, fanning warm air down onto the beaters as you go. As long as your butter's cut up into small enough cubes, it could save you time.
It might not be ideal for mixing delicate or heat-sensitive batches, and some say the beaters are a little fiddly to click into place. We're put off by the price tag, too, given most other models retail for under $70.
Shop now: Sunbeam Mixmaster HeatSoft Hand Mixer
5.Sunbeam Beatermix Pro JM5900
Another contender from Sunbeam, the Beatermix Pro, is a popular electric hand mixer with ten different speeds and a boost function. Reviewed by CHOICE, this mixer is a reasonable mid-range option for smaller tasks around the kitchen.
The Beatermix Pro retails at around $122.99, and reviewers find that it's small, light, and powerful. More than one person says that both the beaters and power cord are too short. This makes for a frustrating time with high-sided bowls. While this mixer doesn't please everybody, you're likely to find this simple, sturdy machine with lots of speed options and a boost function as well.
Shop now: Sunbeam Beatermix Pro JM5900
FAQs
- Can I put my beaters in the dishwasher?
Yes, if they're stainless steel. Some of the more poorly-reviewed products used chrome-plated beaters instead of stainless steel beaters. Coated beaters may flake their metal coating off if you put them in the dishwasher, but this isn't a problem with stainless steel.
- Can you mix the dough with a hand mixer?
It's possible to mix the dough with a hand mixer, which is why most models come with dough hooks. At the same time, hand mixers don't often have motors as robust as stand mixers. Using your hand mixer for dough may tax the engine, shorten its life, and be less efficient than kneading by hand. If you decide to use your hand mixer for dough, try to stick to soft doughs to avoid straining the motor.
The bottom line…
Purchasing a hand mixer can prove to be a useful addition to your kitchen gadgets as it can help you perform little tasks at ease. Bulky and huge stand mixers can be too much sometimes, so to avoid the hustle and extra work, purchase a hand mixer that functions the best as per your requirements.
