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Hand mixer

Kitchen equipment · Mixer

Hand mixer

A handheld electric mixer with twin beaters for whipping cream, creaming butter and mixing batters in any bowl.

Useful to have · Electric · 16 recipes

Photo: Donovan Govan., via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)

What it is

A light motor unit with a handle and two removable beaters that spin in opposite directions; some also have whisk or dough-hook attachments. You hold it in any mixing bowl. It is less powerful than a stand mixer and not suited to heavy bread doughs, but is cheap, compact and easy to store. The catalogue's 'stand or hand mixer' record covers either type when a recipe accepts both.

What it’s for: Fast aeration and mixing of batters, creams and meringues.

How to use it

  1. Fit the beaters until they click, with the mixer unplugged.
  2. Put ingredients in a deep bowl and lower the beaters in before switching on.
  3. Start slowly, then increase speed, moving the mixer round the bowl.
  4. Switch off before lifting the beaters out.

Good to know

Tasks
whipping cream and egg whites, creaming butter and sugar, mixing cake batter, making meringue, mashing potatoes
Cooking methods
Whipped
Materials
plastic body, stainless steel beaters
Care and cleaning
Eject and wash the beaters; wipe the body with a damp cloth.
Limitations
Your hand must hold it throughout; struggles with stiff dough; large batches take time.

Safety

  • Unplug before inserting or removing beaters.
  • Keep cords and fingers clear of beaters.

If you don’t have one

  • Stand mixer — More power and hands-free.
  • Whisk — Works with effort; slower for meringues.

Equipment guide

How it works: A small motor turns two interlocking beaters in opposite directions. Their wire loops cut through batter and fold in air, whipping cream and egg whites and creaming butter and sugar. Because you move it, it works in any bowl or pan.

MaterialGoodWatch out
Stainless steel beatersDurable and dishwasher-safe.Can scratch non-stick bowls.
Plastic bodyLight to hold.Gets warm with long use.
Corded hand mixer
Steady power.
Cordless hand mixer
Easy to move; may lack power for stiff mixtures.

Buying guidance

Starting out: A corded 250–400 W mixer with five or more speeds and beaters plus a whisk.

  • Power: about 150–400 W
  • Low starting speed to avoid splatter
  • Easy-eject beaters
  • Dough hooks only for small, soft doughs

No brands or prices — check current reviews before buying.

Techniques:BakingEmulsificationFoams and airs

Related tools

Recipes that use it

4 more