Hand Mixer vs. Stand Mixer: Which is Right for You in 2025?
July 16, 2025
Overview
Choosing the right mixer can significantly elevate your cooking and baking experience, but with so many options, it can be tough to decide between a hand mixer and a stand mixer. This in-depth guide, updated for 2025, breaks down the key differences, pros, and cons of each type of mixer, helping you understand which one best suits your culinary needs and lifestyle. We'll explore factors like power, ease of use, storage, and the types of recipes each excels at, ensuring you make an informed decision whether you're a casual baker or a dedicated home chef. Discover the perfect tool to enhance your kitchen and streamline your cooking process.
Our picks
The Most Portable Mixer for Small Spaces: Kitchen Wand 3in1 Multi-tool, $129.00
Hand Mixer: Ideal for Quick Tasks
Discover the best hand mixers for small batches and quick mixing needs in the kitchen.
8
Listful
Score
Breville Handy Mix Scraper
$129.95
The Breville Handy Mix Scraper balances power and control with a 240W motor and multiple speeds, earning an 8/10 rating. Its quiet operation and included attachments make it versatile for day-to-day tasks, but its weight and rubber-coated beaters may wear over time. It’s a solid choice if you want a handheld that combines efficiency with ergonomic comfort.
The Good
• The mixer operates quietly, enhancing the user experience.
The Bad
• The rubber coating on the beaters may wear off over time, potentially contaminating food.
• The mixer is relatively heavy, which might be cumbersome for some users.
Power: 240 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
5.5
Listful
Score
Oster Hand Mixer with HEATSOFT Technology
$88.19
The Oster Hand Mixer with HEATSOFT technology offers an innovative feature that softens cold butter 12 times faster, making baking more efficient on a budget. Priced at $88.19 and rated 5.5/10, its heavier weight and beater insertion issues are drawbacks, but for quick, simple tasks, it’s a decent lightweight option with unique benefits for casual bakers.
The Good
• The HEATSOFT technology softens cold butter 12 times faster, allowing for immediate baking without prior preparation.
The Bad
• The mixer is heavier than many competitors, which may cause fatigue during extended use.
• Some users have reported difficulty inserting the beaters, leading to frustration during setup.
Power: 270 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Beater,Dough Hook,Whisk / Ease of Cleaning: true
7
Listful
Score
Dualit Hand Mixer
$89.99
Our top-rated choice for large batch baking, the Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer boasts a 7-quart capacity and 11 speeds, making it a powerhouse for heavy-duty tasks. During our review, its bulkiness and splash guard limitations were noted, but its durable 500W motor and thoughtful design justify its 9/10 score, perfect for serious bakers needing capacity and reliability.
The Good
• Powerful 400W motor handles a variety of baking tasks.
• Four speed settings provide versatile control.
• Includes flat beaters, dough hooks, and balloon whisk.
The Bad
• Retractable cord mechanism can be tricky to operate smoothly.
• Heavier than typical hand mixers, causing fatigue with prolonged use.
• Louder motor noise at higher speeds.
Power: 400 watts / Speed Settings: 2-5 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
9.5
Listful
Score
All in One
$159.95
The All in One earns an outstanding 9.5/10, thanks to its built-in scale and versatile attachments, making it one of the most feature-rich stand mixers in this list. Its lightweight, compact design is a real advantage, though some issues like food processor bowl cracking and app bugs are minor. It’s an excellent multi-purpose choice for tech-savvy bakers with limited space.
The Good
• Compact design saves counter space.
• Lightweight for easy handling.
• Versatile with multiple attachments.
The Bad
• Food processor bowl prone to cracking.
• Replacement parts may be out of stock.
• S-blade may not chop as evenly as expected.
Power: 280 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Slicing,Chopping / Ease of Cleaning: true
7
Listful
Score
SMEG Hand Mixer
$169.95
The SMEG Hand Mixer delivers a stylish and feature-rich experience with a backlit LED display and six to ten adjustable speeds, making precise control easy. Priced higher than typical hand mixers, it’s best suited for those who value both aesthetics and functionality, scoring 7/10 in our testing. It offers reliable performance for everyday tasks, though its higher price may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
The Good
• The mixer features a backlit LED display with speed and time indicators, enhancing user control.
The Bad
• The Smeg Hand Mixer is priced higher than many competitors, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.
Power: 250 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
7.5
Listful
Score
KitchenAid Ultra Power Hand Mixer
$61.74
The KitchenAid Ultra Power Hand Mixer is an affordable, lightweight option perfect for basic mixing needs, with five speeds and stainless steel turbo beaters suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Its 7.5/10 score reflects good durability and comfort, but limited power might struggle with dense doughs or thick batters. Overall, it’s a practical choice for casual bakers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly handheld mixer.
The Good
• Lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfort.
• Five versatile speeds for different mixing needs.
• Durable stainless steel turbo beaters for heavy-duty mixing.
The Bad
• Cord length is limited, restricting movement.
• Slightly underpowered for very dense doughs.
• Plastic body feels less robust than metal alternatives.
Power: 60 watts / Speed Settings: 2-5 / Included Attachments: Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
6.5
Listful
Score
KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer
$99.95
The KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer offers great convenience with cordless flexibility, making it easy to maneuver around the kitchen. While its portability is a big plus, some users report durability issues like breaking beaters, which slightly lowers its utility, rating 6.5/10. It’s best for light, quick tasks, especially when freedom of movement outweighs heavy-duty performance.
The Good
• Cordless design offers freedom and flexibility in the kitchen.
• Soft Start feature gradually increases speed to prevent splattering.
• Lightweight and easy to handle during use.
The Bad
• Some users report issues with durability, such as beaters breaking after a few uses.
• Lacks additional attachments like a whisk or dough hooks.
• Cannot be used while charging, which may be inconvenient if the battery runs out mid-use.
Power: 12V battery / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
7
Listful
Score
Power Advantage PLUS 9 Speed Hand Mixer
$99.95
The Power Advantage PLUS 9 Speed Hand Mixer strikes a good balance between power and control with 220W and nine speeds, making it flexible for various recipes. Its QuickStart feature helps minimize splattering, and rated 7/10, it’s suitable for small to medium tasks. The louder operation and short attachments slightly limit its versatility, but it’s a solid budget-friendly choice.
The Good
• The mixer is powerful and comfortable to use.
The Bad
• The mixer is quite loud on high speeds.
• The attachments are short, which can be problematic.
Power: 220 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
8
Listful
Score
Kenwood HMP40 Hand Mixer
$1,000.00
The Kenwood HMP40 Hand Mixer boasts a powerful 350W motor with five adjustable speeds, offering dependable performance for everyday tasks. Its compact design with integrated storage makes it space-efficient, earning an 8/10 score, though its high price of $1000 may be prohibitive. It’s a versatile and professional-grade option for serious home bakers who value reliability.
The Good
• The 350W motor provides ample power for various mixing tasks.
• The 5-speed settings offer versatility for different recipes.
• The compact design with integrated storage makes it space-efficient.
The Bad
• The speed control slider can be awkward to use.
• The attachment storage mechanism is fiddly and may not secure attachments well.
• The mixer may feel unsteady when set down with attachments still in place.
Power: 350 watts / Speed Settings: 2-5 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
5.5
Listful
Score
Hamilton Beach Power Deluxe Hand Mixer
$19.49
The Hamilton Beach Power Deluxe Hand Mixer is a budget-friendly, versatile tool with a 275W motor and six speeds. Its included snap-on storage case and dishwasher-safe attachments add convenience, but some find it noisy and slightly awkward to operate. Rated 5.5/10, it’s best suited for quick, light baking rather than heavy-duty mixing.
The Good
• The mixer includes a snap-on storage case that keeps attachments organized and easily accessible.
The Bad
• The mixer can be noisy, especially at higher speeds.
• The ON switch is difficult to press, requiring significant effort to turn on the mixer.
Power: 275 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Beater,Whisk / Ease of Cleaning: true
7
Listful
Score
Dash SmartStore Deluxe Hand Mixer
$29.99
The Dash SmartStore Deluxe Hand Mixer is a great compact option for casual baking, thanks to its lightweight design and onboard beater storage. However, its shorter beaters and relatively high minimum speed can make delicate or deep mixing tasks more challenging, especially if you need to reach the bottom of larger bowls. With a moderate 150W power rating and only 2-5 speed settings, it’s best suited for quick, light tasks around the kitchen.
The Good
• Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and store.
• Beater storage clips on the side of the mixer prevent loss and keep attachments organized.
The Bad
• Beaters are shorter than standard, making it difficult to reach the bottom of deeper mixing bowls.
• Lowest speed setting is still quite fast, making it challenging to mix delicate ingredients without splattering.
Power: 150 watts / Speed Settings: 2-5 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
7.5
Listful
Score
Braun Multimix 2 Hand Mixer
$69.95
The Braun Multimix 2 offers solid mid-range performance at a fair price, with a lightweight design that helps reduce arm fatigue. While its plastic housing suggests decent functionality, it might feel less durable than metal-bodied options, and the short power cord limits mobility. With 500W of power and multiple speeds plus turbo, it’s suitable for regular use, though it doesn’t overshadow more high-powered or feature-rich models.
The Good
• Lightweight design reduces arm fatigue during extended use.
The Bad
• Plastic housing may feel less durable compared to metal-bodied mixers.
• Short power cord limits mobility in the kitchen.
Power: 500 watts / Speed Settings: 4 speeds + turbo / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook / Ease of Cleaning: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Kitchen Wand 3in1 Multi-tool
$129.00
The Kitchen Wand 3in1 Multi-tool stands out for its cordless convenience and dishwasher-safe attachments, making it highly versatile for quick tasks. Nonetheless, its 250W motor and battery life issues make blending tough ingredients less effective, often leaving larger pieces unprocessed. We found it more ideal for light, everyday use rather than heavy-duty blending, especially considering its lower score of 6.5/10.
The Good
• The Kitchen Wand is cordless, allowing for easy movement without dealing with clunky cords.
• The attachments are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning the Kitchen Wand a breeze.
The Bad
• The Kitchen Wand's battery can die unexpectedly during use, potentially interrupting food preparation.
• The Kitchen Wand struggles with blending tough ingredients, leaving larger pieces unprocessed.
Power: 250 watts / Speed Settings: 2-5 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
Stand Mixer: For Serious Baking Enthusiasts
Explore stand mixers' power and capacity for elaborate recipes and large quantities.
9
Listful
Score
Smeg 50's Retro Stand Mixer
$399.95
The Smeg 50's Retro Stand Mixer is perfect for those who want a stylish yet powerful appliance, with its eye-catching vintage design and a strong 600W motor. Our testing shows it handles a variety of ingredients with ease, justifying its premium price and 9/10 score. However, its weight and sensitive speed controls are considerations for everyday use; it’s ideal for style-conscious bakers seeking both form and function.
The Good
• The mixer features a stylish 50's retro design that adds a charming aesthetic to any kitchen.
• It has a powerful 600 W motor that provides strong performance for mixing a variety of ingredients.
• It comes with essential attachments including a dough hook, whisk, flat beater, and splash guard.
The Bad
• The mixer is heavy, making it less portable and difficult to store.
• The mixer is on the pricier side compared to other stand mixers.
• Some users reported difficulties with the speed control settings being too sensitive.
Power: 600 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: false
8
Listful
Score
Artisan Mini Stand Mixer
$349.99
The Artisan Mini Stand Mixer is a compact, space-saving choice that still offers decent power with its 250W motor, earning an 8/10 rating. It’s perfect for smaller kitchens and lighter tasks, though its limited motor size might struggle with heavy doughs. Its ergonomic design and versatility make it a great pick for casual bakers who need reliability in a smaller footprint.
The Good
• Compact size makes it suitable for smaller kitchens.
The Bad
• Limited motor size may struggle with heavier doughs.
Power: 250 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
6
Listful
Score
COOKLEE Stand Mixer
$134.99
The COOKLEE Stand Mixer provides a generous 9.5-quart capacity at an affordable $134.99, making it suitable for large batches, although its 660W motor can falter with heavy doughs. While not the highest scoring at 6/10, it’s a decent middle-ground option for those needing volume without premium features. Its large size might take up significant counter space, so consider your kitchen's layout.
The Good
• The mixer offers a generous 9.5-quart capacity, suitable for large batches.
The Bad
• The 660W motor may struggle with heavy-duty doughs, affecting performance.
• The mixer's large size may occupy significant counter space, which could be a concern for smaller kitchens.
Power: 660 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
8.5
Listful
Score
Precision Master Stand Mixer
$319.95
The Cuisinart Precision Master Stand Mixer earns an impressive 8.5/10, thanks to its powerful 500W motor and large 5.5-quart bowl, making it well-suited for heavy-duty baking and big batches. We found that attachments may not reach the bowl's bottom and noise levels can be high, but overall, its capacity and performance make it a reliable choice for serious home bakers.
The Good
• The mixer features a powerful 500-watt motor, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
• The 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl provides ample capacity for large batches.
• The mixer is available in a variety of colors, enhancing kitchen aesthetics.
The Bad
• The attachments may not reach the bottom of the bowl, requiring manual scraping.
• The mixer can be noisy during operation, especially at higher speeds.
• The splash guard design can make it challenging to add ingredients mid-mix.
Power: 500 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Aucma Stand Mixer
$123.49
The Aucma Stand Mixer, rated 6.5/10, stands out with a robust 660W motor and a sizeable 6.5-quart bowl, offering versatility in a compact form. Some reliability concerns and limited reviews are drawbacks, but its tilt-head design and included accessories make it a handy option for everyday baking, especially if you need power without taking up too much space.
The Good
• Powerful 660W motor handles heavy doughs with ease.
• Large 6.5-quart stainless steel bowl accommodates big batches.
• Tilt-head design allows easy access to bowl and attachments.
The Bad
• Mixer operates loudly, which may disturb others.
• Attachments may not fully reach bowl edges, requiring manual scraping.
• Some components are not dishwasher safe, complicating cleaning.
Power: 660 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: false
6
Listful
Score
GE Profile Smart Stand Mixer
$499.00
The GE Profile Smart Stand Mixer offers advanced features such as HeatSoft technology and a built-in scale, with a solid 6/10 score. While it handles various batters well and boasts large capacity, its weight and bulky design, combined with occasional app disconnections, may limit convenience. It’s best suited for serious bakers who appreciate smart technology and powerful performance despite some usability hiccups.
The Good
• The mixer is highly efficient and mixes well, handling various batters and doughs effectively.
• The built-in scale is a game changer, allowing precise ingredient measurements directly in the mixing bowl.
The Bad
• The mixer is quite heavy and bulky, making it difficult to move and requiring significant counter space.
• The SmartHQ app frequently disconnects and lacks user-friendly design, diminishing the smart features' usability.
• The head doesn't tilt back, making it challenging to add ingredients or remove the bowl with attachments in place.
Power: 540 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
8
Listful
Score
Kenwood Chef Titanium Kitchen Machine
$559.95
The Kenwood Chef Titanium Kitchen Machine is a powerhouse with an 800W motor and large capacity, making it ideal for heavy-duty baking and batch cooking. Its high performance excels at handling tough doughs effortlessly, earning an 8/10 score, though its weight and noisy operation might limit everyday usability. While not the most portable option, this robust machine is perfect for serious home chefs needing muscle and capacity.
The Good
• Powerful motor handles heavy dough effortlessly.
• Large bowl capacity accommodates multiple portions.
The Bad
• Heavy and less portable.
• Noisy operation at higher speeds.
• K-stirrer struggles with small quantities.
Power: 800 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
9
Listful
Score
Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer
$499.99
Our top-rated choice for large batch baking, the Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer features a generous 7-quart bowl and 11 speeds, handling serious baking tasks with ease. Despite its bulkiness and splash guard limitations, its powerful 500W motor and thoughtful design justify its high 9/10 score. It’s ideal for dedicated bakers needing capacity and durability for diverse recipes.
The Good
• The 7-quart capacity allows for mixing large batches, accommodating up to 13 dozen cookies per batch.
• The double flex edge beater effectively scrapes the bowl, reducing the need for manual intervention.
The Bad
• The splash guard doesn't completely cover the bowl, leading to potential splattering during mixing.
• The bowl-lift design can be more cumbersome to use compared to tilt-head models.
Power: 500 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Bosch Universal Plus Stand Mixer
$549.00
The Bosch Universal Plus Stand Mixer impresses with a powerful 800W motor and a large 6.5-quart bowl, perfect for hefty batches but somewhat noisy and heavy during use. Its lower 6.5/10 rating reflects these drawbacks, though its large capacity makes it a reliable workhorse for serious bakers who don't mind the weight and noise.
The Good
• The powerful 800-watt motor handles heavy dough effortlessly.
• The large 6.5-quart stainless steel bowl accommodates big batches.
The Bad
• The mixer is relatively heavy and bulky, making it less ideal for small kitchens or frequent relocation.
• The plastic bowl, while lightweight, may not offer the same durability as metal alternatives.
• The motor generates a loud hum, especially at the highest speed, which could be annoying during use.
Power: 800 watts / Speed Settings: 2-5 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
8.5
Listful
Score
Artisan 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
$369.99
The Artisan 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer offers excellent versatility and durability, with a 325W motor and large 5-quart bowl rated at 8.5/10. While its weight may make it less mobile and the wire whisk requires hand washing, it handles big batches with ease. It’s a favorite for serious bakers who need reliable performance and ample capacity.
The Good
• The mixer is versatile, handling tasks from whipping egg whites to kneading pasta dough.
The Bad
• The mixer is heavy, making it difficult to move and store.
• The wire whisk is not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing.
Power: 325 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: false
8
Listful
Score
Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer
$188.51
Our experience shows the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer provides great value, especially with its multiple attachments and lightweight design that’s easy to move around. While not the most durable due to its plastic construction, it performs well for moderate tasks. During use, it can shake slightly, particularly with heavier doughs, but overall it offers a good balance of features at a fair price, earning an 8/10 rating.
The Good
• Affordable price point compared to other stand mixers.
• Lightweight design makes it easy to move and store.
• Comes with multiple attachments including a flat beater, dough hook, and whisk.
The Bad
• Plastic construction raises concerns about durability.
• Tends to shake and wobble during mixing, especially with heavier doughs.
• Attachments may not reach the bottom or sides of the bowl effectively.
Power: 300 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
9
Listful
Score
Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer
$799.95
The Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer scores highly thanks to its powerful 600W motor and large capacity, making it ideal for serious bakers handling big batches. Its unique design involves a learning curve if you’re used to traditional models, and some plastic components may stress under heavy loads. Still, at 9/10, it’s a top-tier choice for those who need professional-level performance and are ready to invest in a premium machine.
The Good
• The Ankarsrum Original features a powerful 600-watt motor capable of handling large batches of dough effortlessly.
The Bad
• The machine's unique design requires a learning curve, especially for those accustomed to traditional stand mixers.
• The plastic components, such as the mixing bowl, can be prone to overstressing under heavy loads.
Power: 600 watts / Speed Settings: 6-10 / Included Attachments: Whisk,Dough Hook,Beater / Ease of Cleaning: true
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