Bodum Bistro Electric Hand Mixer

The Bodum Bistro Electric Hand Mixer is best for lightweight ingredients and those who prefer aesthetics over performance. It comes in four attractive colors and has a modern style and feel. It has five speeds, but there isn't much variation between them. The mixer comes with beaters, a whisk and dough hooks. It has a two-year warranty.

Performance

Doesn't compare to top-rated mixers. Although the Bodum Bistro hand mixer performs well in one professional test, reviewers complain that the mixer doesn't offer enough variation between its five speed settings and that the lowest setting is much too high. The lack of truly slow speeds causes splattering and makes thick batters and dough more difficult to mix.

Ease of use

Clunky and awkward. Reviewers love the convenience of the Bodum's retractable cord, which makes it easy to store. However, some owners say the cord can get stuck when being retracted. Users say the mixer is otherwise easy to use. The housing is made of rubberized plastic, which gives the unit extremely good grip, but some say it feels a bit weird in the hand. Although it only weighs 2.4 pounds, a few reviewers say the mixer feels "clunky and out of balance." The Bodum Bistro hand mixer has dishwasher-safe attachments and a flat bottom, allowing it to stand steadily on a countertop.

Appearance

Sleek, modern styling. Editors at The Wall Street Journal say the Bodum hand mixer is "far and away the most stylish mixer we tested." Owners agree, saying it has a modern and stylish design that complements their kitchens. This hand mixer is available in four colors: black, red, green or white.

Noise

Very loud. Reviewers say the Bodum Bistro, like most hand mixers, is quite noisy. One professional test measured its audible output at 75 decibels -- one of the loudest models tested. An owner at Amazon.com says the mixer sounds like it's grinding rocks, which is a "really loud annoying sound."

The bottom line

The Bodum Bistro Electric Hand Mixer is stylish and very attractive, but it can't compete with top models like the Cuisinart Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer (*Est. $60). Its lowest setting isn't slow enough, some users complain, and it splatters a lot on start-up. Furthermore, reviewers say there isn't a lot of variation between the mixer's five speeds.