Mixers: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentEditors at ConsumerReports.org compare 19 hand mixers by whipping cream and mixing chocolate chips into cookie batter. Results are presented in a chart that provides separate ratings for whipping speed, mixing, convenience and noise. The review also indicates which attachments come with each model. Editors recommend two hand mixers, one of which is now discontinued. Six other models are rated within five points of each other. Due to lower noise ratings, only two of these are identified as best buys.

Our AssessmentEditors at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute put a dozen stand mixers through a battery of tests in a laboratory setting. They mix cake batter and cookie dough, and, with the mixers that include dough hooks, testers also knead bread dough. The finished baked goods are also evaluated for quality. Whipping performance was assessed by forming peaks with whipping cream and then egg whites. The propensity to splatter water was measured at low, medium and high speeds. Ease-of-use criteria included placing the bowl, inserting the beaters, using the controls and cleaning the parts. They evaluated the manual and contacted the customer service department to see whether agents were helpful. The two favorite stand mixers are the KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer and the KitchenAid Ultra Power Stand Mixer (now discontinued).

Our AssessmentEditors at Cook's Illustrated magazine compare seven hand mixers by whipping egg whites, making whipped cream, incorporating sugar into butter, and mixing peanut butter cookie dough. Mixing speed is determined when mashed potatoes mixed with yellow and blue food coloring turn green. Testers highly recommend two models (one is now discontinued), which receive the highest rating for light whipping and heavy mixing, and outperform others on the mashed potatoes test. These two models also receive the highest rating for having a wide range of speeds and a good design.

Our AssessmentCook's Illustrated magazine asks the question, "Can you buy a solid mixer for under $200?" These less expensive mixers have a smaller-sized mixing bowl (under 5 quarts). Eight mixers are tested by mixing cookie dough, kneading pizza dough, creaming butter with sugar and whipping cream. The one unifying feature of the three top-rated mixers is their single beater arm and stationary bowl, rather than a rotating bowl with two stationary beaters. Editors recommend three mixers based on their performance during testing.

Our AssessmentAustralia's Choice magazine tests 12 stand mixers from KitchenAid, Breville, Kenwood, Sunbeam and Eurolab. The mixers are evaluated for ease of use, noise and performance, whisking egg whites, mixing cake batter and kneading pizza dough in less than five minutes with the dough hook. The Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer receives the best overall score, but it is one of several models not available in the United States. The KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer takes second place with perfect scores in all three performance categories.

Our AssessmentEditors at Bon Appétit magazine praise the Viking Digital 9-Speed Hand Mixer, saying it's "easy to hold and packs big power." Editors like the touchpad, but say the mixer is quite heavy. However, this article is very brief, and it is unknown how many models are tested and what is used as testing criteria.­

Our AssessmentMost of the stand mixers that have accumulated a good number of reviews at Viewpoints.com are made by KitchenAid. The KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer and KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer average 4.8 stars out of 5 from more than 1,000 owners. The KitchenAid Professional 600 Series Stand Mixer has the same rating from about 400 consumers. The consensus is these stand mixers are easy to use and clean and will last for years. Most hand mixers have accumulated only one or two reviews.

Our AssessmentWalmart.com sells about 15 models of stand and hand mixers, which owners can rate on value, meeting expectations, features, durability and appearance. The KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer is the highest-rated stand mixer. It receives an overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 from about 90 owners. Reviewers say this mixer is high quality and even handles kneading dough well.

Our AssessmentThis U.K.-based website selects two best buys among eight hand mixers, but most mixers aren't available in the United States. Mixers are rated for their ability to whisk, whip, mix, knead and make mayonnaise. Separate ratings are also given for noise and ease of cleaning.