A handheld mixer is any mixer you hold rather than one that sits on a stand. Electric versions have a motor and two beaters, while a manual egg beater uses a hand crank. Both are handy for whisking eggs, whipping cream and mixing light batters.
The six picks below cover cordless and corded electric models plus one manual option. We have not used these products ourselves, so treat the notes as a starting point and confirm the details on the current listing before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Power type | Electric saves effort; manual saves storage and noise |
| Cordless option | Battery models move freely but have runtime limits |
| Beaters | Stainless steel beaters hold up best |
| Speed steps | More steps give finer control |
| Size | A smaller body fits drawers and small hands |
| Whisk or hook options | Some kits add a whisk, which speeds up cream and eggs |
Specs at a Glance
| Mixer | Type | Speeds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid Cordless 7 Speed | Cordless electric | Seven | Battery powered |
| Cuisinart Power Advantage 5-Speed | Corded electric | Five | Simple controls |
| Proctor Silex Easy Mix | Corded electric | Five | Basic everyday tool |
| Oster 5-Speed | Corded electric | Five | Familiar brand |
| SMEG Hand Mixer | Corded electric | Nine | Retro design |
| OXO Good Grips Egg Beater | Manual | Hand-cranked | No cord or battery |
The 6 Best Handheld Mixers
1. KitchenAid Cordless 7 Speed Hand Mixer
A battery-powered mixer with seven speeds, so you can work anywhere in the kitchen without hunting for an outlet. Runtime depends on the load, so check the listing. It is the choice for cooks who like to move about while they mix, whether at the counter or the table.
Suits: light baking anywhere. Strengths: no cord and decent control. Weaknesses: battery limits on thick doughs. Skip it if you mix heavy batter often.
View KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer on Amazon
2. Cuisinart Power Advantage 5-Speed Hand Mixer
A corded mixer from a trusted brand with five speeds and plain controls. It covers whipping, creaming and batter without fuss. It tends to suit cooks who already own other Cuisinart tools.
Suits: everyday baking. Strengths: simple, steady performance. Weaknesses: a corded design. Skip it if you want cordless use.
View Cuisinart Power Advantage on Amazon
3. Proctor Silex Easy Mix Hand Mixer
A basic, budget-friendly corded mixer with five speeds. It makes a sensible first mixer for someone who bakes now and then. It is a good fit for dorms and first apartments.
Suits: first kitchens. Strengths: an approachable design. Weaknesses: a basic feel. Skip it if you want a premium tool.
View Proctor Silex Easy Mix on Amazon
4. Oster 5-Speed Hand Mixer
A familiar appliance brand’s take on the standard hand mixer, with five speeds and regular beaters. It is built for simple, regular jobs. It offers a dependable choice for pancake batter, frosting and cakes.
Suits: general home use. Strengths: a plain, dependable layout. Weaknesses: few extras. Skip it if you want modern styling.
View Oster 5-Speed Hand Mixer on Amazon
5. SMEG Hand Mixer
A retro-styled electric mixer available in several colors, aimed at stylish kitchens. Check the listing for speeds and included attachments. It looks good on an open shelf, which matters if you display your tools.
Suits: design-minded kitchens. Strengths: distinctive looks. Weaknesses: a premium for the style. Skip it if you only want function.
View SMEG Hand Mixer on Amazon
6. OXO Good Grips Egg Beater
A hand-cranked rotary beater with a comfortable handle, for whisking eggs, cream and light batters without power. It is quiet and takes almost no storage room. It is a lovely choice for whisking eggs and cream when you want peace and quiet, with no cord or battery to manage.
Suits: small jobs and quiet kitchens. Strengths: no cord and simple cleanup. Weaknesses: slower than electric mixers. Skip it if you whip big batches.
Care and Setup
- Eject the beaters before washing.
- Wipe electric bodies with a damp cloth only.
- Charge a cordless mixer before you start.
- Dry a manual beater fully to prevent rust.
- Store beaters together so they do not bend.
- Let the motor rest between thick batches.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Running thick dough on a light mixer.
- Raising the beaters while they spin.
- Whipping in a bowl that slides.
- Using a manual beater for heavy batter.
- Forgetting to check cordless runtime.
- Pressing down instead of letting the beaters do the work.
Handheld Mixer FAQ
What is a handheld mixer used for?
Whipping cream and eggs, creaming butter and sugar, and mixing light batters.
Is cordless better?
It is more flexible, but runtime limits it on long or heavy jobs.
Can a manual beater replace an electric one?
For small tasks, yes. For large batches, an electric model saves time.
How do I choose speeds?
Start low, then raise the speed once ingredients combine.
The Short Version
For cordless use, the KitchenAid. For simplicity, the Cuisinart. For a starter, the Proctor Silex. For basics, the Oster. For style, the SMEG. For no power at all, the OXO. Whichever you choose, check the listing for the speed count, the included beaters and whether a case or storage clip comes with it, since those small details shape daily use. For heavy dough or large batches, a corded electric model or a stand mixer is the better tool.