A hand mixer or stand mixer là gì

When deciding which mixer is right for you, there are 3 main factors to consider: need, space and budget.

Need

Like we mentioned above, hand mixers are great for mixing batter and whipping butter or cream and can do a much better job at all of these than if you were to do them by hand. Most models come with a variety of speed settings to choose from.

Stand mixers are great for multitasking since the mixing motion is mostly automatic. This means that while your mixer is creaming butter or kneading dough, you can tackle other tasks or clean the kitchen. And because the mixing is automated, you’re likely to get better results—even the best home bakers don’t always mix ingredients long enough when using a hand mixer. A stand mixer can only improve your cooking and baking.

This automation also cuts down on prep time. Whereas the stand mixer allows you to move back and forth adding ingredients while it mixes, the hand mixer requires you to continuously turn it off and set it down between each step. This can be especially tedious in complex, multi-step recipes.

If you’re an avid baker or enjoy cooking big meals with multiple dishes going at the same time, opt for a stand mixer. If you’re just starting to get into cooking and baking or prefer to focus on a few tried-and-true recipes, a hand mixer might suit you perfectly.

Space

Hand mixers are much more compact than stand mixers and can be easily tucked away into cabinets. Many models even come with built-in storage for the attachments, making them ideal for kitchens with limited space.

While you can store a hand mixer in a drawer, cupboard or even the back corner of your pantry, stand mixers can weigh anywhere from 20–50 pounds and require more storage space—so, many people end up keeping them on their counters.

So, if storage or counter space in your kitchen is limited, consider a high-quality hand mixer.

Budget

While some hand mixer models can get expensive, they’re still much more budget-friendly than stand mixers, so they’re a good option if you’re just getting into cooking and baking.

Stand mixers can be expensive and are often considered an investment. However, these machines are built to last and are often handed down from generation to generation.

In fact, the most well-known brand, KitchenAid®, released their iconic “K” model almost 100 years ago, and the design has remained practically unchanged. Every KitchenAid mixer since is “cross-generational compatible,” meaning that attachments from the 1930s can be used on modern versions, and vice versa.

This means that parts, attachments and accessories will always be available, which only increases the life of your stand mixer.

Still not sure which mixer is right for you?

It really comes down to how often you bake or cook, how much space you have and your budget. If you’re just getting into cooking and are looking for a simple yet solid kitchen tool, a hand mixer will work perfectly. If you want to level up your cooking or bake with a machine that will last a lifetime, the stand mixer is right for you.

And remember, there’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to the tools in your kitchen. Just make sure that whichever you choose, it will serve you well and help you to enjoy the process!

The best tools a chef can have are the right ones. Explore our array of kitchen and cooking essentials and get inspired to make something delicious.

The best stand mixers and hand mixers are designed to take the effort out of combining ingredients. These will provide a much smoother and more consistent result than you would ever achieve by hand, plus they’re much faster, saving you both time and effort. So there’s little reason not to have one of these machines if you love to bake. The question is: which is better — a hand mixer or a stand mixer? Here we will take you through the pros and cons hand mixers vs. stand mixers to help you decide.

If you love all things KitchenAid, KitchenAid’s new Blossom stand mixer color is a show-stopper.

Hand mixer vs. stand mixer — the fundamentals

Before we take you through the pros and cons of each, you need to understand the fundamental differences between a hand mixer and stand mixer. While they serve a similar purpose, the intention behind each design is very different.

A hand mixer is a handheld appliance which you hold directly above the bowl as it mixes. It comes with a pair of metal beaters, but some models also come with dough hooks and whisk attachments, which make the appliance more versatile. There’s usually a couple of speeds to choose from as you mix, and the attachments are often dishwasher-safe for ease of cleaning.

These are designed with convenience in mind above all — the idea is you can quickly grab a hand mixer when you need it as you bake. Hand mixers can cost as little as $20, so they’re pretty accessible, whatever your budget.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A stand mixer, on the other hand, is a much more sizable appliance. It ‘stands’ on a countertop, and you add ingredients directly to the bowl as you mix, by either tilting the head or lowering the bowl.

Stand mixers have larger motors than hand mixers and offer more power when mixing, combining tough blends such as dough and fruit cake with ease. They’re not as quick to use, but they will generally offer a more consistent result because of the power.

Most stand mixers come with a beater, dough hook and whisk as standard attachments, although some models come with additional tools such as ‘scraper’ beaters and splash guards. Some stand mixers, such as KitchenAid’s iconic Artisan stand mixer, can even function as alternative appliances, such as food processors, pasta makers and mincers, so the versatility can be endless.

These are naturally the more expensive option, with the cheapest models starting from $120. You can also find mini-stand mixers which often have a smaller capacity for less than this, but in our experience, you’re better off going for full size, or opting for a hand mixer.

Stand mixers: Pros and cons

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Pros:

• Can handle large capacities — anywhere from 3.5 to up to 7 quarts.
• Can operate independently — You can continue prepping ingredients while your stand mixer does the work. All you need to do is start and stop it.
• More power — Generally more powerful and offers more speed settings than a hand mixer for better control and more consistent results.
• Versatility — Some come with special features and more versatile designs. Some stand mixers have built-in scales while others feature a light to let you see in the bowl as you work.
• Attractive designs can be nice to display — Some brands, such as KitchenAid, offer a huge range of colorways to suit kitchen themes.

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky to store — Most people generally leave their stand mixer on display as the weight makes them impractical to lift in and out of cupboards.
• More pricey option of the two — some can cost more than $600.

Hand mixers: Pros and cons

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Pros:

• More lightweight and maneuverable — Most just weigh a couple of pounds and can be held by one hand as you work.
• Quick to set up and use — simply plug it in, attach the beaters and you’re good to go.
• Great for small, light and quick jobs, such as sponge cake — The results for this kind of mixture will be much the same as if you used a stand mixer.
• Much cheaper option — as much as five times cheaper.
• Easy to store — The cord can be wrapped around the appliance or stored via the cord storage. Some come with cases to hold the attachments as well.

Cons:

• Not as much power — Some can struggle with heavier jobs such as dough as they don’t have as much power.
• More labor — You need to hold the mixer above the bowl as it works, which can cause strain over time.
• Can get messy — The ingredients aren’t as contained as if you were to use a stand mixer. Plus, a hand mixer can drip when you place it down to add ingredients to the bowl.

Should I buy a hand mixer or a stand mixer?

Both stand mixers and hand mixers serve a similar purpose, but with entirely different designs. Whether you opt for a hand mixer vs. a stand mixer depends on which recipes you produce as well as how often you plan to use the mixer. If it’s only for the occasional small batch of cookie dough, then a hand mixer will be more than sufficient. However, if you want to mix and knead your own pizza dough on a weekly basis, then save yourself some effort and opt for a stand mixer.

If you regularly prepare a variety of recipes, then buying one of each isn’t a bad idea. That way you can use whichever is best suited to the job.

We hope this guide has helped you to make a decision between the two — check out the best electric ranges for the best results when you bake.

Instant access to the hottest deals available plus daily breaking news, reviews, helpful tips and more from the Tom's Guide team.

Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be air purifiers, as the information provided and the difference between performances is extensive.