Hand Mixer vs Stand Mixer: What’s the Difference?

Most professional chefs and experienced at-home cooks frequently use a stand mixer. They’re powerful, versatile machines that can stand the test of time.

However, they’re not for everyone.

They’re bulky, heavy and are considered an investment piece, which may not be feasible or practical for the amateur cook or casual baker. A hand mixer, on the other hand (see what we did there?), is lightweight, inexpensive and small enough to fit into almost any kitchen.

So, how do you know which one is right for you?

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Hand Mixers

A hand mixer is one of the most basic kitchen appliances—even if you cook or bake infrequently, having one on hand (see, we did it again!) can make tasks like beating eggs, mixing batter and whipping cream a breeze.

And while there are many brands and models available on the market, the design is generally the same. All come with a pair of removable metal beaters and multiple speed settings. Some models will include a balloon whisk, but this depends on the brand and may only be available as an upgrade or add-on.

Stand Mixers

Stand mixers are powerful, well-crafted appliances that are loved by professional and home chefs and bakers. Just like hand mixers, stand mixers make whipping cream and beating eggs faster, easier and more efficient.

Plus, they were designed with bread bakers in mind and therefore have the added benefit of being able to knead bread dough—something even the best hand mixer can’t do. There are also a ton of different attachments available for stand mixers that can do everything from making pasta to cutting veggies.

Hand Mixer vs Stand Mixer: Which is best?

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.

Shop Our Kitchen and Cooking Essentials