When it comes to mixing ingredients for cakes, bread, cookies, and other baked goods, one question that often comes up is: Do I really need a stand mixer? After all, hand mixers are available at a fraction of the price, and they do most of what a stand mixer can do—so why invest in the larger, more expensive machine?
In this post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of hand mixers versus stand mixers, so you can decide whether you truly need a stand mixer or if a handheld version will suffice. We’ll also touch on some of the best budget stand mixers in the UK under £100, in case you’re leaning toward upgrading your kitchen gear without breaking the bank.
Hand Mixers: Compact, Affordable, and Easy to Use
What Is a Hand Mixer?
A hand mixer is a lightweight, portable tool that you hold while mixing ingredients. It typically comes with beaters that rotate when the mixer is turned on, allowing you to quickly mix batters, beat eggs, or whip cream. These mixers are ideal for smaller tasks, and most models come with a range of speeds and some additional attachments, such as dough hooks or whisks, to give you more versatility.
Why You Might Choose a Hand Mixer
- Affordability: Hand mixers are generally much cheaper than stand mixers. You can find reliable models for as little as £20, making them perfect for anyone just getting into baking or cooking.
- Portability: Because they’re small and light, hand mixers are great for kitchens with limited space. They’re easy to store, and you don’t need to find a permanent spot on your counter for them.
- Ease of Use: Hand mixers are simple to use. There’s no need to attach or remove any parts other than the beaters, making them less intimidating for new bakers.
- Ideal for Lighter Tasks: If you’re just mixing cake batters, whipping cream, or beating eggs, a hand mixer can get the job done without needing all the bells and whistles of a stand mixer.
Drawbacks of Hand Mixers
- Manual Effort: With a hand mixer, you have to hold it the entire time. This can be tiring, especially when mixing thick dough or large batches of ingredients.
- Limited Power: Hand mixers generally have less motor power than stand mixers, meaning they can struggle with heavy tasks like kneading bread dough or mixing thicker batters.
- Not Hands-Free: If you want a break from stirring or need to multitask, a hand mixer isn’t your best option. You’ll be stuck holding the mixer while you finish the recipe.
Stand Mixers: Powerful, Hands-Free, and Versatile
What Is a Stand Mixer?
A stand mixer is a larger, stationary appliance with a motorized base and a bowl that stays in place while the mixer head moves. This hands-free design allows you to walk away while the mixer does all the hard work, making it perfect for more intensive tasks like kneading bread dough, mixing large batches, or even making pasta.
Why You Might Choose a Stand Mixer
- Hands-Free Operation: One of the biggest advantages of a stand mixer is that it frees up your hands. This is ideal for anyone who wants to multitask or just take a break while their dough is being kneaded.
- More Power: Stand mixers come with much more powerful motors than hand mixers, meaning they can handle tougher tasks like kneading dough or mixing dense batters without burning out.
- Consistency and Efficiency: With a stand mixer, the attachments move around the bowl at a consistent speed, ensuring even mixing without the need to stop and scrape the sides constantly.
- Versatility: Many stand mixers come with additional attachments like dough hooks, whisk attachments, and even pasta makers, allowing you to do more than just mix. These machines can quickly become an all-in-one appliance for your kitchen.
- Great for Large Batches: If you bake frequently or make large batches, a stand mixer is a time-saver, as it can mix large quantities more efficiently than a hand mixer.
Drawbacks of Stand Mixers
- Higher Price: Stand mixers are usually much more expensive than hand mixers, with premium models costing hundreds of pounds. However, there are also budget-friendly options available, including the best budget stand mixers in the UK under £100, which still offer impressive performance without the hefty price tag.
- Takes Up Space: Because of their size, stand mixers are bulkier and require more storage space. They’re also less portable than hand mixers, so if you don’t have a dedicated kitchen space, they can become a hassle to store.
- Heavier to Clean: While many stand mixers have removable bowls, they still tend to be bulkier and more cumbersome to clean than a hand mixer.
Do You Really Need a Stand Mixer?
Consider the Type of Baking You Do
If you mostly bake occasional cakes, cookies, or brownies, a hand mixer might be all you need. It’s fast, efficient, and will easily handle most basic mixing tasks without taking up much space or costing a lot. Hand mixers are great for small batches and lighter baking projects where you’re not kneading heavy dough or mixing large amounts.
However, if you plan on baking more frequently or tackling tougher tasks like kneading dough for bread or making meringues, a stand mixer may be a better choice. It will save you time and energy, and with a stand mixer, you can rely on the machine to do all the heavy lifting, giving you more freedom to focus on other aspects of your recipe.
The Budget-Friendly Option: Best Stand Mixers Under £100
It’s important to note that you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds on a stand mixer to get good results. The best budget stand mixers in the UK under £100 can provide enough power and functionality for everyday baking tasks. Models like the Kenwood KMix or the Tower T12012 are great examples of affordable stand mixers that still pack a punch. These options give you all the benefits of a stand mixer—hands-free operation, more power, and greater versatility—without the steep price.
Final Thoughts: Hand Mixers vs. Stand Mixers
The choice between a hand mixer and a stand mixer ultimately comes down to your budget, the types of baking you plan to do, and how much counter space you have. If you’re just starting out and need a quick, affordable option for lighter tasks, a hand mixer is a great choice. But if you’re serious about baking and want a machine that can handle everything from thick bread dough to large cake batters, investing in a stand mixer—especially one of the best budget stand mixers in the UK under £100—is a smart decision that will save you time and effort in the kitchen.
No matter which option you choose, having the right mixer can make your baking experience much more enjoyable, so you can focus on what really matters: creating delicious treats!
Nicole Barnes, with over 14 years of experience in commercial and industrial cleaning, runs a renowned cleaning blog. Her expertise ranges from detailed commercial spaces to large-scale industrial environments. Known for her eco-friendly practices and innovative cleaning techniques, Nicole’s blog offers practical advice, product reviews, and efficient cleaning strategies. Her engaging content and ability to simplify complex tasks have made her a respected and sought-after figure in the cleaning community.