This $50 KitchenAid Hand Mixer Does the Job of a Stand Mixer and Saves Me So Much Space
Like many others, I got into baking while we were all stuck at home during the 2020 holidays. I usually go home to celebrate Christmas in the Midwest, but my ragtag quarantine pod and I had all decided it was too big of a risk to travel. Because we all missed our respective family traditions so much and decided to make the best of staying in NYC for the holidays, we decided to do a big adult Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
I’ve never loved cooking, but I always loved baking with my mom when I was a kid. I decided that I would recreate a few of her cookie recipes for Christmas, despite having never baked anything by myself before. My mom has a KitchenAid Stand Mixer, but that was not in my budget (nor did I have room for one), so I did some digging and figured that if KitchenAid made such a good stand mixer that their hand mixer couldn’t be half bad. I bought the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer, and it’s been my steadfast companion throughout my baking journey.
What Is the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer?
The KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer is a 2-pound, plug-in hand mixer that is 60W and 120 volts. The body of the mixer is made out of plastic and it comes with two stainless-steel beaters that are dishwasher-safe. It boasts five different speeds — one being perfect for mixing chocolate chips and five is ideal for whipping meringues. You can change speeds just by moving the middle button up or down to the corresponding number. The beaters always start off slowly and then increase speed, even if you hit speed five. You can automatically eject the beaters by hitting the button at the top. It also has a lockable swivel cord, ensuring that your cord does not end up in the batter that you’re mixing.
Why I Love the KitchenAid Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer
This hand mixer will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first appliance I bought myself. This hand mixer (I opted for the Ice Blue) has been through several gasp-inducing battles with the floor and came out no worse for wear — though I don’t recommend putting it through this test. As far as I can tell, my bakes are coming out just as good as my mother’s, so I still don’t see the need to upgrade to a massive stand mixer. It mixes ingredients well and isn’t intimidating for a total beginner to use. I think it’s actually easier to get at the mixing bowl with a spatula than a stand mixer. I’ve made cookies, brownies, and even cakes with this.
Although I’m not about to audition for The Great British Baking Show, I’m very happy with what my stand mixer can do — and it looks like shoppers are also on the same wavelength. This five-speed mixer has sold out on KitchenAid’s website and 1,000 Amazon shoppers have purchased it in the last month. So basically — snag it while it’s still on sale.
Buy: KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer, $49.99 (normally $57.99)
