7 Hand Mixers That Make Baking So Much Easier

We updated this story in December 2022 to ensure all picks tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab were available, in stock and correctly priced.

If you love to bake but don’t have the space for a full stand mixer (or if you just don’t feel like pulling it out), a handheld electric mixer is just the thing for whipping up an easy baking recipe or your family’s favorite holiday dessert. A hand mixer is an important tool for home cooks and bakers because of its versatility: It’ll whip, blend and mix a variety of foods, including everything from mashed potatoes to buttercream frosting to egg whites. It can also make a great gift for a new baker looking to get into more serious recipes who might not want to splurge on a pricey stand mixer.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab, we’ve tested 22 models of hand mixers over the years in the Lab and at home and run them through a range of tasks. While testing mixers, we assess their performance beating egg whites, whipping cream and mixing cookie dough, as well as how easy it is to use the mixers, change their attachments and clean them.

Our top picks:

Below, you can find our top picks, starting at $23. Looking for more baking gear? Check out our guides on the best stand mixers to buy and the best attachments for your stand mixer.