The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is a budget-friendly choice for those who enjoy baking. While it excels at basic tasks like mixing batter and whipping egg whites, it does struggle with denser mixtures. However, its compact design and lightweight frame make it easy to handle, making it suitable for light baking duties.
Pros
Affordable price
Compact and lightweight design
Variable speed settings
Includes a bowl shield
Convenient carrying handle
Simple to clean
Cons
Doesn't effectively scrape bowl sides
Struggles with thicker mixtures
A reliable stand mixer can simplify the baking process, but most come with a significant price tag, often exceeding $300. For those seeking an economical alternative, the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is a popular choice at just $120. But how does it perform?
This stand mixer boasts a 4-quart capacity and includes essential attachments like a paddle, whisk, and dough hook, along with a bowl shield to prevent messes. The manufacturer claims that its mixing action mimics that of the KitchenAid, promising efficient hands-free mixing. We put it to the test to see if this economical option can compete with pricier models.
Over the week, I utilized the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer to create various baked goods with its multiple attachments. Here's what stood out during my testing, as well as some drawbacks that prevented it from ranking among the top stand mixers.
Specifications
| Dimensions: | 14.5 H x 14.4 W x 10.9 D inches |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 9.37 pounds |
| Capacity: | 4 quarts |
| Speeds: | 7 |
| Wattage: | 300 watts |
| Accessories: | Dough hook, whisk, flat beater, bowl shield |
Unboxing and Setup
The stand mixer arrived neatly packed in molded cardboard with protective plastic. All accessories were individually wrapped. Besides the mixer, the box includes a paddle, whisk, dough hook, and bowl shield.
Its exterior features a silver finish (available in other colors), but it's made of plastic rather than stainless steel. The right side has a control knob for power, with variable speed settings for custom mixing. A button allows you to tilt the mixer's head up and down, locking it in position to avoid accidental drops—a helpful yet slightly cumbersome safety feature.
This mixer comes with a 4-quart stainless steel bowl featuring dual handles for easy locking onto the base. A large handle on top is beneficial for maneuvering around the kitchen. Additionally, a mixing guide under the handle provides speed level instructions, a great asset for novice bakers.
Ideal Users
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer caters to beginners and casual bakers. It's perfect for light tasks like making cookies or cakes and performs adequately for whipping egg whites or kneading dough. Its lightweight design makes it easy to store for those who prefer not to leave a mixer out on the countertop.
However, for serious bakers requiring more power, this mixer may fall short. It has difficulty with dense mixtures and can wobble during high-speed mixing.
Test 1: Lemon Bundt Cake
I decided to test the mixer with a lemon Bundt cake for a family gathering. The first step involved creaming butter and sugar. I mistakenly added full sticks of butter and found the mixer had trouble breaking them down, even at room temperature. I had to hold it down as it bounced around on the counter.
After the butter was combined with sugar, I frequently stopped to scrape the mixture from the bowl's sides—a common issue with budget mixers. The mixer struggled overall during this step, pushing ingredients to the bowl edges instead of mixing them effectively.
Once I added the liquid ingredients, the mixer performed better, though it still struggled with the thick batter when incorporating flour. The cake turned out delicious despite the challenges.
Test 2: Cinnamon Crunch Bread
The dough hook had a unique design compared to others I've used. It was narrow, and I was curious about its kneading ability. I prepared a cinnamon crunch bread, a breakfast favorite. Using the paddle attachment first, I combined the ingredients before switching to the dough hook for kneading.
This attachment kneaded by pushing the dough against the bowl sides rather than grabbing it. After five minutes of kneading, the dough was much smoother than when I started.
After letting the dough rise, I was slightly worried it hadn't doubled in size. However, trusting the process paid off, as the bread turned out beautifully with a lovely texture.
Test 3: Peanut Butter Meringue Cookies
To evaluate the mixer's whipping capabilities, I made peanut butter meringue cookies, which require whipping egg whites and sugar to create a light batter.
Using the whisk attachment, I whipped the egg whites and sugar at high speed for about four to five minutes until stiff peaks formed. The batter remained stable, but I noticed that the edges weren't whipped as well as the center.
I swirled peanut butter into the batter but may have knocked out too much air, resulting in some cookies collapsing during baking. Nevertheless, the mixer proved effective for whipping, and I'll remember to scrape the bowl's sides next time.
Cleaning and Maintenance
One advantage of this stand mixer is that all removable parts are dishwasher-safe. The attachments, bowl shield, and bowl can all go in the dishwasher without issue. After multiple washes, they remained in great condition.
However, I did notice that water can sometimes collect in the bowl base, making a sloshing sound after washing. I found tilting the bowl on a towel for a few hours helps drain the excess water.
Online Ratings
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer boasts over 9,400 reviews on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Many users appreciate its lightweight design, affordability, and suitability for smaller baking tasks. However, several consumers noted wobbling at high speeds or difficulty with thicker batters.
Comparative Options
If you regularly bake or need a mixer for heavy-duty tasks, consider upgrading to a KitchenAid model. These are known for their durability, power, and versatility. Our top recommendation is the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer, which is capable of handling nearly any baking challenge. However, it comes with a heftier price tag, retailing around $450.
Another cost-effective alternative is the Beautiful Stand Mixer, priced similarly at about $100. It's sturdier and features a stylish matte finish with gold accents, offering 12 speed settings and a more convenient bowl shield design.
Should You Consider the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer?
This mixer is a solid option for occasional bakers seeking an affordable appliance. It performed well for light tasks like cake batter but struggled with more demanding jobs like creaming butter or mixing thick dough. Nonetheless, its lightweight and compact design make it easy to store, making it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen within the $100 price range.
Testing Methodology
We assess stand mixers through three primary tests: mixing, kneading dough, and whisking. The first test evaluates the mixer's ability to combine ingredients and whether bowl scraping is necessary. The dough hook test examines how well it kneads dense mixtures while remaining stable. The final test assesses performance with lighter ingredients like cream and egg whites.
