Hand mixers are handy kitchen tools that can whip, blend, and mix ingredients with the push of a button. Two of the top names in small appliances are Cuisinart and KitchenAid. But which brand offers the best performance and features in a hand mixer? We compare Cuisinart and KitchenAid hand mixers to help you determine which is right for your baking and cooking needs.
Powerful motors and multiple speed settings give you greater control when mixing ingredients.
Cuisinart hand mixers supply between 200 to 500 watts of power across 5 to 12 speeds. Their top-end 500-watt, 12-speed SmartPower Deluxe model provides ample power for tougher mixing tasks.
KitchenAid hand mixers range from 90 to 325 watts across 5 to 10 speeds. While suitable for basic mixing, KitchenAid hand mixers don’t have motors as powerful as high-end Cuisinart models.
Winner: Cuisinart offers more power, with higher wattage motors and additional speed settings on its premium hand mixer models.
A hand mixer should have a comfortable grip and lightweight body to minimize hand fatigue during longer mixing tasks.
Cuisinart hand mixers are curved to fit comfortably in your hand. Many models have soft grip handles. Their contemporary design is shaped like the letter “C” with a slim motor body.
KitchenAid hand mixers feature a slimmer cylindrical handle with soft grip material on some models. The rounded head and slimmer body also provide a comfortable grip.
Winner: Draw. Both brands offer slim, contoured hand mixer designs for easy handling.
The included beaters and attachments also affect the versatility of a hand mixer.
Cuisinart hand mixers come with standard wire beaters plus a dough hook for bread and cake mixes. Some models include extras like a whisk attachment, spatula, and storage case.
KitchenAid hand mixers include traditional wire beaters. On higher-end models, you get extras like a blending rod, dough hooks, two sizes of beaters, and a storage bag.
Winner: KitchenAid takes the edge for including more attachments and accessories as you move up their hand mixer product line.
A lighter hand mixer reduces fatigue, while a more compact size facilitates storage.
Cuisinart hand mixers are exceptionally lightweight, ranging from just 2 to 3.5 pounds. Their slimmer casing also has a smaller footprint to occupy less space.
KitchenAid hand mixers weigh slightly more – between 2.6 and 5 pounds, depending on the model. They have a larger upper housing than Cuisinart models.
Winner: Cuisinart hand mixers win for their lighter weight and more compact storage size.
Both brands offer hand mixers in a rainbow of colors to match any kitchen.
Cuisinart hand mixers are available in muted tones like black, white, and grey. Some models come in bolder hues of red, pink, or dark blue.
KitchenAid hand mixers let you get more creative with color. You can find them in vibrant shades like cobalt blue, empire red, tangerine, pink, and yellow.
Winner: KitchenAid offers hand mixers in more exciting, vivid color choices.
The ability to clean the beaters and attachments in the dishwasher saves time and hassle.
Cuisinart indicates that all parts of their hand mixers are dishwasher safe. So you can quickly clean beaters, hooks, and whisks after use.
KitchenAid specifies that you should hand wash the accessories and beaters to preserve their finish. The plastic housing is dishwasher safe.
Winner: Cuisinart makes cleanup easier by making the entire hand mixer dishwasher safe.
Hand mixers offer an affordable alternative to more expensive stand mixers. But prices vary across different models.
Cuisinart hand mixers range from about $30 for basic 5-speed models to $100 or more for premium 12-speed mixers with extra accessories.
KitchenAid pricing starts around $40 for simple 5-speed hand mixers. Their higher-end models with added features cost between $60 to $100.
Winner: Draw. Both brands offer hand mixers at comparable prices points for budget and premium models.
A good warranty provides peace of mind in case of defects.
Cuisinart covers their hand mixers with a limited 3-year warranty.
KitchenAid hand mixers come with a 1-year limited warranty.
Winner: Cuisinart hand mixers win with 3 times the warranty coverage.
When choosing between Cuisinart and KitchenAid hand mixers, consider:
Home bakers who regularly make breads, cookie doughs, and cake mixes will get more use out of the robust motors of Cuisinart’s high-end hand mixers. Casual cooks doing occasional mixing for smaller batches may appreciate the color options and accessories of KitchenAid. As two leading hand mixer brands, both Cuisinart and KitchenAid make quality products that will serve any home chef well.
What is the most powerful Cuisinart hand mixer?
Cuisinart’s SmartPower Deluxe 12-Speed Hand Mixer offers the most power at 500 watts.
Do KitchenAid hand mixers have dough hooks?
Some higher-end KitchenAid hand mixers come with a set of dough hooks for bread and dough mixing. Check the included accessories for each model.
Is a 5-speed hand mixer enough speeds?
A 5-speed hand mixer provides enough range for basic mixing tasks. Opt for more speeds if you regularly make doughs or whip cream.
When comparing leading brands Cuisinart and KitchenAid, Cuisinart hand mixers edge out KitchenAid for their more powerful motors, lighter weight, and longer warranties. KitchenAid offers perks like additional accessories and color choices. Assess your own mixing needs to decide if Cuisinart’s strength or Kitchen’s flexibility is more important. Both brands make quality hand mixers that will serve years of delicious recipes.
