If you’ve ever tried mixing a cocktail by hand and ended up with a lumpy mess, you know the importance of a good mixer. Electric mixers have become a game-changer for home bartenders, making it easier to blend, shake, and create drinks with the precision of a professional. Whether you’re whipping up a frothy espresso martini or blending a frozen daiquiri, having the right electric mixer can elevate your home bar experience. In this article, we’ll dive into the best electric mixers for home bartenders, covering a variety of options to suit every budget and skill level.
Why You Need an Electric Mixer for Cocktails
Before we get into the top picks, let’s talk about why electric mixers are a must-have for home bartenders. Shaking cocktails by hand is fun, but it can also be inconsistent and tiring, especially when you’re making drinks for a crowd. Electric mixers save time, ensure consistent results, and take the guesswork out of cocktail making. They’re ideal for:
- Blending: Perfect for frozen cocktails like margaritas or daiquiris.
- Whipping: Great for creating foam-based drinks like a whiskey sour.
- Mixing: Ensures uniformity in cocktails that need a thorough mix, like mojitos or espresso martinis.
Now, let’s get to the good part. Below are the best electric mixers available on the market, based on their performance, features, and user reviews.
1. Breville BHM800SIL Handy Mix Scraper
If you’re looking for versatility and power, the Breville Handy Mix Scraper is a top contender. Breville is known for high-quality kitchen appliances, and this mixer is no exception. It has 9-speed settings, so you can customize the mixing power for different drinks. From delicate foam toppings to thick frozen cocktails, it handles all tasks with ease.
- Key Features:
- 9-speed control
- Quiet scraper beaters that reduce noise and prevent scratching of bowls
- A mixing light to see ingredients clearly
- 240-watt motor that adjusts based on your mixing needs
This mixer is also equipped with automatic speed adjustment, meaning it will increase or decrease power depending on the thickness of your ingredients. This makes it perfect for cocktails requiring precision like egg-white sours or foamy Irish coffees.
Why It’s Great for Home Bartenders: The versatility and speed control make it easy to create anything from frozen margaritas to creamy piña coladas. Plus, it’s quieter than most mixers, so it won’t interrupt your cocktail party vibe!
2. KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer
Known for its durability and classic design, the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer is a reliable option for home bartenders. It comes with five speeds, which is plenty for most cocktail recipes, from simple shaken drinks to blended concoctions. KitchenAid’s reputation for building sturdy appliances makes this mixer a long-term investment for your home bar.
- Key Features:
- 5-speed options
- Comfortable soft-grip handle
- Stainless steel beaters for a robust performance
- Weighs only 2 pounds, making it easy to hold for longer mixing times
This mixer excels in making smooth, frothy cocktails, like a gin fizz, but can also handle thicker mixtures like a frozen mudslide with ease.
Why It’s Great for Home Bartenders: Its simple design and easy-to-use features make it ideal for beginners. It’s also lightweight, which is important if you’re making multiple rounds of drinks.
3. Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Case
For bartenders on a budget, the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer offers excellent performance at an affordable price. Despite its lower price point, this mixer doesn’t skimp on power or features, making it one of the best budget-friendly options for your home bar.
- Key Features:
- 6-speed settings with a quick burst button for extra power
- Includes traditional beaters and a whisk attachment
- Snap-on storage case keeps attachments organized
- Bowl rest feature to keep the mixer stable on the counter
This mixer is perfect for making everything from classic shaken drinks to more complex whipped cocktails, like a Ramos gin fizz. The whisk attachment is great for creating airy, frothy drinks, and the different speed settings let you customize your mixing to suit each recipe.
Why It’s Great for Home Bartenders: This is the best choice if you’re just getting started and want something reliable and affordable. The snap-on case ensures that you won’t lose any attachments, and the burst feature is a handy addition for tougher mixing tasks.
4. Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer
The Cuisinart HM-90S is a powerhouse when it comes to hand mixers. Its 9-speed options and variety of attachments make it an all-in-one tool for any home bartender. It can tackle delicate cocktails that need a light touch as well as thick, frozen drinks that require more muscle.
- Key Features:
- 9-speed control with one-touch speed adjustment
- Comes with beaters, a chef’s whisk, and dough hooks
- Snap-on storage case for easy organization
- 220-watt motor for powerful mixing
With the Cuisinart HM-90S, you can effortlessly create smooth, blended cocktails or whip up a foamy drink in seconds. The dough hooks may not be useful for cocktail making, but the inclusion of a chef’s whisk makes it perfect for drinks that need aeration.
Why It’s Great for Home Bartenders: The multiple speed settings and variety of attachments make this mixer highly versatile. Whether you’re crafting a cocktail for yourself or hosting a party, it’s a reliable tool that can handle any drink recipe.
5. Black+Decker MX600B Helix Performance Premium 5-Speed Hand Mixer
For those who love bold design and great performance, the Black+Decker MX600B is a standout option. It features unique helix beaters, which are designed to improve mixing efficiency and offer better control over thicker ingredients. With five speeds and a turbo boost option, it’s a great addition to any home bar setup.
- Key Features:
- Helix beaters for 2x better mixing performance
- 5-speed settings with turbo boost
- Includes a whisk attachment and two dough hooks
- Comfortable grip for extended use
This mixer is excellent for making creamy cocktails, like a blended piña colada or a Bailey’s milkshake, thanks to the efficient helix beaters that handle thick ingredients effortlessly. The turbo boost feature is a nice touch for when you need extra power in the middle of a mix.
Why It’s Great for Home Bartenders: The unique helix design ensures even and smooth mixing, which is ideal for creating high-quality cocktails. Plus, it’s an affordable choice without sacrificing performance.
Choosing the Right Electric Mixer for Your Home Bar
When selecting the perfect electric mixer for your home bar, think about what types of cocktails you make most often. If you love frozen drinks or cocktails with thick, frothy textures, go for a mixer with high power and multiple speed settings. For simpler drinks that require light mixing, a more affordable, basic model might be all you need.
No matter which mixer you choose, each of the options listed here will help you craft better cocktails with less effort. With the right tools in hand, you’ll be able to mix, blend, and whip like a pro, bringing your home bar to the next level.
Pros and Cons of the Best Electric Mixers for Home Bartenders
| Mixer | Pros | Cons | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville BHM800SIL Handy Mix Scraper | – 9-speed control for versatility – Quiet and powerful motor – Automatic speed adjustment | – Higher price point compared to others | Perfect for serious home bartenders who want precision and quiet operation |
| KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power | – Lightweight and easy to use – Durable stainless steel beaters – Comfortable grip | – Fewer speed settings compared to higher-end mixers | Great for beginners and those who prefer simple but reliable mixers |
| Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Mixer | – Affordable and budget-friendly – Snap-on storage case – Quick burst feature | – Less powerful motor, not ideal for thicker mixtures | Ideal for casual home bartenders on a budget |
| Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage | – 9 speeds for flexibility – Includes multiple attachments – Powerful 220-watt motor | – Slightly bulky with attachments you may not need for cocktails | Best for bartenders who want versatility and power at a mid-range price |
| Black+Decker MX600B | – Unique helix beaters for better mixing – 5-speed settings with turbo boost – Ergonomic design | – Turbo boost can be too powerful for delicate cocktails | Recommended for those who want efficient mixing for thick and creamy cocktails |
Our Recommended Mixer
For home bartenders who want versatility, power, and quiet operation, the Breville BHM800SIL Handy Mix Scraper is our top pick. It’s perfect for making a wide range of cocktails, from smooth foamy drinks to thicker, blended beverages, and its quiet motor ensures you won’t disrupt the party. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality tool that will last, this mixer is the best all-rounder for any home bar.