Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer DEALS
When I came across the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, its attractive price point and promising features caught my attention. I decided to give it a try, hoping it would be the perfect entry-level option for my baking needs.
After several weeks of extensive use, I can confidently say that this mixer has both impressed and disappointed me in various ways. While it offers good value for its price and handles basic tasks well, it does have some limitations that more serious bakers should consider. In this review, I’ll share my honest experiences to help you decide if this mixer is the right fit for your kitchen.
Product Overview
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is a 4-quart capacity mixer designed for home use. It comes in several attractive colors, with my review unit being a cheerful pink shade. The mixer features a 300-watt motor, which is comparable to some higher-end models in terms of power.
Key features include:
– 7-speed settings
– Planetary mixing action
– Tilt-head design
– 4-quart stainless steel bowl with handles
– Included attachments: flat beater, dough hook, and whisk
– Splash guard
– Built-in handle for easy movement
Upon unboxing, I was initially struck by how lightweight the mixer felt compared to other stand mixers I’ve encountered. The packaging was secure, with all components well-protected. The instruction manual provided clear guidance on assembly and use, which I found helpful as a first-time stand mixer owner.
One aspect that immediately stood out was the predominantly plastic construction of the mixer body. While this contributes to its lightweight nature, it did raise some concerns about long-term durability. The stainless steel bowl, however, felt sturdy and well-made.
The mixer’s compact size is a definite plus for those with limited counter space. It measures approximately 14 inches tall, 14 inches deep, and 8 inches wide, making it easy to store when not in use.
- BAKE WITH EASE: Effortlessly mix thick batters and doughs for bread, cookies and more. With a powerful 300 watt motor, this Hamilton Beach stand mixer will easily handle the ingredients for all your homemade baked goods from cupcakes and cookies to bread.
- COMPLETE BOWL COVERAGE — The planetary mixing action rotates the beaters around the 4 quart stainless steel bowl for even and complete hands-free mixing. The stand mixer has the same rotating mixing action as the higher-priced brands.
- INCLUDES EVERYTHING YOU NEED: In addition to the stainless steel bowl with handles, the stand mixer comes with a splash guard, dough hook, whisk and flat beater. The bowl and the stand mixer attachments are all dishwasher safe.
- VERSATILE — 7 SPEEDS, SLOW FIRST SPEED & MIXING GUIDE: A helpful guide on top of the electric mixer helps you choose the right speed for the job. The slow first speed is great for kneading bread and reducing splatter when adding dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- EASY TO LIFT, MOVE AND STORE WITH BUILT-IN HANDLE: The top handle gives you a better grip on lifting the mixer’s head to add ingredients or swap out attachments. When you want to store the stand mixer away, use the same handle for easy moving.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetically, the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer has a retro-inspired design that I find quite appealing. The smooth, rounded edges and glossy finish give it a playful yet elegant look that would complement most kitchen decors. The color options are vibrant and fun, allowing for some personalization.
As mentioned earlier, the mixer body is primarily made of plastic. While this keeps the weight down, it does give the appliance a less premium feel compared to all-metal alternatives. The plastic components seem reasonably durable, but I do wonder about their longevity with frequent use.
The stainless steel bowl is a highlight in terms of quality. It feels substantial and is easy to attach and remove from the base. The handles on the bowl are a thoughtful addition, making it comfortable to maneuver even when full.
The tilt-head mechanism operates smoothly, locking securely in both the up and down positions. The release button is conveniently located and easy to operate with one hand. I appreciate the built-in handle at the top of the mixer, which makes it easy to lift and move around the kitchen.
The control dial feels a bit flimsy and lacks the satisfying click of more expensive models when changing speeds. However, it’s functional and easy to read.
The included attachments (flat beater, dough hook, and whisk) are adequate for most basic mixing tasks. They attach and detach easily from the mixer head, though the plastic component where they connect to the mixer raises some durability concerns.
Overall, while the design is attractive and user-friendly, the build quality reflects the mixer’s budget-friendly price point. It’s suitable for occasional use but may not stand up to the rigors of daily, heavy-duty mixing.
Performance and Functionality
In terms of performance, the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer offers a mixed bag of results. For basic tasks like making cake batters, whipping cream, or mixing cookie dough, it performs admirably. The planetary mixing action does a good job of incorporating ingredients, though I often found myself needing to scrape down the sides of the bowl manually.
One of the standout features is the mixer’s ability to handle small quantities well. Unlike some larger mixers that struggle with small batches, this 4-quart model excels at mixing even a single egg white or a small amount of cream.
The 7-speed settings offer a good range for most tasks. I found the lower speeds particularly useful for initially combining dry ingredients without creating a flour cloud. The highest speed is sufficient for whipping egg whites to stiff peaks, though it takes a bit longer than more powerful mixers.
When it comes to more demanding tasks like kneading bread dough, the mixer’s limitations become apparent. While it can handle softer doughs, I noticed significant shaking and movement of the entire unit when working with stiffer doughs. This not only made me concerned about the mixer’s stability but also its long-term durability.
The splash guard is a welcome addition, especially when working with powdery ingredients or adding liquids while mixing. However, I found it a bit cumbersome to attach and remove, often needing to completely lift the mixer head to do so.
Compared to higher-end stand mixers I’ve used in the past, the Hamilton Beach model falls short in terms of power and efficiency for more challenging tasks. However, for the price point, it performs well enough for most everyday baking needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for beginner bakers
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens
- Attractive design with multiple color options
- Handles basic mixing tasks effectively
- Includes essential attachments and a splash guard
Cons:
- Plastic construction may impact long-term durability
- Struggles with heavy-duty tasks like kneading stiff doughs
- Noticeable shaking and movement during more intense mixing
User Experience
In my day-to-day use of the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer, I found it to be a convenient addition to my kitchen arsenal. The learning curve was minimal, thanks to the straightforward controls and clear instruction manual.
For tasks like making cake batters, whipping cream, or mixing cookie doughs, the mixer performed reliably. I particularly enjoyed using it for whipping egg whites, as it freed up my hands to prepare other ingredients. The splash guard, despite being a bit fiddly to attach, proved invaluable in preventing messes when adding dry ingredients.
However, I did encounter some frustrations. The mixer’s tendency to shake during more intensive tasks meant I couldn’t leave it unattended, as I worried it might “walk” off the counter. Additionally, I often found myself needing to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients were incorporated properly.
Over time, I learned to work around these limitations. For instance, I found that stopping the mixer and manually folding in ingredients periodically helped achieve more consistent results. For bread making, I began to knead the dough by hand after an initial mix in the machine to avoid overstraining the motor.
In terms of cleaning, the mixer is relatively low-maintenance. The stainless steel bowl and attachments are dishwasher safe, which is a big plus. The mixer body itself can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
After several weeks of regular use, the mixer has held up well, with no noticeable degradation in performance. However, given the plastic construction, I do have some concerns about its longevity with frequent, heavy use.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer makes a strong case for itself. Priced at around $119.99, it’s significantly more affordable than many other stand mixers on the market, particularly those from premium brands.
For casual bakers or those just starting their baking journey, this mixer offers a good entry point into the world of stand mixers without breaking the bank. It provides the essential functions and attachments needed for most basic baking tasks, making it a solid choice for occasional use.
Compared to similarly priced competitors, the Hamilton Beach model holds its own in terms of features and performance. Many mixers in this price range offer fewer speed settings or lack accessories like the splash guard.
However, it’s important to consider the trade-offs. The plastic construction and limitations in handling heavy-duty tasks mean that serious bakers or those who bake frequently might find themselves wanting to upgrade sooner rather than later.
When compared to more expensive models like the KitchenAid Classic Series, which retails for around $279.99, the Hamilton Beach mixer obviously falls short in terms of power, durability, and range of available attachments. However, it costs less than half the price, making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget or unsure about how often they’ll use a stand mixer.
In my opinion, if you’re a casual baker who makes cookies, cakes, and other simple treats a few times a month, this mixer represents good value for money. However, if you’re an avid bread maker or someone who bakes almost daily, it might be worth investing in a more robust model.
Conclusion
After extensive use, I find the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer to be a solid budget-friendly option with some notable limitations. It excels at basic mixing tasks and offers good value for its price point, making it an attractive choice for casual bakers or those new to using stand mixers.
The mixer’s strengths lie in its affordable price, compact size, and ability to handle everyday baking tasks effectively. Its attractive design and included accessories add to its appeal.
However, its struggles with more demanding mixing jobs and concerns about long-term durability due to its plastic construction are points to consider. For serious bakers or those who use their mixer frequently, these limitations might prove frustrating over time.
I would recommend this mixer to:
– Beginner bakers looking for an affordable entry into stand mixers
– Casual home cooks who bake occasionally
– Those with limited kitchen space who need a compact appliance
– Budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize value for money
For professional bakers or those who bake bread frequently, I’d suggest considering a more robust, albeit pricier, alternative.
Overall, I’d rate the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a good starter mixer that offers decent performance for its price, but it may leave more demanding users wanting more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this mixer powerful enough to knead bread dough?
While it can handle softer doughs, it struggles with stiffer bread doughs. For occasional bread making it’s adequate, but frequent bread bakers might want a more powerful model.
Can I use attachments from other brands with this mixer?
No, this mixer is designed to work only with Hamilton Beach attachments.
How noisy is this mixer during operation?
It’s reasonably quiet at lower speeds but can be quite loud at higher speeds, especially when mixing denser ingredients.
Is the mixing bowl dishwasher safe?
Yes, the stainless steel bowl and all attachments are dishwasher safe.
Can I buy additional bowls for this mixer?
Hamilton Beach does offer additional bowls, but options are limited compared to some other brands.
How does this mixer compare to a KitchenAid in terms of performance?
While it performs well for basic tasks, it falls short of KitchenAid mixers in power and ability to handle tough mixing jobs.
Is there a warranty on this mixer?
Yes, Hamilton Beach offers a 3-year limited warranty on this stand mixer.
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard, 7 Speeds with Whisk, Pink
2 used from $92.15
The Review
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer offers good value for money, especially for casual bakers and those new to stand mixers. Its compact size, attractive design, and ability to handle basic mixing tasks make it a solid choice for many home cooks. However, its plastic construction and struggles with heavy-duty mixing jobs may disappoint more serious bakers. While it can't compete with high-end models in terms of power and durability, its affordable price point makes it an accessible option for those on a budget. Overall, it's a decent entry-level mixer that performs well for everyday baking tasks but may leave frequent users wanting more.
PROS
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for beginner bakers
- Compact size is ideal for small kitchens
- Attractive design with multiple color options
- Handles basic mixing tasks effectively
- Includes essential attachments and a splash guard
CONS
- Plastic construction may impact long-term durability
- Struggles with heavy-duty tasks like kneading stiff doughs
- Noticeable shaking and movement during more intense mixing
Review Breakdown
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Features
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Design and construction
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Performance
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Additional functions
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Price
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer DEALS
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