Cuisinart vs KitchenAid Hand Mixer (2021): Which Is Better?

Hand mixers are invaluable tools in the kitchen, enabling an incredible number of recipes from fluffy mashed potatoes to birthday cakes. Among the best handheld mixers you can get today are the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Hand Mixer and the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer. Both are compact, lightweight hand mixers that are easy to use and great for a wide range of cooking tasks. See which handheld mixer beats the other in this Cuisinart vs KitchenAid hand mixer comparison.

Cuisinart vs KitchenAid Hand Mixer Comparison Chart

Design

The KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer is lighter and comes in more colors than the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9 Speed Hand Mixer.

These Cuisinart and KitchenAid hand mixers might look similar in design at first glance, but one is actually bigger and heavier. That’s the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus, which weighs around twice as much as the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power. In this case, the added weight and size directly translates to more power, since the Cuisinart hand mixer has a 220-watt motor while the KitchenAid model only has a 60-watt one. The Cuisinart model also has an LED display that shows the current speed setting.

As such, if you’re a bit concerned about your wrists or hands getting tired with a heavy mixer, you’ll probably enjoy using the KitchenAid mixer more. Both feature ergonomic designs though so they’re quite easy to hold and are well-balanced. While the Cuisinart HM-90 only comes in white and brushed chrome finishes, the KitchenAid KHM512 comes in an incredible 17 colors ranging from black to ice blue. You’ll be able to find a KitchenAid variant that will easily match your other kitchen implements.

Performance

The Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9 Speed Hand Mixer is more powerful than the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer.

With great power comes great mixing abilities. Cuisinart’s Power Advantage Plus handheld mixer is aptly named, since it’s definitely more capable at mixing heavier quantities than other models. With a 220-watt motor and nine speed settings, it will be easier to find the right mixing speed for your recipe. Moreover, it has a SmoothStart feature with automatic feedback as well as three low mixing speeds to prevent splattering when you’re initially mixing wet and dry ingredients together.

Meanwhile, the KitchenAid KHM512 only has five speed settings ranging from a slow stir to a high whip. The slow speed is similarly helpful in stirring in chunky ingredients gradually so they don’t splatter outside your bowl. Still, the highest speed doesn’t match that of the Cuisinart model, so you might find it difficult to work with heavy cream and the like. It’s a lot quieter though and you can easily balance it on its end when you need to set it down.

Accessories

The Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9 Speed Hand Mixer includes more accessories than the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer.

One of the reasons that you get so much value with the Cuisinart HM-90 hand mixer is that it includes a snap-on clear storage case so you can put it away neatly after use. Moreover, it also comes with dough hooks, spatula and chef’s whisk along with the twin beaters, which will all fit inside the storage case including its power cable. All of these removable accessories can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

The KitchenAid KHM512 seems a bit spare in comparison, with only the two stainless steel turbo beaters. It has a lockable swivel cord though so you can ensure that the power cable doesn’t get in the way when you’re mixing. The beaters can be ejected easily with a single button press for easy detachment, and they’re dishwasher safe too.

Verdict

The Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9 Speed Hand Mixer is better than the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer.

It’s a clear-cut win for the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9 Speed Hand Mixer in nearly every category: it’s more powerful, more convenient, and more versatile. You get a wider range of mixing speeds as well as an assortment of cooking tools. Being able to store it neatly after use is a big bonus, too. It’s pricier than the KitchenAid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, though discounts make it a lot closer. If you’re after an affordable handheld mixer in a specific color, you’ll likely find a good deal with the KitchenAid hand mixer.

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