In terms of mixers, hand mixers are the lightest and most portable option. Stand mixers have more power and can offer many unique mixer attachments, like peelers, food processors and even ice cream makers. Hand mixers, however, are often a favorite option among bakers and cooks because they can easily be used with any pot or bowl anywhere in the kitchen.

When it comes to choosing the best hand mixer for your kitchen, consider how many speeds each model offers. Also think about whether it is a wired hand mixer or a wireless hand mixer, with the latter being even more portable. A wireless hand mixer is also a good option if you are designing an outdoor kitchen and want the flexibility to move around without being tethered to an outlet.

Many hand mixers also serve as hand blenders. This means that you can conveniently switch between mixing ingredients and blending liquids with the same versatile appliance. Whether you're preparing smoothies, soups or cake batter, having a dual-function hand mixer and hand blender saves space in your kitchen and simplifies meal preparation.

You can use a hand mixer to whip up fluffy mashed potatoes, mix up dough, combine many soft ingredients quickly or create delicious homemade whipped cream. A hand-held mixer uses two beater attachments that work in synch to combine ingredients. Depending on the speed you choose, a hand mixer beater can also whip air into the blend to build a fluffier texture—useful for certain cookies, meringues and other dishes.

Electric hand mixers vary by speed setting options and attachment choices. Most hand mixers use basic turbo beaters as the attachment, but you can also find options like whisk attachments and hand mixers with dough hooks. Some hand mixers come with multiple options in a single package.

The versatility and compact size of a hand mixer make it a must-have tool in any well-equipped kitchen. If, alternatively, you’re looking to liquefy ingredients, such as when pureeing a soup or preparing smoothies, a blender or immersion blender is the better choice. Many cooks will have all three of these small kitchen appliances on hand in order to tackle any number of culinary challenges.