KitchenAid nine-speed hand mixer review

How is the KitchenAid hand mixer to use?

Despite the sturdiness of this handsome machine, it's not the heaviest in our selection, and has a lovely balance that's helped by the handle, which has a super-soft grip.

The KitchenAid is the only machine in our best hand mixer test with nine speeds including, as KitchenAid calls it, a slow start on speed 1, so delicate mixes like buttercream and whipped cream are started at a slower speed – meaning there's less chance of icing sugar clouds or ingredients spilling from the bowl.

The speed increases with an electronic control rather than the standard slider, which is controlled by touching up or down arrows. We found this enjoyable to use, making it our favourite speed control in the test.

With nine speed settings, the higher end is quite ferocious, but makes short work of bread dough, which becomes silky-smooth in no time.

However, there is also a discernible vibration at around speeds 8 and 9, and you have to hold on tight to prevent slippage. During our test, we found that beyond the initial mixing at speed 1, most mixes could be made using the middle-range speeds. KitchenAid also provides a comprehensive chart of which accessory to use for which mixture, and at which speed, in the instruction book.

We love the smaller touches with this whisk, too. The cord has three settings – left, right and centre – to prevent it getting in the way, and the slots for the beaters have tiny diagrams to indicate which accessory goes where. The previously mentioned storage bag also has special sections for each accessory.

The KitchenAid performed well in all tests, producing great bread dough, super-light buttercream, and perfectly whipped egg whites and cream.

Our verdict

A great all-rounder, with the bonus of the mini stick blender for emulsifying dressings, mixing sauces and making milkshakes. Yes, it is the most expensive in our test, but it delivers in performance, so it's well worth the price.

Available from: KitchenAid (£109)

KitchenAid hand mixer 5KHM9212 specifications:

Attachments: twin beaters, two dough hooks, whisk and stick blender
Eject button: yes
Speeds: nine speed settings, plus slow start
Weight: 1.1 kg
Size: 8 x 20 x 13.5cm
Wattage: 85W
Dishwasher safe parts: attachments only

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This review was last updated in September 2020. If you have any questions, suggestions for future reviews or spot anything that has changed in price or availability please get in touch at goodfoodwebsite@immediate.co.uk.