The Best Hand Mixer for Casual Bakers: Cuisinart HM-50

Last Updated on May 30, 2025 by Jennifer Osborn

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I use and love.

You Deserve a Mixer That Works — Even If You Only Bake at the Holidays

You love baking — just not every weekend. Maybe you make cookies during the holidays, whip up a birthday cake once a year, or mix a batch of coquito for Christmas Eve.

You want a hand mixer that just works — no bulky stand mixer and no bargain-bin tool that quits halfway through the cookie dough.

That’s why I recommend the Cuisinart HM-50.(affiliate link)

Read more: The Best Hand Mixer for Casual Bakers: Cuisinart HM-50

Jump to:

• Why Even Occasional Bakers Need a Good Mixer
• Why I Recommend the Cuisinart HM-50
• Pros and Cons
• Who This Mixer Is Perfect For
• Where to Buy the HM-50
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Cookie Baking Advice
• Comments

I’ve used my hand mixer for over five years. It’s compact, reliable, sturdy, and just the right amount of powerful. It makes baking easier, not harder — and that’s exactly what a casual baker needs.

Why Even Occasional Bakers Need a Good Mixer

Let’s be real — baking should be fun, not frustrating. But cheap mixers often come with:

• One speed: warp speed
• Wobbly or beaters that are too short
• A motor that smells like regret after 30 seconds

You deserve better. Even if you only bake twice a year, you deserve tools that actually help you enjoy it.

Why I Recommend the Cuisinart HM-50

I bought mine years ago because the one I’d had for ages died.

I did already have a stand mixer, which I love and I’m thankful for.

But, a hand mixer is really handy (no pun intended) for times when I'm whipping up something quick, like Icing Sugar Frosting.

I’ve never regretted it. Here’s why:

• It has power and speed control. You get multiple speed options, which many cheaper mixers skip. Sure, some reviewers say speed 1 isn’t slow enough — I didn’t notice until I read that. For casual baking, it’s perfectly fine.
• It has what is called a heel rest, which means it.stands up on its own. No tipping into your batter or from one side to the other.. When you pause to add ingredients, it stays upright on the counter.
• It’s sturdy but not heavy. Feels solid in your hand without being exhausting to use.
• The beaters are easy to clean. They don’t have a middle strip of metal that traps dough, so they rinse off easily.
• It looks great. Mine’s white with chrome accents. Still looks sharp after five years.
• It’s affordable. Usually around $42, and it holds up like a champ. You can sometimes buy a model that's been certified refurbished by Amazon and get 20 percent off.

Watch the one-minute demo below to see the machine in action.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Reliable and sturdy
• Multiple speed options
• Compact and easy to store
• Affordable
• Sleek design
• One-button beater ejection
• Cord swings left or right — not awkwardly fixed

Cons

• Speed 1 could be slower
• Doesn’t include extra attachments or a storage case
• Not designed for heavy-duty doughs like bread

Who This Mixer Is Perfect For

• Holiday-only bakers
• Apartment dwellers or small kitchens
• Beginner bakers
• Cookie makers and cake mix fans
• Anyone baking 1–5 times a year
• People tired of their $10 mixer giving up mid-batch

Where to Buy the HM-50

You can usually find it on Amazon for under $45.
Click here to check the current price on Amazon. (affiliate link)

To wrap up, if you want a compact, dependable mixer that makes baking easier, not messier — the Cuisinart HM-50 is it.

I’ve had mine for years, and it still works like day one.

This is the kitchen tool I’d recommend to a friend who bakes for the holidays or makes the occasional dessert.

And honestly? I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it worth it if I only bake once or twice a year?
A: Yes! That’s exactly who this mixer is for. You don’t need fancy — just functional.

Q: Can it handle cookie dough?
A: Absolutely. I use it for thick doughs like chocolate chip cookies as well as sturdy cut-out cookies with no problem.

Q: Is it easy to clean and store?
A: Very. The beaters eject with one button and clean easily. I wrap the cord around and use the clip to keep it tidy.

Q: Will I outgrow it?
A: Not unless you start baking large batches or bread regularly or fancy cakes. Then it might be time for a stand mixer.

Q: Is it better than a stand mixer?
A: For casual bakers, yes. It’s smaller, cheaper, and easier to use — no learning curve or counter clutter.