- steve
- May 06, 2022
- 9 Comments
Original publish date: 6/1/21
Last updated 5/6/22
History of the Hand Mixer
If you’re like me, you remember what it was like to have a powerhouse hand mixer growing up. I still have fond memories of the family gathered around the Duncan Hines cake mix, that unmistakeable smell of cake mix, egg, and milk with a slight smell of metal from the American-made motor in the hand mixer, and the sounds the mixer made when mom would scrape the sides of the bowl for every last bit of cake. And of course the best part of all–when mom would take the paddles off and we’d get to lick the batter off.
The first handheld electric mixer was patented by Sunbeam Corporation in 1961. Many of you who like me grew up in the 1970s and 1980s probably had Sunbeam mixers in your homes and ate many a cake mixed by them. Sadly, in the 1990s–before companies could ‘legally’ pad their balance sheets by outsourcing to cheap overseas labor, Sunbeam got into big trouble for massive accounting fraud and went bankrupt. It still exists today as a brand, but of course is a shadow of what it once was.
Are any Hand Mixers not made in China?
I have to admit, this was one category where I was sure I wouldn’t find any examples of products not made in China. The price point of hand mixers is so low that it’s hard to imagine a manufacturing plant outside of China that can produce parts so cheaply. And sure enough, visit Amazon’s page and you’ll find “fake brands” like LILPARTNER, ON2NO, AXUF, SUNDUO, SHARDOR, MIGVELA, AICOK, Elechomes, and a myriad of other Chinese companies masquerading as time-tested kitchen product brands. And speaking of time-tested kitchen brands, forget about Black and Decker, Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex, Oster, and even Cuisinart and Breville.
However, a few brands surprisingly stood out. One was KitchenAid, which had evidently sent all of its hand mixer manufacturing to China from 2006-2012 before bringing it back to Greenville, Ohio (at least the corded versions–the cordless version look like they’re all made in China). Their stand mixers have always been made in the US, and because the stand mixers ARE what what made KitchenAid, they’re wise to keep manufacturing of their crown jewels stateside, and closely-related devices like hand mixers are probably a natural fit in their manufacturing plant (let’s just hope and pray that clueless consumers aren’t foolish enough to buy knock-offs like KUCCU and COOKLEE even with their fake Amazon reviews).
Another standout was Braun, who manufactures its products in Romania.
1. KitchenAid 5-Speed, 7-Speed and 9-Speed Hand Mixer – Best Overall
5/5/22 Update – I had a scare when Kat left a comment reporting that KitchenAid hand mixers were now made in China. If this was true, it would mean that KitchenAid was once again abandoning Greenville, Ohio and sending manufacturing back to China. It would also leave us down to only one choice of hand mixers not made in China.
Something didn’t seem right, though. On the one hand, I did see that some Amazon product listings now said “China” under Country of Origin where only a few week earlier they said “USA”. But on the other hand, I could see on KitchenAid’s own site that even just a few days earlier their Customer Service team was talking about how their hand mixers were made in the USA.
I decided to reach out directly to them to ask them, point blank, which hand mixer models were made in which countries. Here was their response.
Now I was completely confused. On Amazon’s product page, the 5-Speed KMH512 was still marked as “Made in USA”, but the 7-Speed KHM7210 AND the 9-speed KHM926 were both listed as “Made in China”. I wrote back to KitchenAid asking about this and here was their response.
Of course, this led me to even more questions, as Brittany asserted that “all of our hand mixers are in fact made in Greenville, Ohio” when in the same conversation Tammy listed one model that was made in China.
I run this blog in my spare time, I don’t have the time or resources to chase down the answer here. But there are really only a few possibilities:
- KitchenAid is indeed shifting production to hand mixers to China and didn’t bother telling its customer service team.
- KitchenAid is testing the waters to see if consumers care where their mixers are made.
- KitchenAid is manufacturing in Ohio, but tapping China to meet demand.
- KitchenAid manufactures in both Ohio and China, and chooses to sell the cheap, China-made models through retailers like Amazon.
Clear as mud? Bottom line, I’m not ready to give up on KitchenAid yet–if there are still models being made in Ohio, we need to do what we can to encourage them to keep this factory going. Here’s what I’d suggest.
- The advice I always have — if you have a retailer like Walmart, Best Buy, or Williams Sonoma, visit the physical store and read the box.
- If you must buy online, avoid Amazon. Instead, buy directly from KitchenAid. But get in writing from their customer service team, like I did, which models at the time of your purchase are made in the USA. This way, if they send you a made-in-China model, you can demand that they let you exchange or return it–at their expense.
- If the KitchenAid rep’s note to me was accurate, then the 5-Speed KMH512, the 7-Speed KHM7210, and the 9-speed KHM926 are all still made in Greenvale, and it’s just the cordless version that’s made in China.
Trust, but verify.
Original review (I changed all links to point to KitchenAid directly instead of Amazon).
Just to be clear, KitchenAid is careful to use the phrasing “assembled in the United States” and not “manufactured in the United States”, which implies that most of the parts come from overseas. But that’s pretty much unavoidable these days–when China started to take over the manufacturing sector, it started with the “cheap parts” and then once it dominated those, it started taking over manufacturing of bigger and bigger things. I give points to KitchenAid for at least keeping some American manufacturing jobs (and quality) alive.
This mixer, along with its 6-speed and 5-speed counterparts, really is a throwback to the “indestructible” appliances of yore. I chose the 7-speed as the best because it has a reasonable price point at $59.99 and it has the highest overall reviews.
It comes with both whisk and beater attachments for mixing, whipping, creaming, beating, mashing, and all other baking gerunds that sound slightly naughty. If you have a KitchenAid stand mixer, you’ll know how indestructible it is, and you’ll see similar design elements in this design.
Once again on Amazon I see very suspicious review behavior. There are two one-star reviews (which make up 2% of all reviews) that have mysteriously been voted to the point where they show up #1 and #2. The four- and five-star reviews (which make up 92%) don’t show up until way down on the page. Review rankings are definitely being manipulated, likely by shills who work for those “fake” companies trying break into the market (in a future blog post, I’ll explain how).
So do yourself a favor and ignore the poor reviews–most of the low reviews are one-off cases that KitchenAid’s a “no hassle” warranty policy and Amazon’s free returns policy. I’d like see the same from those fake made-in-China brands.
2. Braun MultiMix Hand Mixer
Okay, this is an explanation where you’ll need to fasten your seatbelts.
Braun makes great razors, and amazingly they continue to manufacture them in Germany. If and when I create a “best shavers not made in China” page, Braun will likely dominate.
In the strange world of brand licensing, Braun actually does not make kitchen appliances–it (or more accurately, its parent company Proctor and Gamble) sold the license to its brand name. So every Braun-branded small appliance actually made by De’Longhi.
Even though De’Longhi is an Italian company, most of its products (including its iconic coffee makers) are manufactured in China. Which is why I was surprised to find that this mixer is actually made in Romania. It’s not Germany, but it’s in Europe.
This mixer gets rave reviews for its power (at 350W, it’s at least 100W more powerful than most of its competitors). It also comes with multiple attachments, including dough hooks for kneading. The controls are definitely German engineered–without changing your grip you can use your thumb to adjust the mixing speed. It also claims to require “half the mixing effort”, as measured by tests against competitors when mixing cake batter. Aside from its standard use as a mixer, creamer, whipper, and folder, you can use other included attachments to knead dough (it looks like the only difference with the pricier version is that it contains a 2-cup chopper).
Do you know of other hand mixers that have avoided the China trap? Let us know in the comments!
- Tags:
- appliances
- hand mixers
- kitchen appliances
FAQs
Are KitchenAid hand mixers made in China? ›
KitchenAid manufactures in both Ohio and China, and chooses to sell the cheap, China-made models through retailers like Amazon.
Where is KitchenAid hand mixers made? ›Hand Mixers
KitchenAid hand mixers were introduced in 1922 and made in the USA until 2006. From 2006 to 2012, KitchenAid hand mixers were made in China in an effort to cut down costs. This had a significant impact on the company, though, which is why manufacturing returned to the Greensville, Ohio, factory in 2012.
- Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX.
- Mackie ProFX6v3.
- Yamaha MG10XUF.
- Presonus StudioLive AR12c.
- Soundcraft FX 16 II.
- Behringer Xenyx X1204 USB.
- Yamaha MG06.
- Mackie 402 VLZ4.
Made in Germany. The Bosch Universal Plus Mixer is available in White, and now in new Black with Stainless Steel Bowl.
Is KitchenAid still made in USA? ›Today, some KitchenAid products are manufactured in Ohio, South Carolina, Iowa, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Ontario, and Quebec while others are manufactured in China, and its appliances are distributed throughout North America. All KitchenAid stand mixers are assembled in its factory in Greenville, Ohio.
Where are Mueller hand mixers made? ›Compact And Portable - No more lost attachments and dangling cord! The specially-designed snap on storage case makes this slim kitchen appliance super space-efficient so you can easily store away amongst your baking supplies or take with you where needed! Made in China.
Is Kohler made in USA? ›Kohler Co., founded in 1873 by John Michael Kohler, is an American manufacturing company based in Kohler, Wisconsin. Kohler is best known for its plumbing products, but the company also manufactures furniture, cabinetry, tile, engines, and generators.
Where are Lord Eagle products made? ›Eagle has it. We still manufacture our products right here in Clayton, Delaware. So the stock you need, with the quality you value is ready for you.
Where is Dualit hand mixer made? ›In what country is the Dualit hand mixer made? BEST ANSWER: It is a known brand from the United Kingdom.
How many watts should a good hand mixer have? ›Hand mixers are typically 200 to 250 watts of power, and for the thinner mixtures that these are typically used with, a motor that is 200 to 225 watts should work just fine. Features to watch for are the types of beater attachments included, the range of speeds, and whether there is a storage case for the accessories.
How much should you pay for a hand mixer? ›
The cost of a hand mixer can range from $20 all the way up to $100, depending on the quality and amount of special features it has.
How many watts is good for a mixer? ›Mixers with 500 watts to 750 watts are ideal for kitchen use. Make sure you select one with a higher wattage for ideal results. Another important factor is the speed, which is calculated in rotations per minute (RPM).
What is the best mixer other than KitchenAid? ›- Best Overall. Hamilton Beach 63391.
- Breville Bakery Chef BEM825.
- Wolf WGSM100S.
- Smeg SMF02.
- Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50.
Most Powerful: Braun HM5130 MultiMix Hand Mixer
At 350 watts, this hand mixer blows the competition out of the batter. Some stand mixers don't even have 350 watts of power.
Analog mixers have much less capabilities than digital mixers. You will have a lot more possibilities because they operate through digital channels. Because digital mixers are more configurable, creative people choose them for their large range of options. They frequently have plenty of other effects as well.
Are Kenwood mixers made in UK? ›They meticulously design and engineer all our products in the UK, using only the very best materials. Each appliance is then tested fully and individually, so that we can deliver to you a trusted kitchen partner for years to come.
Are Bosch mixers better than KitchenAid? ›Bottom Line. If you mostly make small or medium batches of batter or dough, a KitchenAid is going to be an excellent fit for you. On the other hand, if you commonly make hefty amounts of bread or cookies, a Bosch mixer will be better equipped to handle anything you throw at it.
Is Bosch made in China or Germany? ›All Bosch Series 8 washing machines are made in Germany, designed to not only fulfil all of the demands for perfection, but also make doing the laundry a little easier, thanks to their clever functions.
Who makes KitchenAid now? ›Whirlpool Corp. (WHR) is a leading home appliance company that sells products under a wide variety of brands such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Consul.
Is KitchenAid still made by Hobart? ›Hobart sold KitchenAid to the Whirlpool Corporation in 1986. The new owner continues to assemble the stand mixer at the KitchenAid factory in Greenville, Ohio, which has been its home since 1946. Julia Child eventually fell in love with the KitchenAid.
What name brand appliances are made in the USA? ›
Ovens & Ranges
Among the best American brand choices are: Electrolux. Whirlpool. KitchenAid.
The center of attention in every kitchen.
Designed in Germany, Braun's innovative, independent products continue to win people over around the world with aesthetics, functionality and quality. Experience unlimited versatility.
The parent company of Breville is based in Australia. A 2012 Consumer Reports review titled "Breville unseats stand-mixer champ KitchenAid" touts the advance this mixer has made in the states.
Where are Braun hand blenders made? ›Designed in Germany. To guarantee the highest quality standards, every handblender is thoroughly tested, from the development phase to the end of series production, embracing 50 years of Braun experience. Discover the whole Braun IdentityCollection.
Is Moen made in China? ›Some Moen products are manufactured in China.
What brand is comparable to Kohler? ›Kohler competitors include American Standard Brands, Generac Power Systems, Laurel & Wolf and Renoviso. Kohler ranks 1st in CEO Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
Is Grohe made in China? ›Focused on customer needs, GROHE thus creates intelligent, life-enhancing and sustainable product solutions that offer relevant added value – and bear the "Made in Germany" seal of quality: R&D and design are firmly anchored as an integrated process in Germany.
Which is better KitchenAid hand mixer or Cuisinart? ›The Cuisinart also isn't as easy to handle, clean, and store as our top pick. But compared with the similarly priced KitchenAid and VonShef mixers, the Cuisinart is far more effective, comes with a longer warranty, and has a handy storage case.
Are KitchenAid hand mixers any good? ›Yes, it's a good option.
The KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer strikes a balance between price and performance, so while there are higher-end models with more power and extra features, this one will handle most of your needs.
| Type | LLC |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Cleveland, Ohio , U.S. |
| Products | Condensed and evaporated milk, popcorn, french fries, sweet onion sticks |
| Brands | List Eagle Brand Cretors Fry Masters Magnolia Milnot Monster Pop Pet Popcorn Skinny Sticks |
| Parent | Kelso & Company |
Are Dualit products made in China? ›
Hand-built in the UK since 1945, Dualit products are a true testament to British engineering.
Where are Viking mixers made? ›Viking exclusive design and tooling; manufactured in U.K.
Where is Lilpartner made? ›Lilpartner is located in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China .
Is a higher wattage mixer better? ›Power and speed
A higher wattage means a more powerful motor, which can come in handy if you have large quantities of food or heavier dough, according to our experts. Most good quality stand mixers we looked at have wattages ranging from 250 watts to upwards of 1000 watts.
Almost any stand mixer is going to be able to handle basic batters and doughs, but the higher wattage mixers will do a better job with things like very stiff bread doughs.
What speed is best on a hand mixer? ›One rule of thumb to follow: never start your handheld mixer on the highest setting. Instead, start on the slowest setting and then adjust to the speed needed for the task. In general, low speeds are for mixing and folding while higher speeds create a smooth and creamy consistency.
What is the best hand mixer to buy for home use? ›Our top pick is the Breville Handy Mix Scraper, a powerful gadget with several speed options and incredibly quiet beaters, but we've outlined the benefits of more than 10 different models ahead. When it comes to the best hand mixers on the market, the Breville Handy Mix Scraper is our top pick ...
What is the best hand and stand mixer? ›- KitchenAid Cordless Hand Mixer. Best hand mixer overall. ...
- Smeg Retro 50s Hand Mixer. Best hand mixer for style. ...
- Dualit Hand Mixer. ...
- Braun MultiMix 5 Hand Mixer. ...
- KitchenAid KHM926CU 9-Speed Hand Mixer. ...
- Cuisinart EvolutionX 5-Speed Cordless Hand Mixer. ...
- Oster HeatSoft Hand Mixer.
An inexpensive hand mixer may only offer five years of use. However, some of the higher-end models can last for 15 to 20 years, depending on how often it's used and what it's used for. Light use will extend its lifespan.
Which is better 750 watts or 1000 watts? ›The significant difference between a 1000W motor and a 750W motor is how much power each can put out. 1000-Watt motors can generally handle resistance better and more efficiently than 750W motors. For instance, electric bikes with 750W motors perform fine on flat roads and pretty steep gradients.
Which mixer is better 1000 watt or 750-watt? ›
So if you want a mixer grinder with fairly good built quality, durability and grinding performance, opt for one with 750-watt motor. If you are willing to spend a bit more, a 900 or 1000 watt mixer grinder will offer you a higher level of durability and even superior built quality.
Which is better mixer 500w or 750W? ›While 750W motors are designed for heavy-duty applications, they consume more power. Performance: A 500-watt motor is designed to handle routine grinding duties, whereas mixer grinders with 750 watts are meant to do both ordinary and difficult heavy-duty grinding.
What is the best professional mixer? ›- Best stand mixer overall: KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer. ...
- Best stand mixer for large batches: KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer. KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer. ...
- Best affordable stand mixer: Cuisinart SM-50.
The KitchenAid Artisan mixer is said to last “forever” with proper care and maintenance. While it likely could, KitchenAid Artisan mixers have the same approximate lifespan – 10 to 15 years (or more).
What is the number one blender in the world? ›Best Overall: Vitamix Explorian E310
The 48-ounce container is smaller than some other models, but it's still large enough for most jobs, and the squattier design means it's likely to fit under your kitchen cabinets. The included tamper is dishwasher safe, as is the lid.
How many watts does a blender need to be to crush ice? If you will most often be using your blender to make smoothies with ice or frozen fruit, you need one with a strong motor. This means looking for a blender with 1,000 to 1,500 watts; keep in mind, the higher the wattage, the higher the price.
Which mixer is best for home? ›| Product | Feature 1 |
|---|---|
| Vidiem MG 521A 750 Watt Mixer Grinder | 750 Watts |
| Sujata Dynamix 900 Watt Mixer Grinder | 900 Watts |
| Hamilton Beach Professional Juicer Mixer Grinder | 1400 Watts |
| Preethi Blue Leaf Platinum Mixer Grinder | 750 Watts |
- Editor's Choice: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2. "This is a 4-channel DJ turntable. ...
- Best Value: DJ Tech DIF-2S. ...
- Budget Pick: Numark M2. ...
- Best USB Ports: Pioneer DJ DJM-450. ...
- Best Analog Mixer: Roland DJ-99. ...
- Best Sound Card: Pioneer DJM250MK2. ...
- Best Crossfader: Mixars DUO MKII. ...
- Best Channels: Allen & Heath XONE:23.
- Behringer Xenyx QX1002USB Mixer. The Behrigner Xenyx QX1002USB analog mixer offers plenty of features to meet more sophisticated needs. ...
- TC-Helicon GoXLR. ...
- Yamaha MG10XU. ...
- Alto Professional ZMX52 Mixer. ...
- RODECaster Pro. ...
- Pyle PMXU83BT. ...
- Mackie ProFX8v2.
| Year | 1st | 3rd |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Martin Garrix | Hardwell |
| 2019 | Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike | David Guetta |
| 2020 | David Guetta | Martin Garrix |
| 2021 | David Guetta | Armin van Buuren |