KitchenAid Empire Red 5 Speed Hand Mixer KHM512ER review for versatile home baking

Description

A Compact and Stylish Hand Mixer for Everyday Tasks

I recently got my hands on the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer (KHM512ER) in the striking Empire Red shade, and I must say, it’s been quite the kitchen companion. As someone who loves baking and experimenting with recipes, a reliable hand mixer is an absolute must. This one promised a lot, and I was curious to see how it would hold up in various scenarios.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that caught my eye was its sleek and compact design, paired with the vibrant Empire Red color. It’s lightweight yet feels sturdy in hand, weighing just 2 pounds. The soft grip handle is a thoughtful addition, making it comfortable to use, even during long mixing sessions. The dimensions, 3.5”D x 8”W x 6”H, make it easy to store, and it doesn’t take up much counter space.

One feature I didn’t realize I needed was the round cord that locks into either side of the mixer. This small detail allows for flexibility when approaching ingredients from different angles, and I can’t emphasize enough how convenient this is in a busy kitchen.

Performance and Speed Settings

The mixer boasts five speed settings, which I tested across various tasks. Speed one works perfectly for delicate jobs like stirring chunky ingredients, such as nuts or chocolate chips, into batters. On the other hand, speed five is powerful enough to whip egg whites into stiff peaks or create fluffy whipped cream in no time.

The Turbo Beater accessories are incredibly efficient and easy to attach or remove with the one-handed press of a button. I tried mixing cookie dough, mashed potatoes, and cake batter, and the results were consistently smooth. However, I noticed that for larger batches of dense dough, this mixer might not be as powerful as a stand mixer.

Positives

Here are some key boons I found while using this hand mixer:

• Lightweight and comfortable grip for extended use.
• Cord lock mechanism adds flexibility and convenience.
• Dishwasher-safe beaters make cleanup a breeze.
• Runs quietly, even at higher speeds.
• Compact design allows for easy storage.

Areas of Concern

While the mixer has plenty going for it, there are a few critiques worth mentioning:

• Limited capacity for heavier mixing tasks, such as thick bread dough.
• The plastic body feels slightly less durable compared to pricier models.
• No storage case for the beaters or cord, which would’ve been a nice addition.

Competing Products

When comparing this hand mixer to similar products on the market, a few things stand out. For instance, the Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage Plus offers more speed settings (nine versus five) and comes with a storage case, but it’s bulkier and slightly noisier. On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach 62682RZ is a budget-friendly option but lacks the stylish design and robust build quality of the KitchenAid model.

What makes the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer shine is its perfect balance of power, ease of use, and portability. It may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, but it’s a reliable choice for everyday mixing tasks.

Worth Every Penny

Considering the features, performance, and brand reputation, I believe this mixer offers excellent value for money. It’s not just about the price; it’s about how well it fulfills its purpose. For someone like me who doesn’t need professional-grade equipment but still wants dependable results, this hand mixer hits the sweet spot.

If you’re in the market for a lightweight yet functional kitchen tool that can handle a variety of tasks, this compact mixer might just be what you need. It’s not flawless, but it’s definitely a solid contender in its category.

Additional information