Achieving light, airy meringue and perfectly whipped egg whites is a hallmark of skilled baking. While a stand mixer offers convenience, a quality hand mixer provides portability, affordability, and precision for these delicate tasks without occupying extensive counter space. Selecting the right hand mixer can transform your baking experience, making light work of ingredients that demand consistent power and fine control.
Top Performers for Meringue and Egg Whites
When it comes to whipping egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks for meringue, certain hand mixers stand out for their power, control, and specialized features.
The Breville Handy Mix Scraper is a consistent favorite among experts. This nine-speed mixer, typically offering around 240 watts of power, excels in whipping egg whites. Its standout features include silicone-coated beaters that reduce noise and protect mixing bowls, a built-in light that illuminates the bowl for better visibility, and a convenient timer. While its standard beaters perform well across various tasks, utilizing the included whisk attachment dramatically speeds up the process for egg whites, delivering stiff peaks efficiently and without mess. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling during extended use.
Another exceptional choice for power and speed is the Braun MultiMix Hand Mixer (MultiMix 5). Boasting a robust 350-watt motor, it is notably lightweight and maneuverable. This mixer’s nine speeds and smooth adjustment knob allow for precise control, making it ideal for the gradual increase in speed required for perfect meringues. Its specialized “MultiWhisk” beaters are designed specifically for whipping, ensuring rapid and thorough aeration of egg whites to achieve desired stiffness.
Close-up of a high-performance hand mixer whipping egg whites to stiff peaks in a bowl.
Excellent Value and Cordless Options
For bakers seeking strong performance without a premium price, several hand mixers offer impressive capabilities for whipping egg whites.
The Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer delivers reliable performance at an accessible price point. It efficiently whips heavy cream and, by extension, egg whites, to a fluffy consistency. Features like a “QuickBurst” button for extra power and a comfortable handle enhance its usability. Its snap-on storage case keeps attachments organized, a welcome bonus for any kitchen.
The Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer is another strong value contender. With 220 watts and nine speeds, it provides ample power. While it can be a bit louder and may cause some splatter at its highest speeds, its effectiveness in producing well-mixed meringue is undeniable. It also includes a helpful snap-on storage case for its attachments. For those prioritizing both performance and budget, the Hamilton Beach Professional 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer is often highlighted for its quiet operation, lightweight build, comfortable grip, and impressive mixing capabilities that rival more expensive models.
For ultimate freedom in the kitchen, a cordless hand mixer can be invaluable. The KitchenAid 7-Speed Cordless Hand Mixer (or Go Cordless) offers the convenience of untethered operation, allowing you to move around your workspace without restriction. It is lightweight, quiet, and performs admirably in whipping cream and egg whites. Its rechargeable, removable battery provides a decent run time, though planning for charging is advisable for longer baking sessions.
Assortment of hand mixers, including a cordless model, with beaters and storage accessories.
Key Features to Consider for Perfect Meringue
When choosing a hand mixer specifically for meringue and egg whites, keep these crucial features in mind:
- Power and Speed Control: Look for mixers with at least 200 watts and a minimum of five speeds, ideally more. A gentle low speed is essential to start incorporating air without splattering, while higher speeds are necessary to achieve stiff peaks. Precise control over speed allows for gradual adjustments throughout the whipping process.
- Attachments: A dedicated whisk attachment is highly recommended. While standard beaters can work, whisk attachments are designed to incorporate air more efficiently, leading to faster and fluffier results for egg whites and whipped cream. Silicone-coated beaters are a bonus, as they protect your bowls and reduce operational noise.
- Ergonomics and Weight: Whipping egg whites can take several minutes, making a comfortable, lightweight mixer (ideally between 2 and 3 pounds) crucial to prevent arm fatigue. An ergonomic grip will enhance your control and comfort.
- Storage and Ease of Cleaning: Mixers with integrated storage cases or snap-on compartments for attachments help keep your kitchen tidy. Dishwasher-safe attachments simplify cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your baking creations without the added hassle.
Investing in a high-quality Hand Mixer designed to handle the nuances of meringue and whipped egg whites will elevate your baking prowess, offering both the power and finesse needed for consistently perfect results.