Ever stood in the kitchen appliance aisle, staring at two nearly identical hand mixers, with the main difference being a little number on the dial? You’re not alone. The classic dilemma of choosing a mixer often boils down to this very question: What Is The Difference Between 5 And 9 Speeds, and does it even matter? As your go-to guide for everything hand mixer-related, let’s pull back the curtain and get to the bottom of this.
Picture this: you’re about to whip up some delicate meringue for a pavlova. You need a gentle, slow start to incorporate the sugar, then a gradual ramp-up to a powerful, stable high speed to build those stiff, glossy peaks. This is where the nuances between a 5-speed and a 9-speed mixer really come to life. It’s not just about having more buttons to press; it’s about control, precision, and ultimately, better baking results.
The Nitty-Gritty: More Than Just Numbers
At first glance, the answer seems simple: four more speeds. But the real value lies in the granularity and range those extra settings provide. Think of it like the difference between a simple point-and-shoot camera and a DSLR. Both take pictures, but one gives you infinitely more control over the final product.
The Trusty 5-Speed: Your Everyday Workhorse
A 5-speed hand mixer is the reliable sedan of the baking world. It gets you where you need to go for most everyday tasks, and it does it well. These models typically offer a range of speeds perfect for the most common kitchen jobs.
- Low Speed (1-2): Ideal for slowly incorporating dry ingredients like flour into a wet batter without creating a dust cloud in your kitchen. We’ve all been there!
- Medium Speed (3): The sweet spot for creaming butter and sugar together for cookies or cakes. It’s powerful enough to combine them but not so fast that it over-aerates the mixture too early.
- High Speed (4-5): This is for getting serious air into your mixtures. Perfect for whipping cream into soft peaks or beating egg whites for a simple weekday omelet.
A 5-speed mixer is a fantastic starting point and is often more than enough for the casual baker who enjoys making cookies, brownies, and simple cakes.
The Precise 9-Speed: The Baker’s Best Friend
If the 5-speed is a sedan, the 9-speed is a high-performance vehicle with a finely-tuned transmission. The extra speeds are all about providing smaller, more precise increments of power. This gives you unparalleled control, which is critical for more technical or delicate recipes.
“For a novice baker, a mixer with a true slow-start feature, often found on 9-speed models, is a game-changer. It prevents that initial splash of batter from redecorating your countertops.” – Chef Isabella Rossi, Pastry Consultant
The key advantages of a 9-speed mixer include:
- A True “Slow Start” (Speed 1): Many 9-speed models have a genuinely slow first speed. This is for gently folding in delicate ingredients like chocolate chips or fruit without breaking them, or for combining flour without overdeveloping gluten.
- Subtle Transitions (Speeds 2-8): The magic happens in these in-between speeds. You can gently ramp up the power when making a sensitive emulsion like mayonnaise, or carefully control the texture of your mashed potatoes, going from lumpy to perfectly smooth with precision.
- Dedicated High Power (Speed 9): This top speed is often reserved for tasks that require maximum aeration in a short amount of time, like whipping egg whites into stiff, stable peaks for macarons or an angel food cake.
What is the Difference Between 5 and 9 Speeds in Practice?
To really understand the impact, let’s look at a common baking task: making a classic buttercream frosting.
- With a 5-Speed: You’d start on speed 1 to combine the powdered sugar and butter. It might still be a bit too fast, potentially kicking up a sugar storm. You’d then jump to speed 3 to beat it until smooth, and finally to speed 5 to make it light and fluffy. The jumps in power can be a bit jarring.
- With a 9-Speed: You’d begin on speed 1, a true slow stir that combines the ingredients cleanly. You could then move to speed 3 to start the creaming process, then to speed 5 or 6 as it comes together, and finish on speed 8 or 9 for maximum fluffiness. Each transition is smooth and controlled, giving you a better feel for the frosting’s consistency.
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Our Picks for the Best Hand Mixer in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cuisinart HM-90BCS Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer with Storage Case, Brushed Chrome |
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| 2 | Hand Mixer Electric Mixing Bowls Set, 5 Speeds Handheld Mixer with 4 Nesting Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, Measuring Cups Spoons 200W Kitchen Blender Whisk Beater Baking Supplies For Beginner |
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| 3 | Hand Mixer Electric, 400W Food Mixer 5 Speeds Handheld Blender, 5 Stainless Steel Accessories, Storage Box, Kitchen Blender with Cord for Cream, Cookies, Dishwasher Safe, White |
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| 4 | Ninja Hand Mixer, Immersion Blender, Foodi Power Mixer System, 750-Peak-Watt Handheld Emulsion Blender & Electric Hand Mixer Combo With Whisk, Beaters & 3-Cup Blending Vessel,120 volts, Black CI101 |
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| 5 | Hand Mixer Electric, 450W Kitchen Mixers with Scale Cup Storage Case, Turbo Boost/Self-Control Speed + 5 Speed + Eject Button + 5 Stainless Steel Accessories, For Easy Whipping Dough,Cream,Cake |
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| 6 | Hand Mixer Attachments Beater 6Pcs, Whisk, Blending Rod and Dough Hooks, Stainless Steel Hand Mixer Accessories for Kitchenaid Hand Mixers KHM3 KHM5 KHM7 KHM9, Dishwasher Safe |
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| 7 | Proctor Silex Easy Mix 5-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Bowl Rest, Compact and Lightweight, 215 Watts of Peak Power, Storage Case, Black (62512) |
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| 8 | KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer - KHM512, Matte Black |
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| 9 | KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer with Turbo Beater II Accessories and Pro Whisk - Contour Silver |
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| 10 | bella 3.5 Qt Hand & Stand Mixer, 2 in 1 Electric Mixer with Bowl, Dough Hook, Whisk & Egg Beater, Multifunctional Handheld Blender & Mixer for Baking, 200 Watt, Surf |
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So, Which One Is Right for You?
The best choice really depends on who you are as a baker. Let’s break it down.
You’re a Perfect Match for a 5-Speed If…
- You’re a beginner or occasional baker: You primarily make straightforward recipes like drop cookies, brownies, or box cake mixes.
- You’re on a budget: 5-speed models are generally more affordable and offer excellent value.
- You value simplicity: Fewer buttons, less guesswork. You just want a tool that works for the basics.
- Your kitchen space is limited: These models are often more compact.
You Should Seriously Consider a 9-Speed If…
- You’re a passionate home baker: You love tackling more ambitious recipes like meringues, soufflés, artisan bread, or delicate sponges.
- You crave precision and control: You understand that the difference between good and great can be a subtle change in mixing speed.
- You bake frequently: The enhanced features and control will be something you appreciate and use regularly.
- You want a “do-it-all” tool: Many 9-speed models come with extra attachments like dough hooks and whisk attachments, making them more versatile.
Beyond the Speed Dial: Other Features to Consider
While deciding on what is the difference between 5 and 9 speeds is a big part of the equation, it isn’t the only thing that matters. Don’t forget to look at these key features:
Motor Power (Wattage)
Wattage indicates the motor’s power. A higher wattage (200W+) doesn’t always mean faster, but it does mean the mixer can handle thicker, heavier mixtures like dense cookie dough without straining or overheating.
Attachments
- Traditional Beaters: The all-purpose standard for most tasks.
- Wire Whisk(s): Essential for whipping cream and egg whites, as they incorporate more air.
- Dough Hooks: For kneading bread or pizza dough. They are functional but can’t fully replace a stand mixer for heavy-duty kneading.
Ergonomics and Design
How does it feel in your hand? Is it heavy? Is the handle comfortable to grip? Is the cord long enough, or would you prefer a cordless model for ultimate freedom? These comfort factors make a huge difference during longer mixing sessions.
Hand Mixer vs. Stand Mixer vs. Whisk: A Quick Showdown
| Feature | Hand Mixer | Stand Mixer | Hand Whisk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Quick, everyday tasks; small to medium batches. | Large batches, heavy doughs, hands-free mixing. | Small, quick tasks; emulsions, whipped cream. |
| Control | Excellent manual control over bowl position. | Less manual control, but consistent, powerful action. | Total manual control. |
| Cost | $ – $$ | $$$ – $$$$ | $ |
| Storage | Compact, easy to store in a drawer or cupboard. | Bulky, requires significant counter or cabinet space. | Very small, fits in any utensil drawer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What speed should I use to cream butter and sugar?
A medium speed (around 3 on a 5-speed or 4-5 on a 9-speed) is typically perfect. It’s fast enough to incorporate air but slow enough to prevent the mixture from becoming greasy.
Can I knead bread dough with a hand mixer?
You can, if your mixer comes with dough hooks and has a powerful motor. It’s best for softer, wetter doughs. For stiff, low-hydration doughs, a stand mixer or hand-kneading is still superior to avoid burning out your hand mixer’s motor.
Is a higher wattage mixer always better?
Not necessarily. A well-engineered motor with a lower wattage can outperform a poorly designed one with higher wattage. However, for thick doughs, a higher wattage (220W and up) is generally a good indicator of a more robust motor.
Why is my batter splashing everywhere?
This is usually because your starting speed is too high. A 9-speed mixer with a dedicated slow-start feature helps prevent this. If you have a 5-speed, try pulsing the mixer on and off a few times on the lowest setting to gently combine the ingredients before running it continuously.
How do I clean my hand mixer beaters effectively?
The best way is to eject them and place them in a tall glass of warm, soapy water immediately after use. This prevents anything from drying on them. Most beaters are also dishwasher-safe, but check your user manual to be sure.
The Final Whisk
So, when it comes to what is the difference between 5 and 9 speeds, the answer is all about control. A 5-speed mixer is a fantastic and capable tool for the vast majority of home baking tasks. But if you are a dedicated baker who thrives on precision and wants to elevate your craft, the nuanced control offered by a 9-speed mixer is a worthy investment. It empowers you to go from simply mixing ingredients to truly mastering your technique, turning out lighter cakes, glossier meringues, and smoother frostings. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to get in the kitchen and start creating.