Kitchen Aid Cookware: Cuisinart HM-50BK Power Advantage 5-Speed Handheld Mixer, Black Review

I own the Cuisinart Power Advantage 5-Speed Handheld Mixer since early April 2009 and I am quiet happy with it thus far.In all fairness, this is my second handheld mixer and my previous mixer (Proctor Silex 62535 Bowl Rest 5-Speed Mixer, White) was a very weak mixer, which simply did not have the power to mix any semi-thick dough.This Cuisinart mixer has significantly more power (220 Watts) and has little trouble mixing most dough, excluding bread dough of course.This mixer has an automatic feedback mechanism which was the main reason I decided to purchase it.Unlike most mixers which supply their motors with different electric powers at different settings, this mixer supplies electric power partially based on the mixing speeds.In other words, it will supply an extra burst of power to the motor when the mixing speed is slow, like mixing tough dough.It only does so temporarily to avoid over heating the motor.It has five speed settings, which is exactly what I want.For those who like additional speed settings, there is the Cuisinart HM-70 Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer, Stainless and White.Keep in mind, their top speeds are the same as they are both powered by a 220 Watts motor.In my opinion, the slow speed setting of this mixer is a bit too fast.Beside the power, the mixer has three other features which I like a lot.First, it can sit nicely on a mixing bowl (when the power is off).Second, the power cord can swing left or right to allow the unit to securely sit upright.I have uploaded two customer images to illustrate this.Third, the beaters are easy to clean.Finally, the beaters can be effortlessly ejected by using the level.Looking at the photo, you may think this mixer has a semi-dull black.In reality, it has a shiny glossy black, which I think, looks even better.For those who prefer white color there is the: Cuisinart HM-50 Power Advantage 5-Speed Hand Mixer, Stainless and White

In summary, this is a powerful and affordable handheld mixer (not powerful compared to stand mixers)

Update:
I do have one compliant.Years ago, customers were able to take their home appliances apart to fix them.Unfortunately, this mixer is not one of those.Cuisinart have sealed off the screw holes and prevented customers from opening up the mixer.My mixer was making some scratchy noises and I could tell it just needed some machine oil/lubrication.Instead of taking the unit apart and adding oil, I had no choice but to pour the oil from outside through the exhaust fan hole, hoping it will get to the place.It did somewhat, and now the noise has been minimized.However, it should have been more straightforward than this.

I still think this is a very nice mixer for its utility and affordable price, and I would still strongly recommend other potential buyers to consider it.However, it would have been nicer if the screw holes are not sealed.

*Update on late Nov 2009*: The mixer is still working fine -- bought it since April 2009.The scratchy metal noise has not come back for some time.By the way, I use this mixer about 3 times per month for cookies and pastries.I hope this illustrates how often this mixer is being used.I am very satisfied with the product thus far.

*Update on Jun 26, 2010*: Still working fine.

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Product Description:
Thanks to its powerful 220-watt motor with automatic feedback, this convenient handheld blender can take on almost any mixing task--from whipped cream to dense cookie dough. The unit shifts speeds with just one touch and offers five speed options. It also comes equipped with an exclusive swivel cord, which allows for either right- or left-handed use, as well as extra-long beaters that have no center posts, making cleanup a snap either by hand or in the dishwasher. Accessories include a spatula and an instruction/recipe book for getting started. Durably built and sporting a chrome-plated Cuisinart logo band, the handheld mixer measures approximately 8 by 3-3/4 by 5-3/4 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty.

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