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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Hamilton Beach 63220 Eclectrics All-Metal 12-Speed Stand Mixer, Sterling Review

I was a little skeptical buying a non-KitchenAid mixer, since they seem to be the mixer that every chef has.However, I really liked the look of this one, and it's less expensive, and it has a 3-year warranty as opposed to a 1-year, so I took my chances.Unlike the reviewer before me, I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled it out of the box.It was slightly bigger than I expected (bulkier than our KitchenAid Artisan), but it can still fit under the cabinets even when the head is lifted, and the finish is beautiful.It looks like brushed metal, but it has a glossy coat to make it smooth.The mixer seems very well-made.I had received a KitchenAid commercial style mixer previously as a gift and returned it, because the quality seemed really poor (the finish had numerous scratches and unfinished areas of metal) and it was really big and loud.I was amazed at how quiet the Hamilton Beach mixer was.It's quieter than our Artisan mixer - you can barely hear it at all when it's on lower speeds.I made a batch of cookies and it mixed up fine.I didn't have to scrape the sides any more than with the KitchenAid.One complaint I have is that the bowl feels pretty cheap and doesn't lock as securely as the KitchenAid, and I don't know if any other bowl will fit in it.I've only used the beater attachment so far, but I'm impressed with it.The white coating on it feels really nice and smooth - I was expecting plastic from the picture, but it's actually sturdy metal covered with some kind of glossy enamel.I'm still getting used to the quick-release button in the back as opposed to the lock on the side of the KitchenAid, but I think once I get used to it, it will make things quicker and easier.I was worried I'd regret going with a company I wasn't too familiar with instead of KitchenAid, but I don't regret it at all.It's gorgeous!

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Product Description:
Eclectrics All Metal Stand Mixer with professional 2 way rotating mixing action . Powerful 400 watts of power . Includes 4.5 Quart size Stainless Steel mixing bowl. Quick release tilt-up head for easy food prep & bowl removal. Includes Pouring shield , dough hook & whisk attachments. Individually hand finished sterling color is smudge-proof and blends with any kitchen decor. Top rated mixer by two leading consumer magazines . Soft start electronic motor is ultra quiet.

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