BraunMultiMix HM3100 electric hand mixer,500w, variable speed & turbo functioin, whisk & dough hooks, easy eject button, soft grip - white

SpeedI absolutely love the variable speed controls. I cannot use the side to side speed controls used on most devices (I prefer the vertical sliders) as I struggle with the pressure required, but this is a smooth continuous dial with perfect control. The slow speed is also a massive bonus and was something I was looking for unlike the standard 'fast, faster, fastest, warp/FTL' that comes on most machines... The only downside I feel is the turbo does not feel as fast as I would like but is definitely able to do the job, and is a decent speed (my Dualit was a monster so I got too used to it).WeightMy last mixer was a Dualit and was far heavier. However, it was my pride and joy for 5 years. Whilst the Braun isn't as powerful, it has an impressive weight distribution which is placed vertically over the mixing bowl and not like a counterweight to it, which really helps not only with the mixing but also stops me getting tired arms so quickly.NoiseFar quieter that I expected. I can actually have a conversation while I am baking and also am not afraid the neighbours will think I have set up a motorboat in my kitchen. It isn't silent - but is the first mixer in this lower price bracket that I have heard this low. Well done Braun!DownsideThis is the reason (and the only reason) for not hitting 5 stars. It does feel a little wobbly with thicker mixes; and the noise changes everso slightly which makes me think it is labouring a little. However it does not prevent it doing it's job.So in summation, well balanced, quiet, 'true' slow speed capable, full smooth and super light variable-speed control. Definitely recommend this product. Probably feels a little flimsy for a heavy-duty baker, but it has done me proud so far.

I like to bake recreationally, mostly things like cakes, macarons etc. and I needed a new hand mixer. This is certainly not a pro hand mixer and it is a bit pricier than my last one, but i liked the look for the design and I have other items of this brand in the kitchen.It has a nice and clean design and easy holding space due to the large gap in the middle, and the fact you can sit it flat was a critical point in my purchase (I never did get mixers that don't have a flat heel). The blades / whisks are really great for certain things, but not for others. For whisking up eggs and liquidy mixes these are far better than the flat cross type that most people are used to. As they are rounded and don't "cut" through things, they are not so great for creaming butter and sugar unless the butter is really soft (where flat sided blades are better).This is reasonably quiet, even at high speeds, and doesn't vibrate in the hand much, however it does struggle a little when mixing thicker items -again I think the rounded blades here are best suited for more fluid items. it wont struggle mixing dough with the dough hooks, but it will let you know that its working extra hard.Overall I am happy with this product. I feel that it might be a little cheaper to fit into its market better, but the build quality IS good enough to warrant close to the price. Just make sure to leave the butter out that bit longer to help you mix it when you make your next batch of shortbread.Great for: The blades are really amazing at liquidy mixes - creams eggs and sugar in no time, and in a way that's better than I've seen before.Not so great for: thick /stodgy mixes

I bought this instead of a stand mixer to save some money and don't regret it at all. Setting it up was relatively easy, each part has either a circle or a hexagon - match them up and they'll click into place. The attachments themselves are pretty sturdy.Yes, it can be a little heavy but I could hold it for 5-10 minutes switching hands no problem. However, the slow setting is actually slow - perfect for creaming butter /sugar for example. However, you need to still use a relatively deep bowl to avoid flinging loose mix everywhere, or at least mix the ingredients together slightly first.The dough attachments were very good, but I wouldn't push against the dough too hard because it did feel like it would break them. Instead, slowly push through the (bread) dough at low-medium speed in lines and it should mix really nicely!Both the cake I made using the whisk attachments and the bread I made using the dough attachments rose incredibly well and have never looked so good. Very happy with this purchase so far- hopefully they'll last!

Like that it has easily cleaned whisks and a sealed body, so no flour can get into the motor. Also, the flat end means it can be rested on its base during recipe assembly. Simple to use, powerful for the average baker. Pleased with this mixer.

This is the most expensive mixer we have ever bought and unfortunately also the worst. It is so noisy it has to be returned. It screams at you. Often the whisks get out of sync and jam inside. I'm sure it must be faulty. Also it's not very fast either. Very disappointing purchase after expecting something better than the cheaper mixers we've had in the past.