A hand mixer is not only a great alternative to a stand mixer, it’s a great kitchen tool in its own right. Easier to store and clean than their larger counterparts they can make the difference between a cake that is light and fluffy and one that tastes like glue. If you’re getting into more cooking and baking these days a hand mixer is a great thing to have. Scroll through our choices for the best hand mixers, including an option for an immersion blender.

The Hamilton Beach Electric Hand Mixer is affordable and compact to accommodate your budget and your kitchen needs. With six speeds along with the traditional beaters and whisk, you’ll surely be able to tackle any recipe. And when you need to pause to add the next ingredient, you can take full advantage of the integrated bowl-rest feature. Don’t worry about where to keep it or about losing its set of attachments with the included snap-on storage case.

Why we love it:

You don’t always have to splurge for every kitchen appliance. Well, at least not for the Linkchef Hand Mixer. It has five variable speeds that can undoubtedly get the job done. You are also fully equipped to take on any recipe with two dough hooks and two beaters. Power this hand mixer with the touch of a button. An indicator light tells you when the mixer is ready to go. Assembly and disassembly are no hassle at all, and cleaning is a breeze with this hand mixer.

Why we love it:

The Black+Decker MX600TR boasts five different speeds — stir, combine, mix, blend, beat/whip — and a power boost. The 250-watt motor makes it perfect for mixing batters, sauces, and doughs. It features an ergonomic grip for comfortable use, and the heel of the mixer is designed to rest upright on the counter or sit on the edge of the bowl. The durable nylon beaters are also removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The mixer comes with its own storage case that uses the MX600 itself as a snap-on cover, so you’ll always have a place to stow the mixer and its accessories.

Why we love it:

When counter space is limited consider the Mueller Austria Hand Mixer. More than having a slim and sophisticated design, it is a versatile tool that delivers consistent results with a total of nine speeds. It may be a hand blender by default but switch it up with the whisk and milk frother attachments, to widen the possibilities even further. Its quality is exceptional and the best part about is that it only takes about 30-seconds or less to blend ingredients.

Why we love it:

Perhaps you’ve been inspired by all the chefs and bakers you’re seeing on TV. Perhaps the same comforting box of brownies is calling your name. Either way, a hand mixer makes a huge difference. Make soups and sauce with an immersion blender, make the best birthday cake your family has ever seen with a hand mixer that packs the power you need. The hand mixers on this list are sure to elevate your cooking game while being easy to store and easy to clean up too.