KitchenAid 6 Speed Hand Mixer KHM6118 review Flex Edge Beaters tested

Description

Compact Design and Lightweight Build

The KitchenAid 6 Speed Hand Mixer with Flex Edge Beaters (Model KHM6118) was an instant hit in my kitchen. Its compact and lightweight design made it easy to handle, and I could maneuver it without feeling like I was giving my arm a workout. I’ve used bulkier hand mixers in the past, and this one felt like a breath of fresh air. It easily fits into smaller kitchen drawers, making storage a breeze. The Contour Silver finish adds a sleek touch, blending seamlessly with modern kitchen aesthetics. Being lightweight doesn’t mean it feels cheap—it has a sturdy build that assures durability.

Performance and Versatility

This 6-speed hand mixer became my go-to for almost every kitchen task. From mixing chunky ingredients at the lowest speed to whipping up perfectly fluffy meringues at the highest, this mixer handled it all. The range of speeds is truly impressive. I tested it with cookie dough, mashed potatoes, and even a dense banana bread batter. The results were consistently smooth and lump-free. What really stood out was the Flex Edge Beaters. These beaters double the surface area compared to traditional metal ones, which means faster and more thorough mixing. I didn’t have to constantly scrape the sides of the bowl, which saved so much time and effort.

Highlights

• Flex Edge Beaters: Provide 2x the surface area for quicker, more thorough mixing.
• 6-speed control: Perfect for different tasks, from slow stirring to high-speed whipping.
• Integrated storage clip: Convenient and eliminates the need for bulky storage boxes.
• Pro whisk attachment: Whips egg whites or heavy cream effortlessly for desserts.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Operating this mixer is incredibly simple, thanks to its push-button controls. Switching between speeds felt intuitive, and the buttons were responsive. The detachable spindle made cleaning hassle-free. My biggest pet peeve with mixers has always been cleaning the beaters, but these are dishwasher safe, which is a huge plus in my book. I also loved how the integrated storage clip kept everything together. No more searching for misplaced beaters or whisks—it was all neatly attached to the underside of the mixer.

Good Aspects

• Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to handle and store.
• Dishwasher-safe components simplify the cleaning process.
• Wide range of speeds suits various mixing needs.
• The sleek finish and design enhance its visual appeal in the kitchen.

Areas for Improvement

While I genuinely appreciated this product for its performance, there were a few shortcomings worth mentioning:

• The mixer can feel slightly underpowered for extremely dense doughs like bread dough.
• Its storage clip, while convenient, isn’t the sturdiest and may not hold up over time.
• Compared to larger stand mixers, the bowl capacity is obviously limited, which might not suit heavy-duty bakers.

Competing Products

In comparison to other hand mixers, this model stands out for its Flex Edge Beaters, which significantly reduce the need for scraping during mixing. However, against competitors like the Cuisinart HM-90S or the Breville Handy Mix, there are a few trade-offs. The KitchenAid model is lighter and more compact, making it ideal for casual bakers or those with limited kitchen space. On the other hand, the Cuisinart offers a slightly more powerful motor, which might perform better with thicker doughs. The Breville, with its intuitive digital speed control, feels more advanced but comes at a higher price point. If you prioritize ease of use and storage, the KitchenAid holds its ground exceptionally well.

Price to Quality Ratio

Whether this hand mixer is worth the investment depends on your needs. As someone who values efficiency and convenience, I found it to offer great value. It’s not the most powerful mixer on the market, but its unique features like the Flex Edge Beaters and integrated storage clip make it a smart choice for everyday tasks. For bakers who don’t need industrial-grade power but want reliable performance, this mixer strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. It’s a budget-friendly option without feeling like you’re sacrificing too much in terms of performance.

Additional information