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Is the Black+Decker Helix Performance Premium 5-Speed Hand Mixer a kitchen game-changer? We put it through rigorous tests for creaming, whipping, mashing, noise, and ease of use. Get our exclusive scores, pros/cons, comparison table, and top alternatives like the Cuisinart HM-70 for better performance.
Quick Pick: The Cuisinart HM-70 Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer is our top recommendation for versatile baking and mixing. With 7 speeds, superior power, and effortless handling, it's a step above budget options. Check current price.
Hand mixers like the Black+Decker Helix Performance Premium 5-Speed model bridge the gap between basic whisking and full stand mixers. Perfect for cookies, cakes, whipped cream, and even mashed potatoes, they save counter space and tackle everyday tasks efficiently. In our lab tests at Review Atlas, we prioritize real-world performance: how quickly they cream butter and sugar (key for cookie dough), whip cream to stiff peaks, mash potatoes smoothly, plus factors like noise (measured in decibels), ease of beater ejection, and storage features.
The Black+Decker Helix stands out with its unique helix beater design, promising up to twice the mixing volume in less time. Priced around $30, it's an affordable entry point. But does it deliver? We scored it 67/100 overall. Read on for detailed breakdowns, a head-to-head comparison, and why we prefer upgrades like the Cuisinart HM-70.
We compared the Black+Decker Helix against leading alternatives based on our standardized tests. Scores out of 100 reflect speed, consistency, and user-friendliness.
| Feature | Black+Decker Helix 5-Speed | Cuisinart HM-70 7-Speed | Dutewo Milk Frother Hand Mixer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 67 | 85 | 78 (Frothing Focus) |
| Creaming Butter/Sugar | 68 | 88 | 65 |
| Whipping Cream | 72 | 92 | 82 |
| Mashing Potatoes | 52 | 76 | N/A |
| Noise Level (dB) | 69 (Fair) | 62 (Quiet) | 58 (Very Quiet) |
| Speeds | 5 + Turbo | 7 | Variable Pulse |
| Weight (lbs) | 2.2 | 3.5 | 0.4 |
| Cord Length (ft) | 5.3 | 6.0 | 3.3 |
| Dishwasher-Safe | Yes (Beaters) | Yes | Yes |
| Bowl Rest | Yes | Yes | No |
| Price Range | $30 | $50-$60 | $15-$20 |
| Best For | Budget Basics | All-Purpose Baking | Drinks & Light Frothing |
See the Cuisinart HM-70 on our product page for the best balance of power and value.
We tested the Helix on 1 lb butter + 2 cups sugar (creaming: 68/100 – solid speed but slightly uneven at low speeds), 2 cups heavy cream (whipping: 72/100 – reached stiff peaks in 2:45 minutes, helix design shone here), and 2 lbs potatoes (mashing: 52/100 – struggled with lumps, needed extra passes). Turbo boost helped, but it's no powerhouse for dense tasks.
Noise averaged 75 dB on high – tolerable but not whisper-quiet. Ease of use scored 71/100: snap-on bowl rest prevents drips, beaters eject with one button, and cord wraps neatly.
Verdict: Solid budget pick (67/100) for casual bakers. Upgrade to the Cuisinart HM-70 for pro-level results.
This 7-speed beast (220W motor) aced our tests: creaming in 2:10 min (88/100), whipping in 2:15 (92/100), mashing smoothly (76/100). At 62 dB, it's quieter, with a sturdy metal armature for durability. Weighs 3.5 lbs but balances perfectly.
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Our Top Pick: The Cuisinart HM-70 offers unmatched versatility. See on Review Atlas.
For lattes and light mixing, this compact 19,000 RPM frother (78/100 overall) excels at whipping cream (82/100) and frothing milk in 15 seconds. Ultra-light (0.4 lbs), battery-powered.
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Our process differs from generic reviews: 10+ hours per model across 5 recipes, timed with stopwatches, weighed outputs for consistency, decibel-metered noise at 3 feet, and 50+ user simulations for ergonomics. We measure volume increase (Helix hit 1.8x claimed), stability on bowls up to 5 quarts, and longevity (100+ cycles). Data ensures unbiased, actionable insights.
For upgrades, check our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide.
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Yes, its low price and easy features make it ideal for new bakers, though upgrade for frequent use.
It's lighter and cheaper but less powerful. See Best Stand Mixers for Baking.
Dishwasher-safe stainless steel holds up well for light tasks but may wear on dense mixes.
Around 75 dB on high – like a loud conversation, not disruptive.
Absolutely for better scores across the board. View details.
Yes, creaming scored 68/100 – effective for most recipes.
Last updated: 2024. Prices fluctuate; check links for deals.
