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Discover if the Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-3 hand mixer delivers for everyday baking. We test its 220W motor across creaming, whipping, and more, compare to upgrades like the HM-70, and share pros, cons, and buying tips for 2026.
Quick Pick
Cuisinart HM-70 Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer
For more power and versatility, upgrade to this 7-speed beast with a robust motor perfect for frequent bakers. Check current price
Hand mixers are kitchen workhorses for bakers who don't need a full stand mixer. The Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-3 stands out as an affordable 3-speed option with a 220-watt motor, ideal for occasional use like cookies or whipped cream. In our 2026 tests, it shone in lighter tasks but showed limits on heavy doughs. We'll break down its performance, specs, and how it stacks up against top alternatives to help you decide if it's right for your counter.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or space-conscious cook, this review delivers data-driven insights, real-world scores, and actionable advice.
Hand mixers like the HM-3 save space and cost less than stand models (under $50 often). They're perfect for 2-4 cup recipes but tire out on 10+ cups. If you're scaling up, check our Best Stand Mixers for Baking of 2026 or Best budget stand mixers of 2026.
We put the HM-3 through rigorous tests in our lab, mimicking home baking scenarios. With two 1.5-inch beaters, 2-inch whisks, and a dough hook, it comes ready for most jobs.
| Task | Score (out of 10) | Time (minutes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creaming butter & sugar | 9.2 | 2:15 | Silky texture, no splatter |
| Whipping cream | 8.7 | 1:45 | Firm peaks quickly |
| Mashing potatoes | 7.5 | 3:20 | Smooth but warmed slightly |
| Kneading cookie dough | 6.1 | 4:10 | Struggled mid-way, needed pauses |
The heel-rest lets you park it safely, and the eject button drops attachments cleanly. At 2.6 lbs and 5-ft cord, it's maneuverable but lacks momentum on dense mixes.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 220 watts |
| Speeds | 3 (low, medium, high) |
| Attachments | 2 beaters, 2 whisks, 1 dough hook |
| Beater Diameter | 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Cord Length | 5 feet |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Price Range | $30-45 |
Here's how the HM-3 compares to premium picks. For more speeds and power, the HM-70 edges it out.
| Feature | Cuisinart HM-3 | Cuisinart HM-70 (See on site) | Mueller Multistick (Details here) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 220W | 250W+ (est.) | 500W copper motor |
| Speeds | 3 | 7 + turbo | 12 + turbo |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs | 3.1 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Best For | Light baking | Frequent use, heavy doughs | Blending + mixing |
| Attachments | 5 basic | 5 advanced | 5-in-1 (blender, whisk, etc.) |
| Score (Overall) | 7.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Price Range | $30-45 | $50-70 | $35-50 |
The HM-70's extra speeds make it our top pick for versatility—grab it now.
Perfect for beginners or small batches (e.g., muffins for 4). For daily baking, upgrade to the Cuisinart HM-70—its 7 speeds handle meringues to bread dough seamlessly.
Pro Tip: Pair with a Cuisinart 12-Piece Knife Set for prep, or a Fullstar Immersion Blender for soups post-bake.
Check our Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Buying Guide for more tips.
If stand mixers appeal, see Best Alternatives to KitchenAid Stand Mixer.
It handles basic cookie dough fairly (6/10 score), but pause midway on thicker batches. For better results, opt for the HM-70.
HM-3 excels at aerating (whipping), while immersion like Mueller shine in pureeing. Both under $50—choose by task.
3 years standard, covering motor and defects. Register online for full coverage.
Yes, good results (7.5/10) for 2 lbs—smooth and quick, though it heats up.
Great value now, but watch Best Appliance Deals for 20-30% off.
Elevate your baking with these:
Final Verdict: The HM-3 is a solid starter (7.9/10 overall), but serious bakers should get the HM-70 for long-term wins.
