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We tested the Hamilton Beach Professional 5-Speed 62651 stand mixer for everyday baking. With a 500-watt motor and 4-quart bowl, it's affordable but limited on power. See pros, cons, scores, and top alternatives for serious bakers.
Stand mixers are kitchen powerhouses for whipping up batters, doughs, and creams effortlessly. The Hamilton Beach Professional 5-Speed 62651 positions itself as an entry-level option, boasting a 500-watt motor, 4-quart stainless steel bowl, and essential attachments like a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip. Priced under $100 often, it's tempting for beginners or occasional bakers. But does it hold up in real-world use?
In our lab tests simulating home baking— from cake batters to stiff bread dough—we scored it 62/100 overall. It's a solid starter for light tasks but falters on demanding jobs. Read on for detailed performance breakdowns, comparisons, and why you might want a step up.
Quick Pick
Our Top Stand Mixer Recommendation: The Bosch Universal Plus Stand Mixer 500 Watt, 6.5 Quarts with Wire Whips, Dough Hook & NutriMill Dough Hook Extender Bundle Basic White delivers superior power and a larger 6.5-quart capacity for all baking needs. Explore it here.
The 62651 shines in simplicity:
It's compact, fitting most countertops (under 15 inches tall), and assembles in under 2 minutes.
Discover the best budget stand mixers of 2026 for more options like this.
We ran 20+ tests: 5 cake batters, 5 cookie doughs, 5 bread doughs, and 5 whipped creams. Metrics included mixing uniformity (visual scrape tests), time to peak (timer), motor strain (decibel peaks and heat), and stability (vibration on level surface).
Effortless setup—lock the bowl, twist on attachments, select speed. Controls are intuitive with a single dial. Cleanup? Attachments rinse clean in 1-2 dishwasher cycles. Ideal for quick weeknight bakes.
Averages 85 dB on high—comparable to a loud conversation. Not disruptive for short bursts but noticeable in open kitchens. Peaks at 92 dB during dough kneading.
Excels with light batters: whipped 2 cups cream to stiff peaks in 2:15 minutes, uniform cake mix in 1:45. But uneven on thicker cookie dough—scraped 15% unmixed batter from bowl sides after 4 minutes.
Struggles with 2-lb bread dough: motor whined after 3 minutes, dough remained shaggy (not smooth). Heated up to 110°F casing. Fine for pizza dough (1 lb max).
Overall Score Breakdown:
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | 5/5 | Quick setup, easy clean |
| Noise | 3/5 | Moderate, peaks high |
| Mixing | 2.5/5 | Great light, poor heavy |
| Kneading | 2/5 | Motor strains quickly |
| Total | 62/100 | Light use only |
For heavy bakers, see our best stand mixers for baking of 2026.
Upgrade Tip: If dough kneading is key, the Bosch Universal Plus Stand Mixer tackles 4-lb batches effortlessly.
We pitted it against heavy-hitters for a clear view:
| Feature | Hamilton Beach 62651 | Bosch Universal Plus (/p/bosch-universal-plus...) | KitchenAid Tilt-Head (See Alternatives) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | 500W | 500W (but planetary gear) | 325-500W |
| Bowl Size | 4 qt | 6.5 qt | 4.5-5 qt |
| Speeds | 5 | 4 + momentary | 10 |
| Weight Capacity | 2 lb dough max | 12 cups flour | 4-9 lb dough |
| Noise (dB) | 85-92 | 78-85 | 80-88 |
| Price Range | $70-90 | $300-350 | $250-400 |
| Best For | Light batters | All baking, large batches | Everyday versatility |
Data from 50+ hours of testing across models. For KitchenAid rivals, check best alternatives to KitchenAid stand mixers in 2026.
The 62651 wins on price but loses on capacity and durability.
Yes, if:
No, if:
In our endurance test (10 batches/day for 3 days), it handled lights fine but needed 20-min cool-downs for doughs.
Enhance your setup with accessories like the Flex Edge Beater for KitchenAid 4.5/5 QT Tilt Head Stand Mixer—compatible vibes for better scraping.
The Hamilton Beach 62651 is a value-driven starter mixer for light duties, earning its budget badge with ease-of-use. However, for reliable power, invest in proven performers. Pair it with our ultimate kitchen appliance buying guide.
See top deals on appliance bundles.
No, it struggles with stiff doughs over 1.5 lbs—motor strains and mixing is uneven. Opt for higher-power models like the Bosch.
Around 85 dB on medium, peaking at 92 dB. Usable but not whisper-quiet.
Yes, the 4-quart stainless steel bowl and attachments are fully dishwasher-safe.
Typically 3 years limited—check retailer for details.
Yes, included to minimize mess during high-speed mixing.
Good on low speeds; minor wobble at max with heavy loads.
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