The Cuisinart Power Advantage PLUS 9-Speed Hand Mixer (HM-90S) features electronic controls, a comprehensive warranty, and a sturdy storage case at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives, making professional-level mixing accessible to all home cooks.
Retails around $90 – 120 (varies by retailer)
Whipping
4/5
Kneading
4/5
Beating
3.5/5
Ease of usE
4.5/5
price/valUE
5/5
The Cuisinart Power Advantage PLUS 9-Speed Hand Mixer (HM-90S) promises to deliver professional-level mixing performance with electronic speed control and soft start technology at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives.
The Cuisinart’s position as a reliable mid-range option with professional features at an accessible price point is positioned as the key differentiator for budget-conscious home bakers in this review. When it comes to dependable kitchen appliances that won’t break the bank, Cuisinart has built a solid reputation over the decades.
Key Specifications
- 220 watts of power with automatic feedback
- One-step power switch with 9-speed LED display
- SmoothStart feature with 3 low mixing speeds eliminates splattering
- Includes beaters, chef’s whisk, dough hooks, and spatula
- Weight: 4.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 8.46″L x 3.94″W x 8.94″H
Design & Build Quality
Thoughtful design elements on the Cuisinart Advantage (HM-90S) provide high value and demonstrate Cuisinart’s confidence in the build quality.
Powerful 220-Watt Motor with Automatic Feedback
The 220 watts of power, combined with automatic feedback, ensure consistent performance across all mixing tasks. As the load on the motor increases because of a thicker mixture, a feedback sensor detects the slowdown in motor speed and automatically adds more energy to maintain a steady speed. This technology guarantees consistent results regardless of ingredient density or mixing speed, whether you’re working with light whipped cream or dense cookie dough.
Electronic Speed Control with Soft Start Technology
The Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-90S mixer powers on and off with a single button and features a digital screen that displays the speed settings, which are controlled using up and down buttons.
The only drawback is that each time the HM-90S is turned off, the speed resets to its original setting rather than remaining at the current setting. However, this is a safety feature that prevents unexpected splatters. Ideally, you want to start slow and gradually increase your speed.
The innovative SmoothStart feature activates during the first three speeds, causing the beaters to turn slowly initially to prevent ingredient splattering and provide better control from the start of mixing.
Extra-Long Self-Cleaning Beaters
Extra-long and wide beaters provide better mixing and faster aeration, allowing them to reach deeper into bowls. Designed without a center post to prevent ingredients from clogging the beaters, making cleanup much easier than with traditional beaters.
Usability
Easy to operate
Convenient Slide Control Operation Easy-to-use speed control and beater eject lever make operation simple and intuitive. The single-slider interface is more user-friendly than traditional rotary dials.
Mixing Techniques
The Cuisinart Power Advantage HM-90S hand mixer should always be set to the lowest speed when you begin mixing. Occasionally, ingredients may cling to the sides of the mixing bowl. When this happens, turn off the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. The chef’s whisk attachment is only for light whipping. For all other mixing tasks, use the beaters or dough hooks.
Storage and Organization
The included sturdy snap-on case stores the mixer and accessories, keeping beaters and cord organized while saving drawer space. Accessories fit into the clear storage case, and the mixer snaps on as a lid for compact storage.
User Validation
Users consistently praise the mixer’s ability to handle demanding tasks. Additionally, this model was rated very good for convenience based on control settings, beater eject, handle comfort, and stability according to Consumer Reports testing. Moreover, this model was rated very good in terms of noise and performed very well in our mixing test.
Common User Challenges
Some users have concerns about the speed control, particularly when a lower speed is required than the default setting. Often, mixing causes splattering out of the bowl. The lowest speed may still be too aggressive for gentle initial mixing.
Thoughtful design elements
- Chrome-plated Cuisinart logo band adds professional styling
- Swivel cord for right-handed or left-handed use accommodates all users
- The heel rest allows the mixer to rest squarely on the countertop.
- Included spatula adds practical value
- BPA Free construction ensures safety
Cleaning & Maintenance
All removable parts on the Cuisinart Power Advantage (HM-90S) hand mixer are dishwasher safe. The mixer and storage case feature a smooth, sealed base that wipes clean instantly.
Pros & Cons: Complete Performance Assessment
Value for Money: Competitive Mid-Range Positioning
$99.95 from Cuisinart direct, with Amazon pricing in the $95 – 105 range, positioning it as an excellent value proposition in the mid-range hand mixer category. Certified refurbished options available for $50.99 provide additional budget-friendly access.
Compared to budget options under $50, the HM-90S offers better motor power and electronic controls. Against premium brands costing $150 or more, it provides 80% of the functionality at 60% of the price. The included storage case alone often costs $10-$15 separately with competing brands. The comprehensive instruction and recipe book adds extra value.
In summary, this is a feature-rich, powerful, and reliable handheld mixer (not as powerful as stand mixers). A comprehensive 3-year warranty makes this mixer an excellent value.
Who Should Buy The HM-90S?
Highly Recommended for specific user profiles who will appreciate its balanced approach to performance and value:
- Budget-conscious bakers seeking professional features without premium pricing
- Occasional to moderate users who need reliable performance for regular baking
- Small kitchen owners who appreciate the organized storage solution
- Users upgrading from basic mixers ready for electronic speed control
- Gift buyers looking for practical, well-regarded kitchen appliances
- Value-focused consumers who prioritize features per dollar spent
- Users needing reliable warranty coverage with three-year protection
Consider Alternatives If:
- You require the lowest possible speeds for delicate preparations
- Heavy-duty daily use is your primary need (consider stand mixers)
- Whisk attachments are essential for your baking style
- Maximum durability is more important than initial cost savings
- You prefer lighter-weight mixers for extended use
The Bottom Line
The combination of electronic speed control, automatic feedback technology, and thoughtful design features offers a mixing experience that compares favorably to much more expensive options. For bakers seeking reliable performance, modern features, and excellent value under $100, the Cuisinart HM-90S represents one of the best choices in the mid-range hand mixer category.
While concerns about the lowest speed setting prevent a perfect score, the overall value remains attractive for most home bakers, earning an overall rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Video Review
Credit – Cuisinart
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