Introduction
If you’ve ever struggled with a hand mixer that lacks power, versatility, or doesn’t hold up during heavy mixing, you know how frustrating it can be. The Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage PLUS Hand Mixer addresses these issues by offering multiple speed options and a powerful motor to handle everything from light mixing to more demanding baking tasks. But does it live up to its promise? Let’s take a closer look.
Retails around $90 – 120 (varies by retailer)
Whipping
5/5
Kneading
4/5
Beating
5/5
Ease of usE
4/5
price/valUE
5/5
Key Specs at a Glance
- Motor Power: 220 watts
- Speed Settings: 9-speed LED display + turbo boost + SmoothStart to eliminate splattering
- Body Material: Durable plastic housing
- Attachments: Beaters, chef’s whisk, dough hooks, and spatula
- Weight and Dimensions: 4.2 lbs with a dimension of 8.46″L x 3.94″W x 8.94″H
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Cuisinart HM-90S Build Quality
Cuisinart’s HM-90S arrives securely packaged, with each attachment neatly stored in a plastic caddy to keep them in place. The build quality feels solid thanks to durable plastic housing. While plastic might not seem as premium as metal, its sturdy construction ensures it can handle regular use.
The design is ergonomic, featuring a comfortable handle that eases hand strain during long use. The mixer is fairly compact, making it simple to store in tight spaces when not operating. Aesthetically, it comes in a neutral color scheme (usually white and silver), enabling it to blend seamlessly into most kitchen decors without drawing attention.
The mixer also features a locking mechanism for the beaters, ensuring they stay securely in place during use. The heel rest allows the mixer to rest squarely on the countertop, and the swivel cord for right-handed or left-handed use accommodates all users. Noise-wise, the mixer runs relatively quietly compared to others in its class, but it’s not entirely silent. Chrome-plated Cuisinart logo band adds professional styling, and the BPA Free construction ensures safety.
Comprehensive set of attachments and accessories
These include:
- Two extra-large Beaters: Ideal for mixing batters, cake mixes, and other light to medium tasks.
- Two Dough Hooks: Perfect for kneading bread, pizza, and other yeast-based doughs.
- Chef’s Whisk: Great for whipping cream, egg whites, and other airy mixtures
- Spatula: Useful for scraping down bowls and folding ingredients.
- Snap-On Storage Case: Keeps all parts organized and easily accessible.
- Recipe Book: Offers inspiration and guidance for a variety of recipes.
The Cuisinart HM-90S provides a versatile package with multiple attachments. Whether you’re mixing cake batter or kneading dough, this mixer is designed to keep up with your needs. Thoughtful design elements on the Cuisinart HM-90S provide high value and demonstrate Cuisinart’s confidence in the build quality.
Power and Mixing Ability
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. It 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 cookie dough.
Electronic Speed Control with Soft Start Technology
The Cuisinart HM-90S 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. Its 9-speed settings allow for precise control over mixing consistency, and the speed changes are seamless, with no jerky starts or stops.
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. The turbo boost feature makes it easy to handle more demanding tasks, such as bread dough or cookie batter.
We tested the mixer on various baking tasks, and it handled everything we threw at it :
- Whipping cream: The highest speed worked perfectly for whipping cream, forming soft peaks quickly.
- Kneading dough: The dough hooks did an excellent job of kneading bread dough. Although it required some supervision to ensure consistency, the mixer didn’t falter under the weight of the dough.
- Beating: Beating eggs or mixing cake batter was quick and efficient with the standard beaters. The mix was always smooth, with no flour clumps or unblended ingredients.
Ease of Use
The Cuisinart HM-90S is easy to operate. The speed adjustment buttons are straightforward and positioned within easy reach. The single-slider interface is more user-friendly than traditional rotary dials.
Extra-long and wide beaters provide better mixing and faster aeration, allowing them to reach deeper into bowls. 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.
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.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cuisinart HM-90S Cleanup
Cleaning the Cuisinart HM-90S is easy. The stainless steel beaters, whisk, and dough hooks are dishwasher safe, saving time and effort. The extra-long and wide beaters without a center post prevent ingredients from clogging the beaters, making cleanup much easier than with traditional beaters. The mixer body can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, making maintenance simple. If you’ve used sticky ingredients like dough, it may require extra care; however, disassembly and cleaning are generally straightforward.
Maintenance Tips
To keep the Cuisinart HM-90S in top shape, remember to:
- Always clean the attachments thoroughly after each use to prevent food buildup.
- Store the mixer in a dry, cool place to avoid any electrical damage.
- While it doesn’t require lubrication or oiling, keeping the mixer’s parts dry will help prevent wear and tear.
- Check for any loose parts after extended use to ensure everything remains in place.
Pros & Cons
PROS
Powerful 220-watt motor handles tougher jobs like bread dough with ease.
9-speed settings provide flexibility for a wide range of tasks.
Soft Start technology reduces initial splattering and ingredient mess.
Extra-long self-cleaning beaters without center posts improve efficiency.
Convenient slide control makes speed changes simple and intuitive.
Comprehensive storage case keeps all components organized.
CONS
At 4.2 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some other hand mixers.
Limited color options primarily available in white or black.
Who It’s Best For?
The Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage PLUS Hand Mixer is best for:
- Home bakers looking for a versatile mixer for tasks like beating, whipping, and kneading.
- Small business owners seeking a dependable and budget-friendly hand mixer for light to moderate tasks.
- Anyone seeking a durable and affordable option with multiple attachments and variable speed settings.
It’s not ideal for:
- Heavy-duty bakers who regularly need a mixer for large batches or tough doughs (e.g., pizza dough or large batches of bread dough).
Comparison with Other Mixers
Compared to other hand mixers from Cuisinart, such as the Cuisinart HM-70 Power Advantage Hand Mixer, the HM-90S is a clearly better option, as it features 9 speeds (as opposed to just 7) and includes a wider variety of attachments, making it more versatile overall. The Cuisinart HM-90S is an upgrade from the HM-50S model, offering more power and added features, including turbo boost and extra attachments. It’s an excellent mid-range choice for serious bakers.
Compared to other hand mixers in its price range, such as the KitchenAid KHM512ER 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, the Cuisinart HM-90S stands out due to its additional attachments and more powerful motor. The KitchenAid model offers only five speeds and fewer attachments, but it is often praised for its sturdier build and quieter operation. However, the Cuisinart provides more versatility, making it a better choice for users who want a wider range of tasks covered. The Hamilton Beach 62695V 6-Speed Hand Mixer is a close competitor. While it’s slightly cheaper, the Cuisinart provides a better set of attachments and more speed options, making it a better value for those seeking versatility.
Final Verdict
The Cuisinart HM-90S Power Advantage PLUS Hand Mixer provides impressive power, versatility, and ease of use at an affordable price. Whether you’re a casual baker or a small business owner, the combination of multiple speed settings and useful attachments will make your mixing tasks easier. Although it’s slightly heavier than some competitors and a bit noisy, these are minor issues compared to its overall performance and value. If you’re seeking a dependable, feature-rich hand mixer, the HM-90S is an excellent option.
Video Review
Credit – Cuisinart
FAQs
