Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer (63391)

Key Specifications

• Tilt-head design
• 7-Speed Variable Control
• 300-watt motor with Planetary Mixing Action
• 4 quart stainless steel bowl with handles
• Includes flat beater, whisk, dough hook, and  splatter shield
• Nonslip feet
• Dimensions (inches): 14.5 H x 14.4 W x 10.9 D

Design & Build Quality

300-Watt Motor with Planetary Mixing Action

The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer (63391) features a 300-watt motor that powers planetary mixing action, rotating the beaters around the entire 4-quart stainless steel bowl. The mixing action provides complete bowl coverage, eliminating the need for constant bowl scraping during operation.

7-Speed Variable Control with Mixing Guide

The 63391 mixer offers seven distinct speed settings, ranging from a slow first speed designed to minimize splatter when incorporating dry ingredients to high-speed settings ideal for whipping cream or meringue. A helpful guide on top of the mixer helps you choose the right speed for the job, making it particularly beginner-friendly.

Tilt-Head Design for Easy Access

The tilt-head design provides easy access to the bowl when adding ingredients or attaching accessories.  This user-friendly feature makes operation significantly more convenient than bowl-lift models.

Built-in Carrying Handle

A standout feature is the large, built-in handle on top of the mixer head. The top handle gives you a better grip on lifting the mixer’s head to add ingredients or swap out attachments. When you want to store the stand mixer away, use the same handle for easy moving.

4-Quart Stainless Steel Bowl

The generous 4-quart capacity handles most home baking needs and is a suitable size for small to medium tasks, such as mixing dough for bread, cupcakes, and cookies. The bowl features convenient dual handles and secures to the base with a simple twist-lock mechanism.

Complete Attachment Set

Included with the 63391 mixer are accessories that are more than enough for most baking and cooking needs:

• Flat Beater: For general mixing tasks like cake batter or cookie dough.
• Dough Hook: Coated for easy cleanup and effective bread kneading.
• Wire Whisk: For whipping and aerating ingredients.
• Splash Guard: Prevents messes while allowing ingredient addition during mixing.

User Experience

Design and Build Quality

The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer features a straightforward design with a clean finish. The plastic housing is durable enough for regular home use, although it might not have the heavy-duty feel of more premium models. It’s lightweight at just under 10 pounds, making it easy to lift and move around when needed. In terms of footprint, the mixer has a compact design that won’t dominate your countertop, measuring just 14.5 inches in height and 14.4 inches in width. This makes it a great choice for kitchens with limited space or for those who prefer a compact, streamlined appliance.

Mixing Performance

The 300-watt motor handles most jobs well, but it’s important to remember that this mixer is more suited for lighter to moderate baking tasks, not heavy-duty use like kneading thick bread dough for hours. It’s perfect for casual home bakers or small baking batches. The planetary mixing action ensures the attachments rotate around the bowl for an even mix, preventing the need to scrape the sides too often.

Stability and Operation

The mixer is also quieter than some other budget models, although it can still become slightly noisy at higher speeds. The stand mixer holds the bowl firmly in place with non-slip feet, which prevents any slipping during heavy mixing.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

One of the standout features of the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer 63391 is its user-friendliness. Setting it up is a breeze, with intuitive controls and a tilt-head design that makes adding ingredients and removing the bowl a simple task. The control knob, conveniently located at the front, is easy to adjust, and the speed selection buttons are clearly labeled.

When it comes to cleaning, the mixer does not disappoint. The bowl and attachments are dishwasher-safe, making the cleanup process a breeze. The base itself can be wiped down with a damp cloth, although you should be cautious around the motor and electrical components.

Since the mixer’s design is relatively simple, there aren’t too many nooks and crannies that require intense cleaning efforts. The bowl, beaters, and dough hooks can be easily removed for quick rinsing or loading into the dishwasher.

Value for Money: Investment-Worthy?

At approximately $120, the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer 63391 is a highly rated option. But does it work? This stand mixer boasts a 4-quart capacity and includes all the necessary accessories you’d expect. This positions it as significantly more affordable than premium alternatives.

It’s more than three times cheaper than a KitchenAid Artisan, making it an attractive entry point for new bakers. The included attachment set and comprehensive features provide substantial value at this price point.

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy the Stand Mixer?

The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer is highly recommended for:

• Beginning bakers who want to test stand mixer functionality without a major investment
• Occasional bakers making small to medium batches of cookies, cakes, and muffins
• Secondary mixer users who need a lightweight, portable option for travelling or small spaces
• College students or young adults setting up their first kitchen on a budget
• Gift buyers looking for practical presents for aspiring bakers
• Senior users who appreciate the lightweight, easy-to-handle design

Consider Alternatives If:

• You plan to bake frequently or professionally
• Heavy bread making is a primary intended use
• Long-term durability is a top priority
• You require maximum stability during mixing
• Large-batch baking for events or families is common
• You prefer investing once in a premium appliance

The Bottom Line

The Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer 63391 is best suited for casual bakers and home kitchens where space and budget are considerations. It offers good value for the money, with solid performance for most basic tasks such as mixing batters, doughs, and egg whites. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty baking or commercial use, it performs its intended function efficiently and easily.

If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-use mixer that doesn’t compromise on essential features, this is a great choice. However, if you plan on baking frequently or handling more challenging tasks, it might be worth considering a model with greater power and versatility.

Video Review

Credit – Hamilton Beach