I burned it out the other night while making a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (the dough for these is heavier than the tollhouse recipe I tested in my first review). A puff of white smoke was my only warning -- in fact, it wasn't really a warning, but the signal that my mixer would mix no more.

I opened the appliance to see if a fusible link had protected the motor. Alas, there was nothing like that, just light-gauge wires and springs that popped out. The motor died, and the motor is the heart of the mixer.

Still, I want to let my 4-star rating stand, with the warning that this mixer is really meant for lighter-duty use. It still represents a good value. Just be aware that if you're doing things like mixing heavy doughs, you'd really be better off with a small stand mixer.

47 of 50 found the following review helpful:

Disgusting and dangerous - Chrome plating flaked off the beaters into my cake  Mar 04, 2009
By L. Suarez
Stay away from this product. It should be recalled. I was using this mixer for only the second time. I made a simple cake and while pouring it into the cake pan, I noticed dark little bits that turned out to be little metal colored flakes. I inspected the beater and saw that it was shedding chrome plating. You get what you pay for but I would think it would be cheaper to NOT plate the beaters and certainly cheaper not to face a recall.

40 of 43 found the following review helpful:

Works well  Mar 17, 2006
By Sandie Sunshine "amazmom"
I cook for a family of 5.

I make a lot of mashed potatoes that need whipping.
I have gone through my share of hand mixers.

So far I don't have any complaints about this hamilton beach model. It is powerful enough to whip up the potatoes. It comes with a case that fits right onto the bottom of the mixer that holds the cord and the beaters. This is wonderful since I no longer have to search through the drawers looking for the beaters.

Over all a wonderful mixer for the money if your just looking for a normal household hand mixer.

26 of 27 found the following review helpful:

This is the one to buy!  Feb 28, 2006
By Cricketmom "cricketmom"
What a great hand mixer. It is inexpensive so I was worried, but I shouldn't have been. It comes with 3 different sets of beaters that store in a container that the mixer sits on. But that is not the best part. This mixer has SO much more umph than my old hand mixer ever had! I have used it on many different recipes and it has NEVER bogged down! Plus I went to the Hamilton Beach site and it has a 2 year warrenty to fix or replace. If you want a hand mixer that has all the gusto without having to drag out your full size mixer, this is the one for you!

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

Forget the more expensive models!  Nov 10, 2004
By Fruit Loop
This one does it all. I bought it as a quick replacement when mine crashed and found it far superior to the expensive model it replaced. Has terrific power for its size and its blending capabilities are more than comparable to the bigger Kitchenaids. Highly recommend. Also makes a nice wedding or shower gift, or an inexpensive housewarming gift for a young cook starting out in that first apartment

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