
Breville Hand Mixer BHM800SIL Review 2026: Compact Hand Mixer for Home Bakers
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Compact and ergonomic — designed for small kitchens and frequent home baking.
- Predictable speed control helps with folding, whipping, and small-batch batters.
- Not intended to replace a stand mixer for heavy, prolonged dough kneading.
- Good balance of performance and portability at a mid-range price point.
Table of contents
Quick overview
Purpose: A compact hand mixer aimed at home bakers. Focus: daily mixing tasks, batter prep, light whipping.
Tone: practical, spare, direct. The goal here is to help you decide quickly.
Core reasons this model matters
- Small footprint, fits in tight drawers.
- Balanced weight, less wrist strain during sustained use.
- Simple controls, rapid speed changes during recipes.
Design and build
Shell and ergonomics
The housing uses a brushed silver finish. Grip sits low on the handle. Your wrist stays neutral. Buttons rest under thumb for single hand control. The mixer feels solid in hand. No flimsy creaks during regular use.
Controls and storage
Controls present as a linear speed dial and an eject button for attachments. The design favors fast adjustments while mixing. Storage notes: the unit tucks into small cabinets without extra bulk.
Performance and real use
Mixing power
Motor delivers steady torque for batters, dough with low hydration, and whipped cream. You will see consistent mixing across speeds. The motor does not stall under normal home loads. Similar consistent performance can be observed in the Cuisinart Hand Mixer series that emphasizes steady power for everyday baking tasks.
Speed control and timing
Speed increments give predictable results. Lower speeds handle folding and gentle mixing. Higher speeds produce firm peaks for whipped cream and egg whites. You will save time by shifting speeds rather than restarting mixes. This aspect of decisive speed control is also a feature highlighted in other mixers such as the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer known for smooth speed transitions.
Noise and vibration
Noise levels remain within typical ranges for hand mixers. Vibration stays low. You keep control while ingredients incorporate. These ergonomic benefits parallel those found in the DASH Delish Compact Stand Mixer, which focuses on user comfort and noise reduction.
Features and attachments
- Standard beaters for batters and cookie dough.
- Whisks for light foams and cream.
- Storage clip or bay in some versions for accessory hold.
Comparison with peers
Simple metrics help you compare across models. The table below uses common buyer criteria. Numbers appear as approximations meant for quick side by side checks.
| Model | Speed settings | Weight | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville BHM800SIL | Several; steady gradations | Light to medium | Everyday baking, whipping, light dough |
| KitchenAid compact hand mixer | Multiple; smooth ramp | Light | Frequent home bakers, small batches |
| Cuisinart entry hand mixer | Standard range | Light to medium | Budget conscious buyers, occasional use |
Practical tests you can run at home
- Whip 1 cup heavy cream. Time required to reach soft peaks gives a feel for speed range.
- Mix cookie dough for 12 cookies. Note motor load and heat after 3 minutes.
- Beat egg whites for meringue. Evaluate peak stability and whisk efficiency.
Example result: In a short test, whipping cream reaches soft peaks within a few minutes on high speed. Timing depends on cream temperature, bowl size, and ingredient volume. Your results will vary with those inputs. The effectiveness for whipping can be compared with the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer.
Who benefits most
- You who bake daily and need a compact tool.
- You who lack space for a stand mixer but want better results than a whisk.
- You who seek reliable mixing without a steep learning curve.
Pros and cons
- Pros: compact, ergonomic, predictable speeds.
- Cons: not suited for heavy bread dough, limited high torque compared with stand mixers.
Care, maintenance, common faults
Follow simple steps to extend service life.
- Unplug before cleaning.
- Remove attachments and wash in warm, soapy water.
- Wipe housing with a damp cloth. Avoid submersion.
- Store in a dry place. Keep attachments together to prevent loss.
Buying checklist
Use this checklist to avoid impulse errors.
- Confirm warranty period and support options.
- Inspect accessory list. Check for whisks and beaters you use often.
- Assess weight and grip. Hold a demo unit if possible.
- Match motor power to common recipes you plan to run.
Troubleshooting quick guide
- Unit does not start: check power source and plug seating.
- Motor smells hot during long runs: stop, allow cool down, reduce mixing duration.
- Attachments stick: press eject firmly, clean housing slot for debris.
Recipe ideas that fit this mixer
- Light sponge cakes, single bowl recipes.
- Whipped cream and mousse bases.
- Cookie and muffin batters for small batches.
Price and value
Price sits in the mid range for handheld mixers. You gain compact design and refined ergonomics. The trade off involves torque for dense doughs. If your routine includes heavy kneading, a stand mixer will serve better. For such heavy doughs, consider the Kitchen in the Box Stand Mixer as an alternative.
Counterpoints and critical view
Assumptions often float around small appliances. Here are direct challenges to common claims.
- Claim: a hand mixer replaces a stand mixer. Counter: torque limits mean prolonged kneading will stress the unit. Reserve bread dough mixing for stand mixers.
- Claim: more speed settings equal better results. Counter: decisive speed control matters more than raw count. Smooth transitions reduce ingredient splatter and overmixing. This smooth control is also praised in the KitchenAid Hand Mixers.
- Claim: flashy finish equals longevity. Counter: finish matters for looks. Internal motor quality determines lifespan.
Questions you should ask before buying
- Will you mix heavy doughs frequently?
- Do you need a compact tool for small kitchens?
- Do you prefer simple controls over multi feature menus?
Final takeaways
Choose this mixer if you value compact size, ergonomic design, and steady performance for everyday baking. Avoid this mixer if you plan regular heavy dough work.
Here are simple next steps for action.
- Compare warranty and return policy on the product page.
- Check current price and any bundle offers linked below.
- Read user reviews focused on the uses you expect, such as whipping, batter mixing, or occasional kneading.
Action: follow the link above to view current pricing and delivery options. The product page shows latest specs, warranty details, and user reviews. Use those items to confirm fit with your baking habits.
FAQ
Is the Breville BHM800SIL suitable for heavy bread dough?
No. This model is designed for light to medium tasks—batters, whipping and small doughs. For heavy or frequent kneading use a stand mixer with higher torque.
What attachments are included?
Most kits include standard beaters and a whisk. Some versions include a storage clip or bay for accessories—confirm the accessory list on the product page before purchase.
How noisy is the mixer?
Noise is typical for hand mixers; vibration is low and control remains good. If noise reduction is a priority, compare models engineered for quiet operation like certain compact stand mixers.
Can I wash the attachments in the dishwasher?
Many beaters and whisks are dishwasher-safe, but check the manufacturer’s instructions. The housing should never be submerged—wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Where can I buy it?
Use the product link above to view current pricing, warranty, and purchasing options on the retailer page.