This overall score is made up of performance (60%) and ease of use (40%).

The performance score is the average of the whisking egg white and mixing cake batter scores. We didn't test the dough hooks, as we've found in previous tests that hand mixers don't have the power required to cope with kneading the dough. The performance score accounts for 60% of the overall score.

We use the beaters to whisk egg whites to form stiff peaks. Where supplied, we also uses the wire whisk attachment.

The beaters are used to assess how well the hand mixers combine dry and wet ingredients, to form an even and smooth cake mix.

How easy it is to use the controls, read the labelling, insert and remove mixing tools, stand the mixer during preparation, store the unit with accessories and clean. We also assess general comfort, balance and control, hand grip and strain on the wrist during operation. The ease of use score accounts for 40% of the overall score.

We recommend hand mixers that score at least 90% overall.

'Tested model' means you ought to be able to find this in retailers. We check availability every time we test.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price. Prices are generally always flexible, so shop around both online and in bricks-and-mortar shops for options.

The dimensions are taken with the hand mixer in standing position.

The weight of the mixer without any accessories.

Whether the mixer comes with a separate whisk attachment. If so, this will be used in the whisking test.