Black & Decker Helix Performance Premium Hand Mixer, 5-Speed Mixer

When I first got my hands on the Black & Decker Helix Performance Premium Hand Mixer (model MX600L), I was intrigued by its innovative helix beater design and its promise of enhanced mixing efficiency. As someone who spends a fair amount of time in the kitchen, both for baking and cooking, I was eager to see how this mixer would perform.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about this hand mixer was its modern, sleek design. It’s visually appealing and comes in a variety of colors, which can add a touch of style to any kitchen. The mixer feels lightweight, yet it doesn’t come off as flimsy or cheap. The storage case is a thoughtful addition, allowing you to keep all the attachments neatly organized and preventing the frustrating search for missing beaters.

Features and Performance

The Helix mixer comes with a 250-watt motor and five different speeds, including a turbo boost function. One of the standout features is the reduced starting speed designed to minimize splattering. However, I found that even the lowest speed was quite powerful, which could be both a blessing and a curse. While it’s great for tasks that require a strong motor, it can also mean more mess if you’re not careful.

The helix beaters themselves are made of reinforced nylon, which is supposed to enhance durability. These beaters are designed to maximize overlap and mix ingredients in multiple directions. In theory, this should make for more efficient mixing. In practice, I found that while the beaters did a good job of mixing thinner batters and liquids, they struggled with thicker mixtures like cookie dough. The dough tended to climb up the beaters and get stuck, which required frequent stops to scrape it off.

Ease of Use

The mixer fits comfortably in the hand, and the controls are straightforward. However, the placement of the turbo button right next to the speed control can lead to accidental activation, which is something to be cautious about. The auto-eject button for removing the beaters is a nice touch, making it easy to switch between attachments without getting your hands dirty.

One area where this mixer truly excels is in its versatility. It comes with two helix beaters, two dough hooks, and a wire whisk, making it suitable for a range of kitchen tasks from whipping cream to kneading dough. The attachments are dishwasher-safe, which simplifies the cleanup process.

Performance in the Kitchen

When it comes to actual performance, the Helix mixer is somewhat of a mixed bag. For light tasks like whipping cream or mixing cake batter, it performs admirably. The powerful motor ensures that these tasks are completed quickly and efficiently. However, for heavier tasks like mixing thick cookie dough or mashed potatoes, the mixer’s design flaws become more apparent. The beaters’ tendency to spit ingredients around the kitchen can be frustrating, and the lack of a truly low-speed setting makes it difficult to start mixing without creating a mess.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the mixer is relatively easy, thanks to the dishwasher-safe attachments. However, the design of the beaters can make it tricky to clean them thoroughly by hand, especially if you’ve been mixing something sticky. The mixer itself tends to get splattered with ingredients, and cleaning the nooks and crannies can be a bit of a chore.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Black & Decker Helix Performance Premium Hand Mixer has its strengths and weaknesses. It’s a powerful, versatile tool that’s great for lighter tasks and quick jobs. The design is modern and attractive, and the storage case is a practical addition. However, its performance with thicker mixtures leaves something to be desired, and the high-speed settings can be more of a hindrance than a help for certain tasks.

Would I recommend this mixer? It depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a versatile hand mixer for light to medium kitchen tasks and appreciate a modern design, this mixer could be a good fit. However, if you frequently work with thicker batters or need a mixer that can handle heavy-duty tasks without making a mess, you might want to look elsewhere. For its price point, it offers decent value, but it’s not without its flaws.