Electrical Safety Advice for Hand and Stand Mixers

Hand and stand mixers usage and safety

Hand and stand mixers help keen bakers mix the perfect dough easily and quickly. But as with other electrical products, they pose a risk if used incorrectly.

Electric mixers are now an indispensable tool in kitchens, helping stir dough, whisk egg whites or cream, and much more besides.

A stand mixer is bulky and heavy with a powerful motor base, a holder for the beater attachments, and a bowl that locks into place. It can tackle thick dough, and some models can help make ice cream, sausages, and fresh pasta.

A hand mixer is portable with its motor in the handle and removable beaters, and it can easily be stored in a cabinet or drawer. You can use it with just about any size of bowl and works well for thinner, softer dough and batter, whipping cream, and beating egg whites.

Key points

Electric mixers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Only clean your mixer when it is unplugged.

Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn and scorch marks.

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and always follow them.

Buying a hand or stand mixer

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as the appliance may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Make sure it is fitted with a standard UK 3-pin plug and fuse.
You will find lots of online reviews of electric mixers but don’t rely solely on these as they can be faked by unscrupulous sellers.
Key safety features include interlock systems that prevent operation when attachments are improperly installed, stable (and often weighted) bases on stand mixers, and bowl guards to prevent contact with moving parts.
Some hand mixers have a comfortable grip and speed controls, reducing the risk of accidents as well as a beater eject button and integrated cable storage which keeps the cable out of the way when not in use.
Register your appliance so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall of your product. It’s also much easier to return a faulty item or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a hand or stand mixer safely

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using and cleaning it.
Never place the mixer in water or any other liquid.
Place the mixer away from the edge of the kitchen counter and sink and ensure the cable cord doesn’t hang over the side. Unplug it when not in use.
Wipe up anything that has spilled on or inside the mixer – and only do this when it is unplugged and dry it thoroughly afterwards.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe and which need to be cleaned by hand. And inspect for signs of damage.
If you notice any odd smells or any sparking or smoke, or any cracks or damage, unplug the mixer immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your appliance with the manufacturer.
Check which parts are dishwasher-safe before washing.

AVOID

Buying from third-party sellers online.
Placing the mixer in water or any other liquid.
Using the mixer if you notice any damage or sparks.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

A higher wattage doesn’t automatically mean better performance with mixers. Efficient gears and motors can often perform better using less power.

Around 300W–400W is generally sufficient for regular mixing. For heavier tasks such as bread making, 500W+ is recommended.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Hand and stand mixers