High customer ratings and the trusted KitchenAid name deliver solid performance and durability that make this hand mixer a compelling value compared with other mid-range options.
Price Position vs Similar
$38.24
CheaperTypicalPricier
Mid-range price — comparable to other popular 5‑speed hand mixers. KitchenAid’s brand usually carries a slight premium, but this listing sits in line with typical competitor offerings.
Usability
Unknown
PoorFairGoodGreatExcellent
With a high 4.5/5 rating and the generally straightforward controls and operation typical of hand mixers, an average person is likely to find this model easy and intuitive to use.
Overview
The KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer (KHM512) in Empire Red is a compact, everyday kitchen workhorse aimed at home bakers who want reliable mixing without the bulk of a stand mixer. With a 5-speed range implied by its name, a bold retro-red finish, a sub-$40 price tag ($38.24), and a strong customer rating (4.5 out of 5 stars), this model targets cooks who value simplicity, style, and steady performance for cakes, cookies, frostings and light doughs.
Key Features & Highlights
Five speed settings—enough range to go from gentle folding to higher-speed whipping.
KitchenAid build cues—a familiar balanced shape and Empire Red finish that looks at home on a countertop or in a color-coordinated kitchen.
Compact, handheld form—easy to store in cabinets or a drawer when not in use, and lightweight enough for everyday tasks.
Practical accessory setup—most listings and owner feedback point to standard stainless-steel beaters and an easy-release mechanism for quick swap and cleanup.
Excellent value—$38.24 with a 4.5-star average suggests a strong price-to-performance ratio for casual bakers.
A Nice Fit for You If…
You bake cookies, muffins, and quick breads a few times a month and want something better than a cheap no-name mixer.
You have limited counter space and need a compact, storable appliance.
You enjoy a splash of color in the kitchen—Empire Red lifts the look of white bowls and stainless appliances.
You want straightforward controls—five speeds cover most home-baking needs without fuss.
You want a budget-friendly KitchenAid option that still feels sturdy and reliable.
You prefer handheld mixers over large stand mixers for occasional use or small batches.
You want easy cleanup and simple accessory swaps that don’t require a manual every time.
Where This Mixer Shines in Real Kitchens
Practical, day-to-day scenarios where the KHM512 brings value:
Weeknight baking: whipping up pancake batter or a quick frosting between evening routines.
Small-batch cookies: mixing creamed butter and sugar, then adding flour—no need for a heavy-duty motor.
Holiday prep: making whipped cream or egg whites for meringues in short bursts.
Apartment kitchens: easy to tuck into a cabinet and pull out for occasional baking without a dedicated appliance shelf.
Gifting: a stylish, well-rated model at an affordable price for new apartment-dwellers or college grads.
Experience & Feedback
In daily use you’ll notice the familiar ergonomics KitchenAid brings to handheld appliances: a rounded body that balances in the hand, intuitive speed control, and a bold Empire Red finish that reads cheerful on the countertop. The 5-speed range offers useful flexibility—lower speeds prevent dry-ingredient clouds when adding flour, while higher speeds reach the aeration needed for whipped cream and light batters.
Most owners report that the beaters snap in and eject easily, so swapping accessories is quick and cleanup has minimal friction. Stainless-steel beaters rinse clean of batter and are commonly dishwasher-safe, making post-bake cleanup straightforward. Noise performance is typical of corded hand mixers—noticeable while running but not overpowering for short tasks. The housing feels sturdy and ergonomically friendly for average-length mixing sessions; however, heavy kneading or continuous use for dense doughs is outside its intended use-case.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Great value: Strong price-to-performance ratio for casual bakers at $38.24.
Stylish finish: Empire Red gives a premium, eye-catching look.
Solid brand pedigree: KitchenAid name brings confidence in build quality.
Practical speed range: Five speeds handle most mixing, whipping, and folding needs.
Compact storage: Lightweight, easy to store in small kitchens.
Easy cleanup: Standard beaters rinse clean and commonly tolerate dishwasher use.
High owner satisfaction: 4.5/5 average rating indicates broad approval.
Cons
Not a stand-in for a stand mixer: Motor and ergonomics are not designed for heavy dough or long kneading sessions.
Standard accessories only: Limited to basic beaters (no large-capacity attachments included).
Typical hand-mixer noise: Audible during operation—fine for short jobs but noticeable in quiet kitchens.
Plastic housing: While sturdy, it won’t have the same heft or longevity as all-metal pro units.
Single-color option: Empire Red is iconic but those seeking neutral tones may have fewer color choices.
Comparative Advantages
Against generic low-cost hand mixers, the KitchenAid KHM512 stands out for its brand reliability, balanced design, and attractive finish. The five-speed control gives a clearer performance ladder than some two- or three-speed economy models. At roughly the same price as entry-level competitors, it typically offers a better feel in the hand, more consistent mixing, and a higher average customer rating—useful signals for shoppers who want dependable results without upgrading to a standalone stand mixer.
Audience Fit
This mixer is best for casual-to-enthusiast home bakers who:
Make small to medium batches of baked goods regularly.
Need a compact appliance for limited storage space.
Appreciate a stylish appliance that complements kitchen décor.
Want reliable mixing without the price or footprint of a stand mixer.
Skip this model if you’re a frequent bread baker, operate a small bakery, or need heavy-duty mixing for large batches—a stand mixer would be a better match.
FAQs
How many speeds does the KHM512 have?
The model name indicates a five-speed range, covering gentle folding to quicker whipping.
What accessories come with it?
Most listings and owner reports point to standard stainless-steel beaters with an easy-eject mechanism. Check the product packaging or seller page for exact included items.
Is it easy to clean?
You can expect straightforward cleanup: beaters rinse clean and are commonly dishwasher-tolerant, while the housing wipes down easily.
Is this good for kneading dough?
This hand mixer handles light doughs and short kneading tasks, but heavy or prolonged dough mixing is better suited to a stand mixer.
What color options are available?
The reviewed unit is in Empire Red, a striking color that stands out in most kitchens. Other color options may be available from KitchenAid separately.
Final Verdict
For home bakers who want a reliable, stylish, and wallet-friendly handheld mixer, the KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer (KHM512) in Empire Red is an appealing pick. It strikes an attractive balance: enough power and five-speed flexibility for everyday batters and whipped creams, a compact footprint for small kitchens, and a design that feels more premium than many budget models. If you bake occasionally to moderately and don’t need a heavy-duty dough-kneading machine, this mixer offers strong value and consistently positive owner feedback—making it an easy recommendation for most home kitchens.
How It Stacks Up
The KitchenAid 5 Ultra Power Speed Hand Mixer KHM512 (Empire Red) rates highly (4.5/5) and, at about $38, sits in the budget-to-mid range. It’s a dependable everyday mixer with straightforward controls and solid performance for most home-baking tasks; compared with alternatives it balances brand reliability and value without many premium extras.
Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus HM-90 — Generally a mid-tier alternative with a wider speed range and slightly more power. If you prioritize finer speed control for delicate recipes, HM-90 is worth the small step up; downside is a marginally higher price and a bit more weight in hand.
Breville Handy Mix Scraper (BHM800) — Positioned toward the premium end among hand mixers due to innovative scraper-style beaters and a stronger motor. Best when you want faster mixing and reduced bowl scraping, but it’s noticeably pricier than the KitchenAid and aimed at frequent bakers who want convenience features.
Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Hand Mixer — A budget-focused option that’s usually cheaper than the KitchenAid. It covers basic mixing needs and is light on cost, but reviewers often note less durable construction and fewer speed options, so it’s best for occasional or light-duty use.
KitchenAid 9-Speed Hand Mixer (higher-end KitchenAid model) — A step up within the same brand offering more speeds and accessory options. If you want the KitchenAid feel but need extra versatility for whipping, folding and heavier batters, this model justifies a higher price; the trade-off is the added cost.
Who should buy the KHM512: choose this KitchenAid if you want a reliable, attractive hand mixer with strong everyday performance and good value. Consider an alternative if you need more speed control and power (Cuisinart or higher-end KitchenAid), want scraper beaters and premium convenience (Breville), or are minimizing cost for very occasional use (Hamilton Beach).
