Braun Multimix Handheld Mixer

What It Comes With: Flat beaters, dough hooks, and hand-blender and chopper attachments (good for smoothies and nuts, respectively).
How It Performed: “This mixer rocks,” said one tester. With its powerful, 280-watt action, it whipped meringue twice as fast as the speedy Cuisinart did, and potatoes took only five minutes, versus eight with other models — and with less vibration and kickback.
Caveat: There’s no storage case, so you’ll have to find cabinet space for all the loose attachments.
To Buy: $60, www.theessentials.com.