Last update on 2022-01-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you have the skillset to carry out concrete paving at home, then why not invest in a cement mixer? Sometimes, a cement mixer’s cost is far more affordable for current and future jobs than bringing in the experts.
You don’t have to be a master DIYer to make use of such a convenient product. It can be as simple as purchasing a drum or handheld mixers with instructions and putting them to work with ease. They are also available in various power types and capacities so that you can match one to your project.
The market is full of different options with varying abilities. Even the power supplies of each can differ from one model to the next. Before you jump into a purchase, check out these top-rated mixers below and tips for how to make the right purchasing decision.
1. Klutch Portable Electric Cement Mixer
- Convenient to use
- Very adaptable
Brand: Klutch | Mixing Capacity: 0.85 cubic feet | Dimensions: 40.62 x 26.87 x 38.62 inches | Power: 1/3 HP, 120-volt motor | Warranty: 30 days minimum
With room for one bag of concrete, this cement mixer from Klutch is a winner for any homeowner looking to dabble in DIY. Its drum capacity is generous, and it’s capable of mixing up to 0.85 cubic feet of concrete. What’s more, it runs on an electric power supply and uses eight-inch rubber tires to get around.
2. Goplus Electric Mortar Mixer
- Lightweight & ergonomic handheld design
- Vents on the top
- High & low gears
- Locking button
- High-power motor
Brand: Goplus | Mixing Capacity: 80-100L | Voltage: 110V | Dimensions: 8 x 12.5 x 34 inches | Power: 1,400W | Cable Length: 6.9″ | Mixer Paddle Size: 5-inch diameter | Warranty: 30 days minimum | Item weight: 13.22 pounds
Why mix concrete by hand when you can invest in a cement mixer tool from Goplus? This mortar mixer has a 1,400-watt motor that allows it to mix up to 100L of concrete at once. You can adjust the speed to one of two options and enjoy how lightweight it is. This mixer also has ergonomic handles and robust die-cast aluminum for durability.
3. Klutch Electric Cement Mixer
- Steel frame
- Easy-to-clean drum
- Easy assembly
- Quiet operation
Brand: Klutch | Mixing Capacity: 0.88 cubic feet | Dimensions: 29.5 x 20.5 x 34 inches | Power: 1/3HP, 120-volt motor | Warranty: 30 days minimum
Take care of cement mixing at home with the help of this cement mixer from Klutch. It’s an electric model that uses a 12-volt motor and can hold up to 108 pounds of premix. What’s more, it has a two cubic-foot drum capacity and a 0.88-cubic-foot mixing capacity. This, partnered with the easy-care polypropylene drum, makes it stand out from the crowd.
4. CS Unitec Electric Concrete Drill Mixer
- Well-balanced guiding
- Lightweight
- Two-gear variable speeds
Brand: CS Unitec | Mixing Capacity: 4.8 cubic feet | Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 15 inches | Power: 14.5-amp motor | Warranty: 1 year
Whether you’re mixing clay, mortar, concrete, plaster, or something else, this cement mixer from CS Unitec could be the tool for the job. It can handle up to five bags or 200 pounds of cement product and mixes with the assistance of a 14.5-amp motor. It’s easy to use, straightforward to clean and has a durable handle design for more comfort on the job.
5. Kushlan Wheelbarrow Mixer
- Easy to use and clean up
- Easy assembly
- Convenient to move around
- Motor performs very well
Brand: Kushlan | Mixing Capacity: 3.5 cubic feet | Dimensions: 43 x 42 x 25 inches | Power: 115-volt direct drive motor | Warranty: 30 days minimum
Take care of those small concreting jobs around the house with the assistance of this cement mixer from Kushlan. It’s designed to last the distance because of its heavy-gauge steel frame, flat-free rubber wheels, and powerful direct-drive motor. This mixer also has telescoping handles, a 17-inch opening, and an affordable price tag.
6. CS Unitec Electric Dual Paddle Cement Mixer
- Dual paddle
- Quick lock paddle connection
- Dust & Splash Resistant Switches
Brand: CS Unitec | Mixing Capacity: 200 pounds | Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 15 inches | Power: 14.5 amps | Warranty: 30 days minimum
With a 14.5-amp motor and 200-pound concrete capacity, this cement mixer from CS Unitec will have your DIY job taken care of in no time. The ergonomic handles make it comfortable to use, while the two-speed gearbox is made to last the distance. This mixer also has reinforced fiberglass and a dust-protected electronic switch.
7. Brutus Two-Speed Power Mixer
- Great for mixing mortar
- A nice cool breeze from the internal cooling fan
- Affordable price
Brand: Brutus | Dimensions: 36 x 30 x 17.25 inches | Power: 1,300-watt motor | Warranty: 1 year | Item weight: 17 pounds | Material: Metal | Speed: 700 RPM
Take concrete mixing into your own hands with the help of this cement mixer from Brutus. With a powerful 1,300-watt motor, ergonomic handle, and finger-tip control dial, it’s one of the most comfortable units on the market to operate. It can also mix up to 700 RPM while being lightweight and resistant to impact.
8. Brisunshine Electric Concrete Drill Mixer
- Six-speed adjustment
- Powerful copper motor
- Very light and resistant
Brand: Brisunshine | Dimensions: 9.45 x 32.29 x 13.78 inches | Power: 2,100-watt copper motor | Warranty: 1 year
Allow this cement mixer from Brisunshine to take care of everything from cement and mud to paint, concrete, and more. It boasts a powerful 2,100-watt copper motor, ergonomic steering wheel handle, and a stainless-steel stirring rod. It also operates at speeds of up to 800 RPM to ensure you’ll have your job finished in no time.
9. Klutch 6-Cube Electric Cement Mixer
- Durable cast iron ring gear
- Solid rubber wheels for easy portability
Brand: Klutch | Mixing Capacity: 2.94 cubic feet | Dimensions: 56.12 x 47.62 x 28 inches | Power: 3/4HP, 120-volt electric motor | Warranty: 30 days minimum
Whether you’re laying a patio area, a footpath, or something else, this cement mixer from Klutch is up for the job. It can mix up to 2.94 cubic feet of concrete at once, making use of the power of its 120-volt electric motor. This mixer also has a powder-coat finish and steel-reinforced drum for durability.
10. Rubi Tools Cordless Mixer
- Battery-powered operation
- Brushless motor
- Easy portability
- Safety of working
Brand: Ruby Tools | Mixing Capacity: 90L | Dimensions: t23.62 x 15.75 x 17.72 inches | Power: 18-volt 5Ah Li-ion battery | Warranty: 30 days minimum
Save maintenance hassles and the inconvenience of being near a power supply by investing in a battery-operated cement mixer from Rubi Tools. This product operates on an 18-volt battery and can mix up to 90L on a 100-minute battery. It has a double handle for comfort, a lightweight frame, and two speeds to get the job done.
Considerations for Purchasing a Cement Mixer
Because there are so many different cement mixers on the market, finding the right one for your needs is quite a challenge. If you buy the wrong one, you may find it can’t perform in the way you need it to.
You may even be on the fence about purchasing a concrete mixer in the first place, as it can be overwhelming to figure out how to care for one, use one, and achieve the best results. Fortunately, we’ve covered much of this information below. You can then buy a mixer with far more confidence.
Why Do I Need a Cement Mixer?
Let’s say you wanted to add a paved courtyard to your property, or even a footpath. You may have received quotes from tradespeople that were outside your budget. You consider yourself to be pretty handy, so you wonder whether you could purchase a mixer yourself and do the job with a bit of research. You probably can, especially if you are buying one of the best concrete mixers on the market.
Here are a few of the many reasons why purchasing a concrete mixer could be a worthwhile thing to do.
You Can Buy More Than One Style
When you picture a concrete mixer, you imagine a large drum that fits on the back of a truck and takes an expert to use. Of course, commercial concrete mixers are large, but that’s not the case with those for small commercial and residential jobs.
You can purchase small-capacity drums that take up no space at all on your property. They also have wheels, so they are easy to move around. There are also handheld mixers for sale. You dip these into your bucket of cement and mix them by hand without the need for large, cumbersome machines.
They Are Affordable to Buy
One of the many reasons people decide to handle their own concrete paving requirements is the often-high cost of tradespeople. In an ideal world, you could sit back, relax, and pay someone to do the work. But that’s not always an option.
Fortunately, concrete mixers are often quite affordable to buy, especially those designed for residential use. All you have to do now is buy your cement products and boxing materials to get the job done. Save a fortune and retain the mixer for future projects.
You Can Buy Different Capacities
A concrete mixer you would use for putting in a small fence post may be different from the one you’d use to lay an entire patio area. Manufacturers realize this and offer several different sizes to make sure there’s something for everyone. A handheld mixer, which you put in a bucket, is ideal for those smaller jobs. You may like to invest in a larger drum mixer for patio areas and similar.
Save Labor
Imagine how much time and energy it would take you to mix concrete by hand? When you invest in a mixer, you’re able to save hours on the job. You can then wake up the next day feeling acceptable, rather than with aching arm muscles from overdoing it.
Improve the Finish
Mixing cement by hand may be an affordable way to go about the process, but it’s not always an ideal way. Mixing by hand leaves a lot of room for error as the water and sand mixture may not be 100% combined.
By using a concrete mixer, you can ensure that it’s adequately blended before you pour it out into your boxed section.
Plenty of Power Options
Not everyone will be near a power supply when they carry out concrete mixing. Fortunately, these units are powered in many different ways. It’s worth thinking about what will be most convenient for you. You can purchase petrol-powered concrete mixers, those that run on batteries, and electric models that plug into your home’s power supply, as well.
Some people may find battery-powered ones convenient due to their minimal maintenance requirements and excellent battery life. In saying that, once the battery is flat, you have to wait until it charges to keep using it. Concrete doesn’t stop hardening just because your battery is flat.
Petrol-powered cement mixers require a bit more care and maintenance, but they can keep running as long as you keep them topped up with fuel and oil. Electric models can operate cleanly, but only near a power source.
When to Use a Cement Mixer
A concrete mixer can be an exceptionally convenient unit to own – whether you buy the drum variety or handheld mixer. They come in handy when you’re pouring concrete around your home for patios, pathways, fence posts, or something else.
You would use a drum mixer for larger jobs like courtyards and patios. Still, a handheld one is suitable for those smaller jobs like making sure fence posts stay firmly in the ground.
How to Use a Concrete Mixer
The ways in which you operate a concrete mixer can depend on the model you buy. Each one comes with instructions for its use. However, we’ll provide some general instructions for use below so you can get an idea of just how easy it can be to prepare and pour concrete with a drum mixer.
For a Drum Mixer
- Pour water into the concrete mixer as per the instructions on your cement mix. Make sure you’ve added the correct amount. Otherwise, your concrete mixture will be too thin.
- Pour your cement mix into the drum with the water.
- Power up your mixer to begin the mixing process. Allow it to keep mixing until there is no cement dust left. Keep it on to stop the cement from hardening within the drum. As it rotates, it’s not able to settle and dry.
- Turn it off before you pour out the concrete into a wheelbarrow. If there is some still left in there, turn it back on once you’ve removed as much as you can handle in that first load.
- Shovel the cement from your wheelbarrow into your prepared site.
- Repeat these steps until the job is finished. It’s that simple!
How to Maintain a Concrete Mixer
Given that cement sets rock hard, you might think maintaining a concrete mixer is next to impossible. Sure, you will never have it looking as good as when you bought it new, but maintenance is a lot more straightforward than you might think.
- Maintain the engine. One of the most important things you will need to do is maintain the engine. This involves wiping it down with a damp cloth and blowing out loose particles with an air compressor.
- Clean the drum. Always rinse the drum and paddles after use. Turn the mixer on and add water until it has turned several times. You can then empty the water into a bucket and use a pressure hose to remove excess concrete.
- Remove hardened concrete. Fill the drum with water, turn it on, and tap the outside of the drum while it’s rotating. Doing so can help the lumps of concrete detach from the drum. You may also be able to remove stubborn patches of concrete with an acid-based product designed for the job – or environmentally-friendly alternatives from leading stockists.
How to Use a Concrete Mixer Safely
Even though concrete mixers don’t look dangerous, they can be if you don’t use them properly. Always make sure it’s on stable ground before using it. If you have an electric corded model, make sure the cord is in good condition without any splits or fraying before you turn it on.
Keep your hands away from moving parts, and always wear personal protective equipment. This can include a dust mask, gloves, safety glasses, and steel toe-capped boots.
If you are using a concrete mixer for the first time, some general tips for use may also come in handy. Ready-mix concrete can make the job a whole lot easier. It’s also essential to add water before your mixture. What’s more, remember to clean your mixer after each use.