Some smaller, lightweight mixers will weigh around 30 kg. However, it’s not unusual for even small mixers (suitable for small/medium jobs) to weigh between 40 – 60 kg. While this concrete mixer weighs 45.5 kg, it’s fairly manoeuvrable thanks to the two wheels, although it can struggle over uneven ground so is best wheeled over flat areas. This Handy Electric H-frame Cement Mixer is an excellent all-rounder. It has a reliable 550 W motor that works well to power the 125 L drum and is suitable for small/medium DIY jobs. Designed for small-scale building projects, this concrete mixer has a 63 L drum capacity which can mix up to 47 L. This equates to approximately half a wheelbarrow of mixed material – perfect for small-scale projects.

The Scheppach ECO MIX Electric Cement Mixer is a reliable yet basic machine. It’s suitable for small/medium DIY jobs and doesn’t overcomplicate things. The machine has a welded bottom drum and fully enclosed cast iron gears. Its motor is protected by labyrinth housing, cooled by dual fans. For small, household DIY projects, you’ll want a cement mixer with a mixing capacity of around 45 – 90 L. For reference, a 90 L mixing capacity will give you a full barrow-load of cement/mortar. This large Excel Portable Cement Mixer is the best value cement mixer. It has a spacious drum volume of 140 L and a powerful 550 W motor. Yet, despite its large size, this mixer is around the same price as the smaller electric mixers featured here.

Buying vs. Renting

Straight away you might be thinking – why would I buy a small cement mixer when I could just rent a large one? When you own a mixer, you may also find that it comes in handy for family and friends as well. Cement can be used to secure parasols, swing sets, fence posts and climbing frames, so a cement mixer might well be in high demand!

For home use and smaller tasks, you’re unlikely to need anything other than an electric cement mixer. Electric cement mixers are cheaper to buy/rent, low maintenance and require no additional fuel. All you’ll need is a power source. No matter the size of mixer you choose, look for a model with wheels to help with moving around the house and garden.It weighs 43.8 kg and is fitted with wheels to make it easier to manoeuvre over the majority of garden terrain. Keen DIYers will know the benefit of using a cement mixer. Although mixing cement can be done without one (either mixing by hand or with a paddle mixer) – it’s certainly pretty hard work. Assembly is straightforward although it can help to have an extra pair of hands to fit the drum. It takes approximately one hour to put together and the instructions are clear. For the most part, assembly is fairly simple; the instructions are illustrated and reasonably clear. The main issue that can occur during assembly is knowing which way round to fix the paddles (which can cause confusion with a lot of cement mixers).