Best 10 Cement Mixers

Are you finally ready to get into that project you've been procrastinating about for months or years? You know, that cracked wall, cracked floor or finally building a patio for your relaxation? Whether you are making a basic grout for your home-based project or need to make concrete for demanding jobs, the best cement mixers are at your beck and call. Their versatility makes them perfect for all your pinned and creative ideas around the house. Get to building that outdoor fireplace you’ve always wanted, even on your own!

Are you ready to learn more about how to choose the best? We have gathered all the necessary information regarding cement mixers, from the prices to the best types and capacity for every scenario. With our buying guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision in no time! Let's dive in! 

What is a Cement Mixer?

How do you form a cement mix for your jobs? Before machines took over and relieved us of manual jobs, one would use hands to make cement mixtures. But with technology, you can now add your cement and other mixing items, stand back and let a machine do all the sweaty-mixing work for you. That machine is a cement mixer. 

Cement mixers are used to combine or mix cement with other aggregates, depending on your project. They have a spinning barrel, which combines the aggregates like water, sand, or gravel during the process to form a homogenous mixture. Many portable cement mixers come with wheels to make their transport around the project site easier. Also, most, if not all, include a handle to help you manually bring the mixture to your prefered thickness and consistency. 

Why do you need a cement mixer?

Are you still wondering why you need to invest in a cement mixer? It is not just about adding equipment to your collection. When it comes to mixing cement, a mixer can come in handy for several reasons. Have you ever thought of building your own garden steps? How about tackling cracks and other home repair needs? We’ve added a list of some of the most useful benefits that come with a cement mixer below, so keep reading to learn more.

1. They reduce your manual labour. 

Unless you want to turn your cement mixing routines into a gym session, investing in a mixer is definitely a great idea. Why sweat through such a laborious and engaging task when there is equipment that does that work for you? The motor on a cement mixer is so robust that it can only take a few minutes for the mix to be ready. On the other hand, if you were to do this manually, it would take much longer, not to mention you would experience some physical strain.

2. They help you save time.

More than saving you a labour-intensive routine, a cement mixer will also save you loads of time! How much time does it take you to mix a bag of cement by hand? Even if you hired a few more hands for a busy project, you can be assured that a mixer will do the job in less time. That way, your entire renovation project or even small fix will be complete before you even know it! And, you get to enjoy the final product sooner with conserved energy and time on your hands.

3. They give you a more consistent mixture. 

A mixer will undoubtedly churn out a more consistent and homogenous mix for your jobs. As long as you mix the ingredients in the right proportion, the mixture will be of better quality than what manual hand labour can do. It only means you will have a more robust and durable mix. A better mix will lead to a much more professional-looking result that will have your friends and family basking over your cement mixing skills. Also, a quality mix is guaranteed to last a longer period without running the risk of cracking due to poor bonding. 

What To Look For When Buying a Cement Mixer

Cement mixers come with varying features and designs. Each is better suitable for a specific project or need. However, knowing what to look for ensures that you settle for a mixer that meets your unique cement and concrete mixing needs. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you so that you can review the most critical things to look for before purchasing your own mixer.

1. Type

There are two main types of cement mixers to consider. Handheld cement mixers, also called paddle mixers, have a long mixing paddle attached to an ergonomic head with handles. Some models will have one mixing speed, while others provide you with variable mixing speeds.

On the other hand, barrow cement mixers look like a traditional concrete mixer, with a drum, a stand and a wheeled design for transporting. The mixing paddle is usually on the inside, where it mixes the cement and other items when you turn the drum manually or when you power it with electricity. 

2. Power

There are two main types of power, electric cement mixers or fuel ones. Electric mixers are perfect for a less noisy working environment. They are also easy to operate and more affordable to buy and run. These could be an excellent choice for home-based projects or on-site jobs with access to a power source. To check the power, look for the HP (horsepower) or RPM (rotations-per-minute) description. Some models come with variable speed controls ranging from 250-750 RPMs. Electric models range from 250W to over 2000W depending on their build construction. Generally, the higher the horsepower, wattage or RPM is, the more powerful the mixer’s motor will be. 

However, if your jobs are primarily in areas where electricity is inaccessible, go for a fuel mixer. These could use either petrol or diesel. The good thing about this type is that you can use it anywhere without relying on electricity. And while they are bulkier than their electric counterparts, their performance is undeniable, including having a higher mixing volume. Due to their bulky size, a fuel mixer is best for heavy jobs, like a construction site. 

3. Drum Capacity 

Another important factor to pay close attention to is the drum capacity. Of course, the busier you are, the larger the capacity you need. Purchasing a mixer with a larger capacity will ensure you can work continuously without having to pause and refill the drum every so often. 

The choice depends on the project you have in hand, but we recommend that you go for a bigger capacity even if you don’t plan on mixing large batches. It’s better to have more than enough space rather than find out the hard way that the drum is too small while you’re using it. There are various capacity sizes for any need starting from 60-litre ones to larger 250-litre drums. 

4. Mixing Volume 

Keep in mind the capacity of the drum and how much the mixer can mix at a go, and quite different terms. Often, the mixing volume is usually at least 80% of the drum's capacity. For example, if the drum's capacity is 120 litres, it will have a mixing volume of 96 litres. If you settle for a drum with a lower mixing volume than you need, you will only end up wasting time. 

Whatever the mixing volume of the mixer you purchase, ensure that you do not overload or underload it. Overloading the mixer prevents you from getting a homogenous mix, while underloading could lead to having some of the combinations stuck in the drum.

5. Portability  

Transporting the mixer matters, especially if you have to haul your mixer to job sites. That means settling for a mixer with pneumatic wheels, allowing you to connect it to the back of your pickup or track. Still, we recommend going for a concrete mixer with wheels, whether for use around the home or not. What happens if you do not have an extra set of hands to help you drag it from your garage? 

Another feature to consider is the wheels' sturdiness and the kind of terrain you can use them on comfortably. You certainly don't want to invest in a mixer whose wheel gives in within the first week of dragging it through rough terrain. 

6. Materials

Another crucial factor to consider is the material of the mixer for durability and longevity. The most common materials are powder-coated and rust-resistant steel, copper and cast iron. Steel is corrosion-resistant, which means it can withstand wear and tear for years of use. Copper has excellent resistance to high temperatures, while cast iron pinions and gear rings offer you robustness and better efficiency in the drum’s mixture.

One thing to remember is that the materials also affect the price range. For example, a steel mixer is high-quality and heavy-duty to handle your most demanding projects. So, expect them to cost a bit more than, say, a handheld mixer with a copper wire.

Which size cement mixer is right for you?

The best size for you will solely depend on your needs. These vary between individuals and the kind of projects one has in place. For instance, DIYers who use a mixer infrequently are better off with a capacity of 60 to 120 litres. 

If you are a frequent user, like an upcoming professional with a few sites to visit, get a mixer whose capacity ranges from 120 to 190 litres. But, if you are a professional who needs one almost every other day of the week, you will need a larger capacity of at least 250 litres.

How much should you spend on a cement mixer?

While how much you should spend on a cement mixer is personal preference, it is also important to know what price ranges to expect as you shop. With this, you can easily decide whether it is worth spending a particular amount on specific models. Prices differ from DIY to professional models, from budget-friendly to premium ones, so that every experience level user can accommodate their pockets. 

Affordable

That said, if you are a DIYer and infrequent user that uses their mixer twice or thrice a year, you can start with a low-cost option and explore pricier ones as you gain more confidence with the tool. For such requirements, an affordable model with a budget of £60.00 to £150.00 will do. Most of these models are paddle mixers.

Mid-Range 

However, if you are within the above user range but need something that saves you from dealing with a handheld mixer, the mid-range models are the next best choice for you. The prices vary from £200 to £300, depending on the drum and motor power size. Luckily, most of these models, including our recommendations, have wheels for movability. 

High-End 

These are on the high-end of the price scale, costing you over £300. However, these are the best option for a professional with a large capacity to meet intensive project needs. Apart from the higher capacity, some will have a foldable design that transforms the mixer into a wheelbarrow-like mode for movability. Keep in mind that some handheld cement mixers are in the high-end range.  

Closure

No more getting dirty mixing cement or concrete! You can finally stand by and get your mixtures sweat-free with the best cement mixers. Add in just about anything, sand, gravel, and feed for your garden or animals. 

We are optimistic that our buying guide has provided you with all the details on some frequent FAQs, even if you’re a beginner! Once you know your project’s needs, take a peek at our top recommendation and choose the best one for you! Are you ready to save time and mix materials faster?