A hand mixer is an apt choice for those who bake occasionally or home bakers who have just started out. You can use it to whip egg whites, cake batter and cream. But, it doesn't work for cookie or pizza dough. Also, you need to be actively involved holding the hand mixer when using it. A stand mixer on the other hand is a lot more expensive. But, you can mix dough and batter with equal ease. Moreover, it can mix large quantities of ingredients easily, unlike hand mixers. Also, its a hands-free appliance.