Best Concrete Mixers that are Portable and Lightweight
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IMER Tripod Stand Electric Multi Concrete Mixer -
Buffalo Tools Pro-Series 4 Electric Cement Concrete Mixer -
Northern Industrial Mini Electric Concrete Mixer -
Kushlan Pedestal Concrete Mixer -
Central-Machinery 3-1/2 Cubic Ft. Cement Mixer 67536 -
Buyer's Guide
A concrete mixer is a tool used to combine cement, an aggregate and water in a rotating drum to form concrete. While there are many different types of concrete mixers available, I will be focusing on smaller, more portable versions (as opposed to vehicle or trailer mounted ones). This is so my choices can appeal to a larger audience of people. Perhaps you’re a professional in need of a solid mixer for a job site. Or, maybe you’re a DIYer looking to build something in your backyard. Either way, all of the mixers on this list will be perfect for you.
Since all of the concrete mixers I am including on this list are supposed to be portable, they must all easily move about any job site with relative ease at the hands of one person. This means every mixer has a set of wheels and weighs less than 250 pounds.
To make any and all jobs as easy as possible, each of the mixers I have included has an electric motor. This makes them more convenient to use. You don’t have worry about running out of gas.
Additionally, you want a concrete mixer that can hold a lot of concrete. So, each of the mixers I have listed has an empty drum capacity of at least 3 cubic feet. This ensures that you can hold a large weight of concrete (in my experience, 3 cubic feet of empty space can hold around 150 pounds of concrete).
Finally, all of the best concrete mixers in 2022 that I have listed below come with a warranty to make your purchase as easy as possible.
Compare The Best Concrete Mixers Of 2022
IMER Tripod Stand Electric Multi Concrete Mixer - Best Concrete Mixer Overall
The 1126608 Imer USA Minuteman Portable Concrete Mixer is the best concrete mixer because it can mix up to 275 pounds of concrete, which is an extremely high amount. Also, it can mix that high amount in only four minutes. This makes the mixer more convenient to use, which makes it a great choice for professionals. Additionally, the mixer can be broken down into three components. That makes it exceptionally portable and easily able to load into nearly any truck. Another really cool thing about this mixer is that if purchased, the company offers free shipping. That’s a small, but very awesome feature because it saves you money.
Buffalo Tools Pro-Series 4 Electric Cement Concrete Mixer - Runner Up
The Buffalo Tools CME35 3.5 Cu. Ft. Electric Cement Mixer is one of the top cement mixers available because for one, the opening to the barrel is nearly two feet across. That makes it very easy to pour cement and aggregate into the barrel without spilling anything. Additionally, this is an extremely light concrete mixer at only 96 pounds. That all but guarantees anyone can move it around with ease. I also love that the barrel in this mixer is made of double insulted steel. That makes it very strong and long lasting, which is great if you want a tool that will last a lifetime.
Northern Industrial Mini Electric Concrete Mixer - Honorable Mention
The Northern Industrial Portable Electric Cement Mixer — 4.1 Cubic Ft., Model# CM305A is one of the best cement mixers because it has a high speed at 30 drum revolutions per minute. Jobs get done quicker because it takes less time than other comparable tools to mix. I also like the fact that the mixer has a nearly 300 pound weight capacity. That means you can hold a lot more concrete than other mixers. Additionally, I like the fact that this mixer has pneumatic (air filled) tires. They are a lot easier to push around in dirt and grass, in my opinion, than solid plastic tires.
Kushlan Pedestal Concrete Mixer - Consider
I have included the Kushlan 350DD 3.5 cu. ft., Direct Drive Cement Mixer, 3/4 HP 120V Motor on this list because it features a polyethylene barrel. This makes it resistant to dents, cracks and rust. It also makes it very easy to clean. This is great if you want a very stable, long lasting mixer because the barrel is strong. The frame of the mixer is sturdy as well because it’s made from heavy gauge steel. Another factor I love is that it has polyurethane tires, which are impervious to flats (pneumatic tires may be easier to push, but are prone to flats). Finally, the handles that are used to push the mixer around are retracting. That makes it a lot easier to store the tool, which is good if your garage is limited on space.
Central-Machinery 3-1/2 Cubic Ft. Cement Mixer 67536 - Best Concrete Mixer
The Central-Machinery 3-1/2 Cubic Ft. Cement Mixer is the final mixer on this list because to begin with, it’s way cheap without sacrificing quality, which is always good on your wallet. If you want a great value on your mixer, this is the tool for you. It also is extremely fast with a speed of 36 RPMs. A higher barrel speed is a good thing to have for reasons I mentioned above. Finally, I love that the mixer is constructed from solid steel. That makes it a very sturdy tool, meaning it will last for many years.
Buyer's Guide
Almost all concrete mixers have a large open space in the interior known as a drum. The mortar drum is built of thick steel and can resist a significant amount of weight. A paddle on the inside combines the ingredients to generate a consistent concoction. As it functions, the drum spins on an axis and is driven by a gear or belt. Moreover, you can find both electric or petrol-powered concrete mixers. Finding out the best cement mixer to suit your needs is no easy feat, considering the plethora of choices available. This buyer's guide will be of great help to make an informed decision.
What Factors Should You Look For In the Best Concrete Mixers?
Electic Vs. Petrol Powered Mixers
A mixer that is driven by electricity offers various advantages over a mixer that is powered by petrol. It is less expensive and requires less upkeep. It starts up instantly after being plugged into a power source. External temperatures do not affect the electric kind. It's also lighter, making it easier to maneuver. The majority of them are single-phase (500-1500W), although the more powerful ones are three-phase (1500W+).
Petrol mixers are best employed in a variety of situations. Concrete batches produced using petrol mixers are larger. They work best on huge building sites and in the open air. Because most of them have inflatable tires, they don't require a trailer to move. Petrol mixers are heavier and noisier, but they are more useful for larger jobs.
Volume of Drum
The size of the drum dictates the number of batches you'll need to get enough concrete. Some manufacturers use the term "tank volume," whereas others use the term "mixing quantity." It's worth noting that the mixing capacity is slightly smaller than the tank's entire volume. For example, a tank with a capacity of 150 liters will yield around 120 liters of concrete per batch.
Performance
You can't afford to overlook the performance of a cement mixer. The performance is determined by several variables, including motor output, motor power, and mixing method. Forced and gravity mixers are the two types of mixing methods.
Forced concrete mixers feature large capacity and inflexible drums. The rotation of the internal blades was used to mix concrete. A forced mixer is appropriate for liquid mixtures with no solid particles.
Gravity concrete mixers are used for tasks requiring a thicker mortar. A tilting drum with internal blades is used in this sort of mixer. Concrete components must be manually put into gravity cement mixers. Automatic loading is available for machines with a larger capacity. The power of a mixer's motor is directly proportional to its performance. Mixing can go on all day long with a powerful engine.
Wheels and Frame
They must resist the continual mobility around the site because they require a lot of hauling. Solid steel mixers are the best choice because they last longer. A trailer is coupled to a large mixer. The wheels should be considered while choosing a portable type. Don't forget to check if the wheels are durable enough to endure pushing on uneven terrain and muddy inclines.
How Often Will You Be Using The Concrete Mixers?
You must also consider the frequency of use of the concrete mixer in your selection criterion.
Occasional Use (smaller worksites)
A 60-liter tank might suffice if you only require a concrete mixer for a single job site. For this, opt for an electric concrete mixer.
Consistent Use (medium worksites)
In most cases, a 120-liter concrete mixer will suffice. You can raise the amount to 160 or 190 liters depending on the magnitude of the work. If you're working on a job site where electricity is guaranteed, an electric concrete mixer is a way to go.
Consistent or heavy use (large or professional worksites)
If you need concrete on a daily basis, you'll need a larger tank, at least 250 liters (to be calculated according to your needs). To avoid power supply issues, it is better to utilize a model with a combustion engine.
What Are Different Types And Shapes Of Concrete Mixers?
Handheld Mixer
Handheld mixers are smaller, more portable units that are useful for making concrete on the job site and allowing employees to use it before it hardens.
Barrow
A typical barrow mixer is made up of a drum, which is the open interior chamber of the mixer and is composed of hardened steel to withstand abrasion. It also has an inside-the-drum paddle that assures even mixing of the materials and a solid base on which the entire setup sits. The drum rotates on a fulcrum in the operation process, and movement is transmitted to the drum via a gear or belt. Electric or gasoline/diesel-powered mixers are available in this category.
What Are Some Important Features Of A Concrete Mixer?
Wheels
Some mixers come with wheelbarrows, but light-duty mixers often do not, as the contents may be readily managed by dumping into traditional barrows for transportation to user points. The wheels must be tough enough to withstand a wide range of terrain, including rough construction floors, lumpy ground, and inclines. For stability and support, the mixer's considerable weight necessitates sturdy, large, and thick wheels. Having inappropriate wheels can cause the entire system to tumble over, spilling the mixer.
Horsepower
The motors used in most electric cement mixers come in a variety of horsepower and voltage specifications. Smaller cement mixers typically run on 110 volts, translating to 1/3 to 1-1/2 horsepower (HP) motors. On the other hand, larger mixers run on 220 volts, which is equivalent to 1 to 5 HP motors.
Petrol/diesel mixers are utilized in locations where electricity is scarce or unavailable or if the construction site is remote. Electric mixers are smaller, lighter, and easier to use.
Durability
Another element to examine is the mixer's ability to last. The more power it has, the more strength it can produce and the more volume it can handle at one time, resulting in improved performance. Some mixers have immovable drums with movable blades inside, whereas others have movable drums with or without moving blades. Denser concrete, such as that used in big construction projects, is mixed with gravity mixers. Toughened steel barrels are recommended to withstand the high abrasion and wear encountered during the mixing process.
Best Concrete Mixers FAQs
Is it worth investing in a concrete mixer?
You don't need a concrete mixer if you're undertaking a simple crack repair or pouring concrete in a limited area. Consider using a concrete mixer if your project is substantially larger.
A concrete mixer consumes how many watts?
On medium-sized job sites, an electric concrete mixer can be used occasionally or even frequently. They're usually single-phase 220V with 500 to 1,500 watts of electricity. They are three-phase 380V for more power.
In a mixer, how many bags of concrete can you mix?
Each 80-pound bag of ready-mix concrete takes approximately 6 pints of water, totaling 86.25 pounds per bag. The weight of 3 cubic feet of wet mix produced by five bags of ready-mix is roughly 431.25 pounds. So, you should consider the drum size while mixing the concrete.
