Mix Your Own Concrete and More With the 7 Best Cement Mixers

Whether your project begins with pouring concrete or it’s the finishing touch, strong cement starts at the mixing stage. Making concrete is simple in theory—you simply combine cement with water and an aggregate like sand or crushed stone—but the strength and durability of the mixture can vary quite a bit depending on the water ratio and consistency of the mixture.

While it’s possible to mix bags of dry concrete mix and water in a wheelbarrow with a shovel, it’s a messy process, and can be really tough on your back. Plus, it’s hard to get a smooth, consistent mix by hand. The best cement mixers keep the work rolling along, allowing you to take the concrete exactly where it needs to go, and ensure a quality mix that’ll help you do the job right the first time.

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The Best Cement Mixers

The Expert: I’m a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Popular Science, and many other publications. I’m also a gardener and avid DIYer at my mini-homestead in rural Pennsylvania, constantly involved in projects ranging from plumbing to plasma cutting, and – of course – concrete pouring and repair. From sidewalk patching and footings to full-blown patio pouring, I’ve done a little bit of everything, and learned a thing or two!

What to Consider When Picking Out a Cement Mixer

There are a lot of mixer options out there, and the right one for you depends on the type of projects you plan to take on, and how often you’ll use it. To choose the right mixer for you, shop with mixer capacity, ease of cleanup, weight and footprint in mind (concrete mixers can be tough to store).

Handheld or Barrel?

The traditional concrete mixer consists of a large barrel or drum with an open mouth on one end, affixed to a rotating shaft with an engine to turn it. As the drum turns, the concrete inside mixes together. When it’s ready, the barrel can be tilted to pour into a mold or wheelbarrow, or the mixture can be shoveled out.

A handheld mixer is a long handle with a paddle on the end, attached to a handle and motor. The mixer attaches to a bucket or barrel, which stirs the ingredients consistently. Handheld mixers are typically better suited to mixing mortar or stucco, but they can also be useful for smaller concrete jobs, and take up a lot less storage space than their drum-style cousins.

Barrel Material

Most mixer barrels are made from one of two materials–steel or polyethylene (often called “poly” for short.) Steel drums are, overall, more durable, and better able to stand up to heavy use and exposure to the elements, though they can rust if you leave them outside exposed to the element. Poly barrels are rust-resistant and a lot easier to clean the concrete from between uses, but may not last as long as well-maintained steel.

Combustion or Electric?

You’ll also have to decide on a power source. All mixers have motors: Some are electric while others have gas combustion engines. Both can provide a lot of power and torque, and many models offer a choice between the two options. If your projects are close to your home or another building with access to power, an electric option might be best. But if you plan to pour concrete further afield, a combustion motor offers total portability.

How Big is the Job?

Drum-style mixers come in varying capacities ranging from 3-6 cubic feet. If you plan on smaller jobs, you don’t need a high-volume mixer. For common DIY projects, a barrel capacity of around 3.5 cu. ft. should be sufficient—that’s roughly two 80-lb concrete bags plus water. Bigger jobs might require a 6 cu. ft. capacity, but remember the larger you go, the more room you need for storage.

How We Selected These Concrete Mixers

I drew upon my own experience with a variety of mixer brands and types across many years and projects. I also consulted manufacturer listings and studied hundreds of customer reviews on Amazon, manufacturer websites, and home improvement store sites. Whatever your budget and scale of your project, there’s something on this list for you.