Are you looking for the best small concrete mixer? Check out the prices, my opinions, reviews and the guide to choose it.
A small electric concrete mixer can become a valuable ally for a farmer. As you surely know, in fact, in addition to mortar and concrete, this product is also very useful for mixing fertilizer or animal feed, although this is not its main use (but never mind). In any case, whatever your need, if you do not have big claims in terms of capacity you can economize but without losing quality, by investing in a small portable concrete mixer.
They are less stable than fixed ones, so they are not very suitable for professional use in construction, but I advise you not to judge them by appearances.
Table of Contents
Features of the mini concrete mixer
As its name explains, it is a real concrete mixer but with smaller sizes compared to the “big sisters”. Nevertheless, you can use it for many different purposes, such as mixing cement, or fertilizer in the agricultural sector. Obviously, even those involved in do-it-yourself will be able to benefit immensely from a concrete mixer of this type at their side. One of its main features is the portable structure, thanks to the presence of a frame equipped with wheels. This is a feature that will allow you to move it easily, without tiring too much.
It is clear that the smaller dimensions are also such due to the presence of a body with a reduced capacity in liters. Know that usually small concrete mixers have a capacity that starts from a minimum of 60 liters, up to a maximum of around 220 liters. For the rest, the structure is almost identical to the classic models, with the so-called “glass” in steel (ie the box) installed on a rotating axis. The frame is also fitted with steel tubulars, in addition of course to the electric motor unit.
The motor has the task of allowing the rotation of the tank, and can be of 2 types: belt (transmission) or direct drive. In addition, there is a steering wheel with a stop system that directs the mouth of the glass up or down, depending on the use you want to make of it. In the first case you will need it to load the concrete mixer, while in the second case to let the cement mixture or the freshly mixed fertilizer go down into a wheelbarrow. The mixing of the materials takes place instead thanks to a pair of blades or internal blades, often bolted, therefore replaceable in case of wear.
Best small concrete mixers
1. VidaXL 63 L Small Electric Concrete Mixer
If you are looking for a cheap but good mini electric concrete mixer, then I recommend that you evaluate this product from VidaXL. It is a very light device, weighing only 25 kilos, and with a glass capacity of 63 liters. You can load it with a maximum of 40-50 liters of mortar at a time, always following the 80% rule, which corresponds to a capacity of one and a half or two bags. Excellent motor, with 220 watt power and capable of holding up even for more than 5 hours straight.
- Motor: 220 watts
- Capacity: 63 liters
- Weight: 25 kilograms
- Structure: lever, rubber wheels
The engine is one of the most interesting surprises in my opinion, as it holds up well even with prolonged work. Then I would like to underline the very good quality of the materials, since the body is made of steel, although the paint tends to peel off with use. Any other technical data? It has a glass diameter of 26.7 centimeters, while the drum rotates at a speed of 27.5 revolutions per minute. Ideal for both cement and fertilizer, this concrete mixer is a small low cost jewel.
The assembly instructions are quite lacking, but it is a defect that we often find in this kind of products. The concrete mixer is however very easy to use and empty, also thanks to the presence of the side lever to overturn it. In addition, it is fitted with a pair of large rubber-coated wheels, which makes it easier to move around, and has excellent stability while working. In conclusion, it is a portable concrete mixer that knows its stuff and that is worth more than its price.
2. SOGI Bem-200 900 W 200 Liters
Among the small … but large concrete mixers, that of SOGI is one of the best ever. It is true that it has a high weight (more than 60 kilos), but it is equally true that it has a steel body with a high capacity, equal to 200 liters. We are therefore faced with a model that is still amateur, but perfect for those who need to mix a lot of mortar, without spending a lot of money on a fixed mixer. In addition, it has a really powerful motor, with a 900W wattage.
- Motor: 900 watts
- Capacity: 200 liters
- Weight: 61 kilograms
- Structure: steering wheel, rubber wheels
It is not the top of stability, because it wobbles a little, but only if you load it like a mule. If you limit yourself to the right amount of mortar, it will not move an inch from the floor and immediately give you a feeling of great reliability. It is very comfortable to use, due to the tipping system of the steering wheel, and the materials are excellent, which also includes the quality of the two internal blades. Finally, know that the body makes 31 revolutions per minute, and that you can turn it over and lock it by choosing from 18 different positions.
Note: online you will also find a smaller version of the SOGI, with a 125 liter skip and a 550 watt motor.
The diameter of the mouth is equal to 37 centimeters, while the “belly” reaches a diameter of 66 centimeters. On a technical level, we also find a safety pedal to release the handle and the classic wheels with rubber coating to simplify moving operations. The performances are truly exceptional, if we remain in the field of hobby electric concrete mixers, and it is a product destined to last for many years, but it is also understood by the fact that it does not have an economic cost.
3. Boudech Electric 275 W 70 Liters
Let’s take a step back and go back to the sector of small concrete mixers with low capacity skip. In this case the glass has a maximum capacity of 70 liters, while the engine is powerful and reaches 275 watts. The real and only problem is the instruction booklet, which complicates life during assembly considerably: once this obstacle has been overcome, the mini concrete mixer in question performs its duty well, even in light of a price that cannot be cheaper. .
- Motor: 275 watts
- Capacity: 70 liters
- Weight: 29 kilograms
- Structure: lever, rubber wheels
The diameter of the glass corresponds to 45 centimeters, while the mouth reaches 26 cm. The speed can reach a maximum of 36 revolutions per minute, and the frame is fitted with a pair of wheels as always, although they are not very large. Since it is not heavy (29 kg), this factor does not ruin the portability of the device, which is rather easy to move and maneuver. The tipping of the body takes place thanks to a lateral lever system (so there is no steering wheel).
Note: if you need more capacity, there is the Boudech with a 140 liter glass and 550 watt motor power.
The internal shovels work discreetly and mix both the mortar, the fertilizer and the feed well. Also consider that the glass is made of steel, so you won’t have to worry about durability over time. The paintwork is not great and tends to peel off, but in terms of performance the engine is able to hold up for several hours without ever getting tired. Of course, having a small capacity, I advise you not to load it too much (no more than 40-50 kilos). Given the price, however, there are some limitations.
4. TimberTech® 70 Liters 220 Watt
An excellent alternative to the previous ones. It is a small concrete mixer with a body with a total capacity of 70 liters, and with a motor with a power of 220 watts. The technical data are all in all similar to the other products of these sizes, so we will not find a steering wheel but a lever body tipping system, but still very comfortable to use. The wheels are not very large but are sufficient to facilitate the movement of this device.
- Motor: 220 watts
- Capacity: 70 liters
- Weight: 25 kilograms
- Structure: lever, rubber wheels
Ideal for mixing anything, from concrete to mortar, through fertilizer and animal feed. There versatility is not in question and neither is the reliability of the engine, considering that it can work non-stop for several hours straight. Of course, the only real limit is the reduced capacity, which will allow you to knead a maximum of about 40 kilos at a time. At a hobby level it is still difficult to find models of this quality, although as usual the instruction booklet is not very clear.
Note: guess what’? Here too we have a “big sister” with a capacity of 140 liters, with an engine power of 550 watts and with management of the body on the steering wheel.
The mouth of the body has a diameter of 24 centimeters, and the machine is very light, to the point that it weighs only 25 kilograms. In addition, the drum reaches a good speed, corresponding to 27.5 revolutions per minute, and the manual lock is also present. In summary, although not perfect, this small concrete mixer shows several advantages and an overall competitive price, as long as you understand that it is a hobby-level machine with a reduced capacity in liters.
How to choose the best small concrete mixer
1. Structure and components
I would say that it is appropriate to start with a quick study of the components, considering that – despite appearances – a mini electric concrete mixer is still a tool to be thoroughly understood.
- Chassis: the frame is the section that supports the loading cup and the motor unit, it is always made of steel and has the task of keeping the concrete mixer in position. It is important that it is stable when the tool is active, although the small models are less strong in this respect. Usually it is better to choose the steel painted with epoxy powders, so as to prevent it from rusting.
- Section with wheels: the section with wheels is integrated into the frame, even if it is a piece that you will have to assemble with the rest of the structure. Thanks to the wheels, you will be able to move your small concrete mixer without problems, even due to its not very heavy weight (from 25 to 60 kilos).
- Mobile group: the cup is mounted on a mobile unit, which will allow you to raise and lower the box according to your needs. In mini concrete mixers you may find different systems that will give you the possibility to maneuver the body. Usually you will find a lever or steering wheel mechanism, but in other cases you may find a simple rear rod.
- Cassone or glass: also known as glass or drum, the caisson has the task of hosting the materials to be kneaded. At this point you will have already understood that, compared to large and fixed concrete mixers, it has a lower capacity which is around 150 liters. Later we will also deepen this aspect.
- Motor unit: the motor group is always electric in the portable models, and is located right next to the body. It obviously has the task of activating and maintaining constant rotation of the glass, and can be belt driven or direct drive. There are also gas-powered concrete mixers, but they are quite rare in the portable sector.
- Control panel: it is the panel you will use to manage the appliance’s motor. It is a metal box with a door, inside which you will find the on / off button, the immediate lock button in case of danger or emergencies and the power connection.
As you can see, although it is not that complex, it is important to know the various parts that make up a portable concrete mixer. Also because some details may differ from product to product, as in the case of the mechanism that allows you to raise or lower the drum (the most comfortable of all is the steering wheel).
2. Body capacity
Surely you already know that the capacity in liters of the drum will determine the amount of material that you will be able to knead at each “turn”. This value is always indicated in liters, but there is one thing you need to know: you will not be able to use the entire capacity of the glass to mix your fertilizer or mortar, but only a part (generally about 80%). To give you a concrete example, if the container has a capacity of 150 liters, you can fill it up to a maximum of about 120 liters.
Finally, some very small models have a capacity of only 60 liters, but in most cases the average is around 125 or 150 liters. A larger but still portable electric mixer will reach a maximum of just over 200 liters.
3. Engine power
Engine power is measured either in watts or in HP (horsepower). Since we are not talking about professional products, you will hardly find a mini concrete mixer with a very powerful engine. And there would not even be a need, considering that the only task of the engine is to support a homogeneous rotation of the body. Conversely, the larger the glass, the more the appliance will need a higher wattage motor to avoid overheating in the long run.
The power can start from a minimum of 200 watts in the models with a 100-liter drum, up to about 1,000 watts in the small concrete mixers with a 200-liter skip. In the middle we find the most popular models, namely those with a capacity of 125 or 150 liters and with engine power between 300 and 900 watts.
4. Revolutions per minute
Be careful not to confuse the power of the engine with the total number of revolutions that the body is able to perform in one minute. The revolutions per minute must always be consistent with the wattage of the motor, for a reason that I’ll explain immediately: an excessive speed could strain a not very powerful motor, and stress it to the point of overheating it or even damaging it, because it will be forced to run at full speed for a longer time. In summary, a higher glass speed is not always synonymous with a better portable concrete mixer.
As regards the technical values, generally in the sector of small concrete mixers the numbers of revolutions per minute are around 23 rpm in the models with a 300 watt motor, and 31 rpm in those with 500 watt and up.
5. Body materials
Personally, I recommend that you always opt for a concrete mixer with a steel drum, since it is the most robust and durable material of all. Some cheap models could have a plastic polymer body, but here in Italy they are not very common and honestly for me it is a good thing. Because it is one thing to save money, another is to overdo it and take home a device that is destined to wear out quickly. On the other hand, in case you happen to encounter these products, know that not all evils come to harm.
Plastic polymer drums also have advantages, as they are much lighter and therefore reduce the overall weight of the appliance. Secondly, they are easier to clean, since they have a higher non-stick level than steel: in short, the cement or fertilizer will stick less to the internal surfaces of the glass. As I explained to you, however, they are much less robust and durable than steel, and this in my opinion is a big limitation.
6. Strength of the frame
Never underestimate the importance of the frame, because the stability of your electric concrete mixer depends on the quality of the structure. I start from a premise: a mini concrete mixer can never offer you the same stability as a fixed and professional model, for obvious reasons. Consequently, it is possible that it “dances” a little during the kneading operations, due to the vibrations produced by the rotation of the glass. Unfortunately it is one of the few limits (perhaps the only one) to accept when buying products of this type.
On the other hand, if the model is of quality, know that it will resist any vibration and therefore the frame will not be damaged, remaining intact and avoiding premature wear of its components.
7. Management of the box
At this point you will have already understood that the body can be managed through different systems, such as the steering wheel, the side lever or the rear rod. Normally we find the steering wheel in models with a higher capacity, around 200 liters, while below this value you will almost certainly have to manage the vertical movements of the drum with a lever or rod. Also consider that some models have a system that will allow you to lock the drum in multiple positions, according to your needs. Usually the number of selectable positions reaches a maximum of 18.
8. Other useful elements for the choice
At this point you should have all the most important information on hand to choose your next small concrete mixer. But know that there are other elements that are good to know, to complete the picture.
- Diameter e wheel coating: a pair of large wheels are preferable, because they allow you to better manage the movements of the appliance. If there is a rubber coating present, so much the better.
- Noisiness: if you plan to take a ninja home with you, you will have to change your mind, as even small concrete mixers are quite noisy (around 90 decibels). In other words, be sure to use them while wearing ear protection.
- Trailer coupling: if you buy a very heavy concrete mixer with a large load capacity in liters, make sure the chassis is equipped with the appropriate trailer coupling.
- Number of legs: usually a portable concrete mixer with wheels has only one central support foot with a reinforced square base. In other cases you may find a wider foot, with a wide horizontal shaft. Some models have a cart that can only be lowered when you need to move it, and typically stand on 4 feet.
- Weight: the weight of a small electric concrete mixer can even reach 60 kilos, if we are talking about those with a 200-liter skip. The “mignon” models, with a capacity of 60-70 liters, weigh much less (generally around 25-30 kg).
In conclusion, I hope I have provided you with all the insights you need to buy the perfect concrete mixer for your needs. Before leaving, I remind you that the duration of these appliances also depends on maintenance: in summary, be sure to clean the inside of the box after using it, because if the concrete solidifies it will be a big challenge to remove it, since you will have to chisel it. And also remember to never load the box to its maximum capacity, and to always apply the 80% rule.
