10 Best Wheelbarrow Cement Mixers – [Top Reviews & Rankings]

The best wheelbarrow cement mixer should be versatile, intuitive, portable and highly durable.

While some of the advanced models can cost upwards of $1,000, you can also get a great mixer for less than $400.

To get the best value for money, you need to consider such aspects as a power source, type of mixer as well as drum material and capacity.

Throughout this guide, you will also learn what wheelbarrow concrete mixer is, the much they cost and how to use one.

What is a Wheelbarrow Cement Mixer?

A concrete mixer is essentially a machine that homogeneously mixes cement, aggregates such as sand or gravel, and water to form the concrete base. The machine uses a rotating drum to mix such components uniformly.

The best wheelbarrow cement mixer models are available in sizes ranging from 3 to 12 cubic feet. As such, they are only suited for small jobs such as when on foundation, sidewalk, and binding block construction or repair projects.

Some of these mobile wheelbarrow concrete mixers are small enough to fit in trunks of most cars. However, these are also larger models that are moved by towing.

The small, compact design of these units makes them mobile and usable anywhere, including the remote areas. Some of these units are powered by electric motors while others use gasoline engines, as explained below.

How Much Does a Wheelbarrow Concrete Mixer Cost?

Cement mixers come at a variety of price points. Affordable models cost anywhere between $100 and $250.

The more advanced Barrow concrete mixers with larger mixing capacities are costlier, with most models priced between $400 and upwards of $1,000.

Getting the best value for money is always important when making such a big purchase. You can only get good value if you get a machine of the right capacity and has the features you desire.

If you want to get the best cement mixer for your money, determine what features you need to consider.

Quick Comparison of the Top 5 Products

1. YARDMAX YM0115 4.0 Cu. Ft. Concrete Mixer – Best Overall

This mixer is designed to offer you a perfect blend of affordability, performance, support, and value for money. With this model, you will find it rather easy to prepare the correct homogenous concrete batches every time.

You will find the mixer to be practical and to deliver great performance. Just as is the case with other construction equipment by YARDMAX, this wheelbarrow cement mixer is of high quality, hence durable. It is suited for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.

The YARDMAX heavy duty concrete mixer has been proven to be rather easy to assemble, pour with and maneuver around a job site.

It is designed to deliver a rugged performance in any kind of weather. It features a compact, low-profile design that makes it easier and more efficient for you to pour concrete onto a wheelbarrow, forms and moving the unit around the site

2. Goplus Electric Cement/Concrete Mixer 1/2HP 2.2 Cubic Ft Barrow Machine – The Best Mini Wheelbarrow Cement Mixer

Featuring a rugged design, the Goplus wheelbarrow mixer is only suited for small construction and repair projects. The powerful mother used on the mixer is capable of turning the drum at a speed of 28 revolutions per minute when filled. This delivers a thorough mixing effect.

The steel frame and powerful motor make it more stable and durable, while its two wheels add to the flexibility of the cement mixer. You will also find the model to be safe and comparatively easy to operate.

It features a non-slip handle as well as a safety lock to ensure that the drum stays where you position it. The drum is made of high-quality steel that is corrosion-resistant and durable for long-term service life.

The drum is paired to a powerful heavy-duty motor, allowing for efficient mixing and smooth operation with every batch.

3. Kushlan Wheelbarrow Mixer – The Best Electric Wheelbarrow Cement

This Kushlan wheelbarrow concrete mixer is loaded with an assortment of features to make your work even easier. In addition to its rugged design, the unit is supported by a heavy-gauge steel frame.

It is also fitted with polyurethane flat-free tires, making it easy to move about. The 3/4 HP electric motor delivers 28 rotations per minute of rotational speed. It is fitted with a 5/16″ gauge polyethylene drum that is resistant to dents, cracks, and rust.

You will also find this material rather easy to clean after use. The mixer is equipped with telescoping steel handles to allow for easy breakdown, especially during storage. The model is CE, UL, and CSA Approved. It is also fitted with three steel blades that have concrete/mortar configuration for enhanced efficiency.

4. Generic 5 Cubic Feet Wheelbarrow Portable Cement Concrete Mixer – The Best 5 Cu. Ft. Barrow Concrete Mixer

Mix your own concrete on-site with this compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use cement mixer. This Generic5 concrete mixer model is fitted with 10-inch wheels, hence it is easy to move around. It is powered by a 220~240V/50HZ motor that is also compatible with 110~120V/60HZ power outlets.

The motor delivers 0.5Hp of power for that efficiency and homogenous concrete mixing experience. The drum on this model has a diameter of 24 inches, allowing you to mix up to 275 lbs. of concrete with every batch.

The 8-inch discharge outlet on the drum makes it easy and fast for you to empty its contents into a wheelbarrow once they are ready. For the purpose of transportation or storage, you will find this unit comparatively easy to disassemble, often in under a minute.

5. Northern Industrial Mini Electric Cement Mixer – The Most Affordable Mixer

This may be one of the affordable mixers but also turns out to be one of the most powerful wheelbarrow cement mixers in the construction industry. The portable mixer is powered by a powerful belt driven 1/4 HP motor.

This makes it ideal for DIY fence pole foundations construction, and repair projects. It features rugged steel construction and 8″ solid rubber wheels. You will also find this cement mixer is both durable and portable.

The rather small drum on this model has a mixing capacity of 0.85 cubic feet. As such, you may need to prepare multiple batches to meet your needs.

For enhanced mixing efficiency and speedy preparation, the motor turns the drum at a speed of 1,720 revolutions per minute. It is powder-coated for enhanced durability.

6. Klutch Portable Cement Mixer – Best for Small Projects

When people think of wheelbarrow cement mixers, they tend to assume that the mixer is going to be used on large projects. However, that’s not always true. If you’re like many home improvement fans, you occasionally just need a small amount of cement to touch up your home and get things sorted out.

You might say that this petite wheelbarrow cement mixer comes in klutch. With its petite 2 cubic foot drum capacity, 0.88 cubic foot mixing capacity and its lightweight design, this is the perfect size for projects that are meant to be a one-man job.

The motor on this one is petite and is not meant to be a rapid mixer. At 26 RPM, there are other brands that beat it by a landslide. However, for the price point that it’s at, it’s still a pretty solid deal.

7. Stark Portable 5 Cubic Feet Wheelbarrow Cement Mixer – Best for Heavy Duty Projects

Looking for something portable that also comes with a freestanding design? Need it to be packed with power? Stark’s portable wheelbarrow cement mixer is meant for just that purpose. With its inside storage packing that much space, it’s way versatile.

The 110-Volt battery means that you also get a decent amount of power in terms of rotation. This model gives a very reasonable 23 RPM drum rating, which makes it a good choice for projects that involve slow mixing.

This portable mixer is really good for mixing around seeds and mulch, as well as more traditional materials like stucco, cement, and adobe. For the price point that you’re getting it at, you can’t do better.

8. IMER USA MINUTEMAN II – Best for Ultra-Fast Mixing

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Some projects require speedy mixing—speed that’s well beyond what one could do by hand. Those that don’t require fast mixing still tend to take less time and turn out better when you’re able to mix the cement in a fast and efficient manner. That’s what makes IMER USA’s option so darn attractive.

This wheelbarrow-carted freestanding cement mixer has just about everything a professional would need in order to finish fickle projects. When in action, this mixer is able to mix up 275 pounds of grout, stucco, mortar, or cement in a matter of four minutes. Think about that for a minute, and then marvel at its awesome engineering.

Its 110-Volt, industrial-grade motor is what you have to thank for its excellent use. What you’re really going to like, though, is its speedy prep time. You can have it ready to work, right out of the box, in a matter of 15 minutes.

9. Generic 8 Cubic Feet Cement Mixer – Best for Massive Projects

Though this doesn’t usually happen with regular home improvement projects, there will be times where you will need a lot of cement, grout, mortar, or other stuff. When this happens, having a barrel that’s 5 cubic feet won’t cut it. Most professionals in the construction field can attest to that fact.

That’s why we decided to point out Generic’s massive 8 cubic foot capacity cement mixer. When in use, this machine is able to mix up 400 pounds of cement per batch at a speed of 23 RPM. Its sturdy tripod build also means you won’t have to worry about tipping over.

Though it has a large capacity and an excellent professional level of durability, it’s important to remember that this cement mixer comes with a caveat. It’s corded and will require an extension cord to power in most situations. That being said, it’s still a steal at its price point.

10. Kushlan Electric Portable 3.5 Cubic Foot Cement Mixer – Best for Versatility

If you like the level of quality that Kushlan is known for, but don’t want to have to splurge on a 5 cubic foot electric mixer, there’s another offering from this company that’s worth discussing. We’re talking about their 3.5 cubic foot wheelbarrow cement mixer, of course!

This easy to manevuer cement mixer has all the basics you need for most jobs—a decent storage capacity, 21 RPM speeds, a tripod stand, and a 120-Volt motor that makes sure you get the job done in time. The flat-free tires, specially designed durability drum, and fast prep time make this a great pick.

Like with all wheelbarrow cement mixers, this is a great choice for builders who want to shave some time off their work routine. Those who have tried the Kushlan never tire of it.

Before Buying a Concrete Wheelbarrow Mixer

The best portable cement mixer models feature quality parts, including a rotating drum, a motor which rotates the drum, and a metal handle.

Portable concrete mixers are mobile mixers, hence they are easy to move from one location to another.

For enhanced efficiency on every project, you need the right concrete mixer.

If you are currently shipping for one, here are the considerations you need to make:

Type of Concrete Mixer

Basically, the various wheelbarrow cement mixers are designed for enhanced portability and only have limited mixing capacities. Even so, the rising and functionality of these machines differ from one model to another.

These are the three main portable concrete mixer types you should consider:

• Mortar Concrete Mixers

Mortar mixers are designed to mix all-sand mixes, such as block mortar as well as stucco and brick. These mixers are more versatile as they can handle mixes that tend to be stiff, sticky and lacking aggregate.

They may also be used to mix fluid concrete with aggregate up to 3/8″. However, mixing with heavy aggregates increases wear on the rubbing mixing paddles of the machine considerably.

• Drum Mixers

Drum mixers are the conventional choice for mixing concrete with large aggregates.

These portable mixers function the best when used on a relatively fluid cement and aggregate mixture. The more fluid in the mix, the more effective the drum mixer is at mixing.

A stiff, low slump, the mixture will not tumble and churn effectively enough and may require you to manually scrap the inside of the drum. Drum mixers are very popular in the construction industry and come in many sizes.

• Vertical Shaft Mixers

These are essentially designed for near-continuous mixing of stiff, all-sand mixes. Such models will allow the operator to pour raw material into the top of the mixing barrel and extract mixed material from a chute on the bottom.

Most of the best vertical shaft wheelbarrow mixers do not require you to stop the machine before emptying the chute.

Drum Material

In most cases, the drum in a wheelbarrow cement mixer is made of steel. When used as a material, steel is known to be strong and durable. However, some models are made of polyethylene or even plastic.

Plastic drums are lighter and easier to maintain but are comparatively less durable. If looking for a small mixer for your DIY projects, a lightweight material that is easy to clean is a viable option. In such a case, you may decide to get one with a plastic drum.

Mixing Power

As for the power, cement mixers may be powered by an electric motor or a gasoline/diesel engine. Each of the two power sources has a unique set of benefits and downsides.

For instance, the electric mixer is often preferred because it is low noise and is relatively cheaper and easier to operate. Its startup is almost instantaneous once you plug it into an AC or DC power source.

Such models are fitted with powerful motors of the different voyage and amperage ratings. The smaller cement mixers tend to use around 110 volts and deliver about 1/3 to 1-1/2 horsepower (HP) of energy.

The larger mixers use 220-volt motors that produce about 1 to 5 HP. If you intend to use the unit off-grid, a diesel/gasoline-powered wheelbarrow cement mixer will come in handy.

However, engine-powered models are not as lightweight and easy to maneuver as electric mixers.

Drum Capacity

The capacity of the drum determines the number of batches you can make to get the required concrete. Basically, the mixing capacity is always less than the stipulated volume of the drum, about 75 to 80 percent the actual volume of the drum.

As such, if the volume of the drum in your preferred mixer is 10 cubic feet, it can only be used to prepare batches of up to 8 cubic feet at a time. Always be careful not to overfill the tank as it is likely to interfere with concrete homogeneity.

Under filling the drum, on the other hand, causes the concrete to stick to the sides of the drum. If the tank volume is small, you may need to prepare more batches of concrete to meet the required concrete volume.

How to Use a Wheelbarrow Concrete Mixer

Almost all construction projects will require you to mix concrete in a proper manner in order to end up with a mixture with the right form.

Just as is the case with other construction equipment, a wheelbarrow cement mixer has to be used properly for enhanced efficiency, and durability.

Proper use of the mixer machine will also boost safety levels on the site as it will avoid unnecessary injuries. Here are some of the key tips to help you use the machine appropriately:

Preparation

Set the mixer on level ground with the drum set at a 45-degree angle, with the mouth facing upwards. First, you need to wet the inner side of the mixer drum to prevent concrete from sticking to its sides during mixing. This will make it easier for you to clean the machine after use.

wetting the inside will ensure that cleaning the machine won’t be unnecessarily difficult once you’ve finished using it. Before adding anything else to the drum, it is advisable to pour a considerable amount of water into the drum and allow it to turn a few times.

Adding The Materials Into the Drum

You may then proceed to add the materials into the drum in a specific standard ratio, often 1:2:3. This means one part cement, two parts of sand and three parts of stone or aggregate.

The correct ration will depend on the type of project you are currently undertaking.

Begin by adding the sand. Allow the mixer to turn for 3 to 4 minutes before adding the rest of your required sand-ballast mixture.

Gradually add cement, sand, and ballast in the right ratio until the drum is 80 percent filled. Leave the machine running until the contents are mixed homogenously.

Pouring the Concrete

Once your mixture is ready, position a wheelbarrow beneath the front of the mixer. Using the tilting handle, rotate the drum slightly to pour the contents into the wheelbarrow.

It is advisable to do this slowly to avoid overfilling the wheelbarrow or spilling the concrete. After pouring, you may want to use any of these top-rated pencil vibrators to shake out the air pockets in the freshly-poured concrete.

Ready to Mix Cement More Efficiently?

When shopping for a wheelbarrow concrete mixer, you need to consider much more than just the volume of the unit.

You will also need to consider such things as the durability, quality, and price of the unit.

Just like the five electric concrete mixers reviewed above, the right product should be easy to use, easy to assemble and clean after use.

Whether you are a professional contractor or just a DIY concrete mixer enthusiast, this guide will help you choose the best wheelbarrow concrete mixer.

For other tools for concrete, explore our other pages, including our review of the best concrete vibrators on this page. Also, do you need to mix wet concrete? Read our guide on top rated pencil vibrators!