There are lots of DIY-friendly projects that require a bit of concrete work. From building decks to erecting a new mailbox, concrete helps to ensure your project stays safe, durable, and securely anchored. But unless you’re using the best Concrete Mixers in Ghana for your particular project, preparing cement mix can be daunting.
While you could mix concrete with a shovel in a wheelbarrow or mason’s tub, incorporating the water and cement mix can be a tedious, tiring process. Using the best cement mixer can cut that time dramatically while also conserving your energy for the project at hand. This guide will help you understand how to pick a machine that suits your usage—as well as why the following are considered among the best cement mixers on the market.
Before You Buy a Cement Mixer
Most folks use the terms “cement” and “concrete” interchangeably, and to some degree, so will this guide. While it’s a common misconception, there is a difference between cement and concrete.
Cement is a binder that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materials, and as such, is a key ingredient in concrete, an aggregate of several different ingredients. Cement comes as a fine powder that hardens via a chemical reaction with the addition of water. In general, the cement referred to in concrete is Portland cement, which is usually derived from limestone.
Concrete is an aggregate made up of water, stone or gravel, and Portland cement; other bonding agents can also be added for repair scenarios. The addition of gravel and stone lessens the amount of Portland cement required, which is often more expensive and less readily available than gravel. Gravel also increases the strength of the cured concrete. And note that mortar, which is used between bricks and blocks to secure them in place, is a mixture of cement, water, and sand (no gravel).
By this definition, there are no cement sidewalks, cement slabs, or cement mixers. Each would actually be concrete, but the terms are so interchangeable that manufacturers use “cement” to describe their mixers.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Cement Mixer
Choosing the best cement mixer requires a solid foundation of knowledge. You need to know what style, size, and weight machine might work best for your needs, as well as power and capacity, so keep reading to bone up.
Mixing Volume
Mixing volume applies to barrel mixers only, but this point is crucial: Barrel mixers come in volumes, ranging from just 2.5 cubic feet to 12 cubic feet. While bigger may seem better, that’s often not the case.
Mixing a load of concrete larger than you can work with quickly causes issues. The mix will begin to cure in the mixer, reducing its strength once it cures after pouring. Even if you have a very large mixer, it’s better to work in smaller loads to ensure the mix sets in place, not in the machine. Use this guide to determine how much concrete your project will need.
Additional Features
There are a few other factors that might make a particular barrel-style model the best cement mixer for your needs. Baked-enamel finishes on the drum help improve its durability, while lightweight plastic drums lessen the load. Some machines also have removable or collapsible handles, making them easier to store in a garage or shed.
Adjustable speeds can increase the usability of handheld mixers. While concrete requires a lower speed with lots of torque, paint and thinset can use higher speeds. Also, features like auto shut-offs help reduce the risk of burning mixers up when they get too hot.
Our Top Picks
Now that you understand the criteria for choosing a quality cement mixer, you can start shopping. Whether facing a large project or a quick patch, you’re likely to find the best cement mixer for your needs among the models below.
