Choosing a Concrete Mixer: Drum Size and Power for DIY and Trade Jobs

July 10, 2026

A concrete mixer buying guide really comes down to two numbers: drum capacity and motor power — everything else is a matter of preference. Here's how to size one correctly for the job in front of you.

Drum size for the job

Small jobs — fence posts, letterboxes, small repairs — are covered by a 60–70L mixer, light enough to move around a yard by hand. Mid-size jobs like paths, small slabs, or a run of footings suit 100–140L. Once you're pouring larger slabs or mixing continuously for a trade job, 220L+ cuts the number of batches dramatically and pays for itself in time saved.

Motor power and duty cycle

Bigger drums need more motor power to keep the mix turning evenly, especially with drier mixes or added aggregate. If you're mixing all day rather than occasionally, look at the wattage rating — a mixer built for occasional DIY use will struggle (and wear out faster) under continuous trade-level use.

Portability matters more than people expect

Solid rubber wheels and a pedestal stand make a real difference moving a loaded mixer around an uneven site — pneumatic tyres are lighter to push empty but can go flat under load. A tipper lock is worth having so the drum doesn't swing while you're loading it.