Is It Better to Buy or Rent a Concrete Mixer?

Cost Considerations

One of the first questions people ask is whether it’s cheaper to rent or buy a concrete mixer. Renting a mixer for a week typically costs between $150 and $250, depending on the size and location. For small, one-time projects, renting is the budget-friendly choice. You can return the machine after the job is done without worrying about storage or maintenance.

However, if you take on concrete projects often, buying makes more sense. Owning electric concrete mixers provides long-term savings, especially when projects require multiple days of mixing. Instead of paying weekly rental fees, you invest once and use the mixer for years to come. Over time, the cost per project becomes much lower compared to repeated rentals.

Mixer Sizes and Capacity

Mixers come in different capacities, and knowing how many bags they hold helps you plan projects. A 4-cubic-foot mixer can hold about two 80lb bags of Quikrete at a time. A 9-cubic-foot model can handle around six bags. Larger mixers are better for patios or driveways where a steady flow of concrete is needed.

By comparison, a ready-mix truck carries 8 to 10 cubic yards of concrete. This is the equivalent of more than 350 80lb bags. While a truck can handle huge jobs, smaller mixers give flexibility for DIY projects without delivery fees. For medium-sized work, a durable quqality cement mixers for sale bridges the gap between hand mixing and full truck delivery.

Concrete Handling and Timing

Concrete has a limited workable time, whether in a truck or a portable mixer. In a delivery truck, the mix usually stays usable for up to 90 minutes before setting begins. In smaller mixers, timing is shorter since the batches are smaller and can dry faster. That’s why careful planning is needed before you start pouring.

Mixing speed is another factor. A wheelbarrow mix takes more effort and time, and consistency is often uneven. Using powered mixers saves energy and ensures uniform blends. Tools like a high quality power screed can then finish the concrete surface smoothly after placement.

Practical Alternatives

People often wonder about the difference between a cement mixer and a concrete mixer. In practice, they’re the same thing—machines designed to mix cement, sand, gravel, and water into usable concrete. A wheelbarrow, on the other hand, is sometimes used for small mixes but has limits. It typically holds about two 60lb bags or one 80lb bag at a time. A full wheelbarrow of concrete weighs more than 300 pounds, making it tough to move without help.

For jobs where moisture protection matters, adding a roll of vapor barrier wrap beneath slabs prevents water from weakening the concrete over time. This small addition increases the life of the slab and helps avoid costly repairs later.

Methods Compared

Is it cheaper to mix your own concrete or buy it ready-mix? For small projects, mixing by hand or with a portable machine is almost always cheaper. For large slabs or foundations, truck delivery makes more sense. Trucks deliver high volumes in one pour, which is nearly impossible with bagged mixes alone.

Mixing by hand works for tiny jobs, but it’s slow and inconsistent. Using a powered mixer produces smoother, stronger results and saves hours of labor. Whether you choose a small portable model or a heavy-duty towable concrete screed and mixer setup, the investment pays off in both quality and efficiency.