A cement mixer typically costs $250-$1,600 for a portable electric model, while larger gas-powered or towable mixers can cost $2,000-$6,000 or more. Drum capacity, power source, build quality, delivery, and whether the mixer is bought or rented drive the price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable electric mixer | $250 | $650 | $1,600 | About 3.5-9 cu ft capacity |
| Gas or towable mixer | $1,200 | $3,200 | $6,000+ | Greater capacity and portability |
| Daily rental | $40 | $85 | $150 | Typically excludes delivery and fees |
| Weekly rental | $150 | $300 | $550 | Rates vary by size and location |
What a cement mixer costs by drum capacity
For small repairs and occasional home projects, a basic 3.5-cubic-foot electric mixer usually costs $250-$500. A 6-cubic-foot model commonly runs $400-$900, while a heavier-duty 9-cubic-foot electric mixer can cost $800-$1,600. These are purchase prices for new equipment, not the amount of concrete the drum can mix in one batch.
Gas-powered and towable models generally cost more: expect roughly $1,200-$3,500 for many small contractor-grade machines and $2,500-$6,000 or more for larger or premium units. For a one-time pour, renting is often cheaper than buying a mixer that will sit unused.
Assumptions: New equipment, standard residential-grade construction, and typical U.S. retail pricing; local taxes are excluded.
How motors, drums, and labor shape mixer pricing
The machine price is only one part of a project budget. Compare the equipment line with delivery, setup, and any labor needed to operate the mixer and move concrete. Rental quotes may also include a damage waiver, cleaning charge, or minimum rental period.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Mixer purchase | $250-$6,000+ | Capacity, motor, frame, and brand tier |
| Delivery and pickup | $50-$200 | Distance, access, and equipment size |
| Operator labor | $25-$50 per hour | Region, crew experience, and job duration |
| Cleaning or damage waiver | $10-$75 | Rental policy and mixer condition at return |
| Extension cord or accessories | $15-$100 | Power requirements and included accessories |
Labor can be estimated as . A two-person crew working four hours at $30-$45 per hour would add about $240-$360, before concrete, tools, and site preparation. Ask whether delivery, cleaning, and taxes are included before comparing rental quotes.
Which capacity fits a small pour or slab?
Small mixers are suited to batches for fence posts, patching, and short walkways. A 3.5- to 6-cubic-foot drum typically delivers less usable concrete per batch than its full drum volume, so repeated mixing takes time. For a slab or larger continuous pour, a 9-cubic-foot model or a rented towable mixer may reduce the number of batches.
Capacity needs depend on the project’s concrete volume and the machine’s stated output, not just drum size. For pours that require several cubic yards, compare mixer rental and labor against ordering ready-mix concrete; truck minimums, access, and delivery charges can affect that alternative’s total.
Electric, gas, and towable mixers compared
Electric mixers are usually the least expensive to buy and work well where a suitable outlet and extension cord are available. Gas models cost more but can be useful on sites without reliable electrical access. Towable mixers add mobility and often have larger drums, but the purchase price, transport needs, and storage space are higher.
Expect electric units to fall mainly around $250-$1,600, gas machines around $1,200-$3,500, and larger towable models around $2,500-$6,000 or more. Match the power source and rated batch capacity to the site before paying extra for a larger machine.
Rental rates for weekend concrete work
Portable mixer rentals often run $40-$150 per day or $150-$550 per week, depending on capacity and local availability. A small electric model is commonly near the lower end; a larger towable unit, delivery, or a high-demand weekend can move the quote toward the upper end. Rental periods may be billed in 4-hour, 24-hour, or weekly increments.
Confirm pickup and return times, cleaning expectations, and whether the rental shop charges for late returns. A short job can still cost more than the advertised daily rate if minimums, delivery, or fees apply.
Delivery and cleanup charges that change the total
Moving a mixer can add $50-$200 for delivery and pickup, especially for a towable machine or a job outside the rental company’s normal service area. Rental agreements may charge $10-$75 for cleaning or a damage waiver, and some require the customer to return the equipment free of hardened concrete.
Site access matters: narrow gates, stairs, soft ground, or a long carry can require additional handling or labor. Check the route from the truck to the pour location before booking delivery.
When renting beats buying a cement mixer
Buying a $500-$900 electric mixer may make sense when it will be used repeatedly and storage is available. For one weekend, a rental might cost $40-$150 per day, plus any delivery or cleaning charges. A simple comparison is to divide the purchase price by the expected number of uses and compare that amount with the full rental cost per job.
For occasional small batches, also consider whether a contractor or ready-mix supplier can provide a better total price once labor and cleanup are included. Buying a larger machine solely to avoid extra batches may not pay off if future use is unlikely.
Ways to lower mixer costs without risking the pour
Choose a capacity based on the planned volume and pace instead of buying the largest model available. Compare at least three local rental quotes, including delivery, rental duration, cleaning, and waiver charges. Booking on a weekday or picking up the equipment can lower the total where weekend demand or delivery fees are high.
For a purchase, compare warranty coverage, frame strength, replacement-part availability, and used equipment condition alongside the sticker price. Avoid paying for gas power or towable capacity when an outlet-powered mixer will handle the project. Budget for the complete job, including labor and concrete, rather than judging the mixer by its purchase price alone.