Best Stand Mixers
Pros and Cons
- Has 10 speeds and comes with four attachments.
- Hub opens the door to 10 optional attachments, including pasta makers.
- Available in over 20 colors.
- Many consumers appreciate the deeper bowl as opposed to wide bowls seen on other models.
- Occasional reports of quality issues, such as broken attachments or peeling stickers.
Pros and Cons
- Quiet, powerful 500-watt model that comes with lots of attachments, including the ever-popular dough hook and whip.
- Impressive construction with die-cast metal.
- Extremely capable and versatile with 12 speeds.
- Easy to operate, even for beginners.
- Some users wish the head would lift farther up for ease of adding ingredients.
Pros and Cons
- Planetary mixing action is more efficient than double beater designs.
- Has a 4-quart capacity for versatile projects and a 300-watt motor.
- Tilt-head design allows for easy scraping and adding ingredients.
- Includes splash guard along with dough hook and flat beater.
- Offers 7 speeds.
- Plastic construction is more fragile than pricier brands.
Pros and Cons
- Features 10 speeds and a generous 8-quart capacity.
- Includes a whisk, flat beater and dough hook for working with various mixes.
- Comes in a bright red, nickel or pewter finish.
- Accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Some buyers had units that did not last as long as they had hoped.
Pros and Cons
- It comes with a variety of accessories, including a whisk, dough hook and beater.
- The bottom has anti-slip feet, and it comes with a 3.2-quart stainless steel bowl.
- It comes in 10 colors, including yellow and purple.
- Several people noted it can shake, especially at higher speeds.
After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested most of our top five — including Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts and KitchenAid Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer — to be sure that these products are worth your time. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.
considered
researched
Shop Similar Products
best stand mixers
More Top Picks Apec Essence Roes 50
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: KitchenAid Artisan Tilt Head Stand Mixer
- Best Bang for the Buck: Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
- Best Affordable Planetary Stand Mixer: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer
- Best for Bread & Heavy Dough: KitchenAid 8-Quart Commercial Countertop Mixer
- Bargain Pick: Kitchen In The Box 3.2-Quart Stand Mixer
As someone with limited counter space, I don't usually proclaim any appliance as a must-have for every kitchen. Sure, I can make pretty compelling cases for toaster or convection ovens and microwaves, but I have friends who get by without them. But there is one must-have countertop appliance hill I'll die on — every avid baker absolutely needs a stand mixer.
Of course, you can mix cookie dough and cake batter and even knead bread dough by hand, but if you bake regularly or in large batches, your arm can get tired fast. I never seem to get all the lumps out of my cake batter, either, and I always wind up with unincorporated bits of flour in my cookie dough when I mix by hand. And while my electric hand mixer can handle smaller jobs, like whipping cream or mixing pancake batter, it can't hold a candle to my KitchenAid stand mixer for bigger batches and tougher recipes.
At Vanke, we've researched dozens of stand mixers to find the best models for every kitchen, and the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is our top pick. With a powerful motor and a bowl large enough to make nine dozen cookies at once, it can handle the everyday mixing needs of most home cooks. It's also available in over 15 colors, so you can find the right shade to match the rest of your kitchen.
Editors’ picks
KitchenAid Artisan Tilt Head Stand Mixer
Editors’ Favorite
Capacity: 5 qt | Power: 325 W | Number of speeds: 10 | Weight: 22.8 lb | Attachments: Flat beater, dough hook and 6-wire whip
If you love baking, it’s tough to find a better stand mixer than the KitchenAid Artisan Tilt Head Stand Mixer. It features the premium construction you expect from KitchenAid, with durable metal components and 59 touchpoints around the mixer that ensure thorough mixing. Its 5-quart bowl is also large enough to mix up to nine dozen cookies in a single batch, so it’s perfect for holiday baking.
Adding ingredients to the Artisan is easy and mess-free, too, thanks to its tilt head design. You have better access to the bowl when you tilt the head back, but it’s easy to lock the head in place for mixing with the slide of a lever. It offers 10 speeds that let you do everything from gently fold nuts and fruit into batter to whipping cream and shredding cooked chicken.
In addition to a traditional flat beater, a wire whip and a dough hook, the Artisan comes with a pouring shield to prevent messes on your countertop. The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a breeze, too.
Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
Great Value
Capacity: 5.5 qt | Power: 500 W | Number of speeds: 12 | Weight: 17 lb | Attachments: Whisk, dough hook and flat mixing paddle
The Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is an excellent stand mixer from a brand that has made a name for itself among countertop appliance manufacturers. It features a powerful 500-watt motor with a dozen speeds, making it versatile for baking and other cooking tasks. The die-cast metal construction also helps it hold up well when mixing thick cookie batter and bread dough.
It includes a whisk for whipping eggs and heavy cream, a flat mixing paddle for beating ingredients and a dough hook for kneading bread and other yeast doughs. The mixer also includes a splash guard that keeps your mixture from splattering across your kitchen. It even has a pour spout to help guide ingredients into the bowl and further reduce messes.
You can trust this Cuisinart stand mixer to last, too. It’s backed by a three-year limited warranty that covers any issues arising from defects in materials or workmanship. If you want it to match your kitchen decor, you can also choose from more than 10 shades, including neutrals like white and gray and pastels like periwinkle and robin’s egg.
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer
Best Affordable Planetary Stand Mixer
Capacity: 4 qt | Power: 300 W | Number of speeds: 7 | Weight: 12.25 lb | Attachments: Dough hook, whisk and flat beater
The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer is an affordable, compact mixer that’s perfect if you have a small kitchen or usually mix up smaller batches of cookie dough, cake batter and other recipes. It has a 4-quart bowl large enough to make up to five dozen cookies in a single batch, which is about the amount that most standard recipes yield. It weighs just over 12 pounds and has a built-in handle on its head, too, so it’s easier to take in and out of the cabinet than larger mixers.
While its smaller size means it doesn’t have the same power as larger models either, it still offers seven speeds. It even has a convenient guide on top to help you choose the right speed for every task. Its planetary mixing action allows the beaters to move around the entire bowl, too, so it mixes your ingredients evenly and completely.
This Hamilton Beach mixer is also extremely easy to operate. The speed is controlled by a simple dial that you only have to turn to adjust the settings. The bowl and all the attachments are dishwasher-safe, too, so cleanup is just as quick and easy.
KitchenAid 8-Quart Commercial Countertop Mixer
Best for Bread & Heavy Dough
Capacity: 8 qt | Power: 500 W | Number of speeds: 10 | Weight: 25 lb | Attachments: Spiral dough hook, flat beater and 11-wire whip
If you need a stand mixer powerful enough for commercial use — or just want a truly heavy-duty model for home use — the KitchenAid 8-Quart Commercial Countertop Mixer is more than up to the challenge. It has a high-efficiency 1.3-horsepower DC motor that can run for longer periods without heat building up when mixing, kneading and whipping and is NSF-certified for commercial use. You can choose from 10 speeds, too, so it can handle a wide range of baking and cooking tasks. It even features a Soft Start setting, which helps prevent ingredients from splattering out of the bowl.
The mixer comes with a large-capacity 8-quart stainless steel bowl that can hold 16 cups of flour. That means you can make up to 13 dozen cookies or knead enough dough for over eight loaves of bread in a single batch. It includes commercial-grade accessories, too, so you get a stainless steel flat beater, wire whip and spiral dough hook that can handle heavy batches.
The attachments are all dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quicker and easier. The mixer also features speed-control protection, which prevents it from accidentally turning on while wiping it clean after use.
Kitchen In The Box 3.2-Quart Stand Mixer
Bargain Pick
Capacity: 3.2 qt | Power: 300 W | Number of speeds: 6 | Weight: 7 lb | Attachments: Egg whisk, dough hook and flat beater
The Kitchen In The Box 3.2-Quart Stand Mixer may be compact and affordable, but it is still a capable mixer that’s perfect for small kitchens. It weighs just 7 pounds and takes up considerably less space than other models, so it can fit easily on the counter or in a cabinet. Its bowl still has a 3.2-quart capacity, though, allowing you to mix two to five dozen cookies in a single batch.
Its 300-watt motor lets you choose from six speeds, too, so you can make everything from light meringue to thick cookie batters. The mixer even has anti-slip suction cups on its bottom that keep it from bouncing or moving around your counter when mixing heavier recipes.
Like higher-end mixers, this Kitchen In The Box model is available in several attractive colors to match the rest of your kitchen decor. You can choose from 8 shades, including bright red, royal blue and basic black.
How we analyzed
Choosing the right stand mixer for your kitchen can be tricky, given how many options there are. To identify the best models, we analyzed customer reviews from several online retailers to determine which mixers offered the best user experience. In particular, we considered which models offered the widest speed range, could handle the largest amount of ingredients in a single batch, offered the widest array of color options, provided the most user-friendly controls and were the easiest to clean after use. Ultimately, we evaluated more than a dozen mixers and chose the top models based on power, mixing performance, appearance, capacity, ease of use and ease of cleaning.
What can you do with a stand mixer?
Before you commit to buying a stand mixer, you'll probably want to decide how much you'll actually use it. Many people aren't aware at first of all the different things you can do with a stand mixer. They often end up using it much more than they expected.
Here are just a handful of the tasks a stand mixer can tackle.
-
Let's start with the obvious — stand mixers can mix ingredients, for instance, to make cake or pancake batters.
-
Using the whisk attachment, stand mixers can whip things like egg whites and heavy cream.
-
Stand mixers make perfectly creamy mashed potatoes.
-
Most stand mixers come with a dough hook for kneading, which saves time when making bread or pizza from scratch.
-
Stand mixers are great for making pie crusts, shortbread, and other doughs that can become tough from too much heat and handling.
-
If you're making a large batch of guacamole, a stand mixer will save you time and effort.
-
Some stand mixers can use additional attachments that perform all kinds of tasks, including rolling out fresh pasta, grinding meat, milling grains, and even making ice cream.
Considerations for selecting a stand mixer
More Top Picks Best Anti Theft Travel Backpacks
Beaters, whisks, and other attachments
Without beaters, whisks, and other attachments, a stand mixer is no more than a glorified mixing bowl, so it's important to pay attention to which ones come with your mixer and which, if any, can be purchased separately.
These attachments generally come standard:
-
A flat beater, or ‘paddle,’ for general mixing
-
A flexi-beater for mixing wetter items, or any mixture where you need to scrape down the sides of the bowl
-
A whisk for whipping
-
A dough hook for kneading
Some high-end stand mixers have a wide range of additional attachments, allowing it to do the jobs of a number of other kitchen gadgets and appliances.
Here are some of the attachments you may be able to buy separately:
-
Pasta maker
-
Slicing and shredding attachment
-
Grain mill
-
Ice cream maker
-
Meat mincer
-
Jug blender
-
Juicer
-
Spiral slicer
Wattage
In simple terms, the higher the wattage of a stand mixer, the more powerful it is. However, this doesn't necessarily equate to better performance.
For instance, a high-end machine with a 300-watt motor will likely outperform a basic mixer with a 600-watt motor.
That said, wattage can be an indicator of whether or not a stand mixer will meet your needs (heavy-duty tasks will require higher wattage) when considered alongside other factors.
Capacity
Think about the capacity of the mixing bowl and whether it will suit the volume at which you cook.
For instance, if you only cook for one or two, a 4 or 4.5-quart bowl should suffice, but if you routinely cook for a large family, a model with a 6-quart capacity will be more your speed.
Speed settings
A stand mixer must have a variety of speed settings, as some ingredients need to be mixed at a slower speed than others, and some mixtures require the cook to start on a low speed and gradually build up.
High-end models may have 10 or 12 speeds, but most users find 5 or 6 speeds to be perfectly adequate.
Splash guard
Splash guards come as standard with most stand mixers. They sit over the top of the bowl to stop ingredients flying out when the bowl is especially full, or the mixer is on a high-speed setting.
Your splash guard should be removable for easy cleaning, so you have the option not to use it if you don't want or need it.
If you’re using citrus zest as part of whatever you’re making, it can collect on and cling to a whisk wire or paddle edge. During mixing, occasionally stop and lift your attachment out of the batter then use your clean fingertips to pinch-and-wipe all that good zest off, and place it back in the batter to distribute its flavor and color.
Stand mixer tips
Follow these tips to make the most out of your stand mixer:
-
If you start mixing on high right away, dry ingredients, such as flour or powdered sugar, tend to get flung out of the bowl. Always start on the lowest speed setting until the ingredients are combined, then you can ramp up the speed.
-
Store all the basic attachments in the bowl when your stand mixer isn't in use. It will save space, and you'll never have to wonder where that whisk went.
-
For the fluffiest whipped cream and buttercream, chill the bowl and beater before you get started.
-
The beater shouldn't touch the bottom of your stand mixer's bowl, nor should it be too far from the bottom, otherwise ingredients won't get properly whipped or mixed.
-
If you feel the motor getting very hot, turn off your stand mixer and leave it to cool for a few minutes before restarting.
-
Most people find they're more likely to use their stand mixer regularly if they keep it on the counter. Check the product specifications to see if the model you're considering will fit on your worktop.
Stand mixer prices
High-end stand mixers are a bit of an investment, but you'll find some budget choices, too, which are fine for occasional use.
Basic stand mixers
These cost around $30 to $70. They tend to have smaller bowls and lower wattage. They aren't usually compatible with any non-standard attachments, like ice cream makers or juicers.
Mid-range stand mixers
These cost roughly $80 to $200. These include good, durable models for regular — but not heavy-duty — use. At the top end of the price range, some are compatible with non-standard attachments, but most aren't.
High-end stand mixers
Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 for these. They are top-notch machines that will stand up to daily, heavy-duty use. Most are compatible with non-standard attachments, but you will need to purchase them separately.
Higher-end and better-known models rarely (if ever) go on sale, so waiting to purchase only delays your baking. If you see your favorite nice model at a bargain store where you can use a standard coupon, do the math. Frequently, you end up paying the same as you would at a regular retailer of kitchen products.
FAQ
Q. Are stand mixer bowls and attachments dishwasher safe?
A. This varies between different makes and models. If it's important to you, check the manufacturer's specifications to see if the stand mixer you're considering has dishwasher safe bowls and attachments.
Q. What do I do if the beater or whisk is sitting too high in the bowl and the ingredients aren't getting properly mixed?
A. This is a common problem, but the good news is, there's a simple solution. The beater height is adjustable, meaning you can lower the beater so it gets to all the ingredients in the bottom on the bowl. Check the instruction manual to learn how to adjust the beater height, as this varies between different stand mixers.
Q. Can I buy replacement bowls and attachments for my stand mixer?
A. You can buy replacement bowls and attachments for the majority of stand mixers. This is handy if one of yours gets lost or breaks. Plus, some people who do a lot of high-volume baking like to have an extra bowl and beaters so they don't have to do the dishes between batches.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for Vanke since 2017. She has written over 100 articles on household appliances, such as toasters, vacuum sealers, air fryers, vacuum cleaners and more.
Lauren Corona has been a writer at Vanke for more than six years. She specializes in pets, home, kitchen and apparel and has written hundreds of articles on these topics. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit and New York Magazine's The Strategist.
Andrea Boudewijn is a Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef based in Los Angeles, California. Her work has won several awards as well as appeared in magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Brides and more. Andrea teaches online and in-person classes focused on Cake 101 and sugar flowers in Los Angeles, Sonoma and Paris.
Shop Similar Products
best stand mixers
More Top Picks Apec Essence Roes 50
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: KitchenAid Artisan Tilt Head Stand Mixer
- Best Bang for the Buck: Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
- Best Affordable Planetary Stand Mixer: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer
- Best for Bread & Heavy Dough: KitchenAid 8-Quart Commercial Countertop Mixer
- Bargain Pick: Kitchen In The Box 3.2-Quart Stand Mixer
As someone with limited counter space, I don't usually proclaim any appliance as a must-have for every kitchen. Sure, I can make pretty compelling cases for toaster or convection ovens and microwaves, but I have friends who get by without them. But there is one must-have countertop appliance hill I'll die on — every avid baker absolutely needs a stand mixer.
Of course, you can mix cookie dough and cake batter and even knead bread dough by hand, but if you bake regularly or in large batches, your arm can get tired fast. I never seem to get all the lumps out of my cake batter, either, and I always wind up with unincorporated bits of flour in my cookie dough when I mix by hand. And while my electric hand mixer can handle smaller jobs, like whipping cream or mixing pancake batter, it can't hold a candle to my KitchenAid stand mixer for bigger batches and tougher recipes.
At Vanke, we've researched dozens of stand mixers to find the best models for every kitchen, and the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is our top pick. With a powerful motor and a bowl large enough to make nine dozen cookies at once, it can handle the everyday mixing needs of most home cooks. It's also available in over 15 colors, so you can find the right shade to match the rest of your kitchen.
Editors’ picks
KitchenAid Artisan Tilt Head Stand Mixer
Editors’ Favorite
Capacity: 5 qt | Power: 325 W | Number of speeds: 10 | Weight: 22.8 lb | Attachments: Flat beater, dough hook and 6-wire whip
If you love baking, it’s tough to find a better stand mixer than the KitchenAid Artisan Tilt Head Stand Mixer. It features the premium construction you expect from KitchenAid, with durable metal components and 59 touchpoints around the mixer that ensure thorough mixing. Its 5-quart bowl is also large enough to mix up to nine dozen cookies in a single batch, so it’s perfect for holiday baking.
Adding ingredients to the Artisan is easy and mess-free, too, thanks to its tilt head design. You have better access to the bowl when you tilt the head back, but it’s easy to lock the head in place for mixing with the slide of a lever. It offers 10 speeds that let you do everything from gently fold nuts and fruit into batter to whipping cream and shredding cooked chicken.
In addition to a traditional flat beater, a wire whip and a dough hook, the Artisan comes with a pouring shield to prevent messes on your countertop. The stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a breeze, too.
Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
Great Value
Capacity: 5.5 qt | Power: 500 W | Number of speeds: 12 | Weight: 17 lb | Attachments: Whisk, dough hook and flat mixing paddle
The Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is an excellent stand mixer from a brand that has made a name for itself among countertop appliance manufacturers. It features a powerful 500-watt motor with a dozen speeds, making it versatile for baking and other cooking tasks. The die-cast metal construction also helps it hold up well when mixing thick cookie batter and bread dough.
It includes a whisk for whipping eggs and heavy cream, a flat mixing paddle for beating ingredients and a dough hook for kneading bread and other yeast doughs. The mixer also includes a splash guard that keeps your mixture from splattering across your kitchen. It even has a pour spout to help guide ingredients into the bowl and further reduce messes.
You can trust this Cuisinart stand mixer to last, too. It’s backed by a three-year limited warranty that covers any issues arising from defects in materials or workmanship. If you want it to match your kitchen decor, you can also choose from more than 10 shades, including neutrals like white and gray and pastels like periwinkle and robin’s egg.
Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer
Best Affordable Planetary Stand Mixer
Capacity: 4 qt | Power: 300 W | Number of speeds: 7 | Weight: 12.25 lb | Attachments: Dough hook, whisk and flat beater
The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart Stand Mixer is an affordable, compact mixer that’s perfect if you have a small kitchen or usually mix up smaller batches of cookie dough, cake batter and other recipes. It has a 4-quart bowl large enough to make up to five dozen cookies in a single batch, which is about the amount that most standard recipes yield. It weighs just over 12 pounds and has a built-in handle on its head, too, so it’s easier to take in and out of the cabinet than larger mixers.
While its smaller size means it doesn’t have the same power as larger models either, it still offers seven speeds. It even has a convenient guide on top to help you choose the right speed for every task. Its planetary mixing action allows the beaters to move around the entire bowl, too, so it mixes your ingredients evenly and completely.
This Hamilton Beach mixer is also extremely easy to operate. The speed is controlled by a simple dial that you only have to turn to adjust the settings. The bowl and all the attachments are dishwasher-safe, too, so cleanup is just as quick and easy.
KitchenAid 8-Quart Commercial Countertop Mixer
Best for Bread & Heavy Dough
Capacity: 8 qt | Power: 500 W | Number of speeds: 10 | Weight: 25 lb | Attachments: Spiral dough hook, flat beater and 11-wire whip
If you need a stand mixer powerful enough for commercial use — or just want a truly heavy-duty model for home use — the KitchenAid 8-Quart Commercial Countertop Mixer is more than up to the challenge. It has a high-efficiency 1.3-horsepower DC motor that can run for longer periods without heat building up when mixing, kneading and whipping and is NSF-certified for commercial use. You can choose from 10 speeds, too, so it can handle a wide range of baking and cooking tasks. It even features a Soft Start setting, which helps prevent ingredients from splattering out of the bowl.
The mixer comes with a large-capacity 8-quart stainless steel bowl that can hold 16 cups of flour. That means you can make up to 13 dozen cookies or knead enough dough for over eight loaves of bread in a single batch. It includes commercial-grade accessories, too, so you get a stainless steel flat beater, wire whip and spiral dough hook that can handle heavy batches.
The attachments are all dishwasher-safe, making cleanup quicker and easier. The mixer also features speed-control protection, which prevents it from accidentally turning on while wiping it clean after use.
Kitchen In The Box 3.2-Quart Stand Mixer
Bargain Pick
Capacity: 3.2 qt | Power: 300 W | Number of speeds: 6 | Weight: 7 lb | Attachments: Egg whisk, dough hook and flat beater
The Kitchen In The Box 3.2-Quart Stand Mixer may be compact and affordable, but it is still a capable mixer that’s perfect for small kitchens. It weighs just 7 pounds and takes up considerably less space than other models, so it can fit easily on the counter or in a cabinet. Its bowl still has a 3.2-quart capacity, though, allowing you to mix two to five dozen cookies in a single batch.
Its 300-watt motor lets you choose from six speeds, too, so you can make everything from light meringue to thick cookie batters. The mixer even has anti-slip suction cups on its bottom that keep it from bouncing or moving around your counter when mixing heavier recipes.
Like higher-end mixers, this Kitchen In The Box model is available in several attractive colors to match the rest of your kitchen decor. You can choose from 8 shades, including bright red, royal blue and basic black.
How we analyzed
Choosing the right stand mixer for your kitchen can be tricky, given how many options there are. To identify the best models, we analyzed customer reviews from several online retailers to determine which mixers offered the best user experience. In particular, we considered which models offered the widest speed range, could handle the largest amount of ingredients in a single batch, offered the widest array of color options, provided the most user-friendly controls and were the easiest to clean after use. Ultimately, we evaluated more than a dozen mixers and chose the top models based on power, mixing performance, appearance, capacity, ease of use and ease of cleaning.
What can you do with a stand mixer?
Before you commit to buying a stand mixer, you'll probably want to decide how much you'll actually use it. Many people aren't aware at first of all the different things you can do with a stand mixer. They often end up using it much more than they expected.
Here are just a handful of the tasks a stand mixer can tackle.
-
Let's start with the obvious — stand mixers can mix ingredients, for instance, to make cake or pancake batters.
-
Using the whisk attachment, stand mixers can whip things like egg whites and heavy cream.
-
Stand mixers make perfectly creamy mashed potatoes.
-
Most stand mixers come with a dough hook for kneading, which saves time when making bread or pizza from scratch.
-
Stand mixers are great for making pie crusts, shortbread, and other doughs that can become tough from too much heat and handling.
-
If you're making a large batch of guacamole, a stand mixer will save you time and effort.
-
Some stand mixers can use additional attachments that perform all kinds of tasks, including rolling out fresh pasta, grinding meat, milling grains, and even making ice cream.
Considerations for selecting a stand mixer
More Top Picks Best Anti Theft Travel Backpacks
Beaters, whisks, and other attachments
Without beaters, whisks, and other attachments, a stand mixer is no more than a glorified mixing bowl, so it's important to pay attention to which ones come with your mixer and which, if any, can be purchased separately.
These attachments generally come standard:
-
A flat beater, or ‘paddle,’ for general mixing
-
A flexi-beater for mixing wetter items, or any mixture where you need to scrape down the sides of the bowl
-
A whisk for whipping
-
A dough hook for kneading
Some high-end stand mixers have a wide range of additional attachments, allowing it to do the jobs of a number of other kitchen gadgets and appliances.
Here are some of the attachments you may be able to buy separately:
-
Pasta maker
-
Slicing and shredding attachment
-
Grain mill
-
Ice cream maker
-
Meat mincer
-
Jug blender
-
Juicer
-
Spiral slicer
Wattage
In simple terms, the higher the wattage of a stand mixer, the more powerful it is. However, this doesn't necessarily equate to better performance.
For instance, a high-end machine with a 300-watt motor will likely outperform a basic mixer with a 600-watt motor.
That said, wattage can be an indicator of whether or not a stand mixer will meet your needs (heavy-duty tasks will require higher wattage) when considered alongside other factors.
Capacity
Think about the capacity of the mixing bowl and whether it will suit the volume at which you cook.
For instance, if you only cook for one or two, a 4 or 4.5-quart bowl should suffice, but if you routinely cook for a large family, a model with a 6-quart capacity will be more your speed.
Speed settings
A stand mixer must have a variety of speed settings, as some ingredients need to be mixed at a slower speed than others, and some mixtures require the cook to start on a low speed and gradually build up.
High-end models may have 10 or 12 speeds, but most users find 5 or 6 speeds to be perfectly adequate.
Splash guard
Splash guards come as standard with most stand mixers. They sit over the top of the bowl to stop ingredients flying out when the bowl is especially full, or the mixer is on a high-speed setting.
Your splash guard should be removable for easy cleaning, so you have the option not to use it if you don't want or need it.
If you’re using citrus zest as part of whatever you’re making, it can collect on and cling to a whisk wire or paddle edge. During mixing, occasionally stop and lift your attachment out of the batter then use your clean fingertips to pinch-and-wipe all that good zest off, and place it back in the batter to distribute its flavor and color.
Stand mixer tips
Follow these tips to make the most out of your stand mixer:
-
If you start mixing on high right away, dry ingredients, such as flour or powdered sugar, tend to get flung out of the bowl. Always start on the lowest speed setting until the ingredients are combined, then you can ramp up the speed.
-
Store all the basic attachments in the bowl when your stand mixer isn't in use. It will save space, and you'll never have to wonder where that whisk went.
-
For the fluffiest whipped cream and buttercream, chill the bowl and beater before you get started.
-
The beater shouldn't touch the bottom of your stand mixer's bowl, nor should it be too far from the bottom, otherwise ingredients won't get properly whipped or mixed.
-
If you feel the motor getting very hot, turn off your stand mixer and leave it to cool for a few minutes before restarting.
-
Most people find they're more likely to use their stand mixer regularly if they keep it on the counter. Check the product specifications to see if the model you're considering will fit on your worktop.
Stand mixer prices
High-end stand mixers are a bit of an investment, but you'll find some budget choices, too, which are fine for occasional use.
Basic stand mixers
These cost around $30 to $70. They tend to have smaller bowls and lower wattage. They aren't usually compatible with any non-standard attachments, like ice cream makers or juicers.
Mid-range stand mixers
These cost roughly $80 to $200. These include good, durable models for regular — but not heavy-duty — use. At the top end of the price range, some are compatible with non-standard attachments, but most aren't.
High-end stand mixers
Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $500 for these. They are top-notch machines that will stand up to daily, heavy-duty use. Most are compatible with non-standard attachments, but you will need to purchase them separately.
Higher-end and better-known models rarely (if ever) go on sale, so waiting to purchase only delays your baking. If you see your favorite nice model at a bargain store where you can use a standard coupon, do the math. Frequently, you end up paying the same as you would at a regular retailer of kitchen products.
FAQ
Q. Are stand mixer bowls and attachments dishwasher safe?
A. This varies between different makes and models. If it's important to you, check the manufacturer's specifications to see if the stand mixer you're considering has dishwasher safe bowls and attachments.
Q. What do I do if the beater or whisk is sitting too high in the bowl and the ingredients aren't getting properly mixed?
A. This is a common problem, but the good news is, there's a simple solution. The beater height is adjustable, meaning you can lower the beater so it gets to all the ingredients in the bottom on the bowl. Check the instruction manual to learn how to adjust the beater height, as this varies between different stand mixers.
Q. Can I buy replacement bowls and attachments for my stand mixer?
A. You can buy replacement bowls and attachments for the majority of stand mixers. This is handy if one of yours gets lost or breaks. Plus, some people who do a lot of high-volume baking like to have an extra bowl and beaters so they don't have to do the dishes between batches.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for Vanke since 2017. She has written over 100 articles on household appliances, such as toasters, vacuum sealers, air fryers, vacuum cleaners and more.
Lauren Corona has been a writer at Vanke for more than six years. She specializes in pets, home, kitchen and apparel and has written hundreds of articles on these topics. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit and New York Magazine's The Strategist.
Andrea Boudewijn is a Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef based in Los Angeles, California. Her work has won several awards as well as appeared in magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Brides and more. Andrea teaches online and in-person classes focused on Cake 101 and sugar flowers in Los Angeles, Sonoma and Paris.
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