Whether you're a budding home baker or someone who is fed up kneading pizza dough with hands, you need to have a quality stand mixer to get things done quickly and with greater precision. With various attachments offered for many models, you may also find yourself preparing foods of all kinds with them. This appliance will save you time and effort and expand your culinary horizons. For light mixing tasks, a hand mixer is good enough but for heavy tasks, you need an appliance like a stand mixer. Best of all, many of them will also look great on your counter. I have taken a hard look at the best stand mixers on the market right now so you don't have to and narrowed them down to a great list of options for you to choose from. Take a look, below.
Reviewing 5 Best Stand Mixers
1. KitchenAid KSM150PSAC Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer With Pouring Shield
If you are looking for a powerful and versatile stand mixer, then look no further than KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer, which comes with a 10-speed slide control that allows you to change from a slow stir to a fast whip efficiently. It also features a flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook to let you carry out a wide range of tasks with ease. You will like the innovative mixing action where one rotation will have around 59 touchpoints to allow proper mixing of the ingredients.
It also comes with a power hub for additional attachments, which transforms your stand mixer into a culinary center. You will get a 5-quartz stainless steel bowl in the package, which has a comfortable handle. In this bowl, you can mix dough for 4 loaves or 9 dozen cookies in a single batch. The smart tilt-head design of the product allows clear access to the bowl and the beater or any other accessory attached to the mixer to add all the ingredients for a recipe. The mixer comes with a long cord that measures 36 inches, which adds to the convenience. You can clean the flat beater and dough hook in a dishwasher as both the accessories are dishwasher safe.
2. Aucma 6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Stand Mixer
Check out this stand mixer from Aucma, which boasts a 660-watt pure copper motor for mixing a wide range of ingredients to perfection. The body of the mixer is made of a sturdy ABS material, which helps it last for years. The mixer comes with 6 optimized speeds with pulse function, thus letting you prepare a variety of recipes. Despite being powerful, the mixer doesn’t make noise higher than 76dB. You will also get a 6.5-quartz stainless steel bowl with a mixer that will meet all your kitchen needs.
You can prepare cakes, cookies, waffles, muffins, pastries, and loaves of bread with the help of this mixer. The inclusion of dual handles makes it convenient to hold the mixer. The mixer also comes with a tilt-head design which makes it easier for you to install and uninstall the bowl and all the accessories easily. It also features a stainless-steel decoration belt along with a blue LED light as a power indicator.
You will get 3 mixing accessories with the mixer, which include a whisk, mixing beater, and dough hook. A splash guard is also given by the company that comes with an access hatch, which allows you to add the ingredients without creating any mess. Overall, it’s a good product especially for those who want to create new recipes but without making their kitchens messy.
3. Cuisinart SM-50BC Precision Master 5.5-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer With Mixing Bowl
Cuisinart brings to you a high-performance stand mixer, which comes with a 500-watt motor for preparing several recipes without any issue. The die-cast construction and 5.5-quartz capacity of the product will make it a perfect addition to your kitchen. You can choose from up to 12 speeds depending upon the recipe you are preparing. The tilt-back head design of the mixer along with the polished stainless-steel bowl ensures that the whole cooking process remains smooth and mess-free.
It also features a power outlet for optional attachments, which include a pasta roller, pasta extruder, pasta cutter, meat grinder, spiralizer, and ice cream maker. You will also get a dough hook, chef’s whisk, splash guard with pour spout, and flat mixing paddle in the package. The company offers a 3-year limited warranty on the product that covers all manufacturing defects.
4. Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer 63397
Check out this incredible stand mixer from Hamilton, which effortlessly mix doughs and thick batters for cookies, cakes, loaves of bread, and more. It boasts a 300-watt motor, which easily handles a variety of ingredients for all the recipes, ranging from bread to cookies and cupcakes. The mixer comes with 7 speeds, so you can select the speed according to your requirements, as the slow first speed is perfect for kneading bread and reducing splatter while adding dry to wet ingredients.
The mixer also features planetary mixing action that rotates the beaters around the sides of the stainless-steel bowl for comprehensive mixing. In the package, you will also get a whisk, flat beater, dough hook, and splash guard. Once you are done making your recipes, you can easily clean the bowl and all the attachments in a dishwasher. The top handle attached to the mixer offers a strong grip for adding the ingredients or swapping out attachments without any issue.
5. Dash 6 Speed Stand Mixer DCSM250PB
Get this stand mixer from Dash, which perfectly prepares sweet or savory dishes in less amount of time. This can be a great kitchen accessory if you like making baked goods, doughs, creamy dressings, meringue, frostings, and more. The stand mixer is 10’4” tall and weighs less than 5lbs, so it can easily fit underneath most kitchen cabinets. It features a 250-watt motor and 6-speed settings for whipping, beating, or kneading with great results.
The fully tilt motor head makes it easier to remove the mixing bowl and eject the beaters or dough hooks without a problem. All the non-electric parts in this stand mixer can be washed in a dishwasher. You will get a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.
Things To Know Before Buying A Stand Mixer
Before purchasing a stand mixer, it is important to determine your requirements and consider your lifestyle, as well as your available space. By taking the time to reflect, you will be able to set a reasonable budget and avoid any frustration.
The quantities you want to produce
If you want to have small dishes ready to eat every day, prepared in advance, it is better to opt for a model including a large capacity bowl, which may cost you a little more. However, be aware that almost all appliances are suitable for making desserts and cookies for a family daily.
Your favorite recipes
To make bread or pizza dough, you're going to need power, while to make tasty creams, speed is key. You have to think about adapting your choice according to your habits in the kitchen.
If you opt for high-end references, you will benefit in any case from maximum versatility.
Your space
If you're short on space, and your counter is already overflowing, buying a stand mixer can be tricky. However, there are some lighter and less bulky models designed to be easily moved.
Security elements
To avoid problems, choose reputable brands, and preferably buy from known and safe online stores.
Also, make sure that the machine is compatible with your electrical installation. Some certifications, such as ETL, attest to compliance with North American standards.
Selection Criteria For Buying A Stand Mixer
If you want to better compare the stand mixers that have caught your eye, the key is to know how to decipher the product sheets. You have to go through them to determine which model suits you best while offering good value for money. Here's everything you need to know to do so.
The price
The entry fee for stand mixers is around $150. At this price, there are often concessions to be made on power or precision.
Most of the offer is between $200 and $350.
If you are looking for high-end, ultra-strong, high-capacity, and scalable models, it may be appropriate to invest up to $500.
Solidity and guarantees
The vast majority of pastry robots are solid, regardless of the material of manufacture: plastic, zinc, or steel. Most often, a 1-year warranty is offered, which is much less than the average lifespan of products.
The brand and the proposed extensions
Each manufacturer offers accessories or extensions that increase the versatility of its mixers: you can transform them into a chopper, a pasta machine, etc. In this area, KitchenAid remains the reference.
Note that to change accessories more easily, it is useful to have a tilting and locking head.
The bowl
When you buy a stand mixer, it usually comes with a stainless-steel bowl, most often with a handle. It can have a capacity of 3.25 L or 3.5 Qt to 5.6 L or 6 Qt approximately.
The bigger it is, the more cookies, pizza dough, or loaves of bread you can bake separately. It also increases the price.
A few manufacturers offer custom glass bowls.
Other accessories provided
Most often found in the box, in addition to the bowl:
- A whisk to beat the eggs.
- A flat beater, practical for making a puree for example.
- A kneading hook is used for making bread or pizza dough.
They can be plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. They are sometimes dishwasher safe and non-stick.
You may also have:
- A flat beater with a flexible edge, for toppings and creams.
- A pouring or protective lid: this is placed on the bowl, and has an opening on the top through which you can slide the flour and other ingredients.
Power and speeds
Having a powerful motor is the assurance that your robot will be able to easily mix more complex preparations with different ingredients. Today, the power oscillates between 275 and 575 watts on the majority of models.
As for the speed, it makes it possible to obtain a particular texture.
What counts is therefore above all the precision, determined by the number of speeds available: generally, from 6 to 12.
The adjustment is made with a rotary knob or a side lever.
On some references, you have a guide telling you precisely what the purpose is for each speed: kneading, mixing, creaming, etc.
Ergonomic elements
To better stand on your counter, stand mixers can be equipped with non-slip rubber feet. Sometimes a handle makes it easier to move them.
Dimensions and weight
Whichever device you choose, it will take up some space: this is unavoidable, especially if you plan to buy extensions. But there are, however, lighter models, with dimensions adapted for smaller spaces.
If you think you will have to move or store the device often, try to opt for a lightweight model, around 5 to 8 kg, or 11 to 17 lb.
Design
Feeling good in your kitchen is important, so don't hesitate to choose a stand mixer whose appearance you like! You shouldn't encounter any difficulty: the brands are very inspired, and whether you prefer sobriety or exuberance, you will find shoes that suit you.
Wrapping Up
There is no denying the fact that a stand mixer is an important kitchen accessory that can make your life a lot easier especially if you are into baking. So, don’t delay your decision to buy a stand mixer anymore, and get one from the list of consumer reports best stand mixers. This compact yet highly efficient product will change the way you knead dough or make preparations for cakes, cookies, bread, waffles, and other sugary or savory delights.