The best choice you could make for your kitchen is adding a stand mixer to adorn your counter. If you’re a baker, I’m sure this hasn’t been the first time you’ve considered one. Stand mixers can be an investment, so it takes money, need and space to finally decide to take the plunge. They can be one of the more expensive appliances that you will buy. Therefore, it pays to make an educated decision to get the best bang for your buck.
Since you’re here, I take it that most of the decision has been made. Now its time to decide which stand mixer is right for you and your cooking needs.
Doing your due diligence can save you from a future headache. Purchasing the best stand mixer now can be a great investment as these stand mixers can last decades. These nifty appliances will not only grab attention but will also add variety in the kitchen. With some models having additional attachments that will allow you to make pasta and a host of other treats.
In this article, we will provide reviews on the top rated stand mixers in order to help you decide on the best stand mixer for you.
Contents
- What Is a Stand Mixer?
- SUNBEAM MIXMASTER
- KITCHENAID ULTRA POWER 4 1/2-QUART
- KITCHENAID 4 1/2-QUART CLASSIC PLUS
- HAMILTON BEACH ELECTRICS ALL-METAL
- Breville Scraper Mixer
- Medium Duty Stand Mixers
- KITCHENAID ARTISAN SERIES 5-QUART
- KITCHENAID 5-QUART ARTISAN DESIGN SERIES
- CUISINART SM-55 5 1/2-QUART 12-SPEED
- Heavy Duty Stand Mixer
- KITCHENAID PROFESSIONAL 600 SERIES 6-QUART
- BOSCH UNIVERSAL PLUS KITCHEN MACHINE
- KENWOOD CHEF MAJOR TITANIUM 7-QUART
- KITCHENAID 7-QUART PRO LINE STAND MIXER
- ELECTROLUX ASSISTENT / ANKARSRUM ORIGINAL
- HOBART N50
- How They Are Rated
What Is a Stand Mixer?
A stand mixer is a stationary appliance that accomplishes a range of mixing tasks. Where its counterpart, the hand mixer, requires you to hold the beaters in hand. The stand mixer frees up your hands so that you can tend to other tasks. Ultimately, its like having an extra pair of strong hulk-like arms in the kitchen.
Most stand mixers come with an array of different attachments that help accomplish different jobs. Attachments can make your mixer a powerhouse offering tasks ranging from making ice cream, pasta and juicing fruits.
BEST LIGHT DUTY STAND MIXER
If you are an occasional baker and only need a stand mixer for every blue moon baking needs such as making cookies for the office potluck or making a cake with your own home made frosting, than a light duty stand mixer would be right for you. Light duty machines are great for making heavy load items such as pizza and bread dough.
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If you’re hesitant about making the switch from a hand mixer to a stand mixer, than the MixMaster is a wonderful cross between. The Sunbeam MixMaster stand mixer is quite similar to a hand mixture. Its lightweight and affordable.
Instead of planetary mixing action that rotates ingredients in separate directions, two beaters mix the ingredients instead.
Another key difference with this stand mixer is that the bowl sits facing the opposite way as you mix. In addition, there is a button on the handle that can boost the speed during use. The all-plastic casing makes the machine less durable than the metal casing found on other models. However, the all-plastic makes it lightweight and portable.
Unlike a hand mixer, the MixMaster allows you to free up your hands when mixing so that you can prep other ingredients. This is a benefit why some prefer a stand mixer over a handheld mixer.
The mix comes with a 350-watt motor and 12 speeds that give you precision and control when mixing ingredients. It also includes a slow start setting that gradually adds speed when blender is first turned on in order to prevent splatter.
Although this machine doesn’t come with planetary mixing action, the bowl itself will rotate in the opposite direction from the attachments. This will assure that ingredients are mixed well. This machine will also allow you to detach the head and use it as a hand mixer for ingredients that require more personal attention.
A 4-quart glass bowl is included. It doesn’t have as much capacity as some other models, therefore making this machine more suitable for smaller baking needs. Included are two attachments, beaters and dough hooks.
Althoughdough hooks are included, this machine is ideal for lighter dough loads. If you’re into bread making than you would want to consider a stand mixer that’s more heavy duty.
This machine is great for the occasional baker who is ready to make a switch from the hand blender. Its great for a consumer who doesn’t plan on doing much more than making deserts and won’t have a need for too many additional attachments.
With a 2-year warranty, you can rest assured with your purchase. If you’re looking for a budget friendly option and you’re not quite ready to make the commitment to a high-powered machine than this is a great option for you.
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When you think of stand mixers, you think of KitchenAid. Why? Because they’re durable, come with several attachments, come in a variety of fun colors and are simple to use.
This mixer comes with a 4 ½ stainless bowl. Its capacity is smaller but will handle most basic mixing jobs for your family. At 26 pounds, you want to make sure the machine is kept stationary unless you’re up for the task of storing it after every use. The model comes with three attachments: a flat beater, wire whip and a dough hook. It is also compatible with the various available Kitchenaid attachments.
It comes with a 300-watt motor and offers ten speeds. The various speeds gives you precision and control when mixing. You can whip egg whites, creams or slowly knead dough. If you plan on using this machine more than a couple times out the month to accomplish tasks such as bread making, then we recommend going with a more powerful model.
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This model is similar to the Ultra Power mixer with some slight differences. One difference is in power, the Classic plus comes with a 275-watt motor where instead of the 300-watt motor that the Ultra Power comes with.
Included for both designs is a 67-point planetary mixing action that means the attachment touches the bowl at 67 points ensuring that the ingredients will be mixed well. Both models come with 10 speeds for precision and control mixing and has a tilted head for easily removing the bowl.
This stand mixer is a great choice for the occasional baker that doesn’t plan on using the mixer more than a couple times out of the month. It is great for lighter loads and isn’t recommended for tougher tasks such as bread making.
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If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck than consider this model. Included is a 4½-quart mixing bowl. It doesn’t handle larger capacities but still gets the job done. You can handle batches of cookie dough, lighter bread dough loads and cakes.
The bowl locks into place ensuring sturdiness during tougher jobs. The model has a full metal construction that makes it durable. It has a 400-watt motor that can handle some tougher loads. The mixer is 21 pounds and is best if kept stationary. If you need to store after use, make sure its kept in an easily accessible spot that won’t cause too much strain when maneuvering.
Included attachments are: a paddle, whisk and dough hook. This standard attachment will give you some variety and help you accomplish various cooking tasks.
Consumers can feel secure in their purchase with the 3-year warranty that Hamilton Beach offers. This is more than the standard 1-year warranty that’s offered with most stand mixers.
Ultimately, this is a great buy for those looking for a machine that would do the job. If you’re looking for a budget friendly machine than this is a good buy. If you’re planning to make thick dough than you might want a heavier duty mixer.
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An excellent choice would be the Breville BEM800XL Scraper Mixer Pro 5-Quart Die-Cast Stand Mixer.
Its slightly more expensive than other light duty models but its auto timer and auto load sensing will give you a bang for your buck. What’s most adored with this stand blender is that it features a flat beater that will scrape the side of the bowl as its mixing. You won’t find this on any competitor’s models.
Its small in size in comparison to other stand mixers and takes up less room on your countertop. Its also lightweight, has an internal cord storage so it makes it easy to move and put away. The dimensions are 8.7 x 14.6 x 13.7 inches.
With its die-cast metal construction, the Breville is ranked for its durability. Power is another thing you can’t miss with its 550-watt motor. There are 12 speeds that gives you the most control with your mixing. A key feature is the auto-shutoff that will stop the mixer if it becomes overloaded. It also has a countdown timer that will help you monitor your dough better.
The Breville doesn’t miss in attachments. Included is a stainless steel mixing bowl that has a capacity of 5 quarts. This is found to be on the larger range of sizes. It also includes the distinguish flat beater, a wire whip, scraper beater, dough hook, and a two-piece pour shield. These attachments are assured to give you the biggest range of cooking variety.
As noted, both the flat beater and scraper beaters will save you time in the kitchen. You won’t have to worry yourself by constantly having to stop the mixer, lift the head and scape down the side of the mixing bowl. These attachments do the work for you.
You will be able to rest assure with your purchase with the one year warranty. However, if you plan to use this frequently, then you might want to consider another machine that can keep up with the challenge.
There are a wonderful range of highlights that make this machine great but there are a few setbacks. If you’re a frequent baker, especially a bread maker, this machine doesn’t handle the frequent use of making dough. In addition, its auto-shut off function sometimes does not work when the machine has a heavy load.
If you plan to use this machine a couple times out the month to make lighter options such as cookies, cakes and creams, then this will be a great choice for you.
Medium Duty Stand Mixers
If you are more of a serious baker, have a bigger family and plan on using your machine a couple of times each week then we suggest a medium duty stand mixer. These machines will handle the bread and pizza dough. They are comparable in price and features.
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This model is absolutely a fan favorite. Part of its love comes from the twenty different colors that it comes in. There isn’t a kitchen that it can’t match. This blender is nothing short of amazing. With its capabilities, it offers its users a variety in cooking needs.
This blender packs power and speed with its 325-watt motor. Its ten-speed settings gives you control when mixing. It comes with a stainless steel 5 quart mixing bowl which offers great capacity to prepare items for a larger family size. If you’re having the occasional potlucks or parties, you can double your recipes. Anything pass doubling may require you to look for something that can handle the capacity. The mixing bowl itself has a handle that will make removing easier and mess free.
The attachments that’s included are a flat beater, a dough hook, wire whisk and a pour shield. The pour shield helps assure that your kitchen will be less messy and that you won’t look like you stepped in a bag of flour. If these attachments aren’t enough, you can also purchase additional attachments such as a pasta maker, sausage stuffer and a ice cream maker. This mixer makes many cooking needs possible. The bowl and attachments are dishwasher safe and the machine itself just requires a wipe down.
This machine is great for the home cook that is looking for a durable machine that can grow with them as their cooking needs grow. Its also great for those looking for simplicity. Its not ideal for anyone looking to make bread more than a couple times a week or making heavy loads of dough.
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As the name is telling, you’ll find that this machine is similar to the Artisan Series. The biggest difference you’ll find between these two models is the mixing bowls. The Artisan Design Series come with a glass mixing bowl where the Artisan series come with stainless steel mixing bowl.
In case you were wondering if the key difference was power differences, its not. Both come with a 325-watt motor and have 10 speeds.
The fact that they have no compelling differences has a little bit of a story. Back in the early 2000s, Kitchenaid started cutting cost and making some of their parts for their motors and gears with plastic. Known for their durability, these plastic parts made them fall short on that feature and customers were upset.
In 2007, they delivered the Artisan Design Series that included the original construction. Although, the Artisan Series is no longer made with plastic parts, it still has been a concern for consumers.
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The Cuisinart 12-Speed Stand Mixer is a high-end top rated small appliance that delivers in durability. High-end also means that it comes with a higher price tag. Its an overall great construction and a great machine that makes it worth every penny.
This stand mixer is constructed from heavy duty die-cast metal that is sure to last for many decades. There aren’t any plastic parts and can beat out some well-known competitors.
It packs the power with a 800-watt motor that will handle heavy loads such as thick bread dough. It’s a 12-speed blender that gives some precision control when handling jobs such as creams and mixing egg yolks. A great feature is the slow-start that will keep from blasting ingredients over your clothes when starting the machine. Some other features include a ten minute countdown timer which gives you some freedom for prepping other ingredients. Another feature is an auto-shut off that will stop the machine when there is an overload.
The mixer includes a 5 ½ quart stainless steel mixer bowl that is on the larger range of sizes that will handle capacity for medium size to larger families. You can double your recipes making this suitable if you have multiple people to cook for. The mixing bowl also comes with a handle that makes removing easy.
This Cuisinart stand mixer comes with a whisk, dough hook, flat paddle and a pour guard making for a mess-free kitchen.
You will feel very secure in your purchase with Cusiniart outstanding warranty. In fact, they have one of the best warranties for stand mixers. Your purchase will include a 3-year warranty and a 5-year warranty on the motor which is typically the first to go if it goes at all.
The Cuisinart stand mixer is a great choice for those that plan to use their mixer frequently. It handles the pressure of frequent use well and we are confident that you will get your money’s worth.
Heavy Duty Stand Mixer
If you bake very frequently or make breads and pizza dough very more frequently then normally, then you might need some help on all the kneading. Kneading dough by hand can be terribly time consuming, tedious and quite the workout. A heavy duty stand mixer will handle the challenge and give you a break in the kitchen.
When working with thick dough such as bread dough, they can be hard on some motors and gears. This is why its important to consider the jobs you plan on using your hand mixer for. When working with thicker doughs, durability and power is going to be needed. Below is our top rated heavy duty stand mixers.
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The Kitchenaid Professional 600 series stand mixer truly packs the punch. It has a more powerful motor than many of its competitors. It comes with 10 speeds that is similar to many other models and allows for precision and control when mixing.
The motor and gears of this machine is designed for heavy duty jobs. If you plan on using your machine frequently or making thick dough such as bread and pizza dough then this is a great option for you. This machine is outstanding in durability and can handle the frequent use.
This model features include an electronic speed sensor that does the thinking for you and help you determine which speed setting will be best for what you’re mixing. It also includes an slow start feature that will help prevent splatter that comes from a blasted quick start. Auto shut-off is another included feature that will shut off when there is an overload.
The attachments includes: a flat beater, a wire hook and a pour shield. The dough hook is unique in that it includes a spiral shape that is designed to help keep ingredients inside of the bowl. It has a 6-quart stainless steel mixing bowl that comes with a riveted handle that allows the bowl to be removed easily. The 6 quarts will handle the task of making larger quanities and double your favorite recipes.
This model has an all-metal construction including its motor and gears. It includes a Locked-Rotor protection that will stop the machine if there is an obstruction. This stand mixer is outstanding when it comes to durability.
If you’re a frequent baker and require a machine that can sustain the use, then this is an outstanding option for you.
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The Bosch Universal Machine is not your traditional stand mixer. However, it is considered heavy-duty and is great for those looking to use it frequently. It will be great for completing tasks such as making bread dough and pizza dough.
As you probably have guessed with its name, this is a universal machine that can turn your kitchen into a power house with just a few added attachments.
It packs power with a 800-watt motor which is amongst the most power wattages offered for a mixer. It comes with a 6 ½ quart bowl that will handle the capacity of baking for larger amounts of people. You will be able to double the batches to your recipes.
The machine is very lightweight with a weight of 12.3 pounds, making it easier to move and it won’t be a pain on you if you have to store it after every use. It includes suction cups at the bottom that prevents the machine from shaking while its in use.
The Bosch Kitchen Machine comes with two attachments: a wire whisk and a dough hook. Although its limited on accessories, some can be purchased separately. The flat paddle, bowl scrapper, juicer, grain mill, sausage stuffer and a host of others will guarantee to offer more flexibility and variety in the kitchen.
This machine requires a little added work for clean up. The machine itself has to be hand washed but the mixing bowl is dishwasher safe. Due to the shape of the bowl, some areas can be harder to reach in order to clean.
If you’re a frequent dough maker, this machine can handle the heavy use well. Its powerful when handling heavier tasks, its extremely durable and sturdy. If you don’t plan on using this appliance for heavy duty tasks such and making bread dough, then you might want to consider a less expensive blender.
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Kenwood appliances is Europes equivalent to a Kitchenaid. Its known for its quality and durability. Its not as well known in the US.
Currently, it’s the only heavy duty mixer that has a tilt feature. At 800-watts, its another stand mixer that ranked in having one of the most powerful motors. It has all metal die-cast construction and is top rated for a baker whose passion includes breads.
The motor has 8 speeds that most find is more than enough. It gives precision and control and allows you to find the perfect speed for the item you’re making.
Like all other Kenwood models, the Major Titanium includes planetary gears that turn in one direction while the socket spin it another. This helps prevents ingredients from sticking to the side of the bowl.
The attachments include a wire whisk, dough hook, splash guard and a beater. The appliance also includes a stainless steel bowl that has an attached hook that helps make removing the bowl an easier task. It also comes with a spatula and a recipe book.
Similar to the Kitchenaid Stand mixers, these mixers come with a host of attachments. These will turn your mixer into a kitchen machine that can do it all. Some of the 25 attachments include a pasta maker, ice cream maker, sausage stuffer, juicer and potatoes peeler.
If you bake frequently and looking for something that can handle your heavy duty task, then this Kenwood Stand Mixer would be a great option. It will pay itself off over and over again. Its worth every penny and it is a great alternative to a KitchenAid stand mixer.
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If you’re looking for a powerful heavy-duty, high capacity blender, then look no more. With a 1.3 horsepower motor, this motor is one of the most powerful motors on the market for stand mixers. This has an all-metal die cast construction and ranks in durability.
With this 7-quart mixing bowl, you can triple some of your favorite recipes. It can handle up to 16 cups of flour and 8 pounds of dough. Therefore, if you baking for a large amount of people this machine you will be able to get the job done. This machine handles both large and small jobs exceptionally well.
If you know for sure you want a KitchenAid mixer and currently deciding amongst the models, then this model will be great for frequent use and heavy-duty task. This is assured to last many years and comes with a 3 year warranty and a 5 year warranty on its motor that is assured to help you feel confident in your purchase.
The capacity and power that this machine offers makes you feel that you have a commercial appliance at your fingertips.
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Developed and introduced over 40 years ago, this machine can handle 12 pounds of bread dough with ease and trust us, its up for the challenge.
This machine is made in Sweden and isn’t as popular in the US but that doesn’t stop this from ranking as a top mixer for bread dough. This mixer can handle the toughest of dough and you won’t have to worry about the gears stripping.
The machine has a 7.5 quart stainless steel bowl and that can handle the capacity of 18 cups of floors. You can double up and even triple batches of your favorite recipes. This is almost twice the capacity of the 4.5 quart models.
You can rest assure that your motor won’t go up in flames from handling some heavier loads. It has an extremely high quality 800-watt motor that will knead a large amount of dough. The motor has adjustable speeds and gives you ranges from 40 to 140 RPM. It features and automatic sensor that will adjust in order to find the perfect speed for the work load.
The attachments includes a dough scraper that helps keep the dough from the sides of the bowl. It folds the dough and has a roller that kneads the dough. Similar to many other brands, the Electrolux Assistant has an extended range of attachments that can be purchased separately. These include a pasta maker, an ice cream maker, sausage stuffer and much more. These will turn your kitchen into a powerhouse, allowing you a great variety and limitless capabilities for cooking.
The quality meets its price, and the price isn’t cheap. This will pay for itself time and time again. If you’re serious about making bread and want to get a great quality, durable machine than this is going to be for you. It won’t have a cheap price tag but it will deliver each and every time.
The machine is available in a range of different colors.
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The Hobart N50 is designed as a commercial mixer that suits a small restaurant. However, due to its size, it can fit in sizable home kitchen.
The model weighs 55 pounds so its not going to be ideal for someone that’s looking to store it after each and every use. You’ll want to have a fixed spot for this appliance. Since once upon a time, Hobart were the designers of Kitchenaid, they haven’t wavered from using Kitchenaid attachments. This machine can work with and fit all Kitchenaid attachments.
As a commercial appliance, it’s expected to pack a punch when it comes to power. It carries a 1/6 horsepower motor that will handle any heavy loads with ease. It is the best mixture for heavy duty items but due to the price, we didn’t give it the top rating.
If you making tons of loaves a bread a day, operate a small business that requires heavy duty loads then this is the mixer for you. This machine can handle large and small jobs with efficiency. We are confident that this machine can last you many decades and can be passed on to your children.
How They Are Rated
POWER
If you’re working with large quantities and heavy loads, you ultimately want to buy the most powerful machine on the market. Many brands advertise the wattages that their machine carries but for stand mixers, more important than the wattage is the torque. This is the measure of rotational force and due to limited unreliable information for torques, we don’t mention torques much in this article.
Metal gearing
Buying a stand mixer that has metal gears will add to the durability of the machine. Models that have metal gears tend to last longer than ones that don’t. They are also less likely to strip.
The quality of metal gears will vary amongst brands. Lower quality and cheaper brands can have gears that are made from pot metal (which is a low-melting point metal used to make fast and inexpensive castings) while higher quality models use steel or brass that has a better tolerance.
The only downfall is that these can typically make more noise than nylon gears (often times referred to as plastic).
PLANETARY MIXING ACTION
This is a feature where the beater moves in one direction and the drive shaft moves in another. The bowl remains stationary. Planetary mixing ensures that the ingredients are mixed together and stays off the surface of the bowl. If mixers don’t include planetary mixing, all ingredients would turn in one direction and will not properly mix.
SPEED
When it comes to speed, the more options the better. Having multiple options will give you range in the kitchen. Higher speeds give you control when whipping ingredients while lower speed allows you to knead dough. Speed settings will give you the most control in your mixer. The ideal would be seeing 7 or more speed settings.
LIFT OR TILT MECHANISM
Some mixers you’ll find have the capability to raise and lower the mixing bowl. Others you’ll find have housings that can tilt the head. Choosing between these two features will be to your personal preference.
The tilted head feature allows you to remove the mixing bowl by tilting the head upwards. You can place the bowl back and secure it by tilting the head back down and using a level typically found on the side of the machine that locks it down. Preventing the bowl from wobbling when using.
On the lift models, the bowl attaches to the arms that are extended from the machine. The arms will lower and rise in order for the bowl to be removed. Some complain that this feature can be harder to add ingredients to. Others like this feature for the added temperature control. The lift gives enough space underneath the blender to allow for a bowl of hot or cold water to be placed in order to keep ingredients under the ideal temperature. This feature is more commonly used by advanced bakers.
Its also important to note that the bowl lifts are found more in the high end mixers that packs the power. This is due to tilt feature that relies on one hinge and simply can’t handle the size of a larger motor.
Colors
Colors doesn’t change the function of the machine but its ultimately a deciding factor for a lot of consumers. A stand mixer that comes in red can ultimately be picked over a lessor quality mixer for the simple fact that the red matches that consumer’s kitchen décor.
We will identify machines that come in a variety of colors and the Kitchenaide brand goes unmatched in the range of colors that it offers.
SLOW START FEATURE
Many blenders come with this feature. The slow start feature will start spinning the motor at a gentle pace while gradual increasing the speed. This is to help prevent splatter. It will help the ingredients be contained in the bowl versus on your clothes.
WEIGHT
Weight is a small but semi-important on how we rate the stand mixers. A mixer that is heavy can be hard to move and will not be ideal if you plan to store it after ever use. These will want to have a permanent position on the countertop. Heavy mixers can also be challenging for elderly and those who have carrying constraints.
Super lightweight mixers tend to move and rock (also known as “walking”) as their handling heavier task such as kneading bread dough. To avoid this, a mixer heavier than 25 pounds tends to do the trick. However, some find lightweight mixers are more appealing. If you do decide on a lightweight mixer, consider one that has suction cups at the bottom such as the Bosch Universal Kitchen machine.
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