The Best Rated Stand Mixers for Every Kitchen

What is a Stand Mixer?

A stand mixer is a kitchen appliance with a mixing bowl attached to a stand or base and a motor that powers attachments that mix, whip or knead ingredients in the bowl.

The best stand mixers are evaluated based on their performance and features including ability to handle various baking tasks such as mixing, kneading and whipping.

Stand mixers are necessary for many baking recipes and can handle tough jobs like thick doughs and heavy mixing. They come in various sizes and capacities from compact to large capacity mixers.

How to Choose a Stand Mixer

Buying a stand mixer is not a decision to be taken lightly as it’s something you’ll be using for years to come. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best one for you:

Capacity and Size

The size of the stand mixer depends on how much you plan on using it and how much you want to spend.

A standard bowl size for stand mixers is about 5 quarts, which is plenty of room to knead a full loaf of bread or mix a double-recipe of most cookies.

However, if you’re a casual baker or have limited counter space, smaller 3-quart models are available. Just keep in mind that mini models might struggle with thicker doughs or larger batches.

For serious bakers, larger mixers with 6-7 quart bowls are best for heavy-duty tasks. Bowl-lift stand mixers in particular offer more power and capacity for larger batches. These are perfect for tough mixing jobs like kneading bread dough.

Features to Consider

Ease of Use: Look for mixers with simple speed controls that are easy to adjust. This will allow you to switch from whipping egg whites to kneading dough with ease.

Attachments: The standard attachments are a dough hook, flat beater and whisk. Some models come with additional attachments like pasta rollers, meat grinders or citrus juicers.

Bowl Material: Stainless steel bowls are durable, rust-resistant, and often dishwasher-safe. A glass mixing bowl is great for seeing what you’re mixing but can be heavier and more fragile.

Power & Speed: For dense doughs like sourdough or brioche, look for a mixer with at least 300 watts of power and multiple speed settings to control the texture of your batter or dough.

Price Range and Budget

Stand mixers can range in price depending on the brand, model and features. At the lower end you can find basic stand mixers for $100-$200 which are perfect for casual bakers or beginners. These models come with the essentials and a smaller capacity and are good for light mixing.

For home bakers who need a bit more power and capacity, mid range stand mixers are a good option. Priced between $200-$400, these models often come with a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, a tilt head for easy access and multiple speed settings. They are a good balance of affordability and functionality and are good for regular use.

If you’re a serious baker or will be using your stand mixer frequently, investing in a high end model might be worth it. These stand mixers can cost anywhere from $400 to $1000 and come with advanced features like bowl lift mechanism, powerful motors and larger capacity. They are designed for heavy duty tasks like kneading bread dough and mixing large batches of ingredients.

Also consider the cost of attachments and accessories like a meat grinder, dough hook, or pasta maker. It can add to the versatility of your stand mixer but also to the overall cost.

Ultimately your budget will depend on your specific needs and how often you will be using the stand mixer. Research and compare different stand mixer models to find the best value for your money.

Top Rated Stand Mixers

Now that you know what to look for in a stand mixer, let’s get to the top rated stand mixers loved by both amateur bakers and professional chefs.

Our Favorite Stand Mixer

This KitchenAid stand mixer can do everything

This KitchenAid stand mixer can do everything with ease including homemade whipped cream recipe and pizza dough.

It’s versatile, durable and easy to use, it’s an all time favorite. This bowl-lift mixer is perfect for heavy duty tasks due to the added stability of its design.

Pros:

• • Large capacity for batch baking.

• • Multiple attachments.

• • Sturdy and durable.

Cons:

• • Takes up more counter space than smaller models.

• • Higher price point.

Other Top-Rated Stand Mixers

Stand Mixer Brands

KitchenAid Stand Mixers

KitchenAid brand is the leader in stand mixer market. They have a range of models from entry level mixers to professional machines.

KitchenAid stand mixers are known for their durability and lifespan. Some KitchenAid stand mixers last up to 20 years.

No matter your skill level or baking needs, you can find a KitchenAid stand mixer that fits your kitchen.

When it comes to standout stand mixer brands in the market today, several names also come to mind:

Breville Stand Mixers

Breville is known for their design and ease of use. The Breville Bakery Chef stand mixer is a favourite, with precision control and powerful motor for both new and experienced bakers.

This stand mixer comes with attachments, a scraper beater and a dough hook for all your baking needs.

Cuisinart Stand Mixers

Cuisinart have a range of stand mixers that are performance and budget friendly. Their models include a tilt head stand mixer, and some of them have multiple speed settings for home bakers who want a reliable stand mixer without the price tag.

Cuisinart stand mixers come with the essentials like a whisk and dough hook for everyday baking.

Bosch Stand Mixers

Bosch stand mixers are tough and efficient. Serious bread bakers love them because they can handle dense doughs with ease.

The Bosch Universal Plus stand mixer is a popular one, with a powerful motor and large mixing bowl for big batches and heavy mixing.

These brands, along with KitchenAid and Wolf, have a range of stand mixers to suit every need and preference so you can find the one that’s right for your kitchen.

Tilt-Head Stand Mixers

These stand mixers are great because you can access the mixing bowl by just tilting the head back. Here are some top picks:

1. KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer: A classic stand mixer loved by home bakers for its versatility and color options. It has a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, a powerful motor, a dough hook, and a flat beater.

2. Cuisinart SM-50 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer: This tilt head stand mixer is known for its robust performance, has slightly larger mixing bowl and multiple speed settings. It also comes with dough hook and whisk.

3. Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer: For the beginner baker, this tilt head stand mixer is affordable. It has decent speeds and 4-quart stainless steel bowl for smaller batches and everyday baking.

4. Breville BEM800XL Scraper Mixer Pro: This one has a scraper beater attachment that scrapes the sides of the mixing bowl as it mixes so you get thorough ingredient incorporation. This tilt-head stand mixer has a 5-quart bowl for both new and experienced bakers.

These stand mixers are a great combination of functionality and convenience for any kitchen.

Stand Mixer Maintenance and Longevity

How Long Does a Stand Mixer Last?

The best stand mixers like KitchenAid or Wolf can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Here’s how to extend the life of your stand mixer:

Clean Thoroughly: Wipe down the exterior after each use and the mixing bowl and attachments after each use, and dry.

Lubricate the Gears: Periodically lubricate the gears to keep the motor running smooth. Check your stand mixer user manual for maintenance intervals.

Don’t Overload: Even the best stand mixers have limits. If you see the motor straining or overheating, give it a break to cool down.

Tips for Using Your Stand Mixer

Get the Most Out of Your Stand Mixer

Use the right attachment for the job, such as the dough hook for kneading bread dough. The dough hook is for bread dough, the flat beater is for cookie dough and cake batters. The whisk is for making homemade whipped cream or beating egg whites.

Don’t overmix or overwork the dough. This can lead to tough or dense bread. For delicate recipes like cakes, mix only until the ingredients are just combined.

Try out different recipes and techniques to get the most out of your stand mixer. From homemade pasta to whipped butter, your stand mixer can do so much more than just bake.

Try out different attachments to expand your culinary horizons.

Attachments and Accessories

Most stand mixers come with a variety of attachments and accessories that can increase their functionality and versatility in the kitchen.

One of the most important attachment is the dough hook, perfect for kneading bread dough. It saves you time and effort compared to manual kneading.

For those who like to make homemade sausages or grind their own meat, a meat grinder attachment is a great addition. It allows you to grind meat, nuts and other ingredients with ease and add a new dimension to your recipes.

Pasta lovers will love a pasta maker attachment that can roll out and cut pasta dough into various shapes and sizes. This attachment allows you to make fresh pasta in your own kitchen.

A whisk attachment is another useful tool, for making homemade whipped cream, beating eggs and mixing sauces. It ensures your ingredients are well combined and gets the right consistency.

When it comes to mixing bowls, a stainless steel bowl is a popular choice because of its durability and ease of cleaning. Some stand mixers have glass mixing bowls so you can see the ingredients as they mix.

When shopping for a stand mixer, consider the attachments and accessories you may need and if they come with the model or are available separately.

KitchenAid is a popular brand that offers a wide range of attachments and accessories that can be purchased separately so you can customize your stand mixer to your needs.

Also note that not all attachments and accessories are compatible with all stand mixers so make sure to check compatibility before you buy. This way, you’ll get the most out of your stand mixer and can use all its features.

Final Thoughts

A stand mixer is a valuable investment for any serious baker or home cook. With the right model and proper care, it can last for decades and save you countless hours of mixing ingredients and kneading dough.

Whether it’s the classic KitchenAid stand mixer or the high performance Wolf Gourmet stand mixer, the best stand mixers will take your baking and cooking to the next level.

Ready to find the perfect stand mixer for your kitchen? With the options and tips shared in this guide, you’re sure to find a reliable tool that meets your needs and brings joy to your baking journey!