Our comprehensive review dedicated over 80 hours to testing 15 different stand mixer models. This rigorous process led us to select the best stand mixers based on their performance in our latest lab tests. Our recommendations reflect a blend of top-quality functionality, ease of use, and efficiency, making them ideal choices for a variety of kitchen needs.
Our Top Picks: Best Stand Mixers
01
Specification
Brand: KitchenAid
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 9.3″D x 14.3″W x 14″H
Special Feature: Removable Bowl
Capacity: 5 Quarts
Pros and Cons
- Large capacity for big batches (up to 9 dozen cookies or 4 loaves of bread).
- 59-Point Planetary Mixing Action for thorough mixing.
- Tilt-head design for easy bowl access.
- Power hub fits over 15 optional attachments for versatility.
- Large size may take up significant counter space.
- Expensive as compared to the other product
Bottom Line
When talking about stand mixers, the famous KitchenAid is usually the first one that comes to mind. This model, the Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, has a decent 5-quart size and comes in many colors, from bright red to simple silver. It has standard tools like a paddle, whisk, and dough hook. But what makes it special is that it can use more than 15 different add-ons such as a pasta maker or juicer. This makes it more than just a mixer – it’s a whole kitchen tool in itself.
It’s great for all tasks, but it’s especially good at making cookie dough and whipped cream. It can handle heavy oatmeal-chocolate chip dough and make light, firm whipped cream. It’s also great for kneading bread, making it a favorite for people who bake bread. In short, the KitchenAid Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a solid, do-it-all piece of kitchen equipment.
What Customer Say: Love It
I love this. It’s so easy to use. My only complaint, I got the color Porcelain. Which based on the picture looks off white or creamish, when it came in it is absolutely white. I would love to see the white next to it because im convinced it would look almost the same. It is beautiful on my counter top but keep that in mine if you’re looking into this color. – Kaycee Blackwell
02
Specification
Brand: Hamilton Beach
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 14.5″D x 10.9″W x 14.4″H
Special Feature: Manual
Capacity: 4 Quarts
Pros and Cons
- Versatile with 7 different speeds for various baking needs.
- Powerful 300-watt motor can handle thick batters and doughs with ease.
- The mixer size might be large for small kitchen spaces due to its product dimensions.
- Although it has a manual capacity control, it might be challenging for beginners to determine the right amounts.
Bottom Line
Get a great stand mixer without breaking the bank with the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer. Among the best value-for-money models we looked at, it did really well in almost all of our tests. Our kitchen experts praised its ability to whip light egg whites into stiff peaks and knead bread dough quickly and evenly. The mixer has a handy top handle for easy lifting and suction cups to keep it steady when it’s on.
It comes with attachments that are safe to wash in the dishwasher, and a seven-speed control for the right mix for lots of recipes. This prevents batter, dough, and icing from being mixed too little or too much. It’s worth mentioning that it might splash a bit when it’s working. But even with this small issue, given how well it performs and its affordable price, this stand mixer is a top pick for those who are conscious of their budget.
What Customer Say:
Works great
I bought this specifically for making chocolate chip cookies. I had always used a handheld beater, and big bowl, it took awhile due to the shape of bowl and handheld beater. Note- I always make a double batch, so it was taxing on the handheld beater. Once I got this I used that same day. Once unpacked it was easy to use. The suction cups on the bottom kept it from sliding around the counter, and the power level was perfect for working the ingredients together. Cleaning it was easy as well, the attachment I used went into the dishwasher, top rack like suggested and they came out fine. I recommend this mixer if you are an avid baker. – Laurie
03
Specification
Brand: Cuisinart
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 14.17″D x 7.87″W x 14.13″H
Special Feature: Removable Bowl
Capacity: 5.5 Quarts
Pros and Cons
- Strong 500-watt motor delivers power and precision
- Suitable for large recipes
- Comes with essential attachments: chef’s whisk, dough hook, and flat mixing paddle
- Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe bowl and accessories
- May be too large for small kitchen spaces
- The mixer might have difficulty handling very thick dough.
Bottom Line
The stand mixer not only offers an exceptional cooking experience with its muscular 500-watt motor and versatile 12-speed settings but is also designed with a substantial 5.5-quart capacity, capable of accommodating sufficient ingredients for substantial recipes. The package comes bundled with a chef’s whisk, dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and a splash guard equipped with a pour spout. Crafted from resilient die-cast metal, the stand mixer promises enduring performance. Its tilt-back head design ensures easy accessibility to the bowl.
With a stunning selection of colors, this model enhances the aesthetic quotient of your kitchen. Furthermore, the mixer introduces optional attachments for a diversified culinary experience, including pasta making, meat grinding, and more, available for separate purchase. However, it’s worth noting that the mixer’s size might be a concern for smaller kitchen spaces, and the cost could potentially be higher when compared to market alternatives.
What Customer Say: Mixes well to bottom of bowl
This is my second Cuisinart mixer. My first mixer is ten years old and its attachments were lost during moving. Replacing “vintage” attachments cost about the equivalent amount to this mixer. From the moment I’ve taken the mixer out of the box, it’s been going non-stop. It’s quiet and performs well. My cakes are thoroughly beaten. My customers are pleased and so am I. – Natatown
04
Specification
Brand: WOLF GOURMET
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 17″D x 10.5″W x 17.63″H
Special Feature: Adjustable Speed Control
Capacity: 7 Liters
Pros and Cons
- Superior performance with robust motor and gearing system
- Large 7-quart capacity for various baking and cooking tasks
- Unique bowl lift design for easy bowl adjustments
- It works with 220 Volts – this might not be perfect for everyone.
- It’s pretty heavy, about 16.44 kilograms, which could be a bit much for some.
Bottom Line
The Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer is an absolute must-have for baking enthusiasts and professional chefs alike. This powerful mixer, with its professional aesthetics and robust stainless steel design, comes with a unique bowl lift mechanism, eliminating the need to crank manually. It easily handles large volumes of batter with a 7-quart capacity. This mixer starts at a low speed to prevent splatter and includes a dozen finely adjustable settings along with a pulse setting.
While no additional attachments are currently available, the mixer is designed with a hub for future expandability. Available in multiple knob colors, the Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer is an investment that makes for a seamless baking experience and a luxury addition to any kitchen.
What Customer Say: A great mixer
Sure, it’s pricey. But it’s a great machine for a serious kitchen—plenty of power, great build quality, clean design. And no glitchy switches, weird noises, or overheating like some other brands. Doesn’t even blink at tough jobs like kneading heavy bread dough for 8-10 minutes. Definitely sticker-shocky at full price, but on the rare occasions when it’s discounted, it’s worth a look. Note though, that this is a big and heavy appliance: Too tall to fit under most cabinets, and pretty heavy to be moving in and out of a cabinet very often. – Michael A. Johnson
05
Specification
Brand: KitchenAid
Blade Material: Stainless Steel
Dimensions: 7.8″D x 12.3″W x 12.3″H
Special Feature: Tilt Head
Capacity: 3.5 Quarts
Pros and Cons
- Compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around and save counter space.
- Versatile 10-speed settings for various cooking tasks.
- Comes with multiple attachments, allowing for a wide range of culinary activities.
- The 3.5-quart bowl might be too small for larger recipes.
Bottom Line
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini Plus with a capacity of 3.5-quart proves to be the ideal choice for small-scale kitchen tasks, like whipping up a batch of cookies or a single loaf of bread. Its compact size doesn’t compromise its performance, making it a perfect fit for kitchens with limited counter space.
This mixer comes with a well-built, rubber-edged paddle, perfect for scraping the bowl while making cookies. It’s a solid machine overall, and despite its smaller size, it offers a range of ten-speed settings. Its relatively lighter weight makes it more manageable for regular use. Plus, it’s compatible with most KitchenAid attachments, which include everything from pasta makers to spiralizers.
What Customer Say: Compact superhero!
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is like a compact superhero in the kitchen. It might not have the massive capacity of its bigger counterparts, but it’s ideal for my cozy kitchen setup. Baking becomes a joy, and it handles most of my recipes with ease. Yet, for larger gatherings, I might have to split batches. Overall, it’s my trusty sidekick for most of my baking adventures! – Andrea S.
Things to Consider Before You Buying a Stand Mixer
A stand mixer can be a game-changing addition to your kitchen, but you’ll need to consider a few things before you invest.
Mixing Capacity
A stand mixer’s capacity isn’t just about bowl size or power output. More importantly, it’s about how much it can mix at once. For example, some stand mixers can only prepare one loaf of bread at a time, while others are capable of handling two. Consider your baking habits when looking at a mixer’s efficiency.
Tilt-Head Vs. Bowl Lift
Stand mixers come in two types: tilt-head and bowl lift. Tilt-head models allow you to tilt the head back for easy access to the bowl, making it simple to add ingredients or change attachments. They’re typically lighter, more compact, and less expensive than bowl lift models. On the other hand, bowl lift models have larger capacities and more power. They use a crank to raise or lower the bowl, which can be slower and less convenient. Your choice here depends on your baking needs.
Space Requirement
Stand mixers can take up a considerable amount of space. Before purchasing, consider if you have enough counter space for it. Pay attention to the model’s dimensions, especially if you’re considering a tilt-head model that requires additional height clearance.
Before making your choice, you may also want to consider comparing stand mixers with hand mixers based on your specific needs.
Which attachments do I use?
Stand mixers come with a range of attachments that might seem overwhelming if you’re new to baking. Here’s a simplified explanation:
1. Flat Beater: This tool comes with all stand mixers. It’s perfect for basic mixing tasks like blending butter and sugar for cakes, making batters, or preparing frosting. Some beaters have a rubber or silicone edge to scrape ingredients from the bowl’s sides.
2. Wire Whip: This tool is for whipping air into ingredients. Use it when you need to make whipped cream or meringue.
3. Dough Hook: If you’re baking fresh bread or pizza, this tool will help. It mixes and kneads dough. The hook might look like a ‘C’ or a spiral.
Other handy tools include a splash guard or pouring shield. These fit over the bowl to stop ingredients from splattering out. Some mixers come with glass bowls as an alternative to stainless steel. Glass lets you see your ingredients mixing together, but be careful – it’s more breakable!
How to use and care for a stand mixer
Your stand mixer is a valuable tool in your kitchen, and with the right care, it can last for years. The first step to keep it in good condition is to follow the manual that comes with it. If there are any major issues, get in touch with the people who made your mixer. However, for the regular cleaning, here are some easy tips from Nicole Papantoniou, an expert from the Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab:
1. Dealing with Dry Goods: If you have any leftover flour or similar materials, use a dry cloth or a pastry brush. This helps you get rid of it without making it clump together and harden, which can happen if you use water.
2. Handling Wet Messes: If you have any wet substances like batter, clean it up immediately with a slightly wet cloth or sponge. This stops it from sticking and leaving a stain. After that, dry your mixer with a dry cloth.
3. Cleaning the Extras: Wash any extra parts or tools by hand and let them dry completely. While it might be tempting to use a dishwasher, washing them by hand can prevent damage, rust, and help retain any non-stick coating.
4. Storing Your Tools: Keep your extra parts in the mixer’s bowl. To avoid scratches, wrap them in a tea towel.
This simple maintenance will keep your mixer in the best possible condition for a long time.
After mastering your stand mixer for baking perfect doughs and batters, elevate your creations by baking them in the Best Pie Plate for exceptional results.
Why should you trust Glozine
At Glozine, we’re all about excellence. We thoroughly test and review products, and for stand mixers, we went the extra mile. Our team, equipped with cooking knowledge, put each mixer through its paces. We checked how well they can knead dough, whip up egg whites, cream butter, and mix batter. We also looked at their speed, power, size, user-friendliness, cleaning, and lifespan. We compared well-known brands, evaluated their features, and examined their cost-effectiveness. Customer opinions were also taken into account.
Our detailed reviews are here to help you make wise buying decisions. Trust Glozine, we’re here to make your baking journey a breeze and your choice of kitchen appliances crystal clear.
Conclusion
Stand mixers are versatile kitchen appliances that can significantly ease your baking and cooking tasks. From top-of-the-line models like the KitchenAid Artisan Design Series and the Wolf Gourmet High Performance Mixer to budget-friendly options such as the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, there’s a mixer to suit every need and budget. For those with smaller kitchens or who need a more portable option, the compact KitchenAid Artisan Mini is a fantastic choice. Before purchasing, remember to consider factors such as mixing capacity, type of mixer (tilt-head or bowl lift), and the available space in your kitchen. Remember, your stand mixer is an investment that, if properly chosen and cared for, will serve you well for many years.
