If you are an avid baker or cookie-maker, you are probably used to putting lots of elbow grease into your mixes. But what if you could direct all that passion and energy into something more creative?
Today, we bring to your attention a wonder of any modern kitchen, your best ally in mixing, kneading and more. The best stand mixers are all aligned in our careful selection, all set to show off. Besides our top six models, we also prepared a buying guide and a list of the main benefits of such appliances. Get ready to be all whipped away by these powerful and versatile stand mixers.
Perks & Quirks Of Stand Mixers
There are, undoubtedly, some features a stand mixer has and which make it highly valuable. You may have heard stories of how a KitchenAid stand mixer changed someone’s life for the better. You may want to write your own story, with a Cuisinart stand mixer. Regardless of the brand, these appliances come with a series of benefits. We detailed them below, for those of you still at the beginning of your baking quest.
- Effortless mixes
Leave recipes asking for brute force in the past and save yourself some precious time. No more elbow grease needed to make yourself the right kind of dough for a pizza, cake or pie. Not to talk about whipping egg whites, that drained all the energy in you. Get the right consistency with a quarter of the work. All you need to do is to assemble the stand mixer and add the ingredients.
- Versatility
Most stand mixers come with a standard set of three accessories. Yet this is more than enough to cover your needs for a wide variety of recipes. Whip eggs, knead dough, mix wet and dry ingredients. Stand mixers are fully equipped to make your baking dreams come true.
- Less mess, less stress
If you are a fan of traditional utensils, allow us to help you see things from a different perspective. Let’s say you want to make cake batter and creams. You may use at least 5-6 utensils and bowls to prepare everything. From a traditional mixer and its whisks, to all the spoons and containers, chances are you get a full sink after. With a stand mixer, you only have to clean the bowl and the accessories used for blending the composition. Also, thanks to the high design of the bowl sides, you can say goodbye to splattering all over your kitchen walls.
- Time saver
Let us put it this way. Instead of spending half an hour whisking some egg whites for your cake recipe, you can be relaxing with a cup of tea. Or you can just as well do some other step of a recipe, while your stand mixer kneads for a set period of time. Save your energy and time and pick how you wish to spend it. These appliances give you more freedom to do something else in the meanwhile.
The less appealing aspects of a stand mixer include two dimensions. One of the drawbacks refers to the space occupied by a stand mixer. If you have limited countertop space available, it might be tricky to find a model suitable for you. These appliances usually take a lot of space and are also tall, so a model too big can cram your kitchen.
Also, stand mixers are high-end products still, meaning they have a high cost of purchase. In time, they prove their utility and benefits, but it can be a rather big stretch for some budgets to get one.
Top Features To Look For In The Best Stand Mixers
In your quest of finding the best stand mixer, you may find yourself wondering about its features. In order to ensure you make a wise investment, being well informed is key. And let’s be honest, purchasing a stand mixer can really take a toll on your budget. So we made a list of the main characteristics you should look for while scanning the market. So when you wish to purchase an outstanding mixer of this kind, here is what you should look at. Remember, the best stand mixer is the one fitting your needs to the highest level.
Size
Keep in mind that stand mixers will occupy a generous surface on your countertop. Plus, as they are also tall, you should ensure you get a model that fits your available space. It should feel comfortable to use it. Consider also where you will store it in between uses.
Capacity
Or the bowl volume, in short. This reflects the amount of ingredients the mixing container can accommodate. That means mixing or battering without spilling or splattering. If you bake cookies for a small army, a larger bowl is always a better idea.
Power
Get a clear idea of how powerful the motor is. And also, of the print it may leave on your electricity bills. The more intricate the recipes you plan to try, the more recommended is to have a powerful motor.
Versatility
Most stand mixers come with three main accessories. They are interchangeable, allowing you to go from whipping to mixing or kneading. From bubbly egg whites to pizza dough, these appliances should make it all a breeze. Top-of-the-line stand mixers can add other accessories in the set, for extra convenience. Depending on how much of an avid baker you are, these additional pieces can make a difference or not.
Speed levels
Look for a model that gives you more control over the mixing speed. A stand mixer that can start at a lower speed helps homogenize the mix better. You can gradually increase the speed according to your needs.
Extra features
More features, more convenience in using the machine, we say. If you get to opt for a model that offers extra features (timer, self shut-off), we recommend it. You never know when they might come in handy.
Our 2021 Selection Of 6 Best Stand Mixers
Brace yourself to be completely whipped away by the next selection of the best stand mixers. We analyzed their design, functionalities, top features and drawbacks. We bring you our 2021 top 6 most wanted stand mixers. Take a quick look at the table below if you are on a rush. Or indulge yourself into a more detailed reading. From KitchenAid stand mixers to Cuisinart remarkable models, this top is a must-read.
Product | Volume | Speed Settings | Power | Size | Best Feature |
KitchenAid Professional 600 Series KP26M1XER Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer | 6 quarts | 10 | 575W | 16.5x 11.3 x 14.6 | Bowl-lift design for efficient incorporation of ingredients |
Cuisinart SM-50 Stand Mixer | 5.5 quarts | 12 | 500W | 14.17 x 7.87 x 14.13 | Sturdy construction (die cast aluminum) and 12 speed settings |
Ankarsrum Original 6230 Orange Stand Mixer | 7.4 quarts | 8 | 600W | 18.5 x 13.1 x 18 | self-adjusting speed control; built-in timer; built-in side scraper |
Aucma Stand Mixer -6.5-QT | 6.5 quarts | 6 | 660W | 15.24 x 9.37 x 12.36 | pulse feature, LED power indicator, tilt head, dishwasher-safe accessories |
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer | 4 quarts | 7 | 300W | 10.4 x 15.55 x 16.3 | mixing speed guide on top; unique design for complete bowl coverage |
Bosch MUM6N10UC Universal Plus Stand Mixer | 6.5 quarts | 4 | 800W | 11 x 12 x 15 | triple whipping action; two-piece lid and open bowl |
KitchenAid Professional 600 Series
If we were talking about a cake, this KitchenAid stand mixer would certainly be the cherry on top. Imagine an appliance that brings power and safety into your home. A 575W motor and a durable stainless steel bowl make it unbeatable. The KitchenAid Professional 600 Series KP26M1XER Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer also has top-notch features. These include an electronic speed sensor, as well as a Soft Start, perfect to avoid splatter. The unique design ensures to raise the bowl into the perfect mixing position. The auto shut-off is a welcomed safety feature. Versatility finds home in this KitchenAid stand mixer. The motor base is compatible with up to 12 different attachments. You can do more than knead or whip with this mixer. Try grinding meat or making pasta as well.
Pros:
- highly versatile (compatible with up to 12 attachments)
- sturdy base, solid design
- available in various colors
- 10 speed settings
- large mixing bowl (6 quarts)
- automatic shut-off
- Soft Start feature (minimizing splatter).
Cons:
- heavy construction
- only one year warranty
- loud
- suitable only for large amounts
- high-end product (most expensive from our list).
Cuisinart SM-50 Stand Mixer
If you have heard about the Cuisinart stand mixers until now, you probably know about their quality. Versatile, accessible, made of quality materials, these units are all made for the long run. This Cuisinart SM-50 Stand Mixer comes to prove you just that. With a large stainless steel bowl, it can make your cookie fantasies come true real quick. A powerful 500-watt motor, made of die cast metal, is the secret behind that. Plus, the 12 speed settings allow you to fine tune the mixing process as you want. Assembly of any attachment is a breeze, thanks to the tilt-back head feature. And this more than your average mixer, it is a multi-functional kitchen appliance. You can whip egg whites or make ice cream in it just as easy.
Pros:
- 3 years warranty
- dishwasher-safe stainless steel bowl
- large capacity (5.5 quarts)
- sturdy construction (die cast aluminum)
- tilt-back head design
- powerful motor and 12 speed settings
- splash guard
- compatible with other attachments (pasta maker, meat grinder etc).
Cons:
- design flaw – attachments not reaching the bottom or sides of the bowl
- frequent complaints on uneven mixing due to bowl shape (batter, dough stick to the sides).
Ankarsrum Original 6230 Orange Stand Mixer
Here comes a multi-functional kitchen appliance, suitable for commercial use. The Ankarsrum Original 6230 Orange Stand Mixer comes with a really sturdy design. A solid base joins forces with a powerful motor and large capacity bowls. This stand mixer was surely designed to satisfy even the most demanding bakers. Its functionalities expand way beyond an average mixer. And the little details give it a special charm. From the self-regulating speed sensor to the built-in scraper or timer, this unit is hard to beat. Although a high-end product, this stand mixer comes with a seven years warranty to put your mind at ease.
Pros:
- 7 years warranty
- 12-minute built-in timer
- suitable for commercial use
- extra-large capacity (7.4 quarts bowl)
- powerful, quiet motor (600 watts)
- multi-functional base compatible with various attachments
- built-in scraper (to prevent batter sticking to the bowl sides)
- electronic speed sensor (self-adjusting speed according to load).
Cons:
- high-end stand mixer
- heavy construction
- some complaints on the plastic bowl breaking after a few uses.
Aucma Stand Mixer -6.5-QT
The Aucma Stand Mixer – 6.5-QT promises not to be the best, yet simply better than its competition. If we look at the powerful motor it comes with, we might incline to agree. It can sweep you off your baker feet with its appealing design, power and functionalities. The 6-speed settings include a pulse function too, for extra convenience. Keeping the noise level below 76dB, this sturdy stand mixer is hard to resist. Strong and with a 6.5 quarts capacity, this mixer is quite a catch in its category, at a very budget-friendly cost.
Pros:
- budget friendly
- powerful copper motor (660W)
- silent operation (less than 76dB)
- six speed settings (pulse feature included)
- large capacity, suitable for commercial use (6.5 quarts)
- tilt-head design for easy assembly
- LED light power indicator
- compatible with multiple attachments
- anti-slip pads
- lightweight structure
- dishwasher safe attachments.
Cons:
- complaints on dough/batter sticking to the sides of the bowl
- unresponsive customer support
- manufacturer does not sell individual components (in case you need replacements).
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
If you want the performance of KitchenAid stand mixers, but on a budget, search no more. The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer aims to take over the market. It comes with a sturdy construction and enough power to supply your home baking needs. You will love its tilt-up head and special design for whole-bowl mixing. The attachments rotate in what they call planetary mixing. You know your dough or batter gets homogenized properly this way. And if you are new to baking with a stand mixer, the speed guide on top will be a life-saver.
Pros:
- affordable performance
- planetary mixing (complete bowl coverage)
- easy to clean (wipe and dry)
- 7 speed settings
- mixing speed guide.
Cons:
- plastic body (prone to breaking)
- motor getting noisy after longer use
- frequent complaints regarding motor stopping after several uses.
Bosch MUM6N10UC Universal Plus Stand Mixer
Lightweight and powerful, giving you the perfect meringue from just one egg white. If this sounds a bit too dreamy, then you should know it is actually possible. The Bosch MUM6N10UC Universal Plus Stand Mixer comes with features hard to believe. The triple whipping action is what makes preparing meringues a breeze. This mixer has practically two independent whips rotating also around the bowl. So incorporating ingredients has never been easier. It also has an open bowl design, enhanced with a two-piece lid. You know adding ingredients is easy and mess-free this way.
Pros:
- lightweight construction
- compact, sturdy structure
- triple whipping action feature
- open bowl & dual-piece lid
- three years warranty on motor
- compatible with various attachments
- dishwasher-safe bowl.
Cons:
- plastic body
- some components prone to breaking when used in denser mixes
- difficult to clean according to users (notches collecting dough).
Tips On Maintenance For Your Stand Mixer
To make the most of your stand mixer, here are some useful tips for easier maintenance. Of course, we strongly encourage you to read the manufacturer’s instructions as well. Each stand mixer comes with some specific recommendations, found in the user manual. Besides that, here is our list of tips and tricks.
Clean right after use.
Do not just abandon your stand mixer components in the sink. Let them soak in a bit of warm soapy water. Or if they are dishwasher-safe, put them to clean. This will prevent dough/batter remains to dry and glue to your mixing bowl or attachments. Which simply translates into more work for you to clean them later.
Do not use aggressive soap/cleaning products.
Some mixing attachments may have a protective coating to make them non-stick. To keep that layer intact and prevent your pieces from rusting, use a mild detergent.
Wipe dry every component before storing.
Once you finished using your stand mixer and cleaned its pieces, you want to put it away, to save space on the counter. Before you reassemble or put back in the box, make sure all the components that had contact with water are dry. Wipe well the stand mixer body, to remove any grease or batter traces. Prevent rust from attacking the metal components. Or even mold from forming on humid, soft surfaces.
Kneading Thoughts
Having a stand mixer in your kitchen is not mandatory for baking beginners. But if you already have some experience in the kitchen, then you can probably appreciate it. Or if you have your own bakery, such an appliance can prove to be a precious ally in saving you time and effort. We hope today’s article brought you one step closer to feeling convinced of getting one. If you are ready to upgrade your whipping game, the best stand mixers await your decision. Let us know in the comments what recipes felt unapproachable until you got a stand mixer. Until our next article, stay healthy and keep baking!
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