Baking presents unique challenges that require skill and precision. While baking cookbooks offer insights from professionals, tasks like kneading bread and incorporating butter into pastry dough can be tricky, especially when done by hand. Stand mixers simplify these processes, ensuring consistent results whether you’re making cookies or sandwich bread.
Zak Stern, a James Beard Outstanding Baker Award semifinalist and owner of Zak the Baker in Miami, emphasizes durability in his choice of stand mixers: “I look for robust construction—tools that can withstand time and be passed down through generations. I prefer to avoid unnecessary features that tend to break easily.”
Sarah O’Brien, owner of Little Tart Bakeshop in Atlanta and a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Baker, relies heavily on her stand mixer for tasks like creaming butter to perfection: “A strong motor is essential for achieving the right consistency in my cookie dough.”
Drawing on insights from these expert bakers and our team of testers, we rigorously evaluated 22 leading stand mixers. Our testing included both well-established and emerging brands, putting each mixer through its paces with tasks ranging from whipping cream to kneading whole wheat bread dough and baking batches of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Breville Bakery Chef Stand Mixer
Pros
This powerful yet quiet mixer operates efficiently with preset functions and automatic timers.
Cons
It lacks compatibility with optional attachments.
The Breville Bakery Chef combines high power and quality materials in a compact design suitable for any kitchen counter. During testing, it swiftly completed tasks with minimal noise and mess. Notably, it whipped cream to stiff peaks in just 18 seconds, outperforming other models. It also excelled in mixing cookie dough and kneading bread dough evenly and quietly.
The mixer features 12 speed settings named for specific purposes like kneading, beating, and whipping, along with a built-in timer for precise mixing sessions. An integrated light illuminates the bowl contents, enhancing visibility during operation.
Included are a 5-quart glass bowl, a 4-quart stainless steel bowl, standard blades, and beaters—all at a slightly above-average price point, offering excellent value. However, potential buyers seeking expandability through additional attachments may find this model limiting compared to competitors like KitchenAid.
Dimensions: 11.4 x 14.8 x 14.3 inches | Power: 550 watts | Capacity: 5 quarts | Weight: 21 pounds | Includes: 5-quart glass bowl, 4-quart stainless steel bowl, scraper beater, flat beater, dough hook, whisk, splash guard, pouring shield, spatula
Best Overall, Runner Up
Kenwood Chef Kitchen Machine
Pros
Compact and powerful, this mixer offers exceptional versatility.
Cons
Its high price and tilt-head design may pose visibility challenges during mixing.
The Kenwood Chef Kitchen Machine boasts a futuristic appearance suitable for modern kitchens. Despite its compact size, it packs a punch with robust performance. All attachments are dishwasher-safe, and the included splash guard effectively keeps the base and counters clean. While it was slightly slower in whipping cream during tests, it excelled in thoroughly mixing and kneading dough.
This model supports various additional accessories through four attachment points, from slicers to blenders, offering enhanced functionality at an additional cost. However, users may find the low tilt-head design cumbersome for visibility and locking the bowl securely when filled with stiff dough.
Dimensions: 8.9 x 15.7 x 11.7 inches | Power: 750 watts | Capacity: 5 quarts | Weight: 23 pounds | Includes: 5-quart stainless steel bowl, K-beater, flexi beater, whisk, dough hook, spatula, spanner, splash guard
Best Large-Capacity
KitchenAid 7 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer with Redesigned Premium Touchpoints
Pros
This extra-large mixer offers stability and ease of use with its bowl-lift mechanism.
Cons
It comes at a higher price point.
Editor’s note: The KitchenAid Pro Line Series 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer was tested, which is now replaced by a similar version at a slightly lower price.
Sarah O’Brien praises her long-standing use of the KitchenAid mixer, noting its stability and efficient bowl-lift mechanism. Unlike smaller KitchenAid models, this one secures the bowl under a stationary motor with a crank, reducing wobbling and noise during operation.
The redesigned 7-quart KitchenAid includes multiple attachments, such as a standard flat beater, a beater with silicone edges for scraping bowls, and a pastry beater for precise pastry-making tasks. Notably, it handled small quantities well, maintaining thorough mixing across the bowl even when partially filled. Whether cooking for large gatherings or small groups, this model offers reliability and efficiency.
Dimensions: 14 x 16.5 x 11.5 inches | Power: 650 watts | Capacity: 7 quarts | Weight: 35.3 pounds | Includes: 7-quart stainless steel bowl, flat beater, flex edge beater, pastry beater, dough hook, whisk, pouring shield, pastry beater scraper
Best Splurge
Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer
Pros
This professional-grade mixer features a large bowl, variable speeds, and quiet operation.
Cons
It’s significantly expensive and struggles with thorough scraping in deep bowls.
The Wolf Gourmet stands out as a robust machine suitable for both home and professional kitchens. Its 7-quart bowl accommodates large recipes, while the motor maintains consistent speed under heavy loads. Unlike models with preset speeds, the Wolf offers smooth speed adjustment through its dial.
During testing, the Wolf excelled in whipping cream and handling cookie dough swiftly. However, it faced challenges kneading bread dough due to the hook’s limited reach in deep bowls, necessitating occasional scraping for optimal results. While the bowl isn’t dishwasher-safe, its seamless design simplifies hand-washing.
Despite its high price tag, the Wolf Gourmet promises durability and reliability, making it a worthwhile investment for serious bakers.
Dimensions: 20 x 19.5 x 13.1 inches | Power: 500 watts | Capacity: 7 quarts | Weight: 36.2 pounds | Includes: 7-quart stainless steel bowl, flat beater, whisk, dough hook, pouring/splash shield
Best Compact
KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer
Pros
This compact version of the KitchenAid mixer is ideal for space-conscious bakers.
Cons
It has a smaller capacity and stability issues with full loads.
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini offers a scaled-down version of the classic model, perfect for small kitchens without sacrificing functionality. With 10 speeds and compatibility with various KitchenAid attachments, it suits a wide range of baking needs. The mixer’s flexible silicone-edged beater effectively scrapes bowl sides for thorough mixing, though it struggled with loud operation and wobbling during kneading tasks.
Dimensions: 7.8 x 12.3 x 12.3 inches | Power: 250 watts | Capacity: 3.5 quarts | Weight: 18 pounds | Includes: 3.5-quart stainless steel bowl, flex edge beater, dough hook, whisk
Best Classic
KitchenAid 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Pros
This durable mixer combines versatility with a timeless design.
Cons
It can be noisy and unstable under heavy loads.
The KitchenAid 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer remains an iconic choice for home and professional kitchens alike. With its robust build and straightforward controls, it continues to be a top seller. While slightly slower in operation, it reliably whips, combines, and kneads ingredients evenly. Its dishwasher-safe bowl and smooth attachments simplify cleaning, though its top-heavy design may lead to wobbling and noise at higher speeds.
Dimensions: 14 x 13 x 8 inches | Power: 325 watts | Capacity: 5 quarts | Weight: 29 pounds | Includes: 5-quart stainless steel bowl, flat beater, dough hook, whisk, pouring shield
Our Favorite Stand Mixer
The Bakery Chef by Breville emerged as our top performer in every test, surpassing all competitors. Known for its superior quality, this model is a reliable choice for bakers of any skill level seeking durability and attractive design.
Taking second position, the Kenwood 5-Quart Chef Titanium Kitchen Machine stands out for its versatility and impressive power, despite its higher price tag.
How We Tested Stand Mixers
We conducted comprehensive testing on a selection of 22 stand mixers in our lab, evaluating their overall design, size, and setup before subjecting them to a series of real-world trials.
In our whipped cream test, we utilized each mixer’s whisk attachment on high speed to whip 1 cup of cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. We timed the process to soft peaks and then to stiff peaks, assessing even distribution of ingredients and noting noise levels and stability on the countertop during operation.
For the cookie dough test, we mixed Betty Crocker Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix using the paddle attachment, recording the time required for thorough incorporation. We added chopped walnuts to observe how well each mixer handled chunky ingredients. Similar to the whipped cream test, we evaluated noise levels and stability.
In the bread dough test, we employed the dough hook attachment to knead whole-wheat bread dough, noting the time taken to achieve a smooth consistency. Given the dense nature of bread dough, we paid particular attention to noise levels, countertop movement, and motor heat.
Between test rounds, we adhered to each mixer’s user manual for cleaning procedures. We utilized dishwashers where permitted and hand-washed otherwise, identifying any parts with intricate designs that could trap food particles. We also assessed ease of cleaning and maintenance of the mixer bases.
Following these assessments, we disclosed the retail prices of the mixers, which ranged from $40 to $1,000, with an average of $315 at the time of testing.
Subsequently, we continued using the top-performing nine mixers for everyday kitchen tasks, conducting follow-ups at 2 months and 6 months to monitor any long-term issues.
Factors to Consider
Capacity
The standard bowl size for stand mixers typically hovers around 5 quarts, providing ample space for kneading bread or mixing large batches of cookies. Smaller, more compact models as small as 3 quarts are available to save on space and cost, though they may struggle with larger dough batches. For those needing higher volume, there are options scaling up to 7 or 8 quarts, but these larger models often come at a higher price and may not effectively handle smaller batches. Some mixers feature dual bowls of different sizes, offering versatility in capacity.
Attachments
Every stand mixer generally includes three essential attachments: a whisk, dough hook, and paddle. These attachments suffice for most tasks, though certain models offer specialized tools. During testing, we found a paddle with flexible silicone or rubber edges particularly beneficial, ensuring thorough mixing by scraping the bowl’s interior.
In addition to standard attachments, most mixers feature a port for connecting additional accessories. These can range from meat grinders to ice cream makers to full-fledged blenders, enhancing the mixer’s versatility. Before purchasing additional attachments, verify compatibility with your specific mixer model.
Footprint
Despite their utility in the kitchen, stand mixers are notorious for occupying considerable countertop space. Their robust motors and substantial bowls and bases contribute to their footprint. Weight, however, often translates to stability; lighter models tested tended to move across the counter, while heavier ones remained steady even at high speeds. Accepting a stand mixer as a permanent fixture on your countertop can symbolize the mark of a dedicated cook.
For those seeking a more portable alternative that can be stored in a cabinet, consider a hand mixer. While not as powerful as a stand mixer, it offers versatility in using any bowl of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Uses of Stand Mixers
A stand mixer is versatile beyond baking, handling both sweet and savory recipes with ease. It automates tasks from beating eggs and whipping cream to blending craft materials like slime. For kneading bread dough, it offers significant time savings and ensures consistent results through steady speed and power. Its usefulness grows with each use, making it a timeless addition to any kitchen.
Types of Stand Mixers
Stand mixers come in two primary designs: tilt-head and bowl-lift. Tilt-head mixers feature a motor housed in a hinged top that tilts back to access the bowl, while bowl-lift mixers have a stationary motor with a bowl that raises and lowers beneath it. Bowl-lift designs are more common in larger-capacity models due to their stability and reduced top-heaviness.
In addition to design variations, stand mixers are available in a spectrum of colors, with some brands offering limited-edition hues and patterns in collaboration with chefs and artists.
Lifespan of Stand Mixers
A quality stand mixer is a durable investment that, with proper care, can last at least 10 years. To maximize its lifespan, it’s crucial not to strain the motor. If you notice overheating or strain, reduce the speed, adjust recipe quantities, or allow the mixer to cool between sessions. Replaceable parts like dough hooks, whisks, paddles, and bowls are readily available from many brands, often at a fraction of the cost of a new machine.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer Varieties
KitchenAid stands out as a leading brand in stand mixers, with several models featured prominently in our testing. While the motors and controls are similar across all KitchenAid models, they come in various formats and sizes. The Artisan series comprises tilt-head mixers, including the standard 5-Quart Artisan Series and the compact 3.5-quart Artisan Mini. KitchenAid’s larger-capacity mixers utilize a bowl-lift mechanism in sizes ranging from 5.5 to 8 quarts, including a commercial model.
These mixers are available in a wide array of colors, though color availability may vary between retailers. For unique color options beyond the typical black, white, and red, consider checking multiple sources.
Other Stand Mixers We Tested
Strong Contenders
- Smeg Stand Mixer
The Smeg stand mixer impressed in our tests with minimal issues. It combines style with effectiveness, though we deducted points for its motor’s high-pitched whine at all speeds and its relatively steep price tag.
- GE Tilt-Head Electric Stand Mixer
GE’s rendition of the classic tilt-head stand mixer offers affordability and sufficient power for everyday baking needs. It’s a straightforward machine at an accessible price point. During testing, we noted two minor issues: occasional flour spray onto the base when kneading bread and a 10-minute automatic shutoff that limits full kneading in a single session.
- Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
The Cuisinart 5.5-quart stand mixer, another budget-friendly option, performed well with whipped cream and cookie dough. However, extended kneading of bread dough resulted in a motor that became uncomfortably hot and loud during our testing.
What Didn’t Make the List
The primary issue observed in machines that ranked lower in our tests was inadequate power. Their motors struggled to handle dense doughs, causing unstable performance with machines jumping and jiggling on the counter. Our findings underscore that opting for a budget stand mixer isn’t advisable: None of the models priced under $200 managed to place in the top half of our rankings.
