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7 Best Stand Mixers 2022

7 Best Stand Mixers 2022 | The Strategist

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When you think of a stand mixer, you probably imagine a KitchenAid — and when I talked with home bakers, professional chefs, cookbook authors, and Strategist contributors about their favorite stand mixer, KitchenAid was the brand we heard about the most. However, it’s not the only option on the block, and at about $400 a pop, its mixers are dreadfully expensive. They are the favorite for a reason, though, so if you’re ready to invest in one, we’ve broken down the pros and cons of the most popular models to help you choose. We’ve also included several other options that our experts love to whisk, whip, and beat with, including a mixer for that’s a quarter of the price and an expert-vetted commercial one.

I’ve made a note of the capacity of each stand mixer’s bowl in quarts. I also asked bakers how many batches of dough or cookies those quarts equate to. A five-quart mixer is the standard size and has enough room for around 100 cookies’ worth of dough. If you’re pressed for space, I’ve also included an option that’s shoebox-apartment-size-friendly, as well as a commercial model if you’re cooking for a crowd.

The power of the motor in your mixer will determine how much it can whip or shred through at a time: Anything 300 watts or above is considered powerful. As for speed settings, they’re crucial to the versatility of your mixer as different recipes or tasks demand a different speed. Beating eggs and whipping frostings, for example, will require a higher speed than kneading dough. The more speed settings you have, the more you can do with your mixer.

Attachments are also key to the versatility of your machine. Each machine on this list comes with three standard attachments: a dough hook, a whisk, and a flat beater. (Each also comes with a splash guard to prevent splattering.) These are the essential tools you’ll need for baking and working dough and probably the ones you have in mind as you’re searching for a stand mixer. But other optional attachments are offered with most stand mixers, which elevate it to a truly multifunctional tool: from meat grinders to ice cream–makers to vegetable spiralizers. As every mixer on this list comes with the essential three attachments I mentioned earlier, I’ve made a note of how many additional attachments there are for you to purchase for the mixer.

Stand mixers are not at all cheap, so to give you some peace of mind with your big purchase, I’ve noted what warranty each product comes under. A limited warranty covers any issues with the machine from manufacturer defects, but it doesn’t cover any damages from misuse or accidents, like dropping your machine — so be sure to use the mixer with care so as not to invalidate your warranty.

KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield, 5-Quart

$350

$450 now 22% off

$350

Capacity: 5 quarts | Power and speeds: 325 watts, 10 speeds | Optional attachments: 10 | Warranty: 1-year limited

They’re not cheap, but the love for KitchenAids is well earned: When it comes to power and longevity, no other mixer can compare. Just one example of its supreme power: Author Samantha Seneviratne told us that her mixer kneads through two batches of a yeasted dough at a time — without so much as a rattle. This model in particular, the 5-quart Artisan, is KitchenAid’s most popular, and all but one of the experts who we spoke to owned one (and used it regularly) themselves. It has a tilt head, which is easy to pull up and down when you want to add ingredients to the mix, and it’s big enough to knead nine dozen cookies’ worth of dough at once — a respectable size for even the most prolific home bakers. With ten speeds and a range of optional attachments, it can lend itself to a countless list of kitchen tasks, from grinding meat to spiralizing veggies. And as I mentioned before, it’s an appliance that’s built to last. Matt Holloway and Michelle Davis, the duo behind the Bad Manners podcast and cookbooks, have been kneading dough in theirs for over 17 years — and it’s still going strong. “This is a product you buy for life,” they told us. (Also, while rummaging through Reddit, I discovered that this is the very stand mixer used by contestants on The Great British Baking Show, which to me is a huge thumbs-up.)

Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5qt Stand Mixer

$200

$250 now 20% off

$200

Capacity: 5.5 quarts | Power and speeds: 500 watts, 12 speeds | Optional attachments: 5 | Warranty: 3-year limited

“I have a KitchenAid Professional at home … and guess what? I never use it because it’s huge,” says Lili Dagan, culinary director at Blue Apron. “I find that the cheaper and aesthetically similar Cuisinart gets the job done.” At 5.5 quarts, the Cuisinart Precision Master actually has a slightly larger capacity than the standard KitchenAid. It also has 12 speed settings to the KitchenAid’s 10. While its lower price tag includes the same three attachments as the KitchenAid’s, Cuisinart’s range of optional add-ons is much smaller (but does include a pasta roller and an ice cream–maker). The Cuisinart is available in 17 shades, from pastel blue to hot pink, so you can select one that matches the style of your kitchen. Its 500-watt motor is more powerful than most standard mixers’ 300-watt motors, and many reviewers, like Dagan, made a point to stress that it’s just as powerful as a KitchenAid model. The mixer also comes with a three-year limited warranty, meaning Cuisinart will repair or replace any faulty models.

$200 at Amazon

Buy

$250 at Target

Buy

Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer

$110 now 9% off

$100

Capacity: 4 quarts | Power and speeds: 300 watts, 7 speeds | Optional attachments: 2 | Warranty: 1-year limited

Even cheaper still is this stand mixer from Hamilton Beach, which we often see on sale for less than $100 (its list price is around half that of the Cuisinart). It has seven speed settings and three essential attachments (a whisk, dough hook, and flat beater), and comes in six colors, including Rose, a rather sweet dusty pink. Over 1,000 reviewers on Amazon have given it five stars, and home cooks have successfully used it to knead dough, mix batter, and even shred ground meat for meatballs. There are a few downsides reflected in the cheaper price, though — namely that the motor is loud when mixing, and even though it has a 300-watt motor, it’s not quite powerful enough to knead through several batches of dough at a time. However, for a beginner or someone who only bakes occasionally, at less than $150 you can’t really go wrong. And in case you do run into problems, the mixer comes with a one-year limited warranty.

KitchenAid 6-Quart Bowl-Lift Professional Stand Mixer

$550

$550

Capacity: 6 quarts | Power and speeds: 575 watts, 10 speeds | Optional attachments: 10 | Warranty: 1-year limited

Unlike its Artisan series, which has a tilt head, the KitchenAid Pro series mixers use a bowl-lift mechanism. Bowl-lift machines use a lever to lower the bowl down for adding ingredients, and hoist back up for mixing, where it securely locks into place for wobble-free mixing. This, along with the more stable, broader base, makes the machine suitable for larger batches and more heavy-duty jobs. And it also means that bowl-lift mixers tend to be more expensive than tilt-head models. The Pro has all the same bells and whistles as other KitchenAids — useful attachments, a great range of speeds and colors — but its bigger capacity and sturdier build make it a better choice for those cooking larger batches at once. “If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen or know you cook for a crowd, the six-quart bowl-lift models are the way to go,” advise Holloway and Davis.

KitchenAid Artisan Mini Mixer with Flex Edge Beater

$380

Capacity: 3.5 quarts | Power and speeds: 250 watts, 10 speeds | Optional attachments: 9 | Warranty: 1-year limited

As an aspiring baker, Erica Murphy, senior commerce director at Hearst, had always coveted a KitchenAid of her own — but couldn’t find the space to store one in her shoebox city apartment. So when KitchenAid released the Artisan Mini, which is 25 percent lighter and 20 percent smaller than the full-size version, Murphy snapped it up straightaway. “The mixer can handle all the same attachments as its predecessor (minus the ice cream–maker) and comes in a rainbow of colors,” she says. “As for the mechanics, the Artisan Mini’s beater can still slice through thick batters with ease and mix together the smoothest cookie dough. ” Its reduced size means a reduced capacity at 3.5 quarts, but if you’re pressed for space and in want of a quality mixer, this itty-bitty mixer could be the one for you.

$380 at Amazon

Buy

$380 at Wayfair

Buy

Wolf Gourmet High Performance Stand Mixer 7-Qt.

$840

$1,000 now 16% off

$840

Capacity: 7 quarts | Power and speeds: 500 watts, 10 speeds | Optional attachments: 1 | Warranty: 1-year limited

The Wolf Gourmet stand mixer is big and powerful — as an industrial stand mixer should be. It has a seven-quart-capacity bowl and a 500-watt motor, so it can whip, knead, and beat its way through your ingredients. Like the larger KitchenAid, the Wolf mixer also has a bowl lift to prevent any wobbling, and it includes the same essential three attachments as every other mixer on this list. It was recommended to us by Dagan, who concedes that it does have a hefty price tag. Her advice? “Maybe throw it on your wedding registry, for that one rich cousin to buy.”

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield - Blossom

$600

$600

Capacity: 5 quarts | Power and speeds: 325 watts, 10 speeds | Optional attachments: 10 | Warranty: 1-year limited

KitchenAids are already a pretty big splurge, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, you might be interested in its limited-edition machines. Each year, a brand-new design is released by the company, and this year it’s this mint-colored mixer with a hammered copper bowl. It’s Kanell’s favorite mixer, thanks to its refined and pretty finish. And while you can mix and match bowls and attachments across the KitchenAid range, the bowl and color of this mixer are exclusive to the 2022 model. This model also comes with the usual three attachments, plus a pastry beater.

A vibrant nonstick sheet pan.

Buy at Great Jones

A beater that scrapes the bowl for you.

Buy at Amazon

A best-selling kitchen scale.

Buy at Walmart

• Lili Dagan, culinary director at Blue Apron
• Matt Holloway and Michelle Davis, the duo behind the Bad Manners podcast and cookbooks
• John Kanell, author of Preppy Kitchen
• Erica Murphy, senior commerce director at Hearst
• Samantha Senevriatne, author of The Joys of Baking
• Grant Yoder, a baking YouTuber known as GrantBakes

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The 7 Very Best Stand Mixers

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Best stand mixer 2022 – explore our expert reviews

(Image credit: KitchenAid )

Whether you're stepping up your home baking or a pro pastry chef in training, the best stand mixers whip up mixes in minutes, saving time and effort.  

I tested classic stand mixers from KitchenAid, Smeg, Cuisinart and more to discover which came out on top for effectiveness, quality, durability, ease of cleaning and price. I've also taken weight into consideration, in case you have the space to be able to tuck your stand mixer away when not in use.

The best stand mixer is the iconic KitchenAid Artisan, which has a five-quart mixing bowl that can accommodate enough cake batter to make at least two tiers at once. It impressed on test with its brilliant, colorful finishes and its wide range of tools to perfectly whisk eggs, fold in flour and knead bread dough. 

Alongside functionality, I considered the stand mixers' looks – since, unlike our selection of the best hand mixers, yours will likely be out on the countertop full time. Below you can find more details on the best buy and my other highly rated models. 

Where to buy stand mixers:

Why you can trust Homes & Gardens Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Best stand mixer holiday deals

KitchenAid Artisan 5 Qt. Stand Mixer KSM150PS | was $449.95, now $349.99 at Macy's
Rated our best stand mixer, don't miss out on a great saving on this excellent model. The KitchenAid Artisan is a favorite of mine, and is the perfect size for making multi-layer cakes. I also loved how it can store neatly on the kitchen counter, ideal for kitchens of all shapes and sizes.

KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus Series 5 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer - KV25G0XSL - Silver |was $449. 99 now $249.99 at Best Buy
Save on the KitchenAid Pro 5 Plus stand mixer with this Cyber Monday saving. It's available in Red, Silver, Black, and a Best Buy exclusive Ink Blue.

Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer, 500W, Black, SM50BU | was $315.00, now $246.99 at Amazon
Another one of our top rated stand mixers is available at a discounted price. The Cuisinart is great value for money (even better when there is a deal). I loved how the study design could complete heavy-duty tasks, such as kneading bread, with ease, and how the controls were easy to use.

Best stand mixers 2022, according to our experts

(Image credit: KitchenAid )

1. KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer

Best stand mixer overall

Specifications

Dimensions: 14.3" x 9.3" x 14"

Capacity: 5 qt.

Power: 325W

Colors: countless

Attachments: dough hook, flat beater, wire whisk

RRP: $449.99

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Comes in an huge range of colors

+

Excels at all of many kitchen tasks

+

Buy more attachments to expand its capabilities

Reasons to avoid

-

Not the largest capacity

Why I love it
This iconic, American-made stand mixer is a statement piece in any kitchen, but don't let looks deceive you - it's a real workhorse. With 10 speed settings, it powered through cake batter, bread dough, and whipped cream with perfect results. The handy tilt-head makes it a joy to use, and it was easy for me to add ingredients and switch out attachments.

These attachments include a wire whisk for beating eggs, a flat beater for integrating cake batter, and a hook to work your bread dough.  I was particularly impressed by the flat beater, which creamed sugar and butter with minimal intervention before adding in eggs and flour to make easy loaf cakes. The dough hook needed a little supervision for larger loaves, but it's perfectly suitable for brioche or sourdough. 

Good to know
In my full KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer review I found that the 5-quart capacity is a little lacking if you're catering for a crowd. I turned out two chocolate sponge cakes in one go, but only one loaf of bread at a time. However, KitchenAid makes several bowl sizes if you need more capacity.

(Image credit: Cuisinart)

2. Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer

Best stand mixer for value

Specifications

Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.2 x 15.9 inches

Power: 500W

Capacity: 5.5qt.

Colors: 6

Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, flat beater

RRP: $249.99

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Value for money

+

Larger-than-average capacity

+

12 speeds for added precision

Reasons to avoid

-

Fewer color options than the KitchenAid

Why I love it 
The KitchenAid vs Cuisinart debate is still a hot topic, but if value for money is your number one consideration then the Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer is a great option.

I found that it excelled at heavy-duty tasks like kneading bread thanks to sturdy design and high-quality attachments. Controlled by a simple side dial, it packs 500 watts of power. This dial makes it easy to adjust the speed mid-mix, and it also has with 12 speed settings, which is more than the KitchenAid. Despite this power, it's great for delicate work - I loved the slow-start design that saves you from messy clouds of icing sugar or flour as you bake. 

If you're catering for a crowd, the bowl is also larger than the KitchenAid Artisan by half a quart. Though it can't match the KitchenAid for colors, the six options - periwinkle blue, white, silver, red, black, and robin's egg green - suit almost every kitchen.

Need to know 
Bear in mind that some ingredients stuck to the side of the bowl, so I had to scrape the sides down to fully incorporate the ingredients.

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

3. KitchenAid Pro Line Series Stand Mixer

Best stand mixer for serious or professional bakers

Specifications

Dimensions: 14. 6" x 13.3" x 16.4"

Power: 969W

Capacity: 7 qt.

Colors: Red, black, silver

Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, splash guard, flat beater

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Capable of mixing large volumes

+

Powerful kneading

+

Dishwasher-safe attachments

+

Sturdy to use

Reasons to avoid

-

The bowl can be tricky to reach into

Why I love it
From one baking obsessive to another: if you're taking on multi-tiered cakes, or a whopping 14 dozen cookies, or simply chasing the perfect loaf, the KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer is an investment worth making. This is the best stand mixer for serious bakers.

It created the best bread of any I've tested, kneading smooth, elastic dough. Unlike other stand mixers on the list, there was no juddering or moving on the countertop, which is great for safety, especially if you're cooking with kids. This is thanks to a bowl-lift design, which means you twist a lever to bring the bowl up to your attachment, guaranteeing stability. 

It also had far less trouble with ingredients sticking to the side of the bowl than other stand mixers in our lineup, thanks to a broad wire whisk and efficient planetary motion. While it's designed to take on heavy ingredients in large capacities, I found that it mixed well even with small quantities of ingredients as in a buttercream. 

Need to know
In my KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer review, I concluded that the same bowl-lift design which keeps this stand mixer sturdy makes switching out the attachments a little tricky. That said, all these attachments are dishwasher-safe, so it's easy to clean. 

(Image credit: Smeg)

4. Smeg Retro Stand Mixer

Best looking stand mixer

Specifications

Dimensions: 8.86 x 15.94 x 14.88 inches

Power: 600W

Capacity: 5qt.

Colors: 7

Attachments: whisk, flat beater, dough hook, pouring shield

RRP: $539. 95

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Compact

+

Sleek look

+

Has an express setting

+

Matching appliances available 

Reasons to avoid

-

Only neutral colors available 

-

A noisy mixer

Why I love it

This Mid-Century Modern mixer might look old-school, but there's much more going on than meets the eye. 

A 21st century homage to the atomic-age, I think this mixer is the most stylish alternative to the KitchenAid Artisan. It's got plenty of attachments, and I particularly loved the pouring shield that stops spills and messes as you bake. At 600W, it's remarkably powerful, whipping up a perfect chocolate frosting. The intuitive controls are not only simple to use, but mean that you can place this stand mixer almost anywhere on a countertop, as it suits both right-and left-handers.  

It comes in seven bright colors in two different color ranges - one with a pop of color on the tilt-head, and one set in which the entire mixer is one color.

Need to know
In my Smeg 1950s Retro Stand Mixer review, I found that it has a big countertop footprint, so it may not suit smaller spaces. It's also noisy, which is fine for quick mixes but a nuisance for thorough tasks like kneading bread dough. 

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

5. KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer

Best compact stand mixer

Specifications

Dimensions: h22.3 x W7.8 x D12.3 inches

Power: 250W

Capacity: 3.5qt.

Colors: 10

Attachments: flat beater, wire whisk, dough hook

RRP: $379.99

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

25% smaller than the original Artisan

+

Works with other KitchenAid attachments

+

Perfectly designed for smaller spaces

+

Excelled in our tests 

Reasons to avoid

-

Limited motor strength

-

No bowl handle

-

Similar RRP to full-sized model

Why I love it 
This miniature marvel is much smaller and lighter than other KitchenAid models, but it still has the power to work through cake batter, bread dough, and more.  

You get the same high-quality wire whisk, flat beater, and dough hook as you'd expect with a regular KitchenAid, but they work with a 3.5-quart bowl. While this is smaller than the other stand mixers on test, our reviewer Molly Cleary said the capacity was still impressive. It's great for smaller families and smaller portions.

This mixer maxes out at 250 watts, which is less than half the size of some more high-end stand mixers, but if you need a smaller size it's a sacrifice worth making. Molly found that the smaller motor kept up with the bigger appliances on test. What's more, because it's smaller, it has the added bonus of being quieter, and smaller capacities meant that it was mixer was stable on the countertop. 

Any attachments purchased separately will also still be compatible with this petite model, so you still get the full benefits of the brand - excellent quality, great results, and a beautiful, statement appliance.

Need to know
In her KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer review, Molly noted that this smaller model is only $20 cheaper than the full-sized alternative, so it's not the best value. However, if you're working with limited countertop storage this mixer will free up a lot of space, and look fabulous too.

(Image credit: Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer)

6. Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer

Best stand mixer to splurge on

Specifications

Dimensions: 14.3 x 9.3 x 14 inches

Power: 500W

Capacity: 6.8qt

Colors: brushed stainless steel

Attachments: dough hook, flat beater, wire whisk

RRP: $999.95

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Unique twist-up bowl

+

Pro-level blending quality

+

Smooth operation, and never splattered

+

Didn't overheat or shake

+

Additional attachment hub

Reasons to avoid

-

No enticing color range

-

Tall, so may not fit under cabinets

-

Very expensive

Why I love it
Going purely on performance, the crème de la crème of stand mixers is not a KitchenAid. All things considered, the KitchenAid is the definitely the best, but when it comes to sheer baking output, the Wolf Gourmet can't be beaten. Our reviewer Jaclyn Turner says that it created the best cookies she's ever made - incredibly high praise from someone who reviews homeware for a living. 

This is thanks to a unique bowl design. Where the usual title-head design of other stand mixers can lead to instability, the Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer has a special twist-up bowl design. Simply put this bowl in the base and then twist it to lower or raise it to the mixer attachments. It's undeniably stable, and quiet, and the motor
is cool after many minutes' use thanks to a fan.

The bowl is 6.8 quarts, which is more than capable of taking on very large bakes. There is also a splash guard attachment that slots onto the side of the bowl and prevents any spills and clouds of flour, and a two-way planetary motions helps the beater scrape up every scrap of mix. You can also buy a meat grinder attachment.  

Good to know
Jaclyn's review of the Wolf Gourmet mixer found a few reasons why this mixer was bested by KitchenAid. The hefty price tag on the Wolf Gourmet is enough to make you wince. Aesthetically, it's more utilitarian than the other stand mixers we've featured, with no choice of colors except on the knobs. It's also tall, so it may not fit your kitchen if you've got low cabinets or shelves over your countertop. 

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

7. KitchenAid Pro 5 Plus Stand Mixer

Best stand mixer for stability

Specifications

Dimensions: 11.3 x 14.9 x 16.5 inches

Power: 525W

Capacity: 5 qt.

Colors: 4

Attachments: Flat beater, wire whip, powerknead spiral dough hook

RRP: $449.99

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Bowl-lift design adds more stability

+

Powerful design

+

Comes in plenty of colors

+

For the experienced home chef

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

Why I love it
It's big, it's powerful and it's got the muscle to work through numerous batches of bread and cookies in one go. The 5-quart bowl can make 9 batches of cookies in one go and you can make the most of 10 speeds to work on high-intensity or more gentle tasks. 

The mixer comes with a power knead dough spiral, but you can pair it with everything from pasta rollers to food processor attachments to make the most of this versatile option. I'm quite taken by the Ink Blue color, which is exclusive to Best Buy, but it's also available in red, black and silver. 

Good to know
With professional quality comes a professional price, so only invest if you know you'll need something with a large capacity and immense power. 

This stand mixer is still being put through its paces – these are our first thoughts.

(Image credit: Ankarsrum)

8. Ankarsrum Assistent Original Mixer

Best stand mixer for making dough

Specifications

Dimensions: 20" x 15" x 20"

Power: 1500W

Capacity: 7 liters

Colors: 12

Attachments: 7 liter stainless steel mixing bowl, dough roller, dough knife, dough scraper, dough hook, dust cover lid, a 3. 5 liter BPA/BPS free Tritan plastic mixing bowl, multi-wire balloon and single-wire cookie whip

RRP: $749.50

Today's Best Deals

Reasons to buy

+

Very powerful

+

Large capacity

+

Scraper attachment to keep the bowl clean

+

Timer dial

+

Very adjustable speed

+

Easy to clean

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Some of the recipes were hit-and-miss

Why I love it
This Swedish icon puts bread-making front and center, but still shines at everyday stand mixer tasks like whisking, creaming, and even making ice cream. It made kneading bread dough literally effortless. There was no straining on the motor and no instability as it worked - you could almost leave this machine unattended and come back to find a perfect dough. When it's done, I simply placed the plastic cover over the top and left the dough to proof, making a easy job even simpler. 

It comes with a wide range of accessories and attachments including a 7-liter (7.3 quart) stainless steel mixing bowl and a 3.5-liter (3.7 quart) plastic mixing bowl, so you can vary your portion sizes. It also features a dough roller, dough knife, dough scraper, dough hook, dust cover lid, multi-wire balloon, and single-wire cookie whip.

What's unique about the Ankarsrum is that the stainless steel bowl rotates to mix as opposed to an overhead mechanism, like in your traditional stand mixers, and mimics the motion of kneading. The clear bowl, which is best for creaming frostings and beating eggs, stays stationary while the whisks are driven from below. 

Good to know
Though I still had great results with cake and cinnamon buns, the mixer is really designed for bread. You have to use the multi-wire balloon for cake mixes rather than a dedicated beater, so while the results are still good, they could be better. It's above the market average for a stand mixer, and my review of the Ankarsrum Assistent Original Mixer found that the included recipe book - while a nice feature - isn't always successful. 

Where to buy the best stand mixers

The best places to buy a stand mixer are: 

What is the best stand mixer? 

(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)

We have tested or are currently testing every single stand mixer in this guide, meaning we have an informed opinion when it comes to which model is truly the best. We've gone deep comparing KitchenAids against each other, KitchenAid to Cuisinart and KitchenAid to Smeg. With that in mind, we have decided that the best stand mixer is the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer. It comes in over 42 colors and has a huge range of bowls to switch out your design and achieve your desired look, but it's also very capable of cooking up a storm in the kitchen.  The 5-qt. is a good happy medium size, though there are other KitchenAid models you can look to if you need a bigger size. Meanwhile, Cuisinart Precision stand mixer offers greater value, but fewer size and color options; its mixing bowl could be too great for smaller servings. Smeg Stand Mixers also offer the singular bowl size options and become a stylistic preference, but they do pack a powerful motor.

For professional-level results, we're incredibly impressed with the sheer power and stability of the Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer and the Ankarsrum Assistent Original Mixer , but it's hard to overlook their hefty price unless you'll be using your mixer multiple times a week. Though it's something we'd expect to last for years, and it will. 

How we test and review stand mixers

(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)

At Homes & Gardens, we believe that the only way we can truly inform you of which appliance is the best is if we have hands-on experience with them ourselves, which is why we've formulated a plan as to how we test different products. We went to lengths to test each of these mixers, some of them simultaneously, so we can establish which performed the best. We also used our testing facility in order to gauge the size, features, and maneuverability of these mixers.

When it comes to the tests themselves, we tried these mixers out on three different tasks in order to see the performance of different attachments, as well as the power of the mixers. The tests were made as quantifiable as possible, with recordings of time taken to adequately mix as well as decibel readings. We also gauged how easy it was to clean the stand mixers as part of this process.

Reviews Editor

Millie Fender is the Reviews Editor on the Homes and Gardens Ecommerce team. She specializes in cooking appliances, such as the best kettles, and also reviews outdoor grills and pizza ovens. Millie loves to bake, so she's always keen to review stand mixers and other baking essentials. 

Jaclyn is H&G's eCommerce editor and oversees all things shopping. She regularly scouts out the best of the best for buying guides to help you fill your home with quality products and appliances.

Molly is the Ecommerce Writer for Homes & Gardens and spends her time searching the internet for the next best thing for your home. While she tests all sorts of appliances, stand mixers are her favorite appliance to write about.

How much does the best stand mixer cost? 

There's no denying that the very top-stand mixers can be expensive. The most expensive one in our guide can cost as much as $1,000, but it is possible to get a powerful stand mixer for $100 if you are willing to compromise on looks or bowl capacity. 

Most stand mixers cost around $300, and if your heart is set on a KitchenAid mixer, the Classic Plus is the cheapest KitchenAid stand mixer you can buy and still features the dough hook for kneading bread, the flat beater for making cookies, and the whisk for cake and buttercream icing. 

If you are on a budget and looking to upgrade from your wooden spoon, it may be a good time to consider stand mixers versus hand mixers. The best hand mixer costs a lot less but can still power through icing and cake mix with ease. 

Why are stand mixers so expensive?

Some of you will be in total shock at the price of these mixers. How can a machine that simply spins around cost upwards of $300?

The first reason is the motor. A good stand mixer needs a powerful motor to handle strong, repetitive movement through resistant doughs and mixes. You might be able to get away with a cheaper stand mixer for a couple of years, but one day the motor will give out on a stiff dough and you'll have to buy another one, costing you more money in the long run. Top-line stand mixers from KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Smeg, and other iconic brands are reliable kitchen companions that last for decades, if not generations. 

The other reason is functions. KitchenAids and other stand mixers aren't just for baking. With the right attachment, you can grate, spiralise, grind meat, mill, make pasta and much more. You're not only buying simpler, faster baking but quick homemade cooking.  

Can stand mixer parts go in the dishwasher?

It depends on the stand mixer, so dishwasher-safe parts are a great feature to look out for. It's usually the case that attachments are dishwasher safe, but the bowl has to be washed in the sink. Some food processors are entirely dishwasher safe, so keep an eye out for those if you dread washing up.  

Features to look for in the best stand mixer

(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)

Size matters
How much space do you have to dedicate to a new stand mixer? Some stand mixers come with large mixing bowls and tilt-head designs that won't lift if placed under a cabinet. Others come with a more compact design, perfect for lifting into shelving units when not in use or leaving in a corner without losing a whole counter in your kitchen.

Looks aren't everything, but they do matter
A stand mixer is a style statement in any kitchen, which is why you'll find one displayed in just about any carefully composed kitchen. Smeg and KitchenAid certainly have the edge on style, but you may end up paying a premium for something that looks the part when it's got just as much power as a less expensive option. 

Price can vary
If you want a top-of-the-range stand mixer, prepare to spend as much as $700 to get it. Some stand mixers cost less than $100, but they are hardly the kitchen workhorses you'll want for serious baking on a regular basis. A good middle ground between power and price is the Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer, which lacks color options or classic style, but is a favorite with many home bakers and looks lovely too. 

The best stand mixer for you and your baking needs really depends on your budget and how often you’ll use this machine. Some mixers come with handy add-ons such as pasta makers and meat grinders to ensure they’re used regularly, but others have detachable mix heads and emphasize their primary function as stand mixers, with compact storage options. 

Built to last
One thing’s for sure - you’ll want a stand mixer that lasts the test of time. Some mixers come in durable plastic, but the best stand mixers have durable stainless steel finishes to make them last a lifetime. 

 What are after Christmas sales? 

The easy answer is that they're a sales period after Christmas. There’s discounts on a wide range of homeware and appliances that will save you money going into the New Year. 

The more involved answer is that retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart have extra stock in the runup to Christmas. They do this to make sure they don’t sell out of products in the rush over the holidays. This demand drops straight after Christmas, which means they have unsold merchandise that costs money to store. Retailers therefore drop their prices to sell units for cheap in an attempt to reduce their costs while making a profit. This in turn means it’s a great time to shop, as prices are lower than usual, which saves you money. 

When do after Christmas sales start? 

After Christmas sales start on the 26th, but they'll run right through to mid-January. the 26th-31st will bring great flash deals, and the January sales tend to offer sitewide promotions. 

Round up of today's best deals

KitchenAid Artisan® Series 5 Quart

£520

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Reduced Price

Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer

£315

£287.29

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Smeg Retro Stand Mixer

£399

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Reduced Price

KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3. 5 Quart

£399

£312.87

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Reduced Price

Kitchenaid Professional 5™ Plus Series

£1,103.99

£749.99

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Millie Fender is Head of Reviews on the Homes and Gardens Ecommerce team. She specializes in cooking appliances, such as the best kettles, and also reviews outdoor grills and pizza ovens. Millie loves to bake, so she will take any excuse to review stand mixers and other baking essentials. When she's not putting products through their paces in our dedicated testing kitchen, Millie's reviews are conducted at home, meaning she uses these products in her own day-to-day life.  

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