You don’t technically need a cake stand mixer. But if you want to make cakes fast you most definitely need a stand mixer. It will not only take less time to make the cake toppings and batter but it will also have better results overall. Using a stand mixer for cakes is a must nowadays.
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Finding The Best Stand Mixer In 2021
Likes:Views:50Last Updated: 29 April 2021
Stand mixers vary great in quality, price and performance. It is not an easy task to know which one you should buy. We know that the market is filled with competent manufacturers and it is highly competitive. And for that reason making the correct choice can feel daunting and intimidating. The best approach is to figure out exactly what needs you need satisfied. In order to do that we will look at the size, the dishes you tend to make and what volume you are looking at based on the number of people in your household.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is that some of the best stand mixers come equipped with various attachments and accessories. We will go over the best products and not only analyze the stand mixer itself but we will also look into said accessories to give you a full picture. We hope that after consulting this article you will be capable of making an educated purchase.
Contents
- 1 TOP 10 Best Stand Mixer Comparison Chart
- 2 Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the Best Stand Mixer
- 3 Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2021
TOP 10 Best Stand Mixer Comparison Chart
Best Overall: KitchenAid 5-Qt Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield ReviewAll it takes is a glance at this cheap stand mixer from KitchenAid to be able to tell that it’s a high quality product. The design and finishes scream high end. You can select between more than 20 color patterns and it will really be a hard choice because they all look great. It is American made and assembled in Greenville, Ohio. And it doesn’t just mix. It has a power hub that can accommodate more than 15 attachments so the sky's the limit to its utility. It has a 59 point planetary mixing action and this means that the mixing heads will touch the bowl 59 times every rotation providing the perfect incorporation. We recommend the pink stand mixers colorway as it stands out from the rest. Of course, you can go for red stand mixers as well, as there are many color options to choose from.
The possible attachments and the color scheme have us sold. Not only is the design impressive but also the performance it can output. We strongly recommend the countertop mixer from KitchenAid.
Why We Like It
- Flat beater and dough hook included and are dishwasher safe
- 10-speed settings that go from very fast to very slow
- Tilt-head design to allow access to the bowl
- Unique mixing action
Best Speed: Hamilton Beach All-Metal 12-Speed Electric Tilt-Head Stand Mixer ReviewContinuing our journey through stand mixer brands, we stop at a speedy model. Due to the revolutionary mixing action from KitcheAid you would expect it to be incorporated by other manufacturers. And this is exactly what happened with this stand mixer from Hamilton Beach. It operates at 12 different speeds making it the most versatile on our list from that point of view. The 12 speeds enable you to basically tackle any product when it comes to mixing. Bread though that is somewhat sticky and freshly whipped cream can both be dealt with using the stand mixer from Hamilton Beach.
With a sleek design and great performance output the Hamilton Beach stand mixer has to be considered if you are on the market for a professional stand mixer.
Why We Like It
- 400 watt motor
- Cast metal finishes to last you a lifetime
- 4.5 quart bowl made out of stainless steel with a handle
- Flat beater, dough hook and a whisk are included
Best Power Output: Cuisinart 12-Speed Stand Mixer with 15-minute countdown timer ReviewYou can expect great results due to its high power motor. 800-watt makes this stand mixer breeze through everything you place inside the mixing bowl. The bowl is made out of die-cast metal to withstand the beating it takes from the motor every single time you press the power button. It has a handy digital countdown timer for product that requires continuous whisking. A splash guard is mandatory and for that reason it is included in the package.
The chromed out stand mixer from Cuisinart is worth keeping an eye out for. Great performance and built to last are advantages that recommend it as an immediate purchase.
Why We Like It
- 12 speeds
- 3 different power outlets
- Auto shutoff feature
- The mixing head tilts back to allow access to the mixing bowl
Good Value For Money: Sunbeam 350 Watt Soft-Start Technology Stand Mixer ReviewNext on our list is a stand mixer that offers the best value for money on our list. All the attachments that are included can be removed with a simple click of a button. The Soft-Start Technology that Sunbeam has incorporated is there to minimize splatter and keep your kitchen clean. We are all familiar with how messy flour can get and the feature from Sunbeam will make that a distant memory. It comes with rubber feet to increase stability and make sure it remains a countertop stand mixer.
With great performance metrics and an affordable price tag the cooking mixer from Sunbeam could prove to be a good purchase.
Pros
- 350-watt motor
- 12 different speeds available
- 4 quart glass bowl
- Whisks, hooks and beaters are included
Cons
- The bowl is made out of glass. Unlike the other entries on our list that come with cast iron bowls. Careful not to tip it over as it could shatter
Best for High Load: KitchenAid 6 Qt. Professional Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer ReviewAn electric standing mixer will be the first thing someone visiting will notice when entering your kitchen. And that is exactly why this second entry from KitchenAid comes with 10 different options when it comes to color. It is the older brother of the first entry from KitchenAid on our list. It is basically an improved version of the KitchenAid 5-Qt however that is also reflected in the price tag. Every single part of the hand stand mixer is made out of stainless steel.
KitchenAid are well known on the market and provide high quality kitchen stand mixers of different types. The 6 Qt. is one of the high end models.
Pros
- 575 watt motor power
- 10 speeds
- The bowl lift design that enables you to move the bowl while keeping it attached
- 6 quart stainless steel bowl
Cons
- It is a little bit pricier than the other entries on our list. The performance is according to the price tag but you will have to decide if you need the extras
Best for Low Load: KitchenAid 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer ReviewKitchenAid dominates our list and for good reason. The 4.5Qt from KitchenAid is perfect if you do not plan to use it daily. It comes equipped with all the features that we have covered in the previous two reviews. However, it has a lower motor wattage at 275 but it can still output 10 different mixing speeds. The planetary mixing feature is also included at 59 points. Just like all the small stand mixers from KitchenAid this model also comes with a 1 year warranty on all parts.
You can make enough dough for 70 cookies from a single load with the KitchenAid 4.5Qt. The soft start feature is a must have for all stand mixers and it is included on this model.
Pros
- Tilt-Head design for easy access
- 4.5 Qt. bowl made out of stainless steel
- Direct Drive Transmission
- Wire whip and flat beater are included as extra attachments
Cons
- Somewhat smaller than the other entries on our list. Perfect for a family of four
Best for Dough: Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer with 7 Speeds and 4 Quart Stainless Bowl ReviewThe 300 watt motor makes baking easy and fun. You will be able to mix batters that are quite thick and different dough for bread or cookies with ease. The mixer will cover the entire bowl so that you will not need to scrape the bowl. This is because the mixing action from KitchenAid is included in this product as well. The dough hook is included so that you can start making dough out of the whole box.
Hamilton Beach offers a sleek looking stand mixer with chrome finishes. Suitable for baking aficionados because of its ability to easily mix dough.
Pros
- Stand mixer with 2-beater included
- Splatter shield included
- Hands-free mixing
- The mixer head can lock down for perfect mixing
Cons
- The 4 Qt. stainless steel bowl is not as large as the other entries on our list
Best Warranty: Hamilton Beach Planetary Mixing 6 Speed Electric Stand Mixer ReviewThis stand mixer from Hamilton Beach is highly versatile due to the attachments that are included. A dough hook to aid you with making perfect dough. The whisk that is included can be used for eggs and various sauces. And a flat beater that can be used to aerate any mixture. It has 6 different speed settings that are ideal for slow stir and for fast whipping. A fold setting is also possible that lets you slowly add ingredients and not over-mix.
Ideal for small batches. Comes equipped with all the features that you could require from a stand mixer.
Pros
- 3.5 Qt. stainless steel bowl
- No scrapping will be necessary
- The tilt-up heat feature is included
- Equipped with KitchenAid mixing action
Cons
- Due to the bowl’s moderate size you might have to prepare multiple batches
Best Home Mixer: CHEFTRONIC Standing Mixer ReviewIf you are drawing blanks when considering a housewarming gift we will recommend the classical stand mixer from CHEFTRONIC. The appealing design and robust build make it a must have for any modern kitchen. You can expect it to save considerable time because of its powerful motor. If you are still having doubts you need to think of the fact that it has advanced safety features and a 2 year warranty.
Pros
- 2 year warranty for all its parts
- Perfect for cookie dough
- Y-shaped blade for mixing
- Stand mixer with dough hook
Cons
- The lid of this stand mixer swings upwards. Make sure that there is enough space to accommodate this stand mixer in your kitchen
Heavy Duty Stand Mixer: Cuisinart 5.5-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer ReviewThe first thing you will notice about this 5.5 quart stand mixer from Cuisinart is its sleek design. You can choose between 7 different color scheme to perfectly match with your kitchen’s design. It has an extra power outlet to accommodate any attachments that you might require. A splash guard is fitted around this stand mixer’s bowl to keep your kitchen nice and tidy. The mixing head tilts back to allow you to perfectly mix the ingredients even before starting the mixer. It may not be the best stand mixer for kneading dough, but it does a great job for other dishes.
Due to its outlet you can turn this stand mixer into a multipurpose kitchen appliance. Meat grinder and pasta maker is only one of the few attachments you can connect to the Cuisinart stand mixer.
Pros
- Easy grip handle
- The bowl is dishwasher safe
- Pour spout included in the splash guard
- 12 different speeds for precision mixing
Cons
- The mixer is quite large. Make sure that you have enough room to accommodate it
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the Best Stand Mixer
How Does Stand Mixer Work?
Stand mixers work using electricity that enables them to rotate multiple times. They are great at repetitive tasks such as whisking and stirring. On top of all that a mixer can also knead if you were to replace the beaters with dough hooks. Stand mixers can output far more power than the hand models. This allows you to use a stand mixer when mixing heavy cookie batters or even knead bread or pie dough.Actually, the best stand mixer for cookie dough will allow you to just put all the ingredients together and it will take care of the rest.
What Do You Use a Stand Mixer for?
A stand mixer is a highly versatile kitchen tool that can be used for a plethora of tasks. We will include only the most common uses for a stand mixer. Pizza or bread dough can be easily mixed with the best stand mixer for bread. You can make DIY pasta using a stand mixer. Whipping egg whites takes only a few minutes. Ground beef or sausage mixes are one button press away with a stand mixer. Keep reading our stand mixers reviews to figure out new stand mixer uses.
Does Wattage Matter in Stand Mixers?
Yes, wattage matters a great deal. The more watts your stand mixer can pack the faster it will mix whatever you place inside the bowl. We recommend that you do not buy anything with less than 250 watts. The best hand mixer usually output 250 watts so for a stand mixer you want anything above. Some entries on our list can pack up to 1000 watts so they are great at mixing ingredients that require high mix times. It’s similar to what you can expect from the best blender for protein shakes since these devices use similar models.
How Long Can You Run a Stand Mixer?
You can expect to be able to run a stand mixer for roughly 20 minutes. This is highly dependent on model and built. Do consult the user manual to figure out exactly how long your specific model can run. The best single serve blender can also run up to 20 minutes uninterrupted. The best stand mixers under 100 will give you a similar runtime.
How to Choose the Best Stand Mixer
Size
This is highly variable based on your needs. Do you have enough space in your kitchen to accommodate the larger sized stand mixers? Do you have a large family and a large stand mixer will be required to make large amounts of food? If you have answered yes to the above questions then you will need a larger sized stand mixer. You can expect a large price tag based on how large the stand mixer is.
Weight
It is quite counterintuitive but you want a stand mixer that is as heavy as possible. Heavy stand mixers will be sturdier and will not bounce around on your kitchen counters. If you choose to keep your stand mixer on the kitchen counters at all times than you definitely want to get the heavier set variants. However, if you plan to store it inside a cabinet you should aim for the lightweight models as moving it around every day can prove tedious. Compared to the best blender for juicing, there’s no big weight difference.
Wattage
Stand mixers range between 300 watts and 1000 watts. The higher the wattage the faster you will mix the ingredients to the desired density. Anything below 250 watts should not be considered as it will not be capable of mixing dough for example.
User safety
In order to maintain your safety and your family’s safety you will need to read the safeguard notes that are included in the package for every stand mixer on this list. Most points made in the safeguard notes are common sense but you should read them nonetheless. The best home mixer will come with an auto-stop function.
Bowl size
The bowl size on stand mixers influences how many times you will have to run the machine. With larger bowls you can mix everything in one go. With smaller sized bowls you can expect two or three mixes might be required.
Speed controls
The speed settings are greatly dependent on the type of food you are trying to prepare. You can expect most models of stand mixers on the market to range between 3 and 12 speed settings. Make sure that your stand mixer has a slow start feature. Stand mixers with high speeds are also considered the best blenders for juicing. If you choose a stand mixer with paddle attachment, the speed controls will be limited.
Noise levels
Stand mixers are loud and there is no way around this aspect. Some models are notorious for making quite a lot of noise. You want to avoid these if you are sensitive to noise. Check the reviews and product specifications to figure out which stand mixers make the least noise.
Price
We all know that price range is highly important when choosing the best stand mixer in 2021. You can expect to shell out anywhere between 200 and 700 dollars on your purchase. The higher the price tag the more versatile your stand mixer will be. High range stand mixers can be used to create a broader spectrum of recipes. If you go for a stand mixer with attachments, the price will go up.
Best Stand Mixer Types
Tilt-Head
The tilt-head stand mixer type is the industry standard in recent years. It is advantageous due to ease of access and enables you to dose the ingredients as required. Tilt-head stand mixers are considered to be the best blenders for protein shakes. This free standing mixer is great for the versatility it offers.
Bowl-lift
The only advantage a bow-lift stand mixer provides over the industry standard tilt-head is capacity. However, we advice purchasing a higher capacity tilt-head stand mixer rather than a bowl-lift. Bowl-lift stand mixers are known to be messier and harder to control ingredient intake.
Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2021
The stand mixer industry has evolved greatly over the years. What used to be a great product a few years ago is now obsolete due to the advancement in technology. For this very reason we recommend the KitchenAid 5-Qt Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield as the best affordable stand mixer. It has all the newest features and as far as we are concerned, it offers the best performance from the models we have reviewed. For even more kitchen utensils and how these can easily change the way you prepare dishes or desserts, check out MyKitchenAdvisor.com. You’ll find plenty of helpful topics, reviews and recommendations to boost your cooking game.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You will need to consult the user manual to figure out if the parts that are detachable are dishwasher safe. Most products featured on our list are dishwasher safe but do consult the manual to be certain. The parts that cannot be detached will have to be cleaned with a sponge and soap. Even a dough mixer for home use is quite easy to clean if you don’t let it dry.PRODUCTS TESTED BY MyKitchenAdvisor
How We TestedWe have conducted the tests on the stand mixers with the help of our editors. Each one of them was mailed one of the stand mixers featured on our list. After using it for 1 week on every task we can imagine they have reported back to us with their findings and their opinion. Based on their reviews we have made the list above so that you can make an educated choice when choosing your next stand mixer.related reviews
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