Whether you’re a novice to baking or you consider yourself a contender for Star Baker on The Great British Bake Off, having the best stand mixer can make a world of difference in your kitchen. You can whip up smooth cake batter with ease, knead dough to perfection and so much more when you’ve got the right baking tools to hand.
When it comes to choosing the best stand mixer, there are several things you’ll want to consider. We’ve covered this in more detail in our FAQs, but you’ll want to think about everything from performance and durability to capacity and versatility. One of the biggest things to think about when picking the right electric stand mixer for your needs is its power and performance. A powerful motor and multiple speed settings are as key as your ingredients for creating delicate batters and dense doughs, making sure you’ve got a stand mixer that is more than capable of combining together even the toughest of mixtures and largest of quantities.
Best stand mixer at a glance:
• Best stand mixer overall: KitchenAid Mixer Tilt-Head – view on KitchenAid
• Best stand mixer for home bakers: Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer – view on Amazon UK
• Best budget stand mixer: Dunelm Grey Stand Mixer – view on Dunelm
Of course, one of the best things about electric stand mixers is the variety of colours they come in. You don’t have to stick to black, white or cream colours if you don’t want to, you can opt for bold reds, blues, greens and more so your stand mixer stands out in your kitchen. You can also get one to match your existing colour scheme so all your kitchen appliances match together. They also make great gifts for bakers, so what better way to show them you care than with a present they can use while indulging in their hobby?
There are so many options out there when it comes to stand mixers, so it doesn’t matter about your level of baking know-how and your budget, there’s one for every kitchen and baker. As there are a lot of choices available, it can feel a little overwhelming to choose the right stand mixer for your baking and cooking requirements. That’s why Yours is here to help. We’ve rounded up stand mixers from renowned brands such as KitchenAid, Kenwood, Bosch and more so you can make an informed decision about which is the best stand mixer for your needs.
Best stand mixer
Best stand mixer overall
KitchenAidwww.kitchenaid.co.uk
Iconic. That's just one word to describe the KitchenAid Mixer Tilt-Head and the array of rainbow colours it comes in. Thanks to this powerful and durable mixer, every baking task becomes a breeze. Whether you're making meringue, pastry or frosting, you name it and this mixer can do it. It features KitchenAid's original planetary action so the shaft of the mixer rotates in one direction while the whisk, flat beater or dough hook rotates in the other so everything is incorporated in a fast, thorough mix.
Customer review: "We bought this for backing cakes and pastries. It’s every bit as good as we hoped it to be. We bake all our own bread and thought we’d continue to knead by hand, but once we made a dough with it, we haven’t looked back. The quality of the machine is exceptional and you know it’s a piece for life. A sound investment for any keen kitchen enthusiast."
Pros
- Solid and built to last
- Excellent mixing action
- Vast array of colours available
Cons
- Bowl capacity could be bigger
Best stand mixer for home bakers
Kenwood/AmazonWith a five-litre capacity, the Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer can make a mixture for up to 44 cupcakes at once so you'll be able to bake more than enough for the whole family and more. Available in a choice of stylish colours, a retro design and a 1000-watt motor, it combines style and power. As well as having six-speed settings for control, the kMix also has a fold function which helps you to create more delicate mixes for goods such as brioche.
Customer review: "I have had a Kmix for three years now and have just bought this newer model for my sister. They are just the best machine I have ever owned. I make bread about 3 - 4 times a week and do not have the strength or stamina required for all of that kneading. The Kmix with it's dough hook does it all for you in 10 minutes. All the ingredients in, ten minutes on just under number 1 then straight into a bowl for proving. It is so easy, the machine doesn't move across the work top like some cheaper lighter mixers do and it mixes every bit effortlessly. I make pastry and sometimes cakes with the k beater attachment and using these is a pleasure. Easy to clean or goes into the dishwasher. It has a 5 year guarantee so Kenwood are sure of their product"
Pros
- Combines style and power
- Fold functionality
- Baking tools are dishwasher safe for easy clean up
Cons
- Bowl is made of glass so you'll need to be careful not to drop it as it'll smash
Best budget stand mixer
Dunelmwww.dunelm.com
For those new to baking and unsure whether a stand mixer would make a big difference to their bakes, the Dunelm Grey Stand Mixer is a good budget option to see how you get on with one. It’s supplied with a stainless steel bowl, beaters and dough hooks so the attachments are nice and sturdy. When it comes to performance, there are five speed settings as well as a turbo switch for when you need to get mixing in a hurry. Finished in a grey colour with chrome detailing, it’ll fit in perfectly with a modern kitchen.
Customer review: "Straight-forward, no fuss mixer, works efficiently, and an amazing price! Thoroughly recommend"
Pros
- Five speed settings
- Stainless steel bowl, beaters and hooks
- Value for money
Cons
- Offers basic functionality but is great for the price
Best stand mixer for large batches
Aucma/AmazonWhether you're making cakes, breads, cookies, pastries, muffins or waffles, the Aucma Stand Mixer is more than capable of helping you to produce large quantities with its seven-litre bowl. Despite its larger capacity, it's actually quite light compared to others on our list, weighing in at 4.7kg so you'd easily be able to move this about in your kitchen if needed. When you're mixing on one of the six speeds or using the pulse function, the six anti-slip feet help keep the mixer steady even during heavy mixing operations.
Customer review: "I must admit i was not expecting much of this sadly - but it had exceeded my expectations. ok it light weight, but the suckers on the bottom hold it great on my work surface. The bowl, it has handles and it is so easy to clean, the bottom of the bowl is enclosed so you don't have to mess drying it, one wipe and its done (I will try and post a pic) bowl locks into the unit with a twist. First thing i made was bread, it handled the kneading well and did not struggle, the bread turned out great. Chocolate cookies was my next make and they also went well. The plastic splash guard is great, fits well and has a handy hole to put the ingredients through, it has silicone tabs so that it holds well on the mixer and easy to remove if not needed. I thought it would be so noisy, but surprisingly its not bad. I would buy this again if needed."
Pros
- Power 1400W motor
- Anti-slip design
- Large capacity bowl with handle
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's a bit noisy
Best stand mixer for style
Swan/AmazonAdd some retro style to your kitchen with the Swan SP21060BLN Retro Stand Mixer. It has a vintage look to it, reminiscent of kitchen appliances from the 50s and 60s, coming in eight different hues to add a splash of colour to your cooking areas. It's not all about style though, with a powerful 800-watt output, eight variable speeds and a pulse function, this mixer makes light work of beating, whipping folding and mixing. The rotary switch control also allows you to change the direction easily and quickly, ideal for when your hands are messy.
Customer review: "Bought for my daughter and so glad I did because she has not stopped baking since and I'm loving all the cakes and treats. Fabulous colour which she loves, easy to clean."
Pros
- Choice of colours and retro design
- Eight variable speeds
- Rotary switch control for changing mix direction
Cons
- Some reviewers say the attachments don't quite reach the very bottom of the bowl
Best high-end stand mixer
Smeg/AO.comao.com
With 10 speed settings, so you can go from a gentle stir to a powerful blitz, and four attachments, including flat and edge beaters, a wire whisk and a dough tool, the Smeg 50's Retro SMF03CRUK Stand Mixer always ensures excellent results as you can adapt to whatever you want to make. Its star feature is its Smooth Start system which helps make sure your ingredients don't go flying everywhere on the first stir while also ensuring perfect blending efficiency.
Customer review: "I have wanted one for so long and it hasn’t disappointed. Made bread, cinnamon buns, cakes and whipped cream. I have found my happy place again and it is all thanks to my new Smeg Mixer"
Pros
- Smooth Start system
- Four attachments
- 10 speed settings
Cons
- Two reviewers had issues with paint peeling off the mixer
Best stand mixer for attachments
Bosch/AmazonThe Bosch Series 4 MUM59340GB Stand Mixer is more than just a stand mixer. Thanks to its 10 attachments, it transforms into a blender, food processor, mincer, citrus press and juicer, making it a great multifunctional appliance for your kitchen. The easy lift arm allows you to seamlessly switch between mixing batters and bread to the blender and food processor attachments with the simple press of a button so it’s super easy to use. It offers seven speed settings as well as a pulse function.
Customer review: "Well I'm very impressed and so many attachments. The mixer works well and I like the way the mixer blade moves around the bowl so the contents is well mixed rather than just round in a circle like similar models. The moving arm is excellent allowing you to use it for various attachments. The blender attachment is good, it comes with the plastic jug and blades cut and mix well."
Pros
- Multifunctional
- 10 attachments
- Easy lift arm for ease of changing attachments
Cons
- Some reviewers felt the attachments are a little heavy compared to the weight of the appliance
FAQs
How do I choose a stand mixer?
Choosing the best stand mixer for your needs involves considering a number of factors, based on what you're using it for, preferences, budget and more. Here's our guide to help you decide which one is right for you:
Usage frequency
First off, you’ll want to think about how often you’ll use your stand mixer. If you’re an occasional or hobby baker, you’ll probably want a more basic model that does standard mixing and kneading. However, if you’re an avid baker or want to use a stand mixer to whip up large quantities, investing in a more powerful, durable mixer might be a wiser idea.
Capacity
As we’ve touched on above, you should factor in the amount you’re going to bake at a time when it comes to choosing the right stand mixer for your needs. Stand mixers come in various bowl sizes, with larger bowls suitable for bigger batches or smaller bowls that are ideal for smaller amounts of baked goods.
Design
The beauty of stand mixers is that they are made in a variety of colours so you can either go for one that matches your kitchen or opt for a mixer in your favourite colour – the choice is all yours!
Power and speed settings
Whether you’re after a stand mixer for whipping cream, lightly mixing fluffy cake batter or kneading bread dough, you’ll want to look for a mixer that offers the right amount of power and a choice of speed settings to handle whatever the task is at hand. Those stand mixers with higher wattage motors and more speed options typically offer better performance and versatility.
Attachments and accessories
The more attachments and accessories provided with your stand mixer, the more you’ll be able to do with it. Most stand mixers come with wire whisks and dough hooks, and some will offer a flat beater too. A handful of the more premium models may also come with attachments for tasks like pasta making or meat grinding.
Construction and durability
Choose a stand mixer that is made from durable materials, such as stainless steel or die-cast metal. This ensures that it’s built to last by offering longevity and stability, which is what you need when giving it large quantities or tough mixtures to work with.
Size and weight
The overall size and weight are important factors to consider too. If you’re limited on countertop space, you’re probably not going to have room for a massive mixer to be out all the time. If you are planning on putting it away between uses, you’ll want to make sure you’re not choosing one that’s going to be too heavy for you to lift from cupboard to countertop.
Budget
While your needs and preferences are most certainly things you’ll want to think about, the best stand mixer for you will be one that fits your overall budget. Yes, we’ve probably all dreamed about having the all-singing-all-dancing, top-of-the-range mixer in our kitchen but you can still get some good quality stand mixers for a budget-friendly price. You should definitely consider the features and performance you require with your budget range and go from there.
Are expensive stand mixers worth it?
Whether an expensive stand mixer is worth it will depend on what you're using your stand mixer for, how often you'll use it and more. Typically, the more expensive stand mixers can be worth the investment due to their durable construction, powerful performance and versatility in the kitchen, thanks to the different attachments they provide. However, you'll need to think about whether you actually need the additional features and capabilities some of the more expensive stand mixers provide. If you're an occasional baker and you'll only use the stand mixer every now and again to bake cupcakes and other tasty treats for the family, you probably won't need as many features compared to someone who is baking more frequently.
Do stand mixers use a lot of electricity?
According to Kowalske.com, a KitchenAid mixer uses approximately 11 kWh per year, based on being used for one hour per week. As UK Power says that average household electricity consumption works out at between eight and 10 kWh per day, it's safe to say that stand mixers don't use as much electricity as some of us may think.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.