Love baking and cooking, but hate the hours that it can take to prepare a product before it even goes into the oven? Stand mixers are the perfect kitchen accompaniment if you find the groundwork of making cake or bread mix challenging or time consuming.
With the ever-increasing popularity of home baking thanks to programmes such as Great British Bake Off, a free standing kitchen mixer appliance can take all the strain out of the preparation of mixes and bread doughs (and would look impressive on your countertop).
As with all electrical equipment, there is a wide range available which all offer unique bonuses and fittings, so finding the perfect one can be hard. If you’re stuck on space, or wouldn’t use it often enough, it could be worth looking at our picks of the best hand mixers as an alternative too.
Here are our choices of the best cake and baking mixers available on the current market, as well as some FAQ’s to help you decide which is the best choice for your specific lifestyle.
The Best Stand Mixers – Our Top Picks
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Best Professional Stand Mixers
The kMix group of products from Kenwood is one of the most respected ranges, and the KMX754 is rated very highly for its ease of use, modern look and powerful 1000W motor. The stainless-steel whisk, K beater and dough hook tools are easy to interchange and are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The product delivers 5 different speed settings, plus a unique separate fold function that aids with the layering of ingredient components. Unlike the majority of other mixers, the splashguard contains a feeding tube, meaning you can safely add to your mix whilst the machine is on without the hassle of having to remove the bowl and clear up any mess as a result (particularly handy if you are prone to forgetting to add any components). For those concerned about safety, the kMix automatically stops when the head is lifted and there is a light to warn you if it is not properly turned off. It is a very heavy and sturdy product, which means there is very little movement or shaking when mixing more demanding items, even on the highest of speed settings. The glass bowl included is rather heavy and cumbersome but is great for being able to see the mixing progress and product volumes easily, and it does not move about when the mixer is in use. It is also fantastic for those who do not like the annoying sound that using a metal mixing bowl can produce. Although it is quite expensive, it is perfect if you want a mixer that fits into the professional category and will stay with you for years through excessive use. However, it is slightly louder and lighter than previous kMix versions, if noise and robustness is of particular concern to you. Kenwood kMix KMX754 user manual An extremely well-made and sturdy mixer with a unique glass mixing bowl. Reliable and quieter than it’s predecessors. For the very serious bakers out there, Bosch has created a product which will make life easier than ever and leave your cakes in the best possible hands. Thanks to the higher power level, the thickest of batters and doughs can be tackled with little effort at all. You get 9 accessories with the mixer, so there is an attachment for every occasion. From a grater and a slicer to a dough hook and sturdy whisk, you get pretty much the whole package without any extra costs. Dedicated SensorControl programmes will automatically detect the best power levels for whatever is in the bowl, so it can start off slowly to avoid splashing it everywhere and ramp up the speed when it gets a bit tougher, without you having to lift a finger. We loved the built-in weighing scales; extra ingredients such as flour and sugar can be added straight to the mixing bowl without you needing to drop everything and remove it. 3D Planetary Mixing will ensure everything is incorporated as the head moves in three separate directions at once. You get all of the usual safety additions too, such as auto switch off and ThermoSafe Glass. The price may be high but as seeing it is a worthy rival to the other models in the price bracket (and you get everything with it), we’d say it is a fab investment piece. No need to rush out and buy extra attachments, and it works surprisingly well across every single function. Definitely one of the best stand mixers around Sage know their high-end appliances to a tee, and this stand mixer is a marvel. A high power output is perfect for getting through those tough dough and batter mixes, but the speed can also be adjusted so you can cater it to whatever you are mixing. Planetary Mixing Action helps it to get every last bit of mixture blended, so you don’t have any left behind which could result in lacklustre cakes. We loved that the speed levels were variable as opposed to fixed settings, so you have more control. A light up guide on the side will let you know which setting is best for which action, but it is so much better than a lot of the models which don’t give you much freedom. An LED light illuminates the bowl below the stand mixer, so you can see what is going on without having to stop and lift the head. Furthermore, the timer will allow the machine to mix away without you observing or manually controlling every aspect, so you can return to your batter ready to bake. It is nice and quiet when at work, and you get two bowls so you can mix two separate batches without needing to stop for ages while you wash everything up. When comparing to other models, it does a fantastic amount for the price. Our only issue was that it was hard to take the attachments on and off, but you’ll soon forget about this when you see just how well it performs. The timer and light are two standout features which the majority of other stand mixers miss. This is really an appliance which puts the user first The KitchenAid brand is a titan name in the baking world and their stand mixers are timeless classics. With an elegant, stylish finish, the high-quality fittings and fixtures make this machine the perfect all-round baking companion. If you’re particular about the colour of appliances, the range of 17 colours will ensure you find your perfect fit. As well as the wire whisk, dough hook, flex edge beater and mixing bowl, this model comes with the Artisan® Flat beater. This means you can not only prepare your cake mixes and batters but your mashed potatoes too. The bowl has a large, easy to grab handle, making it perfect when transferring to a baking tray. The range of extra attachments available is massive, from can openers and food grinders to pasta and ice cream makers. This single machine can become your absolute go-to for preparing almost anything you would ever need to cook. The quality of the mixing is superior to a lot of others, which is unsurprising given the price tag. There’s several mixers under the KitchenAid brand name, but this is their best and most popular on the market. The newer Artisan 5KSM7580XBER model is also available, and comes with an unbeatable 6.9L capacity bowl which is the best option if you are likely to be cooking large, professional-scale batches regularly. The head is fixed rather than moveable, so a crank lever raises and lifts the bowl. If it is the best value for money KitchenAid mixer you are after, this is the top one for the job, and just as attractive. KitchenAid 5KSM175PSBLT Artisan user manual A kitchen classic, and our top pick of the high-end food mixers. We loved the original kMix, and Kenwood have upped their game yet again with their latest release. It is on the high end scale of things, and delivers a performance to match. With smart speed control, your ingredients will remain firmly in the bowl at every speed to cut down on mess. This works by building up the speed to your desired level as opposed to going in at full attack from the first second. You also have six speeds to choose from, and an innovative fold function will help you achieve a perfectly smooth mixture. Whether you’re making souffles or croissants, you’re going to have the setting and the help to match. A K beater, dough hook and whisk are all included which helps you expand your possibilities too, and a splash guard and feeding tube will allow you to add ingredients without stopping the work or creating mess. Chocolate chip cookies have never been easier. The machine is all metallic so the build is fab quality, and it should last for years. Safety lock, automatic shut off when the head is lifted and non-slip feet are the safety precautions you need, and the power cord length is 1.2m so positioning is pretty flexible too. There is no doubt about the aesthetic appeal, and it gives a brilliant amount of control. If you want the closest thing to a KitchenAid available but from a different brand, this is the answer. Kenwood offer a great alternative to other professional stand mixers here, and the colour choices are top notch for style Cuisinart have been in the kitchen appliance market for over 30 years, but this is their first ever mixing product on the market. This high-performance machine is sleek, stylish and simple to use, making it even easier for you to bake like a professional in the comfort of your own kitchen. With a massive 12 speed settings available, this product gives you complete freedom to either smoothly mix a whole range of ingredients in just seconds or choose a slower setting to gently fold delicate components together. As it comes with a sturdy whisk, flat paddle and dough hook, the ability to prepare dough and whipping cream or mix batters and sauces is at your fingertips. The 5.2L mixing bowl is larger than most of its competitors and also offers a pour spout and transparent splash guard to help you cut down on mess. The easiness continues after the work is done, with all extra parts except the Chef’s whisk being dishwasher safe. Price wise, it creeps into the mid-range category, and bearing this in mind the 500W motor is not as powerful as some of it’s less expensive competitors. Thankfully this doesn’t take away from performance thanks to the wide variety of speed settings. Cuisinart SM50U Precision 5.2L user manual A high capacity, high performance mid-range mixer which won’t break the bank. When KENWOOD named this product the ‘Multione’, they were definitely not exaggerating. This all-in-one product finds everyday mixing a breeze, and ensures your recipes are prepared in no time at all. The usual whisk, beater and dough hook are all included, and to give it an extra professional edge there is also a food processor attachment, citrus press and 1.2L glass liquidiser included in the price – perfect for smaller kitchens which struggle to accommodate all of the different tools necessary for these jobs. The components of this 1000W, 4.3L capacity mixer all fit together easily to ensure easy storage for anybody unable to keep it in a central position on their countertop. The product can be very noisy when in use, particularly on the higher mixing settings, and due to its multifunction nature, it is quite bulky; not ideal if you prefer to use a sleek design. The pre-mix occasionally flies out of the bowl as well as it isn’t very deep, so prepare to have to do a bit of kitchen cleaning afterwards. NOTE: a newer version of this product, the Kenwood KHH326WH, is available here and comes with an added meat grinder. KENWOOD Multione KHH321SI user manual Highly versatile with many functions and attachments, making this a great all-round addition to your kitchen.Kenwood kMix KMX754
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Bosch OptiMUM MUM9GX5S21 Stand Mixer
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Sage The Bakery Boss BEM825BAL
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KitchenAid 5KSM175PSBLT Artisan 4.8L
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KENWOOD kMix KMX760 Kitchen Machine
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Cuisinart SM50U Precision 5.2L
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KENWOOD Multione KHH321SI
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Best Budget Stand Mixers
The Swan stand mixer’s elegant design will slot nicely into the décor of any kitchen or can even be displayed as a jazzy centrepiece. This product comes with a 4.5L working capacity stainless steel bowl, giving you plenty of room to add all the ingredients you need, plus is easy to keep clean. If the retro look is your biggest priority when looking for all of your kitchen appliances, then the SP33010GN is a good affordable option. It is also relatively quiet compared to other stand mixers, and has a 10 minute auto safety shut off. Swan Retro SP25010GN user manual Sturdy, affordable and does exactly what it’s supposed to do. An easy to use entry-level model.Swan SP33010GN
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Stand Mixer Buying Guide
Free standing mixers aren’t the cheapest small appliances you’ll add to your kitchen inventory, so getting the right one for your needs is important. Here are a few of the important attributes you should consider:
Functions
The first thing you need to think about before looking into the mixers that are available on the market is what exactly you need the product for. There are some that are best for the preparation of easy to mix cake batters, and others are best for preparing doughs and other hard to combine concoctions, so if you are more likely to make one over the other, ensuring the correct fixtures are available is essential.
Some ‘mixers’ are more than just the label suggests, too. If the one you decide on also offers a blender/slicer/juicer fixture, see if this is included in the price or would be a very affordable/expensive extra.
Speed And Power Settings
Every mixer offers different speed settings, with some only offering five or six and some more high-end products offering up to 12. Again, it is important to think about what you need the mixer for. If you just want to rustle up liquid-based batter mixes in seconds, high speeds are the best options for the job. If you are regularly going to be mixing tough mixtures such as doughs however, a large power wattage will be most beneficial. Combine these two options if you want a regular, all round product.
Basic vs. High End
If you would use a mixer almost daily and see it as an absolutely essential piece of kitchen kit, then looking at the high-end range of stand mixers available is your best long-term option. They tend to be more durable and able to cope with any kitchen mixing challenge you throw at them and can be treated as a real investment piece.
Budget free standing kitchen mixers can be a good purchase for those who are preparing for their first foray into the baking world, but ensure you read all reviews first and really think about your new hobby in the long run; if it is likely to be a long term lifestyle change, meaning you may need a better quality mixer within the next year, it may be best putting the money spent towards an investment piece.
Cleaning Options
Most attachments on all stand mixers are dishwasher friendly, meaning there is little cleaning up to do when your ingredients are in the oven. However, there may be some whisks and smaller attachments which are recommended for hand washing only due to their delicacy.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between A Hand Mixer And A Stand Mixer?
A hand mixer is a handheld device, broadly best described as an electrical beater or whisk. They can be a lot cheaper than stand mixers, but often struggle with heavy loads and don’t help your arm muscles too much as you stand over a bowl. Some allow extra attachments such as blenders or spiralizers, but these usually sit at the top end of the price market and are rare. Stand mixers do the job without any extra work from you and are a lot more flexible in use, allowing you to get on with other tasks if necessary whilst keeping an eye on the progress of the mixer.
If none of the stand mixers above caught your eye, then you could look through our best hand mixer rundown.
Which Brands Produce The Best Mixers?
Many of the leading small appliance brands have ventured into the tabletop stand mixer world with the rise in popularity of home baking, including Morphy Richards, Kenwood, SWAN and SMEG. If you have a particular brand preference with appliances, then it is likely they have a mixer available. SMEG and SWAN are the leading brands if you are after something with a retro, colourful look, but the KitchenAid and Kenwood brands are seen as the industry leaders for professional stand mixers. SAGE stand mixers are also really growing in popularity, along with the other items in their range.
Are All Stand Mixers A Similar Size?
Mixers can vary widely in both size and weight. Think about your kitchen; if you are low on space or can’t keep the appliance out on the bench, a smaller model is best. If it is going to be a real focal point of the kitchen, however, then the size of the appliance may be relatively unimportant but ensure that you look at plenty of images of the product if you are particular about design.
Which Attachments Are Available?
No mixer is exactly the same, and each appliance is able to do slightly different things. Most come as standard with a balloon or wire whisk, a beater and a dough hook, which conveniently means you can make both bread and cake mixes with the same machine.
Some offer different whisk variations, meaning you can use a separate tool for whisking egg whites to the one you would use for combining a heavier flour-based mixture. There are a few, mostly high-end, mixers available which allow you to attach blenders, vegetable slicers, juicers and even meat mincers.
These products are perfect if you are not only a regular baker, but also a regular all-round cook. If this is something you would want to consider, it is best to look into all of the extra attachments which are usually sold separately to see if they have the right ones for your needs. A KitchenAid will be the best to purchase if you’re after an incredibly multi-use option.