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The best stand mixers are a worthwhile investment, as a great food mixer will make baking and bread-making a breeze for years to come. Our guide features models from stalwarts such as KitchenAid, Smeg, and Kenwood as well as more affordable models and unusual brands you might not have heard of. And our expert testers have assessed and tested these models in their own kitchens, so you know when we say these are the best stand mixer, we really mean it.
Stand mixers can do so much more than mix together cake batter: today’s models can grate or spiralize veg, whip up egg whites for meringue, knead bread and pizza dough and even mix up coarser ingredients, such as ground meat. That’s why a good stand mixer is one of our absolute kitchen essentials.
We’ve picked our top stand mixers based on ease of use, number of settings, extra attachments offered and how simple each model was to store and clean. We used each attachment to prepare food as part of a real recipe—that way, we could discover any shortfalls or niggles, leaving some off our list that fell short of our expectations. Similarly to all of our buying guides, we also judged the mixers on value-for-money, judging whether some were worth the significant investment.
The best stand mixers as reviewed by our experts
Why you can trust Woman & Home 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.
(Image credit: Image credit: Cuisinart)
Firstly, this mixer looks the part with a shiny gloss finish. While heavy, it’s not overly weighty compared to other high-end examples. We found all the attachments easy to put on and take off—simply twist on and click into place—and the feeding tube on the bowl cover was most welcome when we added the wet ingredients to our brownie mix, allowing an easy and non-sticky stir.
The option of 12 speeds is higher than any other mixer we’ve tested which is pretty impressive, and one of the higher speeds made extremely quick work of whisking egg whites. One little gripe is that we’d like a flexi-beater to scrape down the bowl, but it is a very minor gripe. A good-looking, impressively capable stand mixer at a very reasonable price with extra attachments available—that’s why it’s our pick for best stand mixer overall.
Wilfa’s black mixer impressed our testers with its powerful motor and well-designed attachments.
(Image credit: Wilfa)
Wilfa may not be a household name as of yet, but we have our suspicions that you’ll be seeing much more of this company over the next few years. Its stand mixers were developed with The National Norwegian Culinary Team and first released in 2022, so these designs are in their infancy, relatively speaking.
We were seriously impressed with how robust the whole machine was, with seamless lines making for easy cleaning and maintenance too. Larger bowls can sometimes mean a rather industrial looking machine but this model manages to incorporate a 7 litre mixing bowl (the largest by far of any others on this list) with sleek design that feels much more domestic rather than industrial. The other technical element that puts this piece a head and shoulders above the rest is the wattage. With a powerful 700w motor, which is the level some professional kitchens use, it can whip up meringues and knead dough in just a few moments.
During our testing process we appreciated the seemingly small tweaks that made this piece of kitchen kit a joy to use. The opening of the bowl is wide—for instance—and easily accessible so when you’re baking you can add ingredients while the machine is already mixing. The double whisks were another thing we loved, which worked together to not only whip ingredients faster, but also to reach every surface of the bowl, leaving no mixture behind in the process. There is also a scraping beater with silicone edges, to help you extract every bit of your mixture from the bowl easily, and overall the machine is much more steady and quieter than its competitors.
We haven’t found a comparable product elsewhere and while we know it’s an investment piece, we think it’s worth it if you have the budget. The ten year motor guarantee adds to the feeling of being able to buy with confidence.
In short, we found this machine to be a slick powerhouse which really packed a punch in its performance.
(Image credit: Image credit: KitchenAid)
KitchenAid is one of the titans of the stand mixer industry, and this is one of the best KitchenAid mixers, in our eyes. As well as the three standard attachments, this 10-speed design comes with a flexi-beater and a splash guard—essentially, everything you could need for basic baking and mixing. There are lots of extra attachments available with this model (even an ice cream maker!), so it’s easy (if expensive) to expand the capabilities of this stand mixer if you want to.
Lots of attachments mean this model is akin to one of the best food processors and then some. All attachments are dishwasher safe, and the rest of the model is easy to clean by hand too. At over 24lb, the KitchenAid Artisan is heavy, but it’s absolutely and undeniably stylish enough that we’d keep this one on the worktop.
(Image credit: Image credit: Morphy Richards)
Working with a small kitchen and finding even the best hand mixers don’t quite fit your needs? This space-efficient model could be the solution. Compact yet powerful, this Morphy Richards stand mixer is ideal for storing in smaller kitchens with little to no compromise on performance. One big plus for this model is that we found it so much easier to add ingredients to this open-top stand mixer while it was running, compared to tilt-head models (which make up the majority of other stand mixers on the market).
When testing, it took a little longer than usual to whip egg whites, which surprised us considering there are two whisks doing the work. But it still got the job done well. The attachments—of which there are four—can be popped in a stylish bespoke case for easy storage, and the timer is a brilliant addition to this stand mixer, ensuring no over-kneaded dough. It does have just one color option though which is slightly disappointing.
(Image credit: KitchenAid)
Just when you think KitchenAid must have exhausted all its model options, it brings out a new one. The KitchenAid Mixer Bowl-Lift 5.6L is bigger than the standard size, but not quite an industrial level: something in between for keen bakers who deal in large quantities but still want their machine to be both attractive in design and fairly straightforward to store.
Rather than a tilting head, this has a bowl that can be raised up to meet the attachments on the longer neck of the machine. It’s a simple crank handle, and easy to use, but if you’re well-versed in the tilt head, it does take a couple of tries to get used to it.
Because you can bring the bowl down below the attachments, it was easy to add ingredients through the recipe process and the size allowed us to easily double up when making chocolate chip cookies, for instance. With years of development behind it, the KitchenAid is a finely tuned example of the best stand mixers. We found the bowl mixed cleanly, picking up all the ingredients, rather than leaving bits in the bottom that weren’t fully integrated into the recipes, as some other machines tend to do.
A couple of small things held this back from a perfect score – but wouldn’t dissuade us from having it in our own kitchen. The bowl is fixed on two pegs and a sort of button at the back. We found it slightly fiddly to align them all, to begin with. However, once in place, it meant that it was a reassuringly sturdy fixing. The other thing was that once we had a full bowl, we found it harder to crank the bowl up to meet the paddles, especially in harder mixes like the cookie dough.
All in all though, we thought this was an impressively capable machine with great capacity and an attractive design. Oh, and it’s often sold with a discount if you keep a keen eye on the best KitchenAid deals.
(Image credit: Smeg)
It would be easy to dismiss Smeg’s stand mixer as a piece that values style over substance, but there’s real solid research behind the piece too. It’s sturdy and well made (we were particularly impressed with the weighty attachments which made light work of all kinds of tasks), with a tough metal body and dishwasher-safe tools.
As well as the usual three attachments, this retro-style Smeg stand mixer comes with a splash guard and flexi-beater. It also claims to make 4lb of dough in one batch, so we put that to the test and found it coped admirably, making it an excellent choice if you make a lot of bread at home. The bowl was squeaky clean when we turned the dough out and the motor didn’t struggle kneading such quantities, making it a pretty powerful model.
It’s also undeniably the best-looking of all the stand mixers we’ve tested, and we were so impressed with it that it probably would have taken the top spot in our guide were it not for the high price. With that in mind, it’s easily one of the best wedding gifts we can think of – if you’re feeling flash.
(Image credit: Sage)
A brand like Sage enters the stand mixer market with a strong pedigree of great design behind it (it’s a company known for making some of the best coffee machines as well as other kitchen essentials). The years of research have paid off in this model which staunchly stands up to the competition. At a great mid-range price point, this mixer performs over and beyond others in its category to be counted among the top in our selection.
For one, we loved all the little techy extras—like the timer and the mini spotlight which helped to keep us on track when following recipes, ensuring each step went like clockwork (if you don’t mind the pun) and that we could clearly see the texture of each mixture we were making. The metal motor is robust too; able to run for long periods of time and beat sturdy doughs with ease.
There are also two bowls included, which is rare. These help to make larger recipes a doddle and are great for when you need to fold one thing into the other, for instance. There’s also a lid thrown in for good measure too, which means you can rest bread dough—for instance—without having to use single-use solutions like cling film.
The attachments included are sturdy and well-made, with the beater coming with silicone sides to scrape the bowl while it mixes in its planetary pattern. We found this neatly kept things in check, ensuring no pockets of unmixed ingredients formed around the bottom or sides of the bowl. The only slight drawback was that the attachment fixings sit low in the bowl, which means dough rides up the bread hook during kneading, for instance, and can cause a bit of a mess with looser recipes, like chocolate mousse. This aside, we were pleasantly surprised with all the added extras of this machine and thought it really stood out as an excellent option in its price range.
(Image credit: Image credit: Kenwood)
One of the most powerful and sturdy model we’ve tested, this one is reserved for avid cooks with deep pockets, because it’s certainly pricey (though it’s often on offer!). What sets it apart is the speed dial, which allows you to precisely control the speed of your mixing, rather than relying on pre-set speeds, which is a unique feature that would really add to the usefulness of other models. This makes the Kenwood particularly good for recipes that require delicate folding—we tested it by making a souffle, and it was as light as a feather.
We also can’t help but think there could be more color options to choose from—it only comes in the polished gray you see above. But what it lacks in color options it makes up for in performance. There are also a myriad of optional extras too if you can stomach the cost, such as a pasta shaper and a food mincer.
(Image credit: Image credit: Tower)
We thought this chic black and rose gold stand mixer looked a lot more expensive than its price tag suggests, and the power output was way more than we expected for a more budget model. However, if you put it on its highest speed setting it feels slightly unstable and shakes a little bit now and again—but it’s not a major issue and wouldn’t put us off buying if we were after a more affordable stand mixer.
The Tower has a splashguard, as well as the three basic attachments, and those attachments are sturdy and dishwasher-safe which makes for easy clean-up after use. We also liked the handle on the bowl, which is normally the preserve of more expensive models. An extremely handsome model at a very good price—you won’t find a quality stand mixer at a much more affordable price than this.
The Tower T12033RG Stand Mixer was supplied by AO.com for this review
(Image credit: Image credit: KitchenAid)
KitchenAid refers to this as its entry-level model, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on quality. It has a nice roomy bowl, feels super sturdy and does all the basics—mixing, whipping and kneading—flawlessly. We do wish the whisk was dishwasher-safe and maybe that it wasn’t so heavy, but well-built it most certainly is. It also wouldn’t kill KitchenAid to throw in a flexi-beater and a splash guard for this price, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
The best thing about this stand mixer is the number of additional extras, such as a pasta roller, that you can buy to customize it. It also looks incredibly stylish, so is a great one to display on your countertop, but be warned that it’s very heavy to move.
(Image credit: Salter)
Another powerful stand mixer with a big bowl, this is a great choice if you want a model that does the basics well. Its biggest draw is its roomy bowl and power output, which allowed us to make big batches of pizza dough easily and quickly, ensuring all the ingredients were properly incorporated. The metal beater and dough hook feel sturdy and well-made. And while the whisk whipped our cream perfectly, it was marginally more flimsy compared to some of the more expensive models.
At less than 4kg it’s easy to move and very lightweight, so good for those who want to store their stand mixer in a cupboard after use, or those who may struggle with lifting heavy items. Looks-wise, it’s perfectly inoffensive, but it won’t win any design awards, so it may not be the right option for those after an uber-stylish appliance.
(Image credit: Image credit: Lakeland)
The USP of this nifty model is the detachable mixer, allowing you to turn it into a hand-held appliance if needed, making it also one of the best hand mixers in this guide. When being used as a stand mixer, it has a unique feature where the bowl automatically rotates, in an attempt to incorporate ingredients together better. And while we’re not entirely sure if this adds anything or makes mixing easier, it definitely doesn’t do any harm.
While there’s no wire whisk included with this model, the beaters do just as good a job of whipping cream and egg whites as the motor is powerful enough. A good choice if you don’t have to cater for a crowd and want a mixer without the bells and whistles.
Fun and colorful, we love this cheery design for adding a pop of personality to any kitchen.
(Image credit: Image credit: Russell Hobbs)
This Emma Bridgewater-design mixer brightened up our kitchen no end, so it’s our best choice for those who want their stand mixer to make a statement in their kitchen. The Russell Hobbs mixer feels weighty without being too heavy, and is very powerful—we gave it the task of incorporating the ingredients to make meatloaf and it coped brilliantly, with an even distribution.
There’s also a splash guard thrown in and the bowl is really roomy, so it’s ideal for big-batch food prep. The chrome controls somehow manage to make it look a little cheaper than if they were brushed steel, and there are no extra attachments provided, but we’re being extremely picky. A great model that cannot be accused of putting form over function.
Shop the Russell Hobbs 25931 Stand Mixer from Emma Bridgewater and browse woman&home’s Emma Bridgewater discount codes for money off.
How we chose and tested the best stand mixers
Two stand mixers being tested by our experts
(Image credit: Rosie Conroy)
In order to bring you an accurate picture of the best stand mixers, for this guide we selected models from both big and small brands, at varying price points. Our testers used them to make a variety of recipes, and assessed them on the following factors:
- Number of speeds and attachments—did they have enough speeds for all range of kitchen tasks, and come with enough attachments (e.g a dough whisk) to allow us to make a wide range of recipes?
- Power—we assessed each model for how well it performed each food prep task—for example, did it leave our cake batter thoroughly mixed and smooth, or did it miss pockets of ingredients?
- How easy they were to store—stand mixers can be bulky, so we also evaluated how easy they would be to stow away after use, including whether they’d fit in a standard cupboard or if they were stylish enough that you’d be happy to display them on your counter.
- Ease of cleaning—stand mixers, similarly to the best blenders, can be very awkward to clean. So we assessed each of the models on how simple it was to dismantle the machine and keep every inch of it mess-free—and also whether it came with dishwasher-safe attachments.
- Value-for-money—stand mixers can be pricey, so we evaluated each model on whether it offered great performance for its price.
What to consider when choosing the best stand mixer
Before making your purchase, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you choose the very best stand mixer for you and your needs:
- Capacity—if you’re an avid bread baker, a model with a small bowl and a lackluster motor is not going to cut it, so make sure you get one with a big bowl capacity. Similarly, if you only cook for two people, you’re not going to need a design with a huge bowl. In terms of volume, a 4.5-quart bowl is enough for a family of four and will handle most food prep tasks with ease. Those that are 5 quarts and above are ideal for those who cook in large quantities or very often.
- Size and weight—stand mixers are bulky. So the question is, which space is more precious to you, worktop or cabinet? If your cupboards are full to bursting, keep it on the worktop and vice versa. If you are planning to put your stand mixer in a cabinet, make sure it’s a comfortable weight to lift; some are made of solid metal and can be very heavy. Check the dimensions of the mixer you’re keen on and measure the space you plan to keep it.
- Attachments—almost all stand mixers come with three standard attachments: a flat beater, wire whisk and dough hook, and splash guards are commonly included too. The standard three attachments will be enough for most people to carry out a lot of food prep tasks, so ask if yourself if you honestly need paid-for extras like a food mincer of a spaghetti shaper.
- Your budget—Stand mixers start from as little as $75/£75 but can rise to over $1000/£1000. How often you plan to use a stand mixer should dictate how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re certain you’d use a $500/£500 stand mixer a couple of times a week, this of course represents greater value for money than if you used a $250/£250 model once a month. Additional attachments can bump up the price considerably too, so think about what you’d genuinely make use of. For a good all-rounder with great build quality and the capability to add extra attachments, anything from $350-550/£350-550 is a good ballpark in our eyes.
Is a stand mixer worth buying?
Stand mixers are pricey, but if you cook from scratch frequently—and especially if you are a keen baker—a stand mixer is definitely worth buying. They help to make doughs, batters, whip egg whites, cream or mashed potatoes, in a way that no other appliance can.
Ultimately, a stand mixer is designed to take the legwork out of laborious, time-consuming food prep tasks, saving you the effort. They can also be customized into other kitchen gadgets with a seemingly endless array of attachments, meaning their price tag often offers great value-for-money too.
Overall, a stand mixer is well worth buying if you are a regular cook/baker and feel you could benefit from help in the kitchen.
What functions and attachments are essential in a stand mixer?
A roomy bowl is a good place to start, and a mixer that has six speed settings or more will cover all bases when prepping food. Look for a design that has a motor of 300W or more to make sure it’s delivering enough power, and if you can find a model with a flexi-beater (or add it as an optional extra), so much the better.
We’d generally hold off buying every attachment that catches your eye right away— use the mixer for a while first to see if you really need any of them. But if you do want to use attachments, there are a myriad that you can buy to turn your stand mixer into a multi-functional appliance. Some particularly useful attachments are:
- A blender attachment—if you don’t already have a separate blender for making smoothies, purées, soups and baby food, this handy attachment is worth considering.
- A food processor attachment—the addition of a food processor can widen the scope of a stand mixer no end. If you don’t have a standalone food processor and your knife skills leave a lot to be desired, this is a time-saving godsend.
- A meat grinder attachment—dedicated carnivores can experiment with the cuts of meat used to make ground meat, as well as the coarseness, with a grinder attachment. This gadget can stuff sausages too.
What is the best size stand mixer for home use?
For home bakers: Cuisinart SM50BU Precision Master Stand Mixer
For professional bakers: Wilfa Probaker Stand Mixer
All bakers use their machines in different ways, so the best stand mixer for home use depends on your needs. Overall, we loved the Cuisinart SM50BU Precision Master Stand Mixer for its performance vs its price point. Here you’ll find great usability for under $300/£300.
If you are a small business or keen baker who loves to keep their freezer well stocked or are someone who bakes in bulk, then we think you can’t beat the Wilfa. It comes with an incredibly powerful motor, huge bowl capacity and carefully designed extras, like a silicone scraping whisk.
More general things to consider when you’re choosing your machine are factors such as how much storage space you have, how frequently you intend to use your stand mixer and whether or not you need all attachments and bowls to be dishwasher safe.
What stand mixers do bakers use?
More often than not bakers will use specially designed industrial stand mixers. Brands like Sage and KitchenAid make larger, more powerful machines that straddle the middleground somewhat, with Kenwood being a famous make for professionals too. In our opinion, the Wilfa model was exceptional, for a machine that’s stylish enough to have on your countertop but also powerful enough to undertake batch making and heavy, everyday use.
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