Baking is a beloved pastime for many aficionado cooks, whether they're baking for their family, for a special occasion, or as a hobby. However, anyone who has ever made dough or whipped cream by hand knows that it can be a daunting and time-consuming task. That's where stand mixers come in.
These versatile kitchen appliances can make baking much easier and more enjoyable, allowing you to achieve professional-level results in small batches with ease. In this article, we will explore the benefits of owning a stand mixer and why it can be a valuable addition to any baker's kitchen. So get ready to bake some fun with the best stand mixer!
What are the benefits of owning a stand mixer?
There are several benefits to owning a stand mixer, including:
- Time-saving: Stand mixers can save a lot of time when it comes to preparing recipes. They can mix and knead the dough, whip cream, beat eggs, and more, all without requiring you to stand at the counter and mix by hand.
- Consistency: Stand mixers can provide more consistent results than mixing by hand. The mixer's motor provides consistent speed and power, which can help you achieve more even mixing and better results.
- Versatility: Stand mixers often come with a range of attachments that can expand their capabilities. Some common attachments include dough hooks for kneading bread, whisks for beating egg whites or making whipped cream, and paddles for mixing batters.
- Ease of use: Stand mixers are designed to be easy to use, with simple controls and easy-to-attach and remove attachments.
- Capacity: Stand mixers typically have larger bowls than hand mixers, which can be beneficial for making larger batches of dough or batter.
- Reduced physical strain: Using a stand mixer can reduce the physical strain on your arms and hands that can come with mixing by hand, making it a good option for those with arthritis or other physical limitations.
Overall, owning a stand mixer can make baking and cooking easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
What are the factors to consider when choosing a stand mixer?
When choosing a stand mixer, there are several factors to consider, including:
- Power: The power of the mixer's motor is an important consideration, as it can affect the mixer's ability to handle heavy or dense ingredients. Look for a mixer with a motor that is powerful enough to handle the types of recipes you plan to make.
- Capacity: The size of the mixer's bowl is also an important consideration. Look for a bowl that is large enough to handle the size of the batches you plan to make.
- Attachments: Consider the attachments that come with the mixer and any additional attachments that are available. Look for a mixer with attachments that will be useful for the types of recipes you plan to make.
- Speed settings: The number of speed settings on the mixer is also important. Look for a mixer with multiple speed settings, as this will give you more control over the mixing process.
- Durability: Look for a mixer that is made of high-quality materials and is built to last. This will help ensure that your mixer will be able to handle heavy use over time.
- Price: Stand mixers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Consider your budget and look for a stand mixer that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.
- Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of the stand mixer brand and read reviews from other users to get an idea of the quality of the mixer and the company's customer service.
By considering these factors, you can choose a stand mixer that is well-suited to your needs and will help make your baking and cooking tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Tips for using a stand mixer to create delicious baked goods?
Here are some tips for using a stand mixer to create delicious baked goods:
- Read the instructions: Before using your stand mixer, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions. This will ensure that you understand how to properly assemble and operate the mixer.
- Use the right attachments: Make sure you use the right attachments for the job. For example, use the paddle attachment for mixing dough and batters, the whisk attachment for whipping cream and egg whites, and the dough hook for kneading bread dough.
- Start on low speed: When you first turn on your stand mixer, start on low speed if you have wet dough and gradually increase the speed as needed. This will help prevent ingredients from splattering out of the bowl.
- Scrape the bowl: Use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically, especially when mixing heavier doughs or batters, to ensure that all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can result in tough or dense baked goods. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Watch the time: Be careful not to overmix, but also be mindful of the mixing time recommended in your recipe. Mixing for too little or too long can affect the texture and flavor of your baked goods.
- Clean your mixer: After using your stand mixer, be sure to clean it thoroughly. Wipe down the attachments and bowl, and make sure to clean any hard-to-reach areas. A clean mixer will ensure that your baked goods taste their best and that your mixer stays in good condition.
By following these tips, you can use your stand mixer to make cake batter and create other delicious baked goods with ease and confidence.
What types of stand mixers are available on the market?
There are several types of stand mixers available on the market, including:
- Tilt-head stands mixers: These are the most common type of stand mixers, where the head of the mixer tilts up and down to allow easy access to the mixing bowl and the attachments.
- Bowl-lift stand mixers: These mixers have a lever that lifts the mixing bowl up to the attachments, providing more stability and better access to the bowl.
- Handheld stand mixers: These mixers are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a great option for small jobs or kitchens with limited counter space.
- Commercial stand mixers: These mixers are designed for heavy-duty use in commercial kitchens, and can handle large quantities of dough and batter.
- Planetary mixers: These mixers have a unique mixing action where the attachment rotates around the bowl while spinning in the opposite direction, ensuring an even mixing of all ingredients.
- Spiral mixers: These mixers have a spiral-shaped dough hook that kneads the dough by pushing it against the sides of the mixing bowl, resulting in a superior texture and gluten development.
- Vertical mixers: These mixers have a vertical mixing action, where the attachment moves up and down instead of around the bowl, making them great for mixing thick, heavy doughs.
The type of stand mixer you choose will depend on your needs, budget, and the types of recipes you plan to make.
What's the recommended maintenance of a stand mixer?
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of a stand mixer, regular maintenance is recommended. Here are some tips:
- Clean the stand mixer after each use: After using the mixer, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any excess food or batter. If necessary, use a mild detergent to clean the attachments and bowls.
- Check the attachments: Regularly inspect the attachments, such as the beaters, dough hooks, and whisks, for any signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged attachments immediately to prevent further damage to the stand mixer.
- Lubricate the gears: Some stand mixers require periodic lubrication of the gears. Check the manufacturer's instructions to determine if your mixer requires this type of maintenance.
- Tighten loose screws: Over time, the screws that hold the mixer's components together may loosen. Check these screws periodically and tighten them as needed.
- Store the mixer properly: When not in use, store the stand mixer in a clean, dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
By following these maintenance tips, you can help extend the life of your stand mixer and ensure that it continues to perform at its best.
Conclusion
A stand mixer is an essential kitchen appliance for anyone who enjoys baking. With its powerful motor and versatile attachments, a stand mixer can make mixing, kneading, and whipping ingredients much easier and more efficient, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, a stand mixer can help you achieve consistent and professional-level results with ease. So if you're looking to take your baking skills to the next level and have some fun in the kitchen, consider investing in the best stand mixer for your needs and get ready to whip up some delicious treats!
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Stand Mixer on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Stand Mixer - Reviews
The Best
Product information
Crafted with durable and long-lasting metal construction, this tilt-head stand mixer is designed to take on any task with ease. With 59 touchpoints around the stand mixer bowl, you can be sure that your ingredients will be mixed thoroughly and evenly for great results.
The 4.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl can mix up to 8 dozen cookies in a single batch using the flat beater, with each dough weighing 28g. And when you're done, simply pop it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Thanks to its tilt-head design, you can easily add ingredients to the bowl and lock the head in place while mixing for better access. With 10 speeds to choose from, you'll have the perfect setting for any recipe or task, from gentle stirring to whipping cream at speed 8.
And if you want to get even more creative in the kitchen, this tilt-head stand mixer model offers 10+ attachments (sold separately) to make everything from fresh pasta to burgers, veggie noodles, knead bread dough, ice cream, and more.
Included in Model K455 are (1) 4.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, (1) Coated Flat Beater, (1) Coated Dough Hook, and (1) 6-Wire Whip, so you'll have everything you need to get started right away.
A few long-term users said that after using their KitchenAid mixer for over 20 years it still going strong. We love this tilt-head stand mixer, it works perfectly. And we haven't even begun to utilize the variety of other features like the pasta roller attachment to roll the bread dough. No reservations, this was worth it, and the name stands for a reason.
Some customers received used and dirty stand mixes. A few said that the mixes didn't work out of the box. Great mixer but it has an assembly defect. There is no spring or retaining washer on the shaft used to mount the mixing attachments. A few long-term users said that this a poorly made piece of equipment that bears no resemblance to older KitchenAid mixers.
Our Thoughts - Looks like in an attempt to cut prices, they have forgotten about quality and the reason people came to KitchenAid in the first place.
Very Good
Product information
Our stand mixer delivers power, precision, and outstanding performance for all your preparation needs. With a 5.5-quart capacity, a 500-watt motor, and 12 speeds, it can handle any task with ease. The mixer's die-cast metal construction ensures durability and reliability for long-lasting use.
Must-have features include a polished stainless steel bowl, tilt-back head, and one power outlet for optional attachments, making it a versatile kitchen tool. The included chef's whisk, dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and splash guard with pour spout provide everything you need to get started. Plus, an instruction manual and recipe book are also included.
Optional attachments and colors allow you to further expand your culinary horizons. You can choose from pasta extruders, pasta rollers and cutters, ice cream makers, meat grinders, knead bread dough, and spiralizers, all available in a variety of colors including Silver Lining, Onyx, Periwinkle Blue, Ruby Red, White Linen, and Robin's Egg.
With a limited 3-year warranty, you can rest assured that your mixer is built to last. If you have any issues, refer to the user manual for troubleshooting steps and warranty policies. Plus, this product is BPA-free for added peace of mind.
So far we love it. If you are looking for a decent mixer but at half price to a KitchenAid, get this. Quit and a powerful 500-watt motor with many attachments. The build is solid with die-cast metal ensuring strength and reliability. With 12 speeds there is no excuse for blending, mixing, or making cookie dough.
A few customers said that the stand mixer stopped working after two weeks. Contacting Cuisinart is a joke and they don't care about their customers. Some mentioned that the paddle doesn’t get anywhere near the bottom of the bowl. Therefore, it leaves the mixture pressed against the bottom of the bowl, while the rest is on the electric mixer puddled. Others said that the replacement they received was worse than the original they sent.
Our Thoughts - There is always going to be a small percentage of products that will fail. Manufacturers know this and they should make arrangements to rectify the problem and keep customers happy.
Good Value
Product information
The POWWA Electric Stand Mixer boasts a high-end 8830 manual motor with a power consumption of 660W, providing strong power and long service life. With a noise level of less than 70dB, it is perfect for meeting your kitchen mixer requirements.
The mixer has 7-speed modes, including 6 continuous mixing speeds ranging from low to high and 1 pulse mode, making it effortless and thorough when mixing a variety of food, such as dough, egg, meat, vegetables, pizza, cake, bread, cookies, pastry, muffins, waffles, frosting, meringue, mashed potato, and more.
The 7.5-quart mixing bowl is made of imported 304 stainless steel, ensuring food safety, and satisfying the daily use of 3-7 person families. The removable splatter guard with a large feeding port helps you add ingredients without making a mess, making it easy to cook and enjoy preparing homemade dishes.
The POWWA mixer is a 3-in-1 multifunctional household stand mixer with a dough hook for dough mixing at 1-3 level speed, a mixing beater for
medium-speed stirring, and a whisk for high-speed egg mixing. All accessories are dishwasher-safe for quick and easy cleaning.
With easy-to-use features, just press the rise button to lift up the head and put the mixing bowl in place, then lock it by rotating it clockwise. The tilt-head design mixer allows easy access to install or uninstall the bowl and accessories. Place the whole mixer machine flat platform, and the 5 anti-slip suction feet on the bottom to ensure stability. The POWWA Stand Mixer is ETL certified and frees your hands to make cooking easy and enjoyable.
Some users mentioned that they didn't know how much they were missing out on before they bought this mixer. Users of hand mixers, oh my, this is a game-changer". Since we bought this mixer we have been using this almost every day.
This mixer works wonderfully. There is absolutely no need to buy one of those expensive mixers. This one does the job and the 7.5-quart bowl holds anything and everything. It comes with 3 different types of blades, no need to purchase them separately.
A few users said that they use it for making dough, but you can't use it every week. It doesn't seem to be powerful enough. After a few uses, it stopped working. This came with a 5-year warranty but no one gets back to you about it.
Our Thoughts - Forget the 5-year warranty, it's all fake. Read our thoughts on KUCCU (the last review on this page).
Good
Product information
With a 660W high-performance pure copper motor and sturdy ABS housing, the Aucma stand mixer delivers optimal performance. It offers six optimized speeds with a pulse function for easy access to multipurpose recipes, and its motor runs at a lower noise level of ≤ 76 dB.
The mixer's 6.5QT stainless steel bowl has dual handles for convenient handling while mixing cakes, bread, cookies, pastry, muffins, and waffles. The tilt-head design makes it easy to install or uninstall bowls and accessories, while the stainless steel decoration belt and blue LED light add a touch of elegance. The mixer housing has a one-layer painting for a shiny and beautiful finish in your kitchen.
The Aucma stand mixer comes with a whisk, dough hook, and mixing beater, and the splash guard with an access hatch helps prevent a mess when adding ingredients. It is an ideal gift for family and friends, and it has multiple authentications for safety and reliability. If you have any questions during use, please do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer.
Love this machine. Some buyers had read the reviews and were uncertain, but the company has a guarantee with it, so they figured they would give it a try. Do not find it loud, it stays in place on the counter, and find it easy to clean, It's nice to see how everything mixes, all the way to the bottom. Had no issues with the power, in fact, they have used it all the way from low to high and there are no issues. Plus the price was right.
A few users said that it was returned because it was loud and hurt their ears so they returned it. It has been designed such that the paddle in the mixer head doesn't reach the bottom of the bowl and so it doesn't mix the ingredients properly. The housing is a cheap lightweight plastic. The anti-splash lid is just a plastic lid that slips on and is held by three rubber spacers. The lever to lift the head of the mixer up and down is not metal but a plastic-coated piece to look like metal.
Our Thoughts - This looks pretty, unfortunately, the joy ends there. This mixer has a lot of plastic parts and is very lightweight.
Good
Product information
Powerful Mixing Action and 12-Speed Settings: The Hamilton Beach Electrics Stand Mixer features a planetary mixing action that rotates the beaters around the bowl for complete and even coverage.
With 12-speed settings, you can adjust the mixer's speed to your needs, whether you're making bread dough or whipped cream.
Durable Design: This stand mixer boasts a powerful 400-watt motor and a sturdy die-cast metal finish that is built to last.
Large Stainless Steel Bowl: The 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl is perfect for mixing large batches of dough or batter. It also features a handle for easy pouring and maneuvering.
Included Accessories: The stand mixer comes with a flat beater, dough hook, whisk, and pouring shield to prevent splatters while mixing.
Note on Trademark: KitchenAid is a registered trademark of Whirlpool Properties Inc. Our use of the KitchenAid trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by KitchenAid or Whirlpool Properties Inc.
It's great and makes you feel like a professional. Good weight so doesn't bounce around. Easy enough to operate and does a good job mixing batters. Long-time buyers said that they bought this stand mixer over ten years ago, and have no regrets. Everything mixes well with great power. Easy to clean, and so far has no rust.
A few customers said that in less than 6 months the product stopped working. All the emails are answered by a Robot pretending to be a human that chooses not to understand the contents of the email. Some customers said that they received the wrong product. A few more users said that it seems to struggle with the mixing attachment during the 7/8 minutes of kneading the dough.
Our Thoughts - Note: If you purchase a Hamilton Beach stand mixer via Amazon, from the USA then you move to a South American country they are not responsible and give no warranty for items outside the U.S.
Good
Product information
With a 6.5-quart high capacity and a 660W high-performance motor, the Kuccu kitchen stand tilt head mixer has ample space for your baking needs. This mixer comes equipped with a dough hook, flat beater, wire whip, and pouring shield to help you avoid messy kneading processes, so you can enjoy making cakes, bread, cookies, pastry, muffins, and waffles. Choose from 6 precise speed options to cater to different ingredients, ranging from a slow stir to a fast mix, or even lower speeds for delicate concoctions.
The tilt-head mixer design and button-controlled power-off feature make Kuccu mixer safer to operate. The machine base is equipped with 6 powerful silicone suction cups and non-slip silicone feet, providing a stable and secure operation without any bouncing or movement.
Kuccu offers a 24/7 online support guarantee for its brand. If you receive a defective item or have any questions during use, don't hesitate to contact Kuccu for friendly and lifelong support. With confidence in the quality of their product, Kuccu offers a full five-year quality guarantee. It's the perfect gift idea for your family and friends who love baking.
This is from customers that are having good luck with their stand mixer: A fair price for a great product. The front dough hook attachment, paddle, and whisk are easy to clean and are dishwasher-safe. The little suction cups under the mixer keep things from shifting around. The two beaters are close to the sides of the bowl. I only had to scrape down the sides once while making a cake. Unlike some brands that just mix the very center of the dough. Saves a lot of time. On average I make between 3 and 7 loaves of bread every week. So far, the Kuccu has had no problem keeping up. The motor is more powerful than in my old KitchenAid and it appears to be able to do as much.
Some customers received used and damaged stand mixers. Customer service is as good as non-existent. A number of users mentioned that the stand mixer has a problem with the speed setting. After a few months of using any speed, you set it to will go to full speed.
Our Thoughts - The seller is contacting users of KUCCU representing themselves as Amazon, asking to remove the negative reviews, and offering an Amazon gift card.
From a very disappointed user: "It's cheap Chinese consumer products. You know the drill. That fabulous 5-year warranty they offer plays out like this: It breaks. You tell them. They ignore you. You bug them until they can't ignore you. They suggest that you fix it yourself. You insist that they honor their warranty. They get nasty and ignore you again."
FAQs
What to do if the whisk is sitting too high in the bowl and the ingredients aren't getting properly mixed?
If the whisk is positioned too high in the bowl, and the ingredients are not getting mixed correctly, you can try adjusting the height of the whisk by using the lever or button that controls it. You can also try tilting the bowl slightly or adding more ingredients to increase the weight and allow for better mixing. Also, you can try to put a spacer under the bowl, if possible. If the problem persists, you may need to switch to a different attachment or mix the ingredients by hand.
Is it possible to buy replacement bowls and attachments for a stand mixer?
Yes, it is usually possible to purchase replacement bowls and attachments for a stand mixer. Many manufacturers offer these as separate accessories that can be purchased either directly from them or through authorized dealers. It is recommended to check the specific model and brand of your stand mixer to find compatible replacement parts. Additionally, some third-party manufacturers may also offer compatible replacement parts that are less expensive than those offered by the original manufacturer.
What mixer is just as good as KitchenAid but cheaper?
There are many stand mixers available in the market that offer similar features and performance to KitchenAid mixers at a lower price point. Here are a few examples:
- Hamilton Beach Electrics All-Metal Stand Mixer - This mixer has a powerful 400-watt motor, a 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl, and comes with three attachments. It is available at a lower price point than many KitchenAid models.
- Cuisinart SM-50BC Stand Mixer - This mixer has a 500-watt motor and a
5.5-quart bowl, and comes with a variety of attachments, including a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk. It is also available at a lower price point than many KitchenAid models. - Aicok Stand Mixer - This mixer has a 500-watt motor, a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, and comes with three attachments. It is available at a significantly lower price point than most KitchenAid models.
It's important to note that while these mixers offer similar features and performance to KitchenAid mixers, they may not be as durable or have the same level of brand recognition. It's recommended to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you find a mixer that meets your needs and budget.
