Best Stand Mixers for Fantastic Baked Goods

Even though you can mix ingredients and prepare bread dough manually, an automatic mixer makes things way easier. Some handheld mixers aren't powerful enough to knead hefty dough or whip large amounts of batter, and since you have to hold them the entire time, your arms might start to hurt. Make some extra room in your kitchen and purchase a stand mixer if you are searching for an easier way to churn your doughs and blend your sauces.

Stand mixers make light, frothy batters by whipping cream, beating egg whites, and creaming sugar. Several stand mixers come with extra accessories for pasta making, meat grinding, and other tasks, transforming them into genuine household superstars and freeing up extra time in your day and space in the kitchen. We think they're a great investment, so here's a checklist to help get you started on how to choose the best stand mixer.

What are the types of stand mixers?

Bowl-lift mixers

Bowl-lift mixers are usually higher-end, expert, or commercial-grade equipment. The bowl clamps onto the machine's sidearms and rear and is pulled into position using a side handle. These mixers are on the bigger side and are usually heavier and sturdier. They have a larger volume than their smaller counterparts and can handle heavier bread dough and mixing tasks with ease.

Tilt-head mixers

Tilt-head versions make up the bulk of countertop stand mixers for household use. The bowl is joined to the machine at the bottom, and the mixing accessories are linked to the machine at the head, with the bowl being lifted in and out after a basic tilt of the head. Replacing mixing accessories without detaching the bowl is simple, and the bowl is handier when you need to add or remove items or clean the edges because the head can be pushed back and away.

Planetary mixer

Go for a mixer with a planetary blending motion for the most accurate and uniform mixing. The mixing attachment on this machine rotates on its axis while revolving around the bowl's surface. This movement aids in reaching the components towards the bowl's edges, making sure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Bottom drive mixer

There are just a few of these mixers on the market, but those using them love them. The mixing accessories are held within the bowl at the bottom, allowing the bowl's top to be entirely clear. This is especially handy for recipes that need several additions since it gives you a clear view of the activity as you work.

Stationary mixers

In most stationary mixers, 2 beaters rotate in position whereas the bowl rotates underneath. Since this action is less successful at blending all of the components, it's required to frequently stop the unit and wipe down the edges and integrate ingredients manually. These mixers are not very common.

What are factors to consider while buying a stand mixer?

With so many options, one of the first choices you should make when shopping for a stand mixer depends on what you want to prepare with it. Looking to make a large number of cookies for a bake sale? Or are you in need of something to assist you with everyday mixing needs? Consider these details:

Size of the bowl

Smaller bowls have capacities ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 quarts. If you're a recreational baker who only uses your mixer once in a while, a smaller bowl will be enough for the majority of your needs. Try upgrading to a 6 or 8-quart mixing bowl if you intend on producing larger batches or heavier batter, or if you plan on utilizing your mixer for a range of projects quite often.

Take into account, too, that bigger bowls may make it more difficult to complete smaller jobs. If the mixer is too large and you’re making a tiny batch, the mixer may not be able to reach the contents at the bottom of the bowl. It's worth noting that many mixers list the bowl capacity in terms of just how many cups of flour they can contain. This can be deceiving - while the containers may carry the required amount of flour, they might not even be able to combine a batter of the same proportion without causing a mess or overloading the machine. It's fair to anticipate that the actual capacity will be a little lower than stated.

Mixer controls

Mixer buttons include knobs, switches, and levers, and also the variable speed slider type. Regardless of the settings on your stand mixer, they should be simple and easy to understand and use. Stand mixers usually have three to twelve different speed modes. The basics of the low, medium, and high speeds are important. However, the more speed options you have, the more flexibility you have over the process.

To start blending, find a unit that has a gradual start mode. When you switch on the mixer, this will help to minimize liquid or flour from spilling or splashing out of the bowl, and it may also be utilized when dealing with very fragile mixtures.

Cost

Although stand mixers aren't inexpensive, there are alternatives in virtually every price range for a good mixer. Determine how often you plan to use your stand mixer as well as the sorts of tasks you'd want to tackle. The more work you want to accomplish, the more vital it is to spend more on a unit with a better rating.

Warranty

Most stand mixers have a 1 to 3-year warranty, which is not really a long period of time for such an expensive purchase. Fortunately, the majority of stand mixers are built to last. Stand mixers, if properly maintained and not overworked, may survive for years (even generations!) without having to be repaired. Carefully consult your user guide for precise instructions for your equipment, but also be aware of any visual or auditory issues when using your blender and operate within its capabilities.

What is the price range of a good stand mixer?

If you're willing to invest in a stand mixer, many models range between $100 and $500. Certain commercial versions cost over $1,000, but a $200-$300 model will do for most home cooks. You can find some cheaper alternatives for under $100, but these may be small or low-quality. Higher-end mixers may be a decent alternative for those who want to go fancy. For instance, if you:

- Want to create recipes that call for a lot of heavy blending
- Need a large mixing bowl if you're going to make a large quantity at once
- Want a number of different configuration possibilities and attachments for making other foods

What are the features to look for in a stand mixer?

This section will help you to determine which attributes best suit your needs. Therefore, it will help you establish what you need to prioritize when looking for your stand mixer.

Color and design

Whereas stand mixers are certainly concerned with practicality, a great design and color scheme is something many mixers still boast. Some mixers have a classic, vintage-like look with chrome accents, but others may focus on providing you with a range of fantastic color options. You can match your mixer’s color to your existing small kitchen appliances for a cohesive look. Even the most inexpensive versions usually come in a few colors. Pick a good stand mixer that you enjoy looking at because it could have a permanent presence on your countertop for years ahead. When shopping for a piece to complement your kitchen, try modern, trendy polished steel, or traditional and aesthetically-pleasing pastel shades.

Tools

The majority of mixers will come with three basic tools — a ballooning whisk which is used to beat cream, yolks, and light mixes; a dough hook used to prepare bread doughs; and a flat mixer used to combine batters, cookie dough, and other light concoctions. A spatula beater (a utensil with a rubber edge that scrapes along with the bowl as it mixes) may alternatively be included.

Think about if you’d like your mixer for more kitchen needs than just mixing your doughs and batters. Do you want to make homemade pasta? What about easily chopped vegetables? Look for a mixer that has the ability to attach extra devices to make other tasks easier. These attachments cost extra, but investing in a mixer that can accommodate them will be worthwhile in the long run.

Size and weight

Putting another device on your counter might be difficult because countertop capacity is nearly always limited. Take measurements to determine how much room you have on your counter for keeping your machine, paying special attention to the space beneath your shelves. For this reason, stand mixers come in a range of sizes.

Also, consider size based on what you’ll be making. A compact, 3.5-quart mixer will be much easier to store in your kitchen, and it will still give you ample ability to make a few batches of your favorite treat.

If putting your stand mixer on the countertop isn't feasible, consider devices that are smaller and lighter for convenient storage in a cupboard or in a cabinet. The weight of a mixer is, in fact, one of the qualities of a stand mixer. Some of the large, steel mixers can weigh over 25 pounds!

Stand Mixer FAQ

Q: Are the parts of the mixer dishwasher safe?

A: Although a dishwasher-safe bowl is typically normal, be sure that any attachments you use are as well. Whisk attachments are often hand-washed because they're delicate. Plastic may be destroyed by high heat in the dishwasher, so hand-wash plastic items too.

Q: Is wattage important in a mixer?

A: When purchasing a mixer, power and speed are two key specs to remember. Typically, the higher the wattage, the more power it has to whisk or mix large or heavy quantities.