For both at-home and professional bakers, electric stand mixers can be a necessary. Traditionally, they last many years, but will today’s models pass the test of time? We take a closer look at the build quality, efficiency and accessories of current stand mixers to find out -and whether cheaper models measure up.
What to look for when buying a stand mixer
Capacity
Like batch-baking for cake sales? You’ll need a larger bowl capacity and perhaps a more powerful mechanism that will plough through larger volumes of mix. Buy the biggest machine you can afford that will fit in your kitchen.
Versatility
Stand mixers can work hard with the right attachments, which include everything from pasta rollers to sausage makers. Study the number of bolt-on accessories available if you want to use your machine frequently for lots of kitchen tasks.
Weight
If you’re short on counter space and will be hauling the stand mixer in and out of storage, be aware that some of them can be very hefty. If you struggle with your back, this is a significant consideration.
Value for money
There’s no point splashing out on a gadgety machine with various accessories if you’re only going to use it to make basic cakes.
Best stand mixers at a glance
Pros
- Splash guard to avoid making a mess
- Dishwasher friendly
- Fast 60Hz refresh rate
- Shock absorbing cups for reduced vibration
- Tilt head for easy detachment
Cons
- None (as per our personal experience
Acekool Tilt-Head Electric Stand Mixer stands strong in the list of top mixers with its 1400W motor made of pure copper. The motor offers a high-level performance and will beat that cake dough nice and smooth for the fluffiest cake you have ever had.Are you looking to bake large batches of cookies for the entire family? The Acekool Stand Mixer has a 7L stainless steel mixing bowl that will help you do exactly that.
Tired of mixers that vibrate while in use? Acekool’s new vibration absorption design ensures that there is absolutely no displacement while you’re using the mixer. Also, the mixer comes with 6 strong suction cups that bring steadiness to the body of the appliance.
Not only does Acekool ensure you get the best baking batter with this mixer but also that you don’t end up making a mess in the kitchen. Acekool Stand Mixer comes with a splash guard that helps prevent the batter from spilling outside the mixing bowl.
Remember the jarring noise from the kitchen on Sunday afternoons? The Acekool Stand Mixer has a lower operation noise (<75dB) which helps you bake peacefully and happily.
Cleaning mixers can be quite a daunting task. Why not let the dishwasher do it? Acekool Stand Mixer is dishwasher friendly so that you don’t have to do the extra work.
Finally, Acekool gives you a 3-year guarantee with its stand mixer so that you can easily get parts replaced. You can also report an issue and get it sorted right away. You can learn more about this stand mixer through its user manual.
2,Cuisinart Precision stand mixer
Pros:
- 5.2L stainless steel bowl with practical handle
- Transparent splash guard
- 3-year guarantee
Cons:
- No integrated scales
- Chef’s whisk is not dishwasher-safe
The die-case metal body with high-gloss finish gives this relatively affordable and large-capacity stand mixer the robust, quality feel of those twice its price. Features like its 5.2-litre stainless steel mixing bowl with practical handle contribute to the sense that what you get is great value for money.
It performs the basics well. The flat paddle mixer, dough hook and large whisk have good size and heft, sitting low in the bowl so as to pick up all ingredients. Its motor is 500W, which was less powerful than most tested but kneaded away without looking or sounding strained.
Covered by a three-year guarantee, this is a great one to consider if you want basic kitchen tasks done well, without a hefty price tag.
3,Haden 5-Litre stand mixer
Pros:
- Super-lightweight
- Four sucker feet for stability
- Dishwasher safe 5-litre stainless steel bowl
Cons:
- Plastic outer
- Noisy
If you’re after the classic mixer look and a practical size for batch-baking, the Haden is good value-for-money option, retailing at around £100, with plenty of user-friendly features.
The outer is plastic rather than die-cast metal; just one element you forfeit for the price along with integrated scales and a timer. Four industrial suckers secure it to the counter-top. However, it’s robust without being hefty which is immensely practical for moving it between a cupboard and the kitchen surface.
An 800W motor powers through basic kitchen tasks easily with whisk, beater and dough hook attachments, all of which can be thrown in the dishwasher after use. It’s noisy, particularly with kneading dough, so it may not be suitable for open-plan kitchen living areas but no stand mixer is silent. For anyone wanting an efficient stand mixer for cakes and bakes, the Haden is a practical size.
4,VonShef 1000W black stand mixer
Pros:
- Easy to move around
- Bargain price
Cons:
- Small mixing bowl
- Plastic casing
This stand mixer from VonShef has a decent 1000W motor, so copes well with tough doughs and whizzes plenty of air into sponge and meringue mix. You may need to give it some time to achieve the best results, but that’s the payoff for its bargain price (around £100).
We suspect that over time the black plastic casing could pick up a few scrapes, but this model seems well put-together and is certainly light enough to be stashed away.
The 3.5-litre bowl can’t cope with huge quantities, but if you’re making occasional cakes or mixing dough for one or two loaves, it does the job perfectly well.
5,Russell Hobbs Go Create stand mixer
Pros:
- Great price
- Good range of speed settings
Cons:
- Can move when working hard
- Hand-wash bowl recommended
Combining generous capacity and power, this budget stand mixer is a good choice if you want something functional and care less about wowing with a statement piece. In tests, we tried various recipes that put the dough hook, beater and balloon whisk to good use and found it coped with everything we threw at it, although we had to push dry ingredients down into the mix at times.
Tough doughs saw the machine move slightly, but that’s to be expected when it’s not in the heavyweight league.
We liked the straightforward controls and found the attachments easy to twist into place – the bowl, too, although it’s the only element that can’t go in the dishwasher. The beaters can, and we found the whole thing easy to wipe clean.
A machine that efficiently mixed all the ingredients at the same time was a staple requirement. We looked for pavlova mixes that were glossy and well-whisked, cake mixes that were light with evenly distributed zest and finally, well-risen dough that was soft and light when baked.
Have a good time. And choose one you like most.
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