The 6 Best Stand Mixers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

How We Tested

Each of the 12 stand mixers we tested in our Lab was put to the same rigorous tests. We timed how long it took the mixers to make a single batch of whipped cream, testing the efficiency of the whip attachment and the machine's ability to handle smaller-volume mixes. We also tested the final volume of the whipped cream once it reached stiff peaks to evaluate how much air the whip attachment was able to incorporate into the cream while whipping. Next, each mixer tackled a cookie dough to see how quickly it would come together, and if it needed any help while mixing by scraping down the bowl. Finally, we mixed a batch of bread dough to see how the mixers performed under high stress with the dough hook attachment.

During and after testing, our writers and testers submitted feedback on each machine, including insights on the stand mixer's performance during the tests, as well as the design and additional features, the size and weight of the machines, and the real value of the mixer for the price.

Other Options We Tested

• Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer: Previously Runner-up to Best Overall, but when tested side-by-side with the rest of the stand mixers on this list, the mixer performed well in the whipping and beating tests. The bread dough kneading test stretched this machine to its limits, which could be expected given that it's a lower-priced machine, but could be a disappointment for bakers looking to do a little of everything.
• Hamilton Beach Classic Stand and Hand Mixer: Previously Best for Beginners, this machine seems like a good idea in theory, but in practice didn't live up to our tester's expectations. As a stand mixer, it was nearly inoperable, but it performed slightly better as a hand mixer. Ultimately, given the price point, our testers agreed that users would be best served to buy a quality hand mixer instead of this combination mixer.
• Amazon Basics Multispeed Stand Mixer: This stand mixer costs just shy of $100 and performed basic tasks fine during testing, but can't handle the stress of mixing thicker ingredients nearly as well as the other mixers on our list. While it was able to whip cream efficiently, it began to shake when mixing cookie dough and struggled even more while mixing bread dough. While it seems like a nice price for a stand mixer, it might be worth it to invest in a tougher hand mixer instead.
• Dash Stand Mixer: Dash has quickly become popular for making miniature kitchen appliances that are fun to use and take up very little space. This stand mixer is certainly cute, but it was unable to complete all of our tests. The stand mixer was able to whip most of the cream in the bowl, but not all of it, and didn't seem to have enough room to mix a single batch of cookie dough. Mixing bread dough was impossible. Even for whipping cream, our testers didn't think the machine was worth the price.

What to Look for When Buying a Stand Mixer

With all of the possibilities in mind, one of the very first decisions you should make when looking for a stand mixer is what you think you’ll be making with your mixer. Consider how often you’ll be using it and how versatile you’d like it to be. That information will help you decide what features will fit your needs best and quickly help you narrow down your options.

Bowl Size

Smaller bowl sizes range from about 4.5- to 5.5-quart capacities. If you’re a casual baker or plan on only using your mixer occasionally, a smaller bowl size will accommodate most of your needs. For example, you can comfortably mix a half sheet cake’s worth of batter, two loaves of banana bread, three dozen cupcakes, or a couple dozen 2.5-inch chocolate chip cookies in a 5-quart bowl.

If you’re planning on making larger recipes, heftier doughs, or plan on using your mixer often for a variety of projects, consider stepping your bowl size up to a 6- to 8-quart mixing bowl. But keep in mind that larger bowls may actually make it harder to tackle smaller projects. You may be able to whip up 7 pounds of buttercream in one go, but you’re less likely to be able to whip half a cup of cream. 

Note that many mixers advertise the bowl size by how many cups of flour they can hold. This can be misleading, as the bowls may hold the specified amount of flour, but they may not be able to mix a recipe of the same volume without making a mess or overwhelming the machine. It’s safe to assume a slightly lower capacity than advertised. 

Power

Like the bowl size, you’ll want to scale the power of your stand mixer to the volume and type of projects you’ll be using it for. The minimum recommended wattage is 250 watts, but some mixers boast up to 1000 watts. If you plan on mixing and whipping up lighter cake batters and liquids that don’t require a long mixing time, a lower wattage machine will get the job done. 

If you’re interested in working with thicker cookie doughs and larger volume foods, a 325-watt motor or greater will give your project the power it needs. If your goal is to regularly work with heavier doughs (bagels, pretzels, large batches of bread), the more power the better. You should shoot for a machine with a minimum of 6qt capacity that provides at least 500 watts of power. However, keep in mind that even with a powerful mixer, you may still need to finish kneading bread dough by hand.

Also, like bowl size, the advertised wattage can be misleading. While a mixer may claim to have a 500-watt motor, it may take more energy to operate the machine than a comparable stand mixer with the same wattage, giving less power directly to the bowl. It’s best to use this factor as a general guideline while weighing the value of the other features. 

Controls and Settings

Mixer controls range from dials and knobs to buttons, as well as the speed control lever-style found on the KitchenAid. Whatever controls your stand mixer has, they should be easy to understand and operate. 

Stand mixers tend to have anywhere between three and 12 speed settings. Low, medium, and high speeds are fundamental, but the more speed settings you have, the wider the range of control over the recipe you have. Also, look for a machine that has a slow start or “stir” setting to begin mixing. This will help avoid liquid or flour flying out of the bowl when you turn the mixer on, and it can be used when working with especially delicate mixes.

Some machines are equipped with an internal timer and an auto-shutoff function (also called overload protection). While not an essential control, the benefit of setting the machine and turning your attention to another task (and being able to trust that it will turn off when the time is completed) is certainly an advantage. 

If you decide to go with a tilt-head style mixer, you’ll want to make sure that the tilt-head locks while in the mixing position. This keeps the mixing head from jumping around with the machine on and ruining your recipe or damaging the machine itself. While the stand mixer head should lock for mixing, some also have a lock function in the open position as well. This is less necessary, and some reviewers even see it as a drawback if it takes two hands to unlock or is difficult to use. 

Price

While stand mixers certainly don’t come cheap, there are options for a quality machine in almost every price range. And unlike other appliances, you can generally rest assured that you’re getting what you pay for. Starting with more economical machines in the $100 to $200 range, you can find quality with very few compromises. 

Again, take into consideration how often you’ll be using your stand mixer and the types of projects you’d like to undertake. The more you’re planning on doing, the more important it is to invest in a higher-rated machine. For this investment, it’s best to buy the highest quality stand mixer you can afford.

Overall Size and Weight

Counter space is almost always at a premium, so adding another appliance to your workspace can be a struggle. Measure to see how much space you can dedicate to storing your machine on your countertop, with attention given to clearance under your cabinets. Machines come in a variety of heights for just such purposes.

If storing your stand mixer on the counter isn’t an option, you might want to look at machines that are more compact and lightweight for easy storage in a cabinet or on a shelf. Generally speaking, the weight of a machine is one of the features of a stand mixer. Machines over 20 pounds may be uncomfortable to move around, but that weight also provides stability so your machine is less likely to creep or walk across the counter while mixing. 

Color and Design

While functionality is usually the main concern with most stand mixers, having a color selection available is one of the more exciting choices when buying a new machine. Even the more affordable models are typically offered in a limited palette of silver, black, white, red, or blue. If you’re looking for a wider range of colors, KitchenAid offers over 30 choices for the Artisan 5-quart model. 

Since your stand mixer will likely be a fixture on your countertop for years to come, choose a model you like looking at. Clean and contemporary, modern brushed steel, or classic and colorful are all options to consider when looking for a piece to accent your kitchen. 

Warranties

Warranties for most machines vary from one to three years, which isn’t a long time for such an expensive machine. Luckily, most stand mixers are built to last. If taken care of and not pushed beyond their limits, stand mixers tend to last for years (even decades!) without needing repair. 

As always, refer to your user manual for guidelines specific to your machine, but also pay attention to any visible or audible signs of struggle your mixer may have while in use and work within its capacity.

Types of Stand Mixers

Tilt-Head

The majority of home-use countertop stand mixers are tilt-head models. The bowl is attached at the base of the machine, and the mixing attachments are secured at the top of the machine, lifting in and out of the bowl with a simple tilt of the head. Switching mixing attachments without removing the bowl is a breeze, and since you can push the head back, the bowl is more accessible when you need to add or remove ingredients or scrape the sides.

Bowl-Lift

Bowl-lift mixers are typically higher-grade and professional or commercial-level machines. The bowl snaps into the side arms and the back of the machine and is lifted into place with a lever on the side. These mixers are on the larger end of the size spectrum and typically a little heavier and more stable. They pack a more powerful punch, handling tougher doughs and mixing projects easier than their smaller and lighter counterparts. 

Bottom Drive

There are only a few options for this style mixer on the market, but those who use them swear by them. The motor of this mixer is in the base of the machine, underneath the bowl. The mixing attachments are secured inside at the base of the bowl, leaving the top of the bowl completely unobstructed. This is incredibly useful for recipes requiring multiple additions, and it provides a clear view of the action while working.

Planetary Mixing

For the most effective and consistent mixing, look for a machine with planetary mixing action. On this kind of machine, the mixing attachment spins on its axis while also rotating around the circumference of the bowl (exactly like the Earth spinning on its axis around the sun). This motion helps reach the ingredients at the edge of the bowl.

Stationary Mixing

Stationary mixers typically have two beaters that spin in place, while the bowl spins beneath them. This motion is less effective at mixing all of the ingredients, so stopping the machine to scrape down the sides and incorporate elements by hand is usually necessary. 

Brands

KitchenAid

When people say they have a stand mixer, they’re likely talking about a KitchenAid. The brand name is nearly synonymous with the machine at this point, which isn’t entirely surprising since it’s the original. Fans of the machine love the interchangeable attachments compatible with almost every style of mixer KitchenAid makes. From the compact mini mixer appropriate for tiny apartments, all the way up to the commercial mixers used in professional kitchens, KitchenAid has a stand mixer to suit almost every need. While usually a higher-priced mixer, the quality is undisputed. Most big-box retailers frequently offer discounts on these in-demand mixers several times a year, or for certain colors.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart has stepped up its appliance game over the last couple of decades, branching out from its original core food processor line to higher-quality kitchen appliances like stand mixers, juicers, bread machines, and home countertop ice cream makers. Cuisinart products are known for being reliable without breaking the bank. The designs are unfussy, with contemporary brushed stainless steel features for a consistent look across the company’s wide range of products.

Hamilton Beach

An easily recognizable name in the kitchen appliance market, Hamilton Beach has a reputation for economically priced equipment that’s sturdy enough for regular home use. Its massive line of kitchen equipment is typically easy to operate, clean, and store. Most Hamilton Beach appliances can be found across a wide range of retailers, from local hardware and grocery stores to department stores and kitchen-specific outfitters.

Wolf/Sub-Zero

Wolf appliances are typically the envy of very high-end kitchens, with the focus primarily on sleek and powerful ranges, cooktops, and ovens. The brand offers a few smaller kitchen appliances including a stand mixer, microwaves, and coffee systems with a focus on the same luxury offered by its larger kitchen appliances. You won’t find an exhaustive range of colors or matching hand tools with this line—what the company may lack in quantity, it more than makes up for with the highest-quality equipment.

Bosch is as much a technology company as it is an appliance company. It is known for large, high-tech household appliances like dishwashers, laundry machines, and refrigerators. The brand also brought the same engineering prowess to smaller equipment like coffee machines, stand mixers, and food processors. Sleek designs, with techy features, will delight someone looking for a more modern style.

SMEG

"Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla” is a mouthful, translating to “Metal Enamelling Plant from Guastalla Emilia”—SMEG for short. This Italian brand has been in existence and manufacturing kitchen appliances since 1948. These days, SMEG’s fashionable line of vintage and iconic appliances is unmistakable in retro and pastel colors that coordinate with each other in designer kitchens. All of those attractive design features are backed-up with heavy-duty construction, high-end power, and versatile attachments.

Maintenance

It would be surprising if you managed to whip up an entire cake without a puff of flour or a splash of cream hitting your mixer. Most mixers are very easy to clean, requiring little more than soapy water and a sponge, but try to wipe them down as soon as possible after using to avoid caked-on splatter. For a glossy finished machine, avoid the rough scrubber side of the sponge to keep from dulling the shine of your mixer. Consider a stainless steel cleaner or polish on stainless steel-finished machines to occasionally refresh their look. 

Almost all mixing bowls are dishwasher safe, as well as some of the attachments. Mechanical attachments, like pasta sheeters, may need to be hand washed or simply wiped. Refer to the included user manuals for the recommended way to clean your equipment. 

Accessories

Nearly all stand mixers come with some version of a flat paddle, wire whisk, and dough hook attachment. Many also include a clear plastic splash/pouring shield attachment for the bowl.

KitchenAid is well-known for its line of attachments and accessories (sold separately) that are interchangeable across the entire line of mixers. These include pasta sheeters, meat grinders, juicers, spiralizers, food processors, a sausage stuffer, and an ice cream maker bowl—among others. The brand also offers designer bowl replacements and even third-party accessories given the popularity of the KitchenAid machines. If you want your stand mixer to be a multi-purpose workhorse, consider getting one that offers comparable accessories.

For the more ambitious baker, it’s nice to have a second mixing bowl and attachment set for projects that include mixing and whipping a variety of ingredients quickly so you don’t have to break to wash dishes in the middle of a complex recipe (like a delicate fickle mousse). 

FAQs

What can you make with a stand mixer?

A stand mixer is built to handle baking and mixing projects that would otherwise be difficult to do by hand. This includes whipping a large amount of liquid, creaming butter and sugar together, mixing a smooth dough, and incorporating ingredients that might be difficult to handle from extreme temperatures. Most stand mixers are equipped for whipping, beating, and kneading and can be used for both pastry and savory cooking projects.

Many stand mixers on the market these days come equipped with attachments, making them even more versatile. On top of mixing, machines like the KitchenAid, SMEG, and Wolf Gourmet make attachments that roll pasta, grate and slice produce, juice, grind meat, and even stuff sausages. Of course, the additional attachments come at an additional cost, but it may be worth it if you’re an adventurous cook.

How do you knead dough with a stand mixer, and for how long?

Most stand mixers come with a dough hook attachment that’s designed specifically for that machine. Most smaller dough recipes are written for stand mixers, and typically include directions for how long to mix doughs, and at what speed. Most doughs are mixed at lower speeds on a stand mixer to keep from damaging the gears and overworking the motor. The time spent mixing depends entirely on the dough, but there are a few signs you can look for to know when the dough has finished mixing.

Most doughs will be smooth and elastic when they’re mixed properly, which is a sign that the gluten in wheat-based doughs has developed. If you notice the dough pulling away from the sides of the bowl while mixing, or even slapping against the bowl, those are also good signs that the dough has properly developed. 

How do you grease the bowl of a stand mixer? 

When working with extra sticky products, like marshmallows or very wet dough, you can grease the bowl of a stand mixer in a couple of different ways. If you’re using the bowl to let a product rest before mixing or turning out, a non-stick spray like PAM should be enough to do the trick. For very sticky ingredients that are going to get worked a little bit, you’ll want a heavier-duty oil like canola, vegetable, neutral, or olive oil. For prolonged mixing, any oil that you use will eventually be incorporated into your ingredients, so take care not to over-grease or use an oil that will clash with the recipe you’re making. 

If you’re concerned about a recipe being especially sticky, but don’t want to use any excess oil (which may ultimately make it even stickier), consider mixing your recipe, then using a plastic bowl scraper to get everything out of the bowl without too much hassle. The bowl scraper can also be greased to prevent your food from sticking while transferring it to its final destination.

Are KitchenAid stand mixer attachments and bowls interchangeable?

Most KitchenAid attachments that connect at the Power Hub at the top front of the mixer can be used on any KitchenAid model, including the Artisan Mini mixer. For attachments that require a little more power to operate efficiently, consider how much you’re going to use the attachment and how much power the mixer actually puts out. The Artisan mixers have less power than the Professional models, so be gentle when using the attachments, making sure not to overwork them.

Bowls and attachments like paddles, whisks, and dough hooks are generally specific to the style of KitchenAid mixer you have. Mixers with bowls that attach at the base of the machine will not work on the bowl-lift style mixers, and vice-versa. The mixing attachments that come with the machines are also scaled based on the size and style bowl the machine has, and are not easily swapped out between different models. 

The one exception to these rules is the KitchenAid Ice Cream Bowl attachment, which can be used on all mixer models except the Artisan Mini 3.5-quart Mixer.

Can a stand mixer replace a food processor?

Not really, but sometimes in a pinch. Many foods and even liquids can be mixed in a food processor, but the mixing is done with a blade that breaks the ingredients down while blending them together. A stand mixer mashes the ingredients together to mix them while developing the gluten, aeration, and overall structure of the ingredients. A stand mixer may also keep the integrity of ingredients (like chocolate chips) intact while mixing where a food processor will generally blend everything together to the same consistency.

Food processors are able to slice, grate, and chop ingredients, where a stand mixer will need a food processor attachment to do the same tasks. While some doughs can be mixed in a heavy-duty food processor, most doughs are still best mixed in a stand mixer. If the majority of your kitchen needs revolve around prepping fruits, vegetables, and sauces, you should consider a food processor. If your needs are more baking and mixing-based, you should consider a stand or hand mixer.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Donna Currie is the author of the cookbook Make Ahead Bread and specializes in product reviews and kitchen gadgets so she knows a thing or two when it comes to stand mixers. In fact, she personally tested three of the mixers for this roundup.

This roundup was updated by Sharon Lehman, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who happily makes space for any gadget that makes cooking faster and easier. She specializes in small kitchen appliance testing and reviews for The Spruce Eats.

Jenny Kellerhals updated this roundup and wrote the accompanying buying guide. With over a decade as a pastry chef in NYC, Jenny has extensive experience with professional and home-grade mixers. Her favorite mixer on this list is the KitchenAid 7-quart stand mixer because of its larger capacity for mixing up wedding cakes, larger batches of frosting, and a boost of power for specialty doughs.