“A stand mixer for the home baker is an investment that could (and should!) last your whole baking life,” says Erin McDowell, a cookbook author and food stylist. “My grandma even passed down a hand mixer to me that still ran great after 30 years of use.” Our team tested 22 of the best stand mixers on the market by using them to make batches of cookie dough, bread, and whipped cream in our lab in Birmingham, Alabama. We had our experts examine each stand mixer’s design and features, noting how well it operated on different speeds and with different mixture densities. We also took bowl size, performance, and overall value into consideration for every model before selecting the best stand mixers worth buying. We chose the Breville the Bakery Chef Stand Mixer as the best overall stand mixer, because it’s versatile enough to knead thick dough, seamlessly mix cookie dough, and form whipped cream at high speeds without shaking or overheating. Here’s our list of the best stand mixers. Keep in Mind: It requires two hands to raise and lower the mixer head since you have to press a safety release button. No matter what type of recipe you’d like to make, our testers found the Breville the Bakery Chef Stand Mixer to be up to the challenge. It earned perfect scores across the board for its design, performance, features, and size, making it the best stand mixer we tested. Equipped with a standard flat beater, wire whisk, dough hook, and a spatula, the mixer has plenty of attachments to handle mixtures of different densities. There’s also a scraper beater, which prevents unmixed ingredients from clinging to the sides of the bowl. Plus, it comes with a 5-quart glass bowl and a 4-quart stainless steel bowl, so there’s plenty of room to make a double batch. During our tests, we found that the Breville the Bakery Chef stand mixer had no trouble working with different dough types. When making whipped cream, it successfully created stiff peaks in the mixture in just 18 seconds without splattering, and when we used it to make a cookie recipe, it had no trouble beating all the ingredients into a consistent dough in just one minute. Even when making bread dough, we were shocked that the motor had no trouble handling a denser mixture and effectively kneaded the dough to the perfect elasticity. This is because the Breville the Bakery Chef mixer has 12 different speed settings designed to handle different types of mixtures, including cookie dough, cake batter, bread, and more. It also automatically senses when particularly heavy dough is being mixed and will automatically adjust the power to maintain speed. One of our testers described the bread dough setting as “a game changer,” saying it allowed the machine to handle a thicker consistency without rattling or overheating. Price at time of publish: $400 Attachments: Scraper beater, flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk, spatula, splash guard, pouring shield | Wattage: 550 watts | Bowl Size: 4 quarts (stainless steel) and 5 quarts (glass) | Dimensions: 11.4 x 14.8 x 14.3 inches Keep in Mind: The machine is quite noisy and shakes a lot when kneading bread dough. If you’re shopping for an effective yet budget-friendly stand mixer, the Hamilton Beach Classic Stand and Hand Mixer is a great option. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of a more expensive machine, it impressed our testers with its reliable performance and effectiveness on several recipe types. Unlike many of the other mixers we tested, this model features a detachable base, so you can use it as a hand mixer or re-attach it for hands-free operation. When making whipped cream, we found that the stand mixer had no trouble incorporating the ingredients to create perfect peaks in the mixture in a little over a minute. Our testers also used the machine to make cookie dough, and they were impressed that the beaters scraped everything off the sides of the bowl as it went so there was no need to do so manually. Though the mixer started to shake a bit once the dough had formed, the machine suctions to the countertop for stability, preventing it from moving around. With a 4-quart stainless-steel bowl, the mixer offers plenty of room for bigger recipes, and our testers reported they had plenty of space to mix ingredients without spills or splattering. It comes with a set of two traditional beaters, a whisk, and two dough hooks, but the manufacturer also offers other attachments you can buy separately, if you choose. During testing, we found that the Hamilton Beach Stand and Hand Mixer had trouble kneading the whole wheat bread dough. Once the dough started to thicken, the machine got extra loud and shook significantly. For this reason, we don’t recommend using this mixer on denser dough types. Price at time of publish: $60 Attachments: Dough hooks, whisk, beaters | Wattage: 290 watts | Bowl Size: 4 quarts | Dimensions: 10.5 x 5.9 x 9.7 inches Keep in Mind: The power cord is rather short. If you spend a lot of time baking in the kitchen, you may be willing to spend a little bit more for a truly high-quality mixer that can handle frequent use and diverse recipe types. Our testers loved the Kenwood 5-Quart Chef Titanium Kitchen Machine, which has a compact stainless steel exterior and is effective for making dough, batter, frosting, and more. Despite being a 5-quart machine, the Kenwood stand mixer is quite compact, so you can leave it out on your countertop without sacrificing tons of space. It comes with three different beater types: a whisk, a dough hook, and a K beater that is designed to mix ingredients together more efficiently. We like that the stainless steel bowl includes handles on each side, making it super easy to remove from the machine without risking a spill or dropping it. When we tested it in our lab, we found that the Kenwood stand mixer had no trouble handling whipped cream, cookie dough, and even bread dough. For each test, it easily incorporated all of the ingredients into one seamless mixture in a matter of minutes, creating the perfect consistency for the recipe without any sign of the machine overheating. Our testers noted that the mixer became a bit loud when kneading bread dough but not loud enough that they couldn’t have a conversation over it. They also liked that the bowl comes with a splash guard to prevent messes outside the bowl. During cleanup, crumbs and dried dough wiped off the surface of the bowl easily, and the beaters and bowl are both dishwasher safe. Since the exterior of the mixer itself is smooth without any notches or crevices for food to get stuck in, our testers were able to wipe it down in just a few seconds. Keep in mind that this stand mixer has a short power cord, so you may be more restricted about where you can use it in your kitchen. Be sure that you have plenty of space near an outlet to place this stand mixer before purchasing. Price at time of publish: $560 Attachments: Whisk, dough hook, K beater, flexi beater, splash guard, spatula, spanner | Wattage: 750 watts | Bowl Size: 5 quarts | Dimensions: 17.75 x 9 x 11.75 inches Keep in Mind: Our testers said the materials used to make this mixer felt less high-quality compared to other machines we tested. Whether you’re baking a classic chocolate chip cookie recipe or an extra-large batch of your favorite holiday cookies, having a stand mixer allows you to multitask more easily in the kitchen. While the mixer combines ingredients for a perfectly formed dough, you can prep other recipes, clean your workspace, or keep an eye on cookies already in the oven. The Aucma 6-Speed Tilt-Head Stand Mixer earned our testers’ approval as the best stand mixer for cookies because of its large bowl size, useful accessories, and superior mixing capabilities. During our tests, it took the mixer less than a minute to combine wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth, consistent cookie dough. Since the bowl is 6.5 quarts in size, there’s plenty of space for a double batch if you’re baking for a crowd. Our testers found that the mixer had no trouble stirring the wet and dry ingredients together without the need to manually scrape the sides of the bowl, making it a truly hands-free operation. In addition to being extremely useful for baking cookies, the mixer also performed well when making whipped cream, forming stiff peaks in the mixture with ease. Keep in mind that this stand mixer had trouble properly combining ingredients on thicker dough types, like bread dough. While the bowl provided plenty of room for bread dough, we found that the dough it created wasn’t thoroughly kneaded and required manual kneading afterwards. Price at time of publish: $157 Attachments: Beater, dough hook, whisk, splash guard | Wattage: 660 watts | Bowl Size: 6.5 quarts | Dimensions: 15.24 x 9.37 x 12.36 inches Keep in Mind: It has a 10-minute auto-shutoff timer, so you’ll need to start your machine up again if you want to knead dough for a long period of time. Kneading bread dough can be a tiresome task, especially if you’re trying to do it by hand. While not every mixer is capable of kneading bread dough effectively—many can become quite loud, shake violently, or overheat when working on dense dough—the best stand mixers will be up to the challenge. Our testers were really impressed by the performance of the GE Tilt-Head Electric Stand Mixer, which performed well on our whipped cream, cookie dough, and bread recipe tests. While other mixers needed frequent help with scraping ingredients off the sides of the bowl, the GE mixer’s rotation is designed to cover the entire bowl, so our testers didn’t have to lift a finger. They also noted that the machine was quite lightweight, making it easier to lift or put away than others we tested. However, this didn’t cause it to move around during operation; it stayed perfectly still on the countertop. When mixing the whole wheat bread dough, the GE Mixer was the top performer of the day. We used it to mix the dough for 10 minutes, and during that time, the motor didn’t become too hot, the machine didn’t jolt around on the counter, and it didn’t become excessively loud. The resulting dough was slightly sticky but quite elastic and easy to work with. Similarly, this mixer was able to successfully create the perfect whipped cream consistency, and the 5.3-quart die-cast metal bowl is slightly larger than the standard mixing bowl size, meaning there’s extra space for large recipes or double batches. The machine also features a slow-starting motor, which avoids sudden splatters when you change mixing speeds. Keep in mind that this machine has a 10-minute automatic shutoff feature, so if you want to stir or knead ingredients longer than that, you’ll need to turn the dial back to “zero” and restart it. Price at time of publish: $299 Attachments: Flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk, pouring shield | Wattage: 350 watts | Bowl Size: 5.3 quarts | Dimensions: 8.93 x 15.56 x 13.57 inches Keep in Mind: It had a loud operation when kneading the formed bread dough in our tests. If you like to try a wide variety of recipes in the kitchen, you will likely need a bunch of different attachments to get the most out of your stand mixer. Our testers particularly liked the accessories included with the Cuisinart 5.5-quart stand mixer, saying that this machine is a great choice for an everyday baker who prefers variety. This stand mixer comes with a 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl and a convenient tilt-back head for easy access when adding ingredients. It also includes a dough hook for kneading, a whisk, a flat mixing paddle, and a splash guard to prevent splatters. While many of the other stand mixers we tested included these features, we particularly liked how easy it was to operate and clean the attachments on the Cuisinart mixer. Plus, you can add other Cuisinart attachments, such as a spiralizer, pasta cutter, meat grinder, and ice cream maker, to this machine (sold separately). We also loved that the mixer has pre-programmed settings for common baking needs—such as whipped cream, mixing batter, and kneading dough—allowing you to achieve the desired texture for every recipe. In our tests, we found the Cuisinart 5.5-quart mixer to be perfect for creating whipped cream, combining the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla without splashing to form stiff peaks in less than two minutes. Our testers also successfully made oatmeal cookies with this machine, noting that it even scraped ingredients off the sides as it mixed for a perfectly clean bowl. Once the dough started to become firmer, the mixer shook slightly but not enough to raise concerns. If you’re planning to use this mixer to make bread, plan to scrape the sides of the bowl as the machine mixes, as it seemed to have trouble combining ingredients on dense dough types during testing. Price at time of publish: $300 Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, flat mixing paddle, splash guard | Wattage: 500 watts | Bowl Size: 5.5 quarts | Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.2 x 15.9 inches Keep in Mind: It’s a bit difficult to secure the bowl in place under the mixer. Since many stand mixers are designed to work on single-batch recipes, making food and desserts for a crowd can be a bit of a hassle. It often requires either making the same recipe twice to accommodate more people or owning a separate mixer designed to handle large quantities. However, our testers found that the KitchenAid Professional Series 600 stand mixer expertly balanced the large capacity needed for large recipes while remaining quite effective at mixing smaller batches together. When making whipped cream, cookie dough, and bread, we found that this stand mixer had no trouble forming the perfect consistency for each recipe. The motor didn’t overheat, and the machine didn’t become loud when kneading the bread dough, making us confident that it would be able to handle dense dough types without issue. We were astounded by how much space the 6-quart bowl offered, yet it had no trouble mixing the single batch recipes we used for our tests. This means you’ll be able to use this mixer for small recipes and double batches alike without having to purchase a separate appliance or making the same recipe twice in a row. Our testers also found that the KitchenAid Professional Series 600 mixer was quite easy to clean, since the bowl, attachments, and the splash guard are all dishwasher safe. The splash guard prevented any spills or splatters on the mixer itself, so all we had to do to clean up was swipe it with a damp rag. Though this large batch stand mixer comes with a dough hook, a wire whisk, a flat beater, and a pouring shield, you can purchase 12 other compatible attachments, meaning you’ll be able to use this mixer for just about any recipe under the sun. The stainless steel bowl features a convenient handle for easy carrying, and the mixer comes in 10 different colors to match your kitchen color scheme. Keep in mind that securing the mixing bowl into place on this appliance can take a bit of practice. Since it’s a bowl-lift mixer, our testers had some trouble getting the bowl in place under the mixer head, but this became less of an issue once they got the hang of it. Price at time of publish: $600 Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, flat beater, pouring shield | Wattage: 575 watts | Bowl Size: 6 quarts | Dimensions: 9 x 7.25 x 17 inches Keep in Mind: This mixer has a high-pitched whine when mixing thicker dough like bread dough. If you lack space in your cupboards or countertop for appliances, you’ll likely want to look for a stand mixer that’s more compact and easy to transport, so you can keep your kitchen from looking cluttered. Our testers fell in love with the 3.5-quart KitchenAid Artisan Mini Plus Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, which is perfectly sized for single batch recipes while remaining lightweight and easy to clean. During testing, this small stand mixer aced our tests for whipped cream and cookie dough, incorporating the ingredients just as easily as the larger stand mixers we tested. Our experts noted that the bowl size was perfect for a single batch of cookies, but there wasn’t enough space for a bigger batch, should you choose to double the recipe. Even when kneading bread dough (which required a bit of extra help from our testers to fully incorporate) for long periods of time, the motor did not become hot or overworked. This made us confident that it’d be capable of handling a wide variety of dough and batter types without any clunking or accidental breaking. Plus, we loved that this mixer’s bowl and attachments are all dishwasher safe, so cleaning up after baking was an extremely simple task. Since it weighs just 18 pounds, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Plus stand mixer is much easier to move around your kitchen without exerting too much energy. Its compact dimensions make it easier to slide into a cabinet for out-of-sight storage, but its sleek design and 10 different color options also make it attractive enough to display on your countertop, too. Keep in mind that this mini stand mixer took on a high-pitched whine when mixing dense dough types like bread dough. While this wasn’t enough to deter our testers from using or buying the appliance, some shoppers may prefer to purchase a quieter machine. Price at time of publish: $380 Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, flat beater | Wattage: 250 watts | Bowl Size: 3.5 quarts | Dimensions: 7.8 x 12.3 x 12.3 inches Keep in Mind: According to the manufacturer, you shouldn’t use the dough hook attachment above speed three on this mixer. After a long day of baking, the last thing you probably want to do is scrub dried gunk out of all the nooks and crannies on your kitchen tools and appliances. The best stand mixers make it easy to not only bake a delicious recipe but also to tidy up at the end of the day—which is why we chose the Smeg ’50s Retro Clean Stand Mixer as the easiest to clean. This 5-quart mixer features a funky retro aesthetic that makes it irresistible to display on your kitchen countertop—but its functional qualities are just as impressive as its appearance. We found that the Smeg stand mixer could easily create a delectable whipped cream with perfectly formed peaks and a gooey yet formable cookie dough in a matter of minutes. Our testers didn’t have to help the machine at all by scraping ingredients off the sides of the bowl; it managed to incorporate everything on its own. It has 10 different speed levels, so you’ll be able to use it to make whipped frosting or slowly stir ingredients together. The smooth-start function helps prevent liquids from splattering when you increase the speed, and our testers loved that the splash guard helped prevent spills when pouring wet ingredients inside the bowl. Best of all, this mixer’s stainless steel bowl and attachments are all dishwasher safe, so you’ll be able to give them a quick rinse and pop them in the dishwasher after a long day of baking. The pouring shield also prevented any spills outside the bowl, so there wasn’t any dried batter crusted onto the mixer when we went to wipe it down. The Smeg stand mixer had a bit more trouble than other mixers in this price range when it came to kneading bread dough, and the bread required some extra hand kneading afterwards. We’d recommend mainly using the mixer for recipes with less density, like batter, frosting, or cookie dough. Price at time of publish: $500 Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, flat beater, pouring shield | Wattage: 600 watts | Bowl Size: 5 quarts | Dimensions: 16 x 19 x 15 inches
Our Testing Process
Our team of experts put 22 of the best stand mixers to the test in our lab in Birmingham, Alabama to determine which models are the most effective for different recipes, batch sizes, and kitchen needs. We used each stand mixer to create whipped cream, oatmeal cookie dough, and whole wheat bread dough in order to see how well they handled dough and batter of different thicknesses. As it was mixing, we noted whether or not the machine shook, splattered outside the bowl, or made clunking noises. Our testers also paid careful attention to design, speed settings, any helpful attachments, and accessories that made each mixer stand out from the crowd. Then, we used these insights to create our list of the best stand mixers.
What to Know About Stand Mixers Before Shopping
Intended Use
When picking out the best stand mixers for your baking needs, it’s important to consider how versatile the machine is and what types of recipes you intend to use it for. We tested 22 different stand mixers by using them to make whipped cream, oatmeal cookies, and whole wheat dough to see how well they were able to handle different densities. “It’s always smart to read the manuals for mixers,” McDowell says. “They are often available online to peruse, even without purchase. There’s a lot of clues in there about what the mixer is recommended for. It can give you a lot of information that might help in making a decision between brands.” If you plan to make whipped cream, frosting, or other fluffy concoctions in your stand mixture, you’ll want to shop for a model that’s capable of running at high speeds without shaking or splattering everywhere. For bread and pizza dough recipes, we found that stand mixers with a powerful motor and weight-sensing capabilities tended to be better at handling thicker dough types. Shoppers who frequently find themselves baking for a crowd will want to look for a stand mixer with an extra-large bowl to handle larger quantities—typically five quarts or larger.
Wattage
“The wattage capabilities of the mixer motor is one of the most important [factors to consider when buying a stand mixer],” McDowell says. “Wattage equates to how long a mixer can run. You not only need a bowl big enough to accommodate your batch size, but you also need a mixer powerful enough to effectively mix it.” If you’re baking an extra-large batch or you frequently use your stand mixer to knead bread dough, it should use around 600 watts of power to handle the toughest baking tasks. Many of the stand mixers we tested had an output between 250 and 750 watts. You can use the wattage listed on each mixer to determine whether or not it’s suited for your needs.
Attachments and Accessories
To make your stand mixer even more diverse, look at what attachments and accessories come with the machine. These added features—such as whisks, dough hooks, splash guards, and more—allow you to use the mixer for a wide range of functions without taking up tons of space in your kitchen. Some of our favorite features you should look for when shopping for the best stand mixers include splash guards, which prevent ingredients from splattering outside of the bowl, and dough hooks, which can help your machine effectively knead thicker substances.
Dimensions
Whether you’re planning to store your mixer in a cupboard or on top of your counter, it’s important to take into consideration how much space your new stand mixer will take up. If you have low-hanging cabinets, check the height of the mixer before purchasing to see if it’ll fit on your countertop or if you’ll need to store it in a cabinet when not in use. The stand mixer’s bowl size may also impact how much space it takes up in your kitchen. While the best stand mixers are typically four to five quarts in size to accommodate a variety of recipes, others may have even larger bowls that will take up more room on your countertop.
Other Stand Mixers We Tested
Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Stand Mixer
Though another mixer from the same brand did well in our tests, we were disappointed by the performance of the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Stand Mixer. It failed to properly mix ingredients and achieve the desired consistency for whipped cream, cookie dough, and bread dough, and the machine shook a lot during operation. For this reason, we chose to exclude it from our list of the best stand mixers.
Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer
Our testers were shocked by the performance, durability, and features of the Wolf Gourmet High-Performance Stand Mixer, but we couldn’t justify the steep price tag. We loved the splash guard and that it effortlessly created whipped cream and cookies, but the bowl was too deep for the beater to properly combine ingredients to make bread dough. Since other stand mixers offer the same performance at a much lower price, we’d only recommend this mixer to someone who is in the kitchen frequently and could make use of its other attachments and features.
Sunbeam MixMaster
During testing, the Sunbeam MixMaster stand mixer could not mix ingredients to make whipped cream, cookie dough, or bread, making it ineffective for use. We found that the entire machine looked and felt extremely cheap, despite being similar in cost to several of the appliances on our best stand mixers list. Since it was ineffective at combining ingredients or operating without close supervision, our testers gave it a low rating.
Your Questions, Answered
How do I clean my stand mixer?
To keep your stand mixer in good condition, you’ll want to clean your stand mixer’s bowl, splash guard, and beater attachment with warm soapy water after every use. Be sure to check whether or not these items are dishwasher-safe or if they need to be hand-washed. If any batter splashed onto the machine, use a damp cloth to wipe away any spills or messes on the machine itself. In addition to washing the bowl and accessories after every use, you’ll occasionally need to deep-clean the appliance to keep it in good condition. You can use dish soap and a damp cloth or a cotton swab to clean all of the crevices of the machine, including the knobs and handles, the underside of the mixer head, and more. Keep the vent clean to prevent your machine from overheating by using a toothpick to remove any dust that’s built up over time. Finally, you’ll want to wipe off the foot pads underneath the mixer to ensure it has a good grip when in use.
How much should I spend on a good stand mixer?
You can find tons of stand mixers at a wide range of price points on the market, but many of them have different features and attachments that may be more important to some people than others. If you’re an occasional baker looking to find a reliable stand mixer without tons of bells and whistles, you can find plenty of high-quality options below $200. (In fact, our choice for the best budget stand mixer is the Hamilton Beach Classic Stand and Hand Mixer, and it’s just $60.) However, if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, like to experiment with a wide variety of recipes, or frequently bake for a crowd, you may want to consider spending a little more for a long-lasting appliance with more versatile features. Depending on your specific priorities, you can expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $1,000 on the best stand mixers.
Who We Are
Samantha Jones is an associate commerce editor at Better Homes & Gardens, covering all the products worth purchasing for your home or yard including vacuums, bedding, garden tools, and more. For this story, Samantha researched the best stand mixer features and accessories, then compared her findings with testing insights gathered from our lab in Birmingham, Alabama. She also interviewed cookbook author and professional baker Erin McDowell for her expert insights on this topic.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they’re worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn’t an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products and we let you know that we got it for free to remain as transparent as possible about our picks. Looking for more products that have earned our BHG Recommends seal of approval? Check out our picks for everything from picnic blankets to humidifiers.
