Best Stand Mixer Buying Guide & Reviews
Through our research we believe we have distilled down which is the best stand mixer for the money. But, by no means does it mean the other kitchen stand mixer reviews indicate that the other machines are not a good choice also.
The theme of bestkitchensreviews.com is to only bring to the forefront kitchen products that are good. Having said that, there’s always at least one kitchen product that edges out the others.
A bit of History
Rotating mixers date all the way back to the mid 19th century – these machine where bulky and cumbersome, and couldn’t really be used by anyone other than wealthy restaurant owners. It wasn’t until after World War I that KitchenAid released a home kitchen stand mixer that could easily be used by the everyday consumer.
New Innovations
While the overall form of this machine hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years, they have had a few innovations. The stand mixers of today boast dozens of different speed, customization, timers, along with built in safety features so the motor doesn’t overheat.
Lots of Stand Mixers to Choose From
The market is no longer cornered by just a few manufacturers anymore either – hundreds of companies are now out there with several different models of kitchen stand mixers, giving you a veritable cornucopia to choose from.
Because of all this variation, mixed with a healthy dollop of technobabble, it may seem a bit confusing and overwhelming to pick the best stand mixer for the money.
Characteristics To Look Out For
When researching for the best stand mixer for the money, you may come to realize that it isn’t just a matter of getting a machine that simply spins ingredients around. This guide has been made with you in mind – first we’ll start with what characteristics to best look out for when in the market for one of these machines.
Top 5 Stand Mixers
The next section will focus on the top five greatest models found on Amazon. Finally, everything will be wrapped up with a short section on proper safety and cleaning procedures for your new stand mixer. By the end you can confidently go forth knowing you picked best stand mixer for the money.
Things To Keep In Mind
Before you start searching for the mixer that is best for your situation, there are a few characteristics you need to keep in mind, to ensure you choose the best stand mixer for the money. Again, the right one for your lifestyle.
The Only Time Bigger May Not Be Better
The immediate thing you may notice is the bowl size – 4.5 quarts is the most common, but many more go higher than this. It’s obviously best to pick one that will work for you – bigger isn’t always better (although I’ve never actually heard anyone say this… 🙂 ) as it can take up more counter space than may be necessary.
Motor Wattage
From here you’re going to want to look at the relative power of the motor – typically measured in wattage, a minimum of 500 watts is recommended, with more elite models going as high as 1000 watts. Once again, more power isn’t always recommended – a strong motor might be a bit of a waste if you’re just going to use it to mix basic brownie mixes.
Mixing Heads
The mixing heads should be able to be taken off and replaced with different accessories. Better stand mixers usually come with a small variety pack in the box, with additional attachments purchasable if you need them.
Slow Start Feature
The speed levels can vary, but superior models typically have their settings in the 10 to 12 range. You should also consider more latent features – such as the bowl height mechanism, and if it comes with a slow start. The slow start is important because it reduces splatter. Many mixers now too come with a shield to further reduce any potential mess.
Easy to Disassemble & Dishwasher Safe
Make sure whatever you get is easy to disassemble – because of the nature of these machines, stand mixers need to be cleaned often. Things like the bowl and beaters should be dishwasher safe.
Overall Build & Look
Finally, you’re going to want to look at the overall build of the machine. Unlike many other appliances, stand mixers come in a wide variety of colors. Stainless steel and chrome machines look sleeker, but do require constant cleaning as they smudge easily. There are many that are designed in such a way to have a retro look – giving your kitchen plenty of personality.
Best Stand Mixer For The Money
Cross referencing all the reviews through Amazon, here is a list of the top rated stand mixers out there today. These stand mixers are not only made with high craftsmanship, but contain plenty of features and settings to help you make the best food you can.
Hamilton Beach 63232 Eclectrics All-Metal Stand Mixer
This Hamilton Beach 63232 Eclectrics machine has a great set of 2-way rotating mixing heads. These professional heads rotate around the bowl in the opposite direction of the beater, ensuring a thorough mix every time.
The bowl itself is 4.5 quarts in size and made of a tough stainless steel. You can attach one of the 3 mixing accessories – with Hamilton Beach providing a whisk, flat beater, and dough hook.
For maximum customization this stand mixer comes with a dozen setting that operate at plenty of different speeds.
The quick release tilt up head means you don’t have to fight the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 63232 to get your mixture out.
Coming in red, licorice (black), sterling (silver), and sugar (white), you can mix, beat, whip with style.
Customers have mentioned that this machine’s top dips back easily, allowing you to change attachments without any hassle. Also noted is that the machine’s feature of adjusting to the level of the mixture’s thickness is incredibly useful. Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 63232 All Metal Stand Mixer
Cuisinart SM-70BC 7-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer
With 1,000 watts of power, you can be sure that this Cuisinart SM-70BC 7-Quart will whip through whatever you need to do.
This Cuisinart brushed chrome machine comes with a dozen settings, allowing you to customize your approach. The bowl itself is made of the same steel construction and is an impressive 7 quarts in size.
The settings has a built in 15 minute countdown timer along with an auto-shutoff.
Included with this SM-70BC stand mixer is a flat mixing paddle, dough hook, whisk, and splash guard – all of which can be easily attached with the tilt-back head.
This splatter free Cuisinart stand mixer can also accommodate additional attachments that are sold separately. With the different power outlets you can use this stand mixer to squeeze juice, process food, and grind up meats.
Users have commented that the SM-70BC 7-Quart large mixing bowl allows them to double up on recipe mixes. The splash guard too has been shown to work wonders – keeping even light things like flour inside the confines of the machine. Cuisinart SM-70BC 7-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer here…
KitchenAid (KSMC895WH) 8-Quart Stand Mixer with Bowl Guard
KitchenAid is renowned for its excellent appliances big and small, and the KitchenAid (KSMC895WH) 8-Quart Stand Mixer with Bowl Guard is no exception.
While there are 3 KitchenAid stand mixer reviews to follow, they’re each unique in their abilities, and price points. So, really any of them could be the best stand mixer for the money…again, depending on your needs.
This KitchenAid machine has a huge – 8 quart – size mixing bowl with attached bowl guard so you don’t make a mess.
The built in lift design gives excellent bowl support for increased stability, allowing you to mix up to 8 pounds of ingredients at one time.
There is a built in slide control that enable 10 different speeds, varying from a very slow stir to a super quick whipping. This KitchenAid KSMC895WH can use a dozen different attachments – when combined with the powerful 1.3 HP motor you can make just about anything.
Because of all this power, the KSMC895WH produces significantly less heat – allowing consistent power, while also maximizing the lifespan of all the parts.
People who use this machine say that they are able to mix the hardiest of batters because of its tremendous power and ergonomic design. Everyone comments that the KitchenAid KSMC895WH screams old style quality, as it is obviously built to last many years. KitchenAid (KSMC895WH) 8-Quart Stand Mixer…
KitchenAid KSM7586PCA 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
This streamlined KitchenAid KSM7586PCA 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer has a large capacity bowl for mixing – made of stainless steel and 7 quarts, you can fit most recipes in here with ease.
For additional customization the KSM7586PCA machine has stainless steel wire whip, dough hook, flat beater, and powerknead as attachments.
When combined with the bowl lift design, you know you’re going to get a through mixing. The 10 speed slide control allows a wide range of movement from really slow to super fast.
The KitchenAid KSM7586PCA comes in six different colors, including red, black, and pearl – along with an all over stainless steel construction, this machine will fit in just about any kitchen aesthetic.
Customers say that this 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer is incredibly well built and lasts many years. It’s also been said that this machine can keep going without breaking a sweat – with one user saying they did multiple quadruple batches back to back without stopping. KitchenAid KSM7586PCA 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer
KitchenAid Professional 600 Series KP26M1XER Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, 6 Quart
One of the most popular stand mixers out today and for good reason – this machine comes in 28 different styles and colors with plenty of features to boot.
The KitchenAid Professional 600 Series KP26M1XER Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, (6 Quart) is an all metal mixer with an impressive 575-watt motor, you know this machine is going to keep chugging along for a long time.
The mixing bowl is made of stainless steel and can hold 6 quarts worth of ingredients.
The direct-drive transmission provides additional power for the 10 speed settings.
Also included is an auto shut-off, electronic speed sensor, and soft start – the last of these helps avoid any splatter. Not that splatter is that much of an issue with the excellent pouring shield.
KitchenAid has provided the Professional 600 Series KP26M1XER machine with a few attachments such as the spiral dough hook, wire whip, and flat beater.
People who have used the KP26M1XER mention that because of the all metal gears, you’re going to get a long life out of this mixer. The bowl adjustment too is praised, as it eliminates any unmixed residue on the bottom. KitchenAid Professional 600 Series KP26M1XER Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, (6 Quart) …
Upkeep and Maintenance
When you’re making an investment like this (these aren’t cheap small appliances), you want your purchase to last a long time. You are looking for bang for your buck, the best stand mixer for the money, after all. So, upkeep and maintenance are imperative. Follow the guidelines set out below, and you should be fine.
Safety First – As with any kitchen appliance, it’s best to avoid using your stand mixer near any water or with a damaged cord.
Remember, they use a high powered motor when mixing, resulting in extremely fast speeds on their highest settings. Because of this you need to make sure no children are near it when in use, along with keeping hair, hands, clothing, and other utensils away from the beaters.
When putting your mixer together for the first time, or after cleaning, you need to make sure you are still following proper safety procedures. This means keeping the stand mixer in the off position and unplugged.
Everything should fit together nicely, and when modifying the height of the bowl never force it – if you find it is difficult to do, you may have put something together wrong.
Cleaning – Most stand mixers have detachable components, allowing you to easily clean them after use. Always check the user’s manual first, but most dough hooks, beaters, and bowls are dishwasher safe. However, if they are not, or you are unsure, you can just clean them with warm soapy water. Other accessories such as wire whips will need to be washed by hand, as a dishwasher is often too harsh on them.
When cleaning the mixer itself make sure it is unplug and to wipe it down with damp cloth. Avoid using any cleaners, as they are often too harsh to be used on these type of machines.
Getting Started – Most user’s manuals will give you a low down on what setting to use with what, along with a brief recipe list on things to get you started on.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the best stand mixer for the money has plenty of secondary features that set them a tier above the competition. While size and power are important, don’t let these characteristics blot out everything else.
If you are looking for a machine that will work in just about any aesthetic, the KitchenAid Professional 600 has by far the most colors and customization of any machine out there right now.
If brute force power and size is what you need, both the KitchenAid (KSMC895WH) 8-Quart Stand Mixer with Bowl Guard and the Cuisinart SM-70BC 7-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer
will get the job done.
For great all around machines, look no further than the Hamilton Beach 63232 Eclectrics All-Metal Stand Mixer
and KitchenAid KSM7586PCA 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer.
Whatever your final choice for a stand mixer is (really it’s what you decide is the best stand mixer for the money), make sure you follow proper safety and maintenance procedures.
Always make sure to keep little prying hands away from an active mixer, along with avoiding anything else getting tangled up in the beaters.
The best stand mixers have the ability to easily disassemble and reassemble – something you should be doing a lot if you want to keep it in tip top shape. Avoid using any corrosive cleaners on the machine itself, using only warm water and soap if necessary.
Follow these steps and any of these great mixers will make you plenty of dough, cream, and cookie batter for years to come!
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