The Ultimate Electric Stand Mixer Review: Discover The Best Kitchen Workhorse For 2023
What To Know
- If you plan on using your mixer for heavy-duty tasks, such as kneading bread dough or making ice cream, you’ll need a mixer with at least 300 watts of power.
- The mixer comes with a dough hook, whisk, and paddle beater, and it can be used with a variety of optional attachments, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder.
Electric stand mixers have become indispensable tools in the kitchens of home bakers and professional chefs alike. With their powerful motors, versatile attachments, and ability to handle a wide range of tasks, these appliances can make baking and cooking a breeze. But with so many different models and brands available, choosing the right electric stand mixer can be a daunting task.
This comprehensive electric stand mixer review will guide you through the key factors to consider when making your purchase, including power, capacity, features, attachments, and price. We’ll also provide in-depth reviews of some of the most popular electric stand mixer models on the market, so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Stand Mixer
1. Power
The power of an electric stand mixer is measured in watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the mixer will be. A more powerful mixer will be able to handle heavier loads and thicker doughs without bogging down. If you plan on using your mixer for heavy-duty tasks, such as kneading bread dough or making ice cream, you’ll need a mixer with at least 300 watts of power.
2. Capacity
The capacity of an electric stand mixer is measured in quarts. The larger the capacity, the more ingredients you’ll be able to mix at once. If you frequently bake large batches of cookies or cakes, you’ll need a mixer with a capacity of at least 5 quarts. For smaller households or occasional bakers, a mixer with a capacity of 3-4 quarts may be sufficient.
3. Features
Electric stand mixers come with a variety of features that can make baking and cooking easier and more efficient. Some common features include:
- Speed control: Most mixers have multiple speed settings, so you can choose the right speed for the task at hand.
- Tilt-head or bowl-lift design: Tilt-head mixers have a head that tilts back, making it easy to add ingredients to the bowl. Bowl-lift mixers have a bowl that lifts up, making it easier to remove the bowl from the mixer.
- Planetary mixing action: Planetary mixing action means that the beater rotates around the bowl, ensuring that all of the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Timer: Some mixers have a built-in timer, so you can set the mixer to run for a specific amount of time.
- Attachments: Many mixers come with a variety of attachments, such as a dough hook, whisk, and paddle beater. These attachments can be used to perform a variety of tasks, such as kneading dough, whipping cream, and mixing batter.
4. Price
Electric stand mixers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. The price of a mixer will depend on its power, capacity, features, and brand. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping, so you can narrow down your choices to mixers that fit your budget.
In-Depth Reviews of Popular Electric Stand Mixer Models
1. KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a classic choice for home bakers. It’s powerful, versatile, and comes with a variety of attachments. The mixer has a 325-watt motor, which is powerful enough to handle even the heaviest doughs. It also has 10 speed settings, so you can choose the right speed for the task at hand. The mixer comes with a dough hook, whisk, and paddle beater, and it can be used with a variety of optional attachments, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder.
2. Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
The Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is another great option for home bakers. It’s powerful, versatile, and comes with a variety of attachments. The mixer has a 500-watt motor, which is powerful enough to handle even the heaviest doughs. It also has 12 speed settings, so you can choose the right speed for the task at hand. The mixer comes with a dough hook, whisk, and paddle beater, and it can be used with a variety of optional attachments, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder.
3. Breville Scraper Mixer Pro 600-Watt Stand Mixer
The Breville Scraper Mixer Pro 600-Watt Stand Mixer is a great choice for bakers who want a powerful mixer with a unique design. The mixer has a 600-watt motor, which is powerful enough to handle even the heaviest doughs. It also has 12 speed settings, so you can choose the right speed for the task at hand. The mixer comes with a dough hook, whisk, and paddle beater, and it can be used with a variety of optional attachments, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder.
4. Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is a great choice for budget-minded bakers. It’s powerful, versatile, and comes with a variety of attachments. The mixer has a 300-watt motor, which is powerful enough to handle most baking tasks. It also has 6 speed settings, so you can choose the right speed for the task at hand. The mixer comes with a dough hook, whisk, and paddle beater, and it can be used with a variety of optional attachments, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder.
In a nutshell: Choosing the Right Electric Stand Mixer for Your Needs
The best electric stand mixer for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re a serious baker who frequently makes large batches of baked goods, you’ll need a powerful mixer with a large capacity. If you’re a casual baker who only occasionally makes small batches of baked goods, you may be able to get by with a less powerful mixer with a smaller capacity.
No matter what your needs, there’s an electric stand mixer out there that’s perfect for you. By following the tips in this guide, you can choose the right mixer for your kitchen and start baking delicious treats in no time.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between a tilt-head and a bowl-lift mixer?
A tilt-head mixer has a head that tilts back, making it easy to add ingredients to the bowl. A bowl-lift mixer has a bowl that lifts up, making it easier to remove the bowl from the mixer.
2. What is planetary mixing action?
Planetary mixing action means that the beater rotates around the bowl, ensuring that all of the ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. What attachments come with most electric stand mixers?
Most electric stand mixers come with a dough hook, whisk, and paddle beater. Some mixers also come with additional attachments, such as a pasta maker and a meat grinder.
4. How do I care for my electric stand mixer?
To care for your electric stand mixer, clean it after each use. Wipe the exterior of the mixer with a damp cloth and wash the bowl and attachments in warm, soapy water. Dry the mixer and attachments thoroughly before storing.
5. What is the warranty on most electric stand mixers?
Most electric stand mixers come with a one-year warranty. Some mixers come with longer warranties, so be sure to check the warranty information before you purchase a mixer.
