TL;DR
In the stand mixer category, the KitchenAid KSM150PSER and KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer are highly praised for their versatility and performance, while the Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer offers excellent value. The Kenwood KVL8300S stands out for heavy-duty baking, and the Ankarsrum Assistent is favored by serious bread bakers for its unique mixing mechanism. Top Picks: Top Pick: KitchenAid KSM150PSER for its durability and versatility; Best Value: Cuisinart SM-50BC for its price-to-performance ratio; Best Budget: KitchenAid Artisan Series for its reliable performance at a reasonable price.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
KitchenAid KSM150PSER
Top Rated
Premium Pick
|
Check price | ★★★★★ (49.0K) | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
Best Value
|
Check price | ★★★★☆ | View on Amazon |
|
Kenwood KVL8300S
|
Check price | ★★★★☆ | View on Amazon |
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Best Budget
|
Check price | ★★★★★ (1.8K) | View on Amazon |
Ankarsrum Assistent
|
Check price | ★★★★★ (2.4K) | View on Amazon |
Quick Summary
Stand mixers are essential tools for any baking enthusiast, offering convenience and efficiency in mixing, kneading, and whipping ingredients. With various options available, it’s important to choose a model that fits your baking needs and budget.
Table of Contents
- TL;DR
- Quick Summary
- Key Buying Factors
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Top Product Reviews
- Price Guide
- Personalized Recommendations
- Community Insights
- Final Verdict
Key Buying Factors
Before making your purchase, consider these essential factors:
Motor Power
A powerful motor is crucial for handling tough doughs and large batches. Look for mixers with at least 500 watts for optimal performance.
Bowl Capacity
Consider the size of the bowl based on your baking habits. Larger bowls are better for big batches, while smaller bowls can suffice for occasional baking.
Attachments and Accessories
Check for included attachments like dough hooks, whisks, and beaters. Compatibility with additional attachments can enhance versatility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ experiences - here are key pitfalls to watch out for:
Ignoring Motor Power
Choosing a mixer with insufficient motor power can lead to overheating and damage when mixing heavy doughs.
Overloading the Mixer
Exceeding the recommended capacity can strain the motor and affect performance. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Neglecting Maintenance
Failing to clean and maintain your mixer can lead to reduced performance and longevity. Regularly check and replace worn parts.
Top Product Reviews
Our detailed analysis of the best options available:
KitchenAid KSM150PSER
The KitchenAid KSM150PSER stand mixer has garnered a significant amount of positive feedback across various Reddit discussions. Users appreciate its versatility and robust performance, particularly for baking tasks. It is especially favored by baking enthusiasts for its ability to handle a variety of mixtures, from light batters to heavier doughs. However, some users have noted that while it performs well for general baking, it may struggle with particularly heavy doughs, such as whole wheat or bagel dough. This suggests that while it is a reliable choice for everyday use, serious bread bakers may want to consider more specialized options.
Features
- 5-quart stainless steel bowl with a handle, providing ample capacity for large batches.
- 10 speeds for a variety of mixing tasks, allowing users to customize their mixing experience.
User Experiences
- Many users report that the KSM150PSER has been a reliable workhorse in their kitchens for years, often noting its durability and ease of use. One user mentioned that they’ve had theirs for over 20 years and it still works like new, making it a favorite for both casual and serious bakers.
Pros
- Versatile and capable of handling a wide range of baking tasks, from mixing cake batter to kneading dough.
- Durable construction, with many users reporting years of reliable use without significant issues.
Cons
- Some users have reported that it struggles with very heavy doughs, which may limit its effectiveness for serious bread baking.
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for home bakers who regularly make cakes, cookies, and lighter bread doughs.
Price-Performance Ratio
The KSM150PSER is generally seen as a good value for its price point, offering solid performance and durability for home bakers. While it may be pricier than some competitors, its longevity and versatility justify the investment for many users.
Purchase Options
Buy on AmazonView on Manufacturer’s Website
Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
The Cuisinart SM-50BC 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is often recommended as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to the KitchenAid stand mixers. It has garnered a positive sentiment among users on Reddit, particularly for its ability to handle a variety of mixing tasks, including bread dough, which is a common concern for many bakers. Users appreciate its durability and the fact that it is compatible with KitchenAid attachments, enhancing its versatility. However, there are some concerns regarding its mixing efficiency, particularly with thicker batters, which some users noted may require manual intervention to ensure even mixing.
Features
- 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl for large batch mixing
- Powerful 800-watt motor for efficient mixing and kneading
User Experiences
- I love my Cuisinart stand mixer. It can also use all the Kitchenaid attachments too!
- I have a Cuisinart stand mixer and I’ve made her recipes in it just fine. I also have a KitchenAid hand mixer and use it for things like frosting and fillings the most.
Pros
- Excellent value compared to KitchenAid mixers
- Durable and suitable for heavy-duty mixing tasks
Cons
- Some users report that it may not mix very thick batters thoroughly without manual intervention
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for baking enthusiasts who need a reliable mixer for bread, cookies, and other doughs
Price-Performance Ratio
The Cuisinart SM-50BC offers a strong price-to-performance ratio, typically retailing at a lower price point than KitchenAid mixers while still providing robust performance for most home baking needs.
Purchase Options
View on Manufacturer’s Website
Kenwood KVL8300S
The Kenwood KVL8300S stand mixer has garnered a positive reputation among home bakers and professionals alike for its powerful performance and large capacity. Users frequently praise its ability to handle heavy doughs, making it a preferred choice for serious bakers. The all-metal gears contribute to its durability and efficiency, allowing for consistent mixing results. The versatility of the mixer, coupled with a wide range of attachments, enhances its functionality for various baking and cooking tasks.
Features
- Powerful motor capable of handling heavy doughs
- All-metal gears for durability and longevity
User Experiences
- A user mentioned that they love their Kenwood mixer, especially when making double batches of bread, highlighting its reliability and performance.
Pros
- High capacity suitable for large batches
- Durable all-metal construction
Cons
- Some users noted that it is heavier than other mixers, making it less portable
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for serious bakers who frequently make bread and other heavy doughs
Price-Performance Ratio
The Kenwood KVL8300S offers excellent price-to-performance value, especially considering its durability and high capacity. While it may be on the higher end of the price spectrum, the long-term benefits and reliability make it a worthwhile investment for avid bakers.
Purchase Options
Buy on AmazonView on Manufacturer’s Website
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is frequently recommended by users for its performance and versatility in various baking tasks. It excels in general baking, particularly for bread, cookies, and cakes, making it a solid choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Users appreciate its stability when kneading dough, which is often highlighted in discussions as a strong point of this mixer. While it is ideal for smaller batches and occasional baking, some users note that it may not handle larger batches as effectively as higher-capacity models. Overall, it is viewed as a premium model that justifies its price for those who bake regularly.
Features
- 5-quart stainless steel bowl with handle
- Tilt-head design for easy access to the bowl and ingredients
User Experiences
- I personally wouldn’t judge it like ‘I need to use it at least X times a year to justify it.’ If you enjoy baking, it makes the process MUCH easier and less intensive. I have a KitchenAid and I love it.
- I use my KitchenAid every single time I need to mix something, make bread, make any kind of cookie, whip anything, make cakes/cupcakes… I got the ice cream bowl attachment and have used it a couple of times.
Pros
- Versatile for various baking tasks including bread, cookies, and cakes
- Sturdy and stable during operation, especially when kneading dough
Cons
- May struggle with larger batches compared to higher-capacity models
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for general baking, especially for smaller batches of bread and cookies
Price-Performance Ratio
While the price point may seem high, users generally feel that the KitchenAid Artisan offers good value for the performance it provides, particularly for those who bake regularly.
Purchase Options
Buy on AmazonView on Manufacturer’s Website
Ankarsrum Assistent
The Ankarsrum Assistent stand mixer has garnered a strong reputation among baking enthusiasts, particularly for its exceptional performance in handling heavy doughs. Users frequently praise its unique mixing mechanism, which allows for efficient kneading and mixing, especially in bread-making scenarios. While it is recognized as a powerful and reliable machine, some users have noted a learning curve when transitioning from other brands, such as KitchenAid. Overall, the sentiment surrounding the Ankarsrum is overwhelmingly positive, with many users considering it a lifetime investment due to its durability and effectiveness.
Features
- Unique mixing mechanism that efficiently handles heavy doughs
- Large capacity stainless steel bowl (7 liters) suitable for big batches
User Experiences
- Many users report that the Ankarsrum Assistent excels in making bread, with one user commenting that it can handle large quantities of dough without straining the motor, unlike other mixers.
- Another user mentioned that after switching from a KitchenAid, they found the Ankarsrum to be much more stable and quieter during operation, especially for kneading dough.
Pros
- Powerful motor that can handle heavy doughs with ease
- Durable construction, often cited as a lifetime investment
Cons
- Initial learning curve for users transitioning from other mixer brands
Best Use Cases
- Ideal for bread-making and handling heavy doughs, such as bagels and artisan loaves.
Price-Performance Ratio
While the Ankarsrum Assistent is priced higher than many standard stand mixers, users often feel that its durability, performance, and capacity justify the investment, making it a worthwhile purchase for serious bakers.
Purchase Options
Buy on AmazonView on Manufacturer’s Website
Price Guide
Find the best option for your budget:
Budget (Under $250)
Mid range ($250 - $400)
Premium (Over $400)
Personalized Recommendations
For Beginners
For Enthusiasts
For Professionals
For Budget conscious
Community Insights
Overall Trends
- KitchenAid remains the most recommended brand for its reliability and extensive range of attachments.
- Ankarsrum is gaining traction among serious bakers for its performance with heavy doughs.
- Cuisinart offers a strong alternative at a lower price point, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.
Top Picks from the Crowd
Controversial Opinions
- Some users argue that KitchenAid’s quality has declined in recent years, particularly with newer models.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, selecting the right stand mixer depends on your baking needs and budget. The KitchenAid KSM150PSER and Artisan Series are excellent choices for versatility and reliability, making them ideal for home bakers. For those seeking value, the Cuisinart SM-50BC stands out with its robust performance at a lower price point. Serious bakers should consider the Kenwood KVL8300S or Ankarsrum Assistent, both designed to handle heavy doughs effectively. As the market evolves, keep an eye on trends towards more specialized mixers that cater to specific baking needs, ensuring you invest in a machine that will serve you well for years to come.
Sources
Based on Reddit community discussions:
- America’s Test Kitchen tests stand mixers from r/Cooking - Score: 292, Comments: 116
- What’s the most reliable and high quality stand mixer for dough? from r/Breadit - Score: 112, Comments: 60
- What’s the best stand mixer to get? from r/Breadit - Score: 37, Comments: 112
- Best Stand Mixer in the market from r/buyforlifetips - Score: 19, Comments: 123
- Which KitchenAid Stand Mixer do you recommend purchasing/is better? from r/Baking - Score: 71, Comments: 55
- Beginner here 👋 What mixer did you start with?? I’m about to buy one but I’m torn between a hand mixer or a stand mixer from r/BakingNoobs - Score: 45, Comments: 64
- Any stand mixer users here? What do you recommend? from r/newzealand - Score: 10, Comments: 90
- Stand mixer advice from r/Cooking - Score: 32, Comments: 51
- what is the best stand mixer for dough? I hear about kitchen aid a lot but I heard it has plastic gears that the dough would be too hard on it and break it. I was looking at other ones but am new to baking/cooking I am 22 years old. ty from r/AskBaking - Score: 20, Comments: 59
- Best Stand Mixer to Buy? Looking for Recommendations from r/buyforlifetips - Score: 51, Comments: 21
Note: Product information and prices are subject to change. Please verify details before making a purchase.