Comparison: Test Kitchen Best Stand Mixer (Updated | Dec 9th)

The most crucial factor is the motor power, measured in watts, as it determines the mixer’s ability to handle heavy doughs without stalling. For most home bakers, a mixer with at least 300 watts is sufficient for everyday tasks. Consider the bowl lift versus tilt-head design; bowl lift models are more stable and better for large batches, while tilt-heads offer easier access to the bowl.

Our top-performing mixer excelled in kneading dense bread dough, while the runner-up offered a wider variety of attachments for versatility. The premium model provided the quietest operation and a more polished finish, but the best-value winner delivered comparable performance for a fraction of the price. Key differences lie in power, included attachments, and build quality.

Investing in a premium mixer often means getting a more powerful motor, a more durable all-metal construction, and a longer warranty. These mixers are designed to last for decades and can handle more intensive tasks without strain. If you are a frequent baker or plan to use it for heavy bread making, the extra cost is a worthwhile investment in longevity and performance.

Look for a model with a slow-start feature to prevent ingredients from flying out of the bowl. A planetary mixing action, where the attachment spins in one direction while the mixer head rotates in the other, ensures more thorough and efficient mixing. Finally, consider the availability and cost of optional attachments like a pasta maker, food grinder, or ice cream bowl to expand the mixer’s functionality.

For a typical family, a 5-quart bowl is a versatile size that can handle most recipes, including double batches of cookies. A 6-quart or larger bowl is ideal if you frequently bake in large quantities or make multiple loaves of bread at once. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s stated capacity for different ingredients, as mixing heavy dough requires more bowl space than whipping egg whites.

A tilt-head mixer has a hinged top that you can tilt back for easy access to the bowl and attachments, making it more compact and great for simple tasks. A bowl-lift mixer uses a lever to raise and lower the bowl into a fixed position, providing superior stability and leverage for heavy, dense mixtures. Bowl-lift models typically have larger capacities and are the preferred choice for serious bread bakers.

Check the wattage of the motor; for general baking, 250-350 watts is adequate, but for bread and pizza dough, look for 500 watts or more. Our tests show that motor design is just as important as wattage, so look for models with a direct-drive transmission for efficient power transfer. Reading reviews that specifically mention performance with heavy doughs can provide real-world insight into a mixer’s true power.

A good-value mixer delivers strong, reliable performance without the premium price tag of top-tier brands. It should have a solid build quality, a motor powerful enough for most recipes, and come with essential attachments like a dough hook, flat beater, and wire whip. The best value models often outperform more expensive competitors in core mixing tasks, offering the best performance for your dollar.