When looking to purchase a stand mixer, there are several things to pay attention to. The higher the wattage on the motor, the tougher jobs it will handle. The larger the bowl, the bigger the batches you can make. More serious bakers might desire more features and customization. Here are 8 of the best stand mixers to help you get started making a decision. All prices listed are list prices. Amazon very frequently has sales and discounts, so you likely can get your stand mixer for much less than listed here.
1. KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield: $297.49, Amazon
This durable, high-quality mixer comes in tons of colors to match your sense of personal style. More than 15 optional attachments for this mixer are available, letting you do almost anything with it. The steel bowl holds 5 quarts, and the mixer is designed to give extra-thorough ingredient incorporation. Powerful, versatile, and dishwasher-safe. The large 5-quart bowl means you can make recipes for large groups.
2. Hamilton Beach Eclectrics 63221 All-Metal Stand Mixer: $219.99, Amazon
This all-metal stand mixer from Hamilton has a powerful 400-watt motor and 12 speed settings, letting you make everything from meringue to a giant loaf of rye. Several accessories are included, and the bowl locks into the base for stability. This mixer has a 3-year warranty, so you can be sure you'll get your money's worth. This is an excellent choice if you bake a lot of breads, cookies, or other recipes that have very thick doughs, as the motor can handle it.The powerful motor of this mixer means it's a great pick for serious bakers. Even if you only bake every once in a while, the security of the 3-year warranty makes it worth it.
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3. Hamilton Beach 63390 Stand Mixer: $142.03, Amazon
The 63390 stand mixer from Hamilton Beach has a 300-watt motor, a 4-quart bowl, and 7 speeds. It's easy to clean, and compact enough to fit easily into your kitchen cabinet. It can handle even the thickest doughs. The mixing head rotates around inside the bowl, ensuring that your recipe gets blended to perfection. This mixer comes with several accessories, including a splatter shield. Nonslip feet keep your mixer from getting nudged out of place.If you're an amateur baker, don't bake very often, or simply aren't willing to shell out a lot of cash for a mixer, this is the one for you.
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4. Breville USA BEM600XL Handy Stand Mixer: $229.99, Amazon
The bowl on this stand mixer rotates in cooperation with the beaters, making sure your batters and doughs get fully blended. The beaters are heavy-duty, and the mixer uses electronic load sensing to optimize heavy mixing jobs. The mixer is easy to use, and the parts are easy to clean. This stand mixer is compact enough to fit even in a limited kitchen space.If don't want a huge, bulky mixer, or are looking for a mixer that will handle tough dough like a champ, this mixer from Breville fits the bill.Buy from Amazon
5. Bosch Styline Stand Mixer with Continuous Shredder: $379.99, Amazon
The 450-watt motor on this powerful stand mixer drives its precise kneading and mixing capabilities. The stainless steel bowl holds 4 quarts. Although it only has 4 speeds, that should be enough for most general baking, and the small variety of speed options is made up for by the fact that it has strong rubber suction feet to keep the mixer from budging during heavy mixing. Plus, it's a quieter mixer, meaning you don't have to put up with unnecessary noise.Between a 450-watt motor, rubber suction feet, and quiet mixing, this mixer from Bosch is well worth the price. Versatile for most bakers.
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6. BODUM 11381-01US Bistro Electric Stand Mixer: $550.00, Amazon
The BODUM 11381-01US Bistro Electric Stand Mixer boasts a very powerful 700-watt motor. It also has a large 5-quart bowl, yet is still a space-saver. The suction cup base will ensure that it stays in place. The parts and attachments are dishwasher safe. This mixer is unique in that the accessory attachments are stored on-board, right at your fingertips. Never again wonder where on earth your attachments are!The 700-watt motor is probably enough to convince anyone that this is a great choice of mixer. Practical for anyone.Buy from Amazon
7. KitchenAid KSM155GBPB 5-Qt. Artisan Design Series with Glass Bowl: $324.99, Amazon
This 5-quart stand mixer from KitchenAid is definitely one of the more attractive stand mixers out there, and looks great on your countertop. It comes in a variety of beautiful colors. As with other KitchenAid stand mixers, there are over 15 attachments available to supplement the mixing abilities of your stand mixer. This mixer also features a tilt-head design and a 1-year warranty. This stand mixer is durable, versatile, and great for general batters and light-to-medium doughs.If you love biscuits, pancakes, waffles and all the other good things in life, you'll love this quality stand mixer. The moderate price range is likely affordable for many.Buy from Amazon
8. Cuisinart SM-55BC 5-1/2-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer: $640.00, Amazon
This higher-end stand mixer features an impressive 800-watt motor that can mix at 12 speeds, and has unique slow-start and gentle-fold functions. The bowl holds 5.5 quarts, great for large batches. The 15-minute countdown timer and auto shutoff function make this stand mixer especially convenient to use. The three-year product warrant and 5-year motor warranty protect you in case of damage, so you don't want to wonder if it'll be worth the price tag.Buy from Amazon
This is a more expensive stand mixer, so it might not be for everyone. But if you do settle on this mixer, it'll be worth it.