A stand mixer is one of my favorite kitchen tools; it saves time and effort while improving the texture and quality of my sweet treats. The best stand mixers will thoroughly mix batters, whip the fluffiest icing, and effortlessly knead dough – without you needing to lift a finger. The worst will struggle on basic tasks, become tricky to clean, and break within a year of use. But never fear, you won't find any duds on our tried-and-tested list.
As a professionally trained cook and appliances expert at Homes & Gardens, I've tested the top stand mixers to find the most powerful, effective, and reliable options for real home cooks. I've also collated years of notes from our team of product testers, interviewed professional bakers, and sifted through over 2,000 customer reviews to assess real-life experiences. You can read about our rigorous testing criteria below, but for now, I'll get straight to the point: the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer remains our winning mixer for 2025.
I've rounded the rest of our favorites into quick list, which covers everything from budget-friendly options to professional models with enormous capacity, extra accessories, and even ice cream functions. Here's everything you need to know about the best stand mixers 2025.
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The quick list
Here's a quick introduction to our favorite stand mixers on the market. If you want to know more, we go deep into the details further down this guide.
The iconic, American-made stand mixer. With 10 power settings, it mixes everything from cake batter to bread dough and whipped cream, effortlessly. It's an overall winner.
The main rival to KitchenAid, this mixer was brilliant with heavy-duty tasks, like kneading bread. It's much less expensive than the KitchenAid, but a little noisier.
If you regularly whip up buns, babka, and fresh bread, the Ankarsrum stand mixer is your new best friend. In the test kitchen, it kneaded the fluffiest cinnamon rolls I've ever tasted.
The professional capacity of the Wolf Gourmet Mixer doesn't falter, even when it's full to the brim with thick dough. Thanks to the extra wide base and secure arm, it's stable, even on max power.
It's 25% smaller than the original Artisan, but this is a miniature marvel. If you want a more affordable KitchenAid that won't swallow your storage, this is brilliant.
We were captivated by the rustic, fairytale charm of KitchenAid's evergreen mixer. For me, it strikes the perfect balance between dreamy and practical. But if you hate washing up, choose the original model.
Best stand mixers 2025
The best stand mixer overall
Notes from the test kitchen
What we liked: This iconic, American-made stand mixer is a statement piece in any kitchen, but don't let looks deceive you – it's a real workhorse. With 10 speed settings, it was slow enough for kneading dough and fast enough to make speedy whipped cream with perfect results (see our score sheet below). The tilt-head makes it a joy to use, and it was easy to add ingredients and switch out attachments.
These attachments include a wire whisk for beating eggs, a flat beater for integrating cake batter, and a hook to work your bread dough. Our tester, Millie, was particularly impressed by the flat beater, which creamed sugar and butter with minimal intervention before adding in eggs and flour to make easy loaf cakes. There's actually a wide range of fun attachments you can tack onto this KitchenAid, which adds exceptional value. My favorite is the ice cream maker attachment, which can expertly churn ice cream, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
What we didn't like: The wire whisk isn't dishwasher-safe, so you need to hand-wash this attachment. Plus, some customers find that cleaning the nooks and crannies around the attachment hub and the mixer head can be a bit challenging.
Who would it suit? Our tester, Millie, said: 'If you're catering for a crowd or baking professionally, you'll want something bigger. I found the 5-quart capacity could turn out two chocolate sponge cakes in one go, but could only make one loaf of bread at a time. Otherwise, at-home bakers can't go wrong with this classic. It really is the best in class.
There's more detail in our KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer review.
Test | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Cake mix | The most impressive attachment: it was flawless | ★★★★★ |
Bread dough | Needs some supervision if you're making big batches | ★★★★ |
Whipping cream | Effortlessly makes light, fluffy cream | ★★★★★ |
Usability | Incredibly easy to use | ★★★★★ |
Versatility | The 10 speed settings can handle anything | ★★★★★ |
Aesthetics | Iconic design available in a range of colors | ★★★★★ |
Value | Expensive but robust, timeless and varied attachments | ★★★★★ |
The best value stand mixer
Notes from the test kitchen
What we liked: The KitchenAid vs Cuisinart debate is a hot topic, but if value for money is your main priority, the Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer is your winner. It's 0.5 quarts bigger than the KitchenAid Artisan, and it excels on heavy-duty tasks like kneading bread thanks to the sturdy design and high-quality attachments.
Controlled by a simple side dial, it packs 500 watts of power and comes with 12 speed settings (two more than the KitchenAid.) The dial makes it easy to adjust the speed midway through mixing, and the tilt-head design helps you to add ingredients as and when you need.
Our tester, Millie, loved the slow-start design that saves you from messy clouds of icing sugar or flour as you bake. Though it can't match the KitchenAid for colors, the six options - periwinkle blue, white, silver, red, black, and robin's egg green - suit almost every kitchen.
What we didn't like: While it excels at mixing bread, we found that our sweet treat ingredients stuck to the side of the bowl. If you make more cakes and small batches of cookies, you may be irritated by the fact that there is no side scraper attachment to integrate all of your ingredients. Keep a spatula handy to get a good bake. Plus, lots of customer reviews have noted that the higher speed settings are noisy – and we have to agree, it's on the noisy side.
Who would it suit? Anyone on a budget – the combination of price, power and versatility really can't be beaten.
There's more detail in our Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer review.
Test | Notes | Rating | Header Cell - Column 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Cake mix | Doesn't quite reach the sides, but good with help | ★★★★ | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
Bread dough | Better than a KitchenAid (and all the others) | ★★★★★ | Row 1 - Cell 3 |
Whipping cream | Slow start function prevents splattering | ★★★★★ | Row 2 - Cell 3 |
Usability | Straightforward and user-friendly | ★★★★★ | Row 3 - Cell 3 |
Versatility | 12 speed settings for extra precision | ★★★★★ | Row 4 - Cell 3 |
Aesthetics | Not quite iconic, but still sleek | ★★★★ | Row 5 - Cell 3 |
Value | Exceptional value | ★★★★★ | Row 6 - Cell 3 |
The best stand mixer for bread dough
What we liked: If you regularly whip up sweet brioche and sourdough bread (or you have aspirations), the Ankarsrum stand mixer could be your new best friend. When I tested it, I felt as though I had an artisan baker helping me out in the kitchen. The unique rotating bowl mimics the motions of hand-kneading, while the whopping 1500-watt motor effortlessly works the densest dough. It's a real Swedish powerhouse.
But it doesn't stop at bread. This versatile mixer excels at combining cake batter and combining cookie dough. The accessories include a scraper, a paddle insert that prevents ingredients from getting stuck to the sides, and a dough roller. There is also a formidable-looking dough hook, best used for seriously intense bakes. If you want to explore more mixer accessories, there's a pantry-load to choose from on Ankarsrum.com – including citrus juicers, pasta rollers, mincers, ice cream makers, and cookie cutters.
We were equally impressed by the Nordic design, available in 12 chic colors. It's pretty heavy, but that's what makes it stable and study. The low, elongated base will sit neatly under your kitchen counters. It is on the pricey side, but you can really feel the quality.
What we didn't like: I slightly glossed over the price while I was singing praises in the paragraph above, but it really is quite expensive. The priciest option on this list, in fact. Also, if you're used to working with a KitchenAid, this design will take some getting used to – it's not quite as intuitive. It's also incredibly heavy and can be hard to move around the counter. Finally, this is a minor point, but the included recipe booklet isn't great – some recipes had annoying mistakes.
Who would it suit? For bread-lovers, this is a must-have mixer. Ankarsrum really prioritizes power and longevity; we're confident you'll be passing the Assistent Original down to your kids one day.
There's more detail in our Ankarsrum Mixer Review.
Test | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Cake mix | Mixes a smooth batter with two small whisks | ★★★★★ |
Bread dough | The best in the business | ★★★★★ |
Whipping cream | Incredibly fast, | ★★★★★ |
Usability | It's a learning curve, with unique features and controls | ★★★ |
Versatility | Best for large doughs, but excels on cake, cream and cookies too | ★★★★★ |
Aesthetics | Nordic chic, stainless steel and incredibly heavy | ★★★★ |
Value | The most expensive mixer on this list | ★★★ |
The best large capacity stand mixer
What we liked: The Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer is a baker's dream, offering a flawless experience from whipping cream to kneading dough. Wolf have clearly thought carefully about the unique design of their stand mixer. Where the usual title-head design of other stand mixers can lead to instability, the Wolf Gourmet Stand Mixer has a special twist-up bowl design. Simply put this bowl in the base and then twist it to lower or raise it to the mixer attachments. It's undeniably stable, quiet and ideal for large batches.
At 7 quarts, it's much larger than all the other models on this list, so it's a great choice for professional or avid bakers. Our tester, Jacyln, said the Wolf mixer made the best cookies, fluffy cream, and it didn't even struggle with sticky enriched dough. It was easy to use and even easier to clean. A clear winner across the board performance-wise.
When we first reviewed it, there was a hefty $1000 price tag on the Wolf Gourmet –- which was very off-putting. Since then, the price has dropped significantly to a much more reasonable $499.95 on Amazon. This reduction has allowed it to surpass the KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer which previously held this spot in our buying guide, costing $599.95.
What we didn't like: It's pretty tall, so won't work for every kitchen, and the stainless steel is more 'professional-working-kitchen' than style statement. Plus, it gathers fingerprints, so this might get annoying, too.
Who would it suit? Anyone who loves large baking projects and finds themselves reaching for their stand mixer on a weekly basis. If you have the space to store it, this sturdy stand mixer will last in your kitchen for years to come.
There's more detail in our Wolf Gourmet mixer review.
Test | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Cake mix | Makes perfectly light batters in minutes | ★★★★★ |
Bread dough | Can handle even tough, elastic doughs | ★★★★★ |
Whipping cream | Whipped light, delicate cream | ★★★★★ |
Usability | User-friendly but slightly too tall at times | ★★★★ |
Versatility | Best on the market | ★★★★★ |
Aesthetics | Very tall and stainless steel attracts fingerprints | ★★★ |
Value | Great value for the size and performance | ★★★★ |
The best stand mixer for small kitchens
Notes from the test kitchen
What we liked: This miniature marvel is much smaller and lighter than other KitchenAid models, but it still has the power to work through cake batter, cookie dough, and more. You get the same high-quality wire whisk, flat beater, and dough hook as you'd expect with a regular KitchenAid, but they work with a 3.5-quart bowl. Because it's smaller and less powerful than the average, it has the added bonus of being quieter, more stable on the countertop and easier to move around.
It's got that expensive KitchenAid price tag, but any attachments purchased separately will also still be compatible with this petite model, so you still get the full benefits of the KitchenAid brand – huge versatility, reliability, and a beautiful, practical appliance.
What we didn't like: It struggled a little on dense bread doughs and took longer than other mixers to whip cream. It's also pretty expensive for the size, costing about the same as the full-size budget pick above. It's worth thinking about future needs – if you want to bake larger batches in a few years time, it might be worth scaling up in size now.
Who would it suit? Of course, this is smaller than the other stand mixers we tested and therefore, best suited to people with petite kitchens. Our tester, Molly, said the capacity was still very impressive; she also recommends this model for small families.
There's more detail in Molly's KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer review.
Test | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Cake mix | Faultless - it makes perfect cake mix | ★★★★★ |
Bread dough | Lacks some power for thick doughs | ★★★★ |
Whipping cream | Takes a little longer to make perfect cream, but it gets there | ★★★★ |
Usability | Simple to use and versatile, especially for the size | ★★★★ |
Versatility | 10 speed settings, but not super powerful | ★★★ |
Aesthetics | Classic and cute | ★★★★★ |
Value | The most affordable KitchenAid, but expensive for a mini | ★★★ |
The best looking stand mixer
Notes from the test kitchen
What we liked: Unlike the glossy red models you probably associate with the KitchenAid brand, this mixer is moody, dark, and mysterious. It's actually the Artisan frame (the model at at the top of this guide), but cast in a dark green hue with a walnut wood bowl. So, you're getting the classic KitchenAid quality, just with an elevated design.
Like all KitchenAid Artisan mixers, the evergreen model comes with a stainless steel whisk, dough hook, and flex edge beater. In the kitchen, I was able to mix perfect cake batter, whipped cream, and bread dough.
When this design first launched, critics were upset that the wood bowl can’t be soaked in the sink or popped into the dishwasher – but it's very easy to hand wash. My cake batter, dough, and sugary egg white mixtures lifted off effortlessly with soapy water and a soft sponge.
What we didn't like: The wood requires careful hand-washing, drying, and regular oiling and the matte frame requires buffing to remove fingerprints. This might become irritating for busy people who prefer dishwasher-safe items. You can actually purchase a metal, dishwasher-safe bowl if you like, but you will lose that aesthetic charm and you really are paying a premium just for the design.
Also, it's not a very reliable option for keen meringue bakers, since using a clean glass or metal bowl is the first rule of meringue-making (however, I did make meringues on my tests and they turned out great).
Who would it suit? Anyone with a natural kitchen scheme, who can afford to spend a little money to make a design statement with their mixer. This one is sure to get you envious looks from guests and compliments on social media.
You can read more in my full KitchenAid Design Series Evergreen Mixer review.
Test | Notes | Rating | Header Cell - Column 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Cake mix | Speedy and rigorous | ★★★★★ | Row 0 - Cell 3 |
Bread dough | Makes good bread dough | ★★★★★ | Row 1 - Cell 3 |
Whipping cream | Perfect whipping | ★★★★★ | Row 2 - Cell 3 |
Usability | Intuitive and simple to use | ★★★★★ | Row 3 - Cell 3 |
Versatility | Handles most ingredients, but not ideal for meringues and egg whites | ★★★ | Row 4 - Cell 3 |
Aesthetics | Natural, unique beauty | ★★★★★ | Row 5 - Cell 3 |
Value | You are paying premium just for looks | ★★★ | Row 6 - Cell 3 |
Other stand mixers we tested
We've tested tonnes of stand mixers, so we've got a lot of thoughts to share with you. Below, you'll find the runners up and more links to reviews of stand mixers that we still rate, but they just didn't quite make the cut for our best stand mixer shortlist.
- Best design runner up: Smeg Retro Stand Mixer
- Best value runner up: Beautiful By Drew Barrymore
- Best large capacity runner up: KitchenAid Pro Line Classic review
- KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer review
- Delish by Dash Stand Mixer review
- Kenwood Chef XL Titanium Stand Mixer review
- Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer review
- Instant Stand Mixer Pro review
- Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer review
How to choose a stand mixer
Size: How much space do you have to dedicate to a new stand mixer? Some stand mixers come with large mixing bowls and tilt-head designs that won't lift if placed under a cabinet. Others come with a more compact design, perfect for slotting into shelving units when not in use or leaving in a corner without losing a whole counter in your kitchen.
Power: Any stand mixer which is less than 250 watts isn't worth investing in. You won't get far making even pancake batter with one of those. Powerful models will range from 500-1,000 watts and these won't struggle, even on tough bread doughs. I'd always opt for the more powerful motor.
Versatility: Stand mixer accessories are getting increasingly elaborate (you can get ice cream makers, meat grinders, ice shavers and more. However, on a basic level, your stand mixer should come with a flat beater, a whisk, and a dough hook. Look at the speed settings, because these will tell you whether your mixer can hand-fold ingredients as well as whipping up meringue.
Aesthetics: A stand mixer is a style statement in any kitchen, which is why you'll find one displayed in just about any carefully composed kitchen. Smeg and KitchenAid certainly have the edge on style, but you may end up paying a premium for something that looks the part when it's got just as much power as a less expensive option.
Price: If you want a top-of-the-range stand mixer, prepare to spend as much as $1000 to get it. Some stand mixers cost less than $100, but they are hardly the kitchen workhorses you'll want for serious baking on a regular basis. A good middle ground between power and price is the Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer, which lacks color options or classic style, but is a favorite with many home bakers and looks lovely too.
The best stand mixer for you and your baking needs really depends on your budget and how often you’ll use this machine. Some mixers come with handy add-ons such as pasta makers and meat grinders to ensure they’re used regularly, but others have detachable mix heads and emphasize their primary function as stand mixers, with compact storage options.
Built to last: One thing’s for sure - you’ll want a stand mixer that lasts the test of time. There are stories of these mixers lasting for generations. Some excellent mixers come in durable plastic, but the very best stand mixers have durable stainless steel finishes that literally last a lifetime.
How we tested the best stand mixers
Four stand mixers on review in our testing kitchen
I'll level with you: we love testing stand mixers. Our team of experts are home baking enthusiasts, so all you have to do is suggest a recipe that you like the look of and, the next day, someone will have baked it.
To give each model that we test a fair chance, we have a series of standard tests that we put every single stand mixer through:
Making cake: Every stand mixer comes with a flat beater. These are perfect for heavier, non-yeast mixtures, such as cakes, cookie dough, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, frostings, and more. By making a cake mix, we can test a few factors that we look for in a flat beater. First, creaming butter and sugar together is a good test for how well the beater handles different textures, how quickly and evenly it can combine them, and how much mess it makes. Then, when we add in flour and eggs, we're looking for the flat beater to combine completely opposite textures (light flour, dense eggs, and oily butter) into a smooth, silky cake mix. The beater needs to reach the sides and bottom of the bowl, otherwise it will leave different ingredients behind, spoiling the final result of our bakes.
Kneading bread: Another attachment we get with all of our stand mixers is a dough hook. Our experts test it on pizza dough, bread dough, and enriched dough, since all of these have different requirements. Enriched dough can be sticky and delicate, whereas pizza dough and bread dough needs to be worked hard and with some power. As the gluten develops the bread dough bounces back more and the flour should all be incorporated, making the sides of the bowl almost clean. Before we bake our bread, we do the window test, where we stretch out a small section of dough. If it becomes thin, like a membrane, there's a good level of elasticity. If it breaks or sags, the bread is under or overworked.
Whipping cream: The final attachment that comes with every stand mixer is a whisk. We use this for buttercreams, meringues, custards, batters, and pancakes. When we're incorporating more than one ingredient in meringues and pancakes, we try to avoid lumps and any powder from splashing over the sides. If a brand provides a splash guard, you know it'll be fixed on from the get-go.
Our standard test is on whipped cream, since this is easy to check. We use heavy cream, set the machine running and watch it thicken up into stiff peaks. We'll time how long it takes, take some out for taste testing, and then keep the stand mixer running to see how long it takes to split the cream. You'll want to know whether you can take your eyes off your stand mixer or not. Once the cream has split, we add whole milk to see whether we can take it back to whipped cream. It's a great test of how gentle the stand mixer is.
Extra features: If there are other attachments, such as pasta makers, and ice cream functions (it's a whole world out there), we make sure to test them too. We'll let you know whether they're worth investing in and whether they're gimmicks.
We'll also celebrate a stand mixer with an integrated set of weighing scales or a timer, since these are incredibly useful. If there are any other innovative features, we love to shout about them, since the world of stand mixers is always tweaking small, but important extras.
For all of our tests, we take pictures, have a timer running, and a decibel counter. We'll talk about the features, maneuverability, capacity, and how easy it is to clean the stand mixers.
Taste tests: The proof is always in the pudding, so we taste-test everything too. We check that our cake is moist, light and fluffy; that our bread has a good crust, open texture, and spongy bake; and that our cream is like eating clouds. It's a tough life, really.
Value for money: After all that, we will step back and look at where the stand mixer is in the market. Because our tests are the same across the board, we can directly compare between models, giving you insight into what other brands offer around the same price point. We've gone deep comparing KitchenAids against each other, KitchenAid to Cuisinart and KitchenAid to Smeg.
We always let you know about value, warranty, and what other competitors offer. That way, when you make an investment, you know you have the full picture and you've only got good surprises waiting for you when yours arrives,
Meet our expert testers
Lydia is the Kitchen Appliances Editor for Homes & Gardens, testing everything from mixers to air fryers, frying pans and ovens. Lydia trained in patisserie and culinary arts at Leiths School of Food & Wine. She was previously Recipe Editor for Mindful Chef.
Millie has written for Homes & Gardens since the beginning of 2021. She's a small appliance specialist, testing some of the best and biggest names in the mixing world, from KitchenAid to Cuisinart. She is a keen at-home baker with a sharp, critical eye; she never misses an unevenly mixed batter, a lump of flour or a design flaw.
Jaclyn is a US product tester across the homes titles at Future, including Homes & Gardens. She has also written for foodie publications like The Kitchn and The Spruce Eats. Jaclyn tested the Wolf stand mixer in her own home for months – she attributes her best-ever batch of homemade cookies to this mixer.
Writing across Future titles, Molly reviews appliances she’s tested in her kitchen and at our testing facility (namely air fryers, coffee machines, stand mixers and more), as well as curating buying guides. She's a certified Consumer Expert for several product categories after passing a five-step program including hands-on experience, consumer interviews and extensive research into her specialist area.
FAQs
Are stand mixers worth it?
If you love to bake and frequently find yourself in the kitchen, stand mixers are absolutely worth it. They save a whole bunch of time and effort in mixing, kneading, and whipping ingredients. They provide consistent results, can handle heavy doughs, make whipped cream in minutes and come with various attachments, making them a valuable tool for serious home cooks and bakers.
Why are stand mixers so expensive?
The first reason is the motor. A good stand mixer needs a powerful motor to handle strong, repetitive movement through resistant doughs and mixes. You might be able to get away with a cheaper stand mixer for a couple of years, but one day the motor will give out on a stiff dough and you'll have to buy another one, costing you more money in the long run. Top-line stand mixers from KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Smeg, and other iconic brands are reliable kitchen companions that last for decades, if not generations.
The other reason is attachments and functions. KitchenAids and other stand mixers aren't just for baking. With the right attachment, you can grate, spiralise, grind meat, mill, make pasta and much more. You're not only buying simpler, faster baking but better cooking no matter the dish.
If you're on a budget and looking to upgrade from your wooden spoon, it may be a good time to consider stand mixers versus hand mixers. The best hand mixer costs a lot less but can still power through icing and cake mix with ease.
Does KitchenAid make the best stand mixers?
Without a doubt, KitchenAid makes some of the best stand mixers on the market. They're classics for a reason. The attachments always reach the sides of the bowls, they're built to last a lifetime, and there are endless amounts of KitchenAid accessories that you can buy.
That being said, KitchenAid stand mixers are expensive and they're not the only good ones on the market. In fact, we have a whole buying guide dedicated to the best KitchenAid alternatives that we've tested.
What’s the difference between tilt-head and bowl-lift mixer?
Tilt-head mixers allow the mixing head to tilt back, so you can easily access the bowl and add new ingredients. They’re more compact, lightweight and suitable for home bakers with limited space and lighter mixing needs. However, they may be less stable and struggle with heavy dough. They typically have a smaller bowl capacity than bowl-lift mixers, too.
Bowl-lift mixers feature a lever that raises the bowl into place. They have broader bases, providing greater stability for their powerful motors. They also have a larger capacity – ideal for serious bakers who want to mix heavy dough. They do require more counter space though.
Choosing between the two depends on your passion for baking, space availability, and which type of recipes you typically prepare.
