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The best stand mixer 2024 – the best picks to make baking easier

The best stand mixer revealed: after dozens of cakes, cookies, and loaves, our team of experts finds the very best from KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Smeg and more

Best Stand Mixer - KitchenAid Artisan in Hearth and Hand Pebbled Palm
(Image credit: Hearth and Hand)
Best stand mixers 2024: Jump Menu

A KitchenAid artisan stand mixer in hibiscus, KitchenAid color of the year 2023

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: KitchenAid Artisan
3. Best value: Cuisinart Precision
4. Best professional: KitchenAid Pro Line
5. Best compact: KitchenAid Artisan Mini
6. Best looking: Smeg Retro
7. Best luxury: Wolf Gourmet
8. The ones that missed the list
11. How to choose
12. How we test
13. FAQs

Roundups of the best stand mixers have historically been dominated by KitchenAid. Their iconic models are bold, beautiful, and incredibly competent. Whilst our experts are big fans of the brand, we've seen some unique and innovative features in rival models from Cuisinart, Smeg, Instant, Wolf, and Kenwood.

Our team of expert stand mixer testers has looked for stand mixers suited to every kitchen. We've found budget-friendly models for budding bakers as well as digital, professional mixers that come with integrated weighing scales, extra accessories, and ice cream functions, -- as well as a more premium price tag.

Our team of experts has been testing stand mixers and the best hand mixers for years. We look for flawless functionality, as well as value for money, and stand-out stylish aesthetics. 

We have rigorous tests that ensure that every stand mixer we recommend can whip up fluffy cream, thoroughly mix batters, and knead dough like artisans, but quicker and better. Although the KitchenAid Artisan has defended the top spot for a while in our buying guide, it's not without its rivals.

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 best stand mixers in 2024

You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best stand mixer overall

Flawless, fast, and fastidious, this is our favorite stand mixer by miles

Specifications

Dimensions: 14.3" x 9.3" x 14"
Capacity: 5 qt.
Power: 325W
Colors: countless
Attachments: dough hook, flat beater, wire whisk
RRP: $449.99

Reasons to buy

+
Comes in an huge range of colors
+
Excels at all of many kitchen tasks
+
Buy more attachments to expand its capabilities

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the largest capacity
Buy it if

✅ You use a stand mixer regularly: you'll never be frustrated by strange quirks
✅ You bake a range of recipes: this is incredibly versatile with endless accessories
✅ You want your stand mixer on display: this is available in a range of colors

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: KitchenAids aren't known for their budget-friendly price
❌ You batch bake: this could have a larger capacity
❌ You're short on space: this needs to be left on the countertop

The bottom line

🔎 KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt: Our favorite stand mixer for years, this is incredibly capable across a range of tasks. From whipping to kneading and whisking we couldn't fault the Artisan's exceptional performance.

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 powered through cake batter, bread dough, and whipped cream with perfect results. The handy tilt-head makes it a joy to use, and it was easy for me 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. I 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. 

The dough hook needed a little supervision for larger loaves, but it's perfectly suitable for brioche or sourdough.  I found that the 5-quart capacity is a little lacking if you're catering for a crowd. I turned out two chocolate sponge cakes in one go, but only one loaf of bread at a time. However, KitchenAid makes several bowl sizes if you need more capacity.

There's more detail in our KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
VersatilityCan cover a range of tricky tasks★★★★★
UsabilityIncredibly easy to use★★★★★
AestheticsLooks beautiful★★★★★
ValueExpensive, but worth it★★★★

The best value stand mixer

Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer

(Image credit: Cuisinart)
For KitchenAid quality without the hefty pricetag, this is our number one

Specifications

Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.2 x 15.9 inches
Power: 500W
Capacity: 5.5qt.
Colors: 6
Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, flat beater
RRP: $249.99

Reasons to buy

+
Value for money
+
Larger-than-average capacity
+
12 speeds for added precision

Reasons to avoid

-
Fewer color options than the KitchenAid
Buy it if

✅ You want value: this is a great price for what it can do
✅ You bake a range of recipes: this excels on all functions
✅ You need speed: there are 12 speed settings, which is more than KitchenAid's

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don't like scraping: ingredients often stick to the side
❌ You want a range of colors: KitchenAid has more to offer
❌ You have a small kitchen: the bowl is even bigger than the KitchenAid's

The bottom line

🔎 Cuisinart Precision: If you covet KitchenAids, but can't quite part with the cash, you need a Cuisinart. This is excellent value and even has better capacity than the KitchenAid. It just has less color options than KitchenAid.

The KitchenAid vs Cuisinart debate is still a hot topic, but if value for money is your number one consideration then the Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer is a great option.

I found that it excelled at heavy-duty tasks like kneading bread thanks to sturdy design and high-quality attachments. Controlled by a simple side dial, it packs 500 watts of power. This dial makes it easy to adjust the speed mid-mix, and it also has with 12 speed settings, which is more than the KitchenAid. Despite this power, it's great for delicate work – I loved the slow-start design that saves you from messy clouds of icing sugar or flour as you bake. 

If you're catering for a crowd, the bowl is also larger than the KitchenAid Artisan by half a quart. 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. Bear in mind that while it excels at mixing bread, some ingredients stuck to the side of the bowl, so I had to scrape the sides down to fully incorporate them.

There's more detail in our Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer review.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
VersatilityPlenty of attachments ★★★★★
UsabilityIntuitive to use★★★★★
AestheticsLooks as good as KitchenAid, but less color options★★★★
ValueLess expensive than KitchenAid★★★★

The best professional stand mixer

Professionals, perfectionists, and serious bakers will appreciate the volume and power

Specifications

Dimensions: 14.6" x 13.3" x 16.4"
Power: 969W
Capacity: 7 qt.
Colors: Red, black, silver
Attachments: Dough hook, whisk, splash guard, flat beater

Reasons to buy

+
Capable of mixing large volumes
+
Powerful kneading
+
Dishwasher-safe attachments
+
Sturdy to use

Reasons to avoid

-
The bowl can be tricky to reach into
Buy it if

✅ You batch bake: this has enough for large volumes of mixtures
✅ You make tough doughs: this is an expert kneader
✅ You need a sturdy stand mixer: this feels incredibly robust

Don't buy it if:

❌ You only make small quantities: the bowl is deep and big
❌ You're on a budget: KitchenAids always come with a price tag
❌ You're short on space: you'll struggle to store this anywhere except on a countertop

The bottom line

🔎 KitchenAid Pro Line Series: If consider yourself a professional or a perfectionist, you need the high power and large capacity of this remarkable stand mixer.

From one baking obsessive to another: if you're taking on multi-tiered cakes, or a whopping 14 dozen cookies, or simply chasing the perfect loaf, the KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer is an investment worth making. This is the best stand mixer for serious bakers.

It created the best bread of any I've tested, kneading smooth, elastic dough. Unlike other stand mixers on the list, there was no juddering or moving on the countertop, which is great for safety, especially if you're cooking with kids. This is thanks to a bowl-lift design, which means you twist a lever to bring the bowl up to your attachment, guaranteeing stability. 

It also had far less trouble with ingredients sticking to the side of the bowl than other stand mixers in our lineup, thanks to a broad wire whisk and efficient planetary motion. While it's designed to take on heavy ingredients in large capacities, I found that it mixed well even with small quantities of ingredients as in a buttercream.  

So why isn't it number one? Well, I found that the same bowl-lift design that keeps this stand mixer sturdy makes switching out the attachments a little tricky. That said, all these attachments are dishwasher-safe, so it's easy to clean. But the bigger considerations here are size and price.  This is a great machine but 7 quarts is a huge capacity and overkill for most users. Unless you're turning out a couple of loaves every day, you don't need this sort of power or capacity. It's hard to store and takes up a lot of room. It also costs more $600, and even in sales periods, it's more than $500. If you know you want huge capacity and don't mind paying out, buy this, but for more casual use, I'd go for the Artisan every time. 

There's more detail in our KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer review.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
VersatilityRange of attachments★★★★★
UsabilityLarge capacity and intuitive controls★★★★★
AestheticsTimeless style★★★★★
ValueExpensive★★★★

The best compact stand mixer

Because compact models should never require compromise

Specifications

Dimensions: H12.3 x W7.8 x D12.3 inches
Power: 250W
Capacity: 3.5qt.
Colors: 10
Attachments: flat beater, wire whisk, dough hook
RRP: $379.99

Reasons to buy

+
25% smaller than the original Artisan
+
Works with other KitchenAid attachments
+
Perfectly designed for smaller spaces
+
Excelled in our tests 

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited motor strength
-
No bowl handle
-
Similar RRP to full-sized model
Buy it if

✅ You're a keen baker: this has all KitchenAid's classic, useful features
✅ You're short on space: this is mini but mighty
✅ You have other KitchenAid attachments: this is compatible with all of them

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need pure power: the smaller motor is a little weaker
❌ You need good grip: KitchenAid axed the useful handle
❌ You want value: this isn't much cheaper than the full-sized model

The bottom line

🔎 KitchenAid Artisan Mini: Thankfully, when KitchenAid shrunk this by 25%, they didn't reduce any of the quality or capabilities of their classic models. This is perfect for small spaces and excelled in our tests.

This miniature marvel is much smaller and lighter than other KitchenAid models, but it still has the power to work through cake batter, bread 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. While this is smaller than the other stand mixers on test, our reviewer Molly Cleary said the capacity was still impressive. It's great for smaller families and smaller portions.

This mixer maxes out at 250 watts, which is less than half the size of some more high-end stand mixers, but if you need a smaller size it's a sacrifice worth making. Molly found that the smaller motor kept up with the bigger appliances on test. What's more, because it's smaller, it has the added bonus of being quieter, and smaller capacities meant that it was mixer was stable on the countertop. 

Any attachments purchased separately will also still be compatible with this petite model, so you still get the full benefits of the brand – excellent quality, great results, and a beautiful, statement appliance. 

However, the capacity is smaller than the full-sized Artisan by a quart and a half, and while this is still more than enough for cakes and loaves, it limits you a little. It's unlikely you'd need to bake the hundreds of cookies possible in a five- or seven-quart stand mixer, but you won't have the option. It's also pretty expensive for the size, costing three times as much as our budget pick below. 

There's more detail in our KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer review.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
VersatilityRange of attachments, including full-size ones★★★★★
UsabilityIntuitive controls★★★★★
AestheticsClassic KitchenAid aesthetics★★★★★
ValueVery expensive for what it is★★★

The best looking stand mixer

Retro style, versatile, and compact, this is made for admiration

Specifications

Dimensions: 8.86 x 15.94 x 14.88 inches
Power: 600W
Capacity: 5qt.
Colors: 7
Attachments: whisk, flat beater, dough hook, pouring shield
RRP: $539.95

Reasons to buy

+
Compact
+
Sleek look
+
Has an express setting
+
Matching appliances available 

Reasons to avoid

-
Only neutral colors available 
-
A noisy mixer
Buy it if

✅ You'll keep this in your countertops: the style is made for the eyes
✅ You're keen to have lots of attachments: this can make everything from pasta to ice cream
✅ You need color options: there are seven different hues to match any kitchen color scheme

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're short on space: this has a big footprint
❌ You make lots of bread: this is noisy when kneading
 You're on a budget: there are cheaper options

The bottom line

🔎 Smeg Retro: Smeg always delivers on style and substance. This sleek, curvy design is a countertop space hog, but it is compatible with a range of useful accessories and is endlessly useful too.

A 21st-century homage to the atomic age, I think this mixer is the most stylish alternative to the KitchenAid Artisan. It's got plenty of attachments, and I particularly loved the pouring shield that stops spills and messes as you bake. 

At 600W, it's remarkably powerful, and I found on test that it could whip up a perfect chocolate frosting. The intuitive controls are not only simple to use, but mean that you can place this stand mixer almost anywhere on a countertop, as it suits both right-and left-handers. 

It comes in seven bright colors in two different color ranges - one with a pop of color on the tilt-head, and one set in which the entire mixer is one color. This mixer has a big countertop footprint, so it may not suit smaller spaces. It's also noisy, which is fine for quick mixes but a nuisance for thorough tasks like kneading bread dough. Most of all, however, it's relatively expensive. There are better mixers out there for less, like the KitchenAid Artisan or the Cuisinart Precision. 

There's more detail in our Smeg 1950s Retro Stand Mixer review.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
VersatilityRange of attachments★★★★★
UsabilityIntuitive controls★★★★★
AestheticsClassic KitchenAid aesthetics★★★★★
ValueReasonably priced★★★★

The best luxury stand mixer

A luxury model for premium performance indulgence

Specifications

Dimensions: 14.3 x 9.3 x 14 inches
Power: 500W
Capacity: 6.8qt
Colors: brushed stainless steel
Attachments: dough hook, flat beater, wire whisk
RRP: $999.95

Reasons to buy

+
Unique twist-up bowl
+
Pro-level blending quality
+
Smooth operation, and never splattered
+
Didn't overheat or shake
+
Additional attachment hub

Reasons to avoid

-
No enticing color range
-
Tall, so may not fit under cabinets
-
Very expensive
Buy it if

✅ You're looking for luxury: this feels and performs like a premium model
✅ You want a smooth mix: we didn't experience any splattering
✅ You want versatility: this comes with a range of attachments

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're short on space: this is very tall
❌ You're on a budget: this is the most expensive model in our guide
❌ You have a specific color scheme: this is only available in one shade

The bottom line

🔎 Wolf Gourmet: If you're looking to treat yourself this neat, sleek stand mixer is the one for you. It doesn't splatter, smoothly and thoroughly blending batters mixes, and doughs. It's just very tall and expensive.

Based purely on performance, this is the best stand mixer, including KitchenAids. Our experts said that it created the best cookies she's ever made. The 6.8 qt bowl can take large bakes and the splash guard protects against spills and flour clouds too. 

We put the exceptional performance down to the unique bowl design. 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 and quiet. 

However, our experts found a few reasons why this mixer was bested by KitchenAid. The hefty price tag on the Wolf Gourmet is enough to make you wince. $1000 is simply too much to spend on a stand mixer. It's also quite tall, so won't work for every kitchen, and the stainless steel is more professional-working-kitchen than style statement. 

There's more detail in our Wolf Gourmet mixer review.

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
VersatilityIncredibly powerful across a range of functions★★★★★
UsabilityIntuitive and well-desrigned★★★★★
AestheticsVery tall★★★
ValueExpensive★★★

The ones that just missed the list

We loved baking, kneading, and whipping with these stand mixers too much to let them slip through the net. If the ones above didn't quite hit the spot for your kitchen needs, these are your next best chance.

How to choose a stand mixer

Image of KitchenAid and Smeg stand mixers in head to head image on marble countertop

(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)

Size matters
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 lifting into shelving units when not in use or leaving in a corner without losing a whole counter in your kitchen.

Looks aren't everything, but they matter
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 can vary
If you want a top-of-the-range stand mixer, prepare to spend as much as $700 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 these stand mixers

Image of best stand mixers review process with four stand mixers on marble countertop

Four stand mixers on review in our testing kitchen

(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)

If you want to know how we test stand mixers, rest assured that we have hands-on experience with every single stand mixer in this guide. We went to lengths to test each of these mixers, some of them simultaneously, so we can establish which performed the best. We also used our testing facility in order to gauge the size, features, and maneuverability of these mixers. We've gone deep comparing KitchenAids against each other, KitchenAid to Cuisinart and KitchenAid to Smeg.

When it comes to the tests themselves, we tried these mixers out on three different tasks in order to see the performance of different attachments, as well as the power of the mixers. We also recorded the time taken to adequately mix as well as decibel readings, and finished off by gauging how easy it was to clean the stand mixers.

FAQs

What is the best stand mixer?

The best stand mixer in the world is the KitchenAid Artisan. It makes perfect loaves, cakes, and cookies, and comes in a huge range of colors and designs. Our tests showed that there's no better mixer on the market. 

How much does the best stand mixer cost?

There's no denying that the very top-stand mixers can be expensive. The most expensive one in our guide can cost as much as $1,000, but it is possible to get a powerful stand mixer for $100 if you are willing to compromise on looks or bowl capacity. 

Most stand mixers cost around $300, and if your heart is set on a KitchenAid mixer, the Classic is the cheapest KitchenAid stand mixer you can buy and still features the dough hook for kneading bread, the flat beater for making cookies, and the whisk for cake and buttercream icing. 

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. 

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. 

Can stand mixer parts go in the dishwasher?

It depends on the stand mixer, so dishwasher-safe parts are a great feature to look out for. It's usually the case that attachments are dishwasher safe, but the bowl has to be washed in the sink. Some food processors are entirely dishwasher safe, so keep an eye out for those if you dread washing up.  

Millie Fender
Head of Reviews

Millie Fender is Head of Reviews on the Homes and Gardens Ecommerce team. She specializes in cooking appliances, such as the best kettles, and also reviews outdoor grills and pizza ovens. Millie loves to bake, so she will take any excuse to review stand mixers and other baking essentials. When she's not putting products through their paces in our dedicated testing kitchen, Millie's reviews are conducted at home, meaning she uses these products in her own day-to-day life. 

With contributions from