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.

Best stand mixer 2023: tested by expert bakers

Our pick for the best stand mixer, a Kitchenaid Artisan mixer in cream with a white ceramic bowl flanked by a bouquet of white flowers, juice, and a set of plates

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

Jump to category:

Best stand mixer deals
Quick list
1. Best overall
2. Best value
3. Best professional
4. Best compact
5. Best digital
6. Best looking
7. Best luxury
8. Best for dough
9. Best budget
How to choose
How we test
How to choose
How we tested
Meet the team
FAQs

By Millie Fender

last updated 24 October 2023

Contributions from

Molly Cleary

Best stand mixers 2023: Jump Menu

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

1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: KitchenAid Artisan
3. Best value: Cuisinart Precision
4. Best professional: KitchenAid Pro Line
5. Best looking: Smeg Retro
6. Best compact: KitchenAid Artisan Mini
7. Best digital: Instant Pro
8. Best luxury: Wolf Gourmet
9. Best for dough: Ankarsrum Assistent Original
10. Best budget: Beautiful by Drew Barrymore
11. How to choose
12. How we test
13. Meet the team
14. FAQs

Whether you're stepping up your home baking or a pro pastry chef in training, the best stand mixers whip up mixes in minutes, saving you time and effort.

After years of testing, our experts have concluded that the best stand mixer is still the iconic KitchenAid Artisan. The five-quart mixing bowl can accommodate enough cake batter to make at least two tiers at once. It impressed on test with its brilliant, colorful finishes and its wide range of tools to perfectly whisk eggs, fold in flour and knead bread dough.

Before awarding the Artisan top spot, our experts tested the best classic stand mixers from KitchenAid, Smeg, Cuisinart and more. We considered their effectiveness, quality, durability, ease of cleaning, and price.

Alongside functionality, we considered the stand mixers' looks – since, unlike our selection of the best hand mixers, yours will likely be out on the countertop full time. We've also taken weight into consideration, in case you have the space to be able to tuck your stand mixer away when not in use.

Best stand mixer deals

To get the fairest prices on the best stand mixers, I recommend reading the whole article. But if you're tight on time and money, you should take advantage of these deep discounts.

Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts| Was ~~$99.99,~~ now $69.99 at Amazon
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is an affordable option for those looking for a decent mixer on a budget. It claims to offer the same mixing action as KitchenAid, though has slightly less power at just 300 watts. Reviewers are concerned with longevity as to how long the product may last, but it seems to get through the required basics. Helpful markings on the side give advice as to what speed setting to use based on what you're making.

Millie Fender

Millie Fender is our expert e-Commerce editor at Woman & Home. Amongst our experts, Millie is the authority on stand mixers. She loves to make and if you've ever seen her handle a stand mixer, her expertise is pre-eminent.

The quick list

Best overall

1. KitchenAid Artisan Series

Best overall

For an iconic, American-made stand mixer, we'd always choose this. With 10 power settings it made everything from cake batter, to bread dough, and whipped cream effortlessly.

Read more below

Best value