I am easily the least coordinated person I know, which is not always a winning combination in the kitchen. Glass and ceramic pieces are constantly at risk of being dropped, which is why plastic has lingered in my cabinets for so long.

Among the worst offenders are my old plastic mixing bowls, now scratched and stained from years of use. As part of my mission to create a non-toxic home, they are high on the list for replacement - and the KitchenAid Stainless Steel Nesting Bowls, available from Amazon, feel like the perfect upgrade.

Durable, versatile, and free from the concerns often associated with aging plastics, they offer a practical alternative that is particularly well suited to small kitchens. Better yet, they nest, taking up less space in my tiny kitchen. Here’s why I think they are worth the switch.

Stainless steel is one of the best options for non-toxic cookware. It is inert, meaning that it does not react with food, does not release fumes or leach harsh chemicals when heated, and is free from synthetic coatings.

While your mixing bowls are unlikely to go in the oven, plastic bowls can warp when heated over a pan for a bain-marie, or chip or scratch, especially if you are using an electric hand mixer, flaking microplastics into your meals.

Stainless steel bowls, such as the KitchenAid, on the other hand, eliminate these risks, staying pristine for longer without chipping or melting. Given they are non-reactive, they do not absorb flavors or odors, either, meaning they can be used just as easily for savory food prep as they are for sweet cake mixes − there's no more fear that my chocolate cake will come with a twinge of the weekend's barbecue marinade.

The KitchenAid bowls feature silicone bases that serve a dual purpose: Protecting the stainless steel from cosmetic scratches when nested together in kitchen storage and preventing the bowls from sliding or spinning while mixing by hand.

For someone as clumsy as me, that extra stability is surprisingly valuable. Whether I'm whisking cake batter or working through a thick dough, the bowls stay firmly in place, reducing the risk of slips, spills, and ingredients ending up anywhere but the mixing bowl. If I do drop one, I won't be worrying about cracks, either.

While I have yet to pick up the bowls for myself, I have spent the last few weeks reviewing the KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, which comes with a stainless steel bowl. It was incredibly sturdy, resisting scratches even against my metal ice cream scoop when portioning cookies. This gives me high hopes for this nesting set of three.

They are small details, but they make baking feel noticeably easier − and a lot less chaotic.

What Else to Shop

Your kitchen is one of the easiest and most impactful places to start when reducing potential toxin exposure in your home. To help you create a healthier cooking environment, I’ve rounded up some of my top picks, from non-toxic kitchen utensils and cookware, to safer drinkware and everyday swaps.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

With your new non-toxic pieces on the way, brush up on how to organize pots and pans to make ample room and avoid a fight through clutter every time you cook.

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When the new KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer first launched, I knew I had to get my hands on it, and having put it through its paces for the last few weeks, I can safely say it has not disappointed.

Having baked for the last 15 years, I understand how your tools can make or break your bake. A bad stand mixer can make the process more awkward than working by hand. Luckily, the Artisan Plus is not that, offering fantastic control and precision over everything from cakes to breads.

Here is how I got on reviewing the KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, and why I maintain, after my KitchenAid Artisan Plus first look, that it is arguably the best stand mixer money can buy.

Product Specifications: KitchenAid Artisan Plus 5 Quart Stand Mixer

Design and First Impressions

The KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer follows the same design as its best-selling predecessor, the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer we reviewed a few years back. The signature tilt-head design has returned, but adding more colors to the mix, totalling 13 overall, with the new Sun Dried Tomato, Wild Blueberry, Iron Ore Bronze, and Oat colorways ensuring there is a style for every kitchen design.

The stand mixer looks great straight out of the box. It arrived well packaged in polystyrene to protect the main body of the unit (so not entirely recyclable), but all the components were tucked very neatly inside, so there was no risk of damage or scratches. The unit itself is rather heavy, both to lift and to move around on the counter. This is so that the unit does not rock or move even on the fastest mixing speeds; however, it might make it more difficult if you want to put it away in a cabinet after each use. That said, the design is so pretty, I suggest leaving it on the counter anyway. Small appliance slide mats, from Amazon, can make them easier to move if required.

From there, it is as simple as plugging in and starting to bake. I noted that there is an included cable tidy on the cord to help keep counters clear. It's a small detail, but appreciated in a small kitchen.

The Artisan Plus comes with four attachments as standard: A wire whisk, a dough hook, a standard paddle, and a double Flex Edge paddle, which came to be my favorite for mixing batters, but more on that later. Each accessory is crafted from solid stainless steel, with a good weight to them that makes them feel premium. The double Flex Edge has two silicone scrapers on either side, which scrape the edges of the bowl to ensure no batter is left unmixed. There is also a clear plastic splash guard that uses silicone 'feet' to clip onto the bowl. I love how sturdy this felt, and yes, the edge of the funnel is sturdy enough to crack eggs against.

A major upgrade from the previous classic design is the bowl handle. This was one of the few things we marked the original classic design down for missing. Also, stainless steel, the bowl is easy to handle and well-weighted, even with a heavy dough inside.

The stand-out new features on the Artisan Plus include the integrated bowl light, which activates whenever you put the head down and stays on when mixing. In my dark kitchen, it was a game-changer for being able to keep an eye on my mixes, casting a lovely yet practical soft glow over the contents of the bowl. It also added a cozier touch to the experience, which I appreciate.

Finally, the new speed settings, specifically the half-speed for folding, were fantastic. Anyone who bakes regularly knows how easy it is for a delicate batter to be ruined by the power of a stand mixer. However, the half-speed works slowly to avoid knocking air out of the mix. What's more, the speed dial can be used in two configurations. Turn the dial one way, and you can 'click' precisely between the marked speed settings. Turn the dial the other way, and you can glide seamlessly between each speed, effectively giving you full control and half-speeds between every markation. It is simply fantastic.

Performance

To thoroughly test the stand mixer, I tested four of my favorite recipes that would assess the appliance's ability to tackle everything from thick doughs to delicate cream:

The Cake Test

Not to blow my own trumpet, but I make a very good Victoria sponge cake. It is basic, but an undeniable classic. Done correctly, the sponge should be as light as air, and it is a mix I usually always hand-mix for precision.

Starting with creaming the butter and sugar together, I opted for the double Flex Edge beater to see how efficient it was at keeping the edges of the bowl clean. Admittedly, underestimating the power of the machine, I turned it on too high at first and sent a ring of butter around the top of the bowl. I removed the paddle, scraped the bowl down manually using its edge, replaced it, and tried again more slowly.

This was more successful. The paddle beat the mix until fluffy, keeping the bowl clean as it worked. From there, adding the vanilla and alternating adding the eggs and flour was simple. The clear cover with a spout helped direct ingredients in, but it was not needed to prevent splashes.

The fold speed came into its own when alternating the eggs and flour. This is the point where you are most likely to end up with a dense cake. Adding each slowly and folding it in maintains air, so you do not end up with a tough dough. I left the folding half-speed running as I added each, and found my batter to be lovely and light by the end.

After baking, the cake was fluffy and well-risen, with that airy texture I usually look for. I do think I overmixed it slightly, this being my first time using the stand mixer, but I put that down to user error, not being used to a mixer doing all the work for me, rather than me manually stopping and starting. All in all, I was very impressed.

The Whipped Cream Test

Whipped cream is a pain to make by hand. I did it once and never want to do it again.

I simply poured double cream into the base of the bowl, added the whisk attachment, and set it off on a high speed. I actually mixed it for too long, once again underappreciating the efficiency, but it was nothing that turning it down and adding some more fresh cream didn't fix. The resulting cream was lovely and thick, and perfect for spreading between the layers of my cake with fresh raspberry compote.

The lesson here is that the KitchenAid Artisan Plus is very efficient, taking only a minute or so to perfect whipped cream.

The Bread Test

Bread can be a make-or-break test for a stand mixer, but it is an essential test to pass if you want to avoid the labour of hand-kneading dough. I used a focaccia recipe to test the KitchenAid and found it to be a very straightforward experience.

As with most stand mixers, the speed is limited when using the dough hook, but I did not find that this limited my baking at all. The hook powered through the dough with ease, and the machine did not rock, nor did the head bounce up and down as some stand mixers are prone to. It remained sturdy throughout.

I will note that the top of the dough hook is large and flat, designed to stop the dough from climbing too far up and getting into the gears of the machine. This does mean you have to be smart when adding your ingredients so that they do not sit on top of this, however.

Making bread was also the only occasion when the splash guard failed me. I added a big spoonful of flour into the bowl while the hook was working too quickly, and it flew out of the gap at the back. It was a small mess, and I didn't do it again in any other tests, so I don't see this as a design flaw in any way.

The handled bowl made it easy to move the dough around as it was proofing, too.

The resulting focaccia dough passed the 'window pane' test with ease (evidencing good gluten development from proper kneading), rose perfectly, and created a delicious loaf that my friends demolished in one sitting.

The Cookie Test

My partner makes the best chocolate cookies (I'm not biased, I promise), so I roped him in to help with the cookie test. This dough usually makes our arms ache as we reach the final stages of mixing, so I was excited to finally have my favorite treat without the shoulder pain.

I used the standard paddle for this, once again mixing the melted butter and sugar, and then adding the eggs and flour. It breezed through with ease, with no clumping. Everything was mixed evenly, too, despite the lack of 'Flex Edges'. Once again, the machine showed no sign of struggle or rocking.

Adding in the chocolate, I put the half-fold speed setting to use again, and it dispersed the pieces very evenly without breaking them up too much. It was a softer, layered caramel chocolate, so this really impressed me.

We refrigerate our cookie dough for 24-72 hours before baking, and the stainless steel bowl was easy to remove, cover with foil, and slot onto our fridge shelf without having to alter the height of any of them.

After baking, the cookies were crisp at the edges and gooey in the middle. It is yet another win for the KitchenAid Artisan Plus.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer is a breeze. With all the main components made from stainless steel, they wipe clean with warm water, dish soap (I use a non-toxic soap such as Attitude Dish Soap from Walmart), and a soft sponge.

The only item that gave me some trouble was the double Flex Edge, as some food was stubborn and stuck in the small silicone crease. Soaking this in warm water helped remove it.

You can leave the parts to air dry; however, I found drying with a soft cotton dish towel to be the best way to avoid marks on the stainless steel bowl.

The main body of the unit can be wiped down with a barely damp cloth. This was easy, even with my matte-textured Oat colorway appliance. I then decided to leave it on my counter, as it looks so pretty, it would be a shame to store it in a cabinet.

How The KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer Compares

The online reception has been just as positive as my own. Verified users on the KitchenAid store have given the appliance five stars, with many commenting on the power and precision.

One noted, 'I made cupcakes with the KitchenAid Artisan Plus, and I totally get why people love it. It looks gorgeous, but it also works really well in real, everyday baking. The bowl is spacious, the mixing is smooth, and the whole process feels effortless. It's one of those products that just makes your kitchen routine better.'

The lowest star review is a three-star review by a customer who had difficulty with the whisk attachment reaching the base of the bowl. I personally did have this issue, and I do not see it mentioned in other reviews, so it may be down to alignment. If this is the case, it is something that can be fixed with a KitchenAid dime trick.

I reviewed the KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer alongside the new SMEG Forte Stand Mixer, and the KitchenAid just edged in front in my assessments. Testing using the same recipes, both mixers delivered fantastic, near-identical results. That said, the SMEG does not have a half-speed, bowl light, or precision slider between the speed settings. The SMEG also struggled more with the bread dough, with more head rocking.

The KitchenAid is $50 more expensive at the time of writing, so whether those small details make or break the savings will come down to personal preference.

I personally prefer the style of the KitchenAid, but that is entirely my own taste and opinion.

Should You Buy The KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer?

All in all, I would absolutely recommend buying the KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer if you ever bake at home and are in need of a new workhorse. Whether you are making cakes, breads, pizza doughs, or cookies, the mixer can handle any mix with ease and precision, making it one of the best investments for home cooks. If you already have an existing KitchenAid, you may not need to rush to upgrade, especially as the new model is $100 more expensive than the original Artisan Stand Mixer at the time of writing, but it is worth keeping on your radar should you need a replacement any time soon.

The five-quart bowl might not be big enough if you run a cake business from your kitchen and regularly make cakes above four tiers; however, for the home baker, serious or casual, it is a certified upgrade that I can barely fault. It looks great and performs spectacularly. I can't wish for much more.

While I did not try any myself, the Artisan Plus is compatible with a wide range of the KitchenAid accessories ecosystem, too, from meat grinders to food processors, making it a worthwhile investment if you love to cook anything from scratch.

I will, of course, continue to use the stand mixer in my home and update this review should I discover anything else of note.

What Else to Shop

One of the best things about KitchenAid is the vast ecosystem of accessories you can add to your appliance. These extend the functionality way beyond cakes and bread, turning your investment into a truly multi-functional workhorse. These are some of my favorite KitchenAid accessories.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to make your baking setup more professional? We asked professional organizers for their best tips for storing bakeware to keep kitchens tidy.

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Just this week, the new KitchenAid Artisan Plus stand mixer landed on my doorstep for testing, and I can already tell that it is going to be the best baking upgrade my home has seen in over 15 years.

I have been baking for as long as I can remember, and started by helping my mom to mix everything lovingly by hand, nary a stand mixer in sight. The manual approach works, of course, but there is no denying that it slows you down a lot. It's certainly left me in a baking slump of late.

That's why I've been excited to start using the Artisan Plus, which is shaping up to be one of the best stand mixers on the market. It has retained all the best elements of its predecessor while ironing out the small, albeit annoying functional snags. The result? An appliance I am genuinely excited to see on my counter and use.

I am yet to finish testing and write up my full review of the KitchenAid Artisan Plus stand mixer, but having unboxed it and trialled a few of my go-to recipes, I am already confident in saying it is shaping up to be a five-star investment.

Visually, not much has changed from the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer we reviewed a few years ago. It follows the same iconic silhouette with the domed tilt-head and stainless steel bowl. Now, however, that bowl comes with a very practical handle and a built-in bowl-light so you can keep a much closer eye on your mix.

Like the original KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer we also reviewed, this mixer has the all-important half-speed setting. It emulates hand mixing perfectly, allowing for more careful folds to avoid beating the air out of fluffy cake batters.

The new mixer has a more powerful motor, however, allowing it to also tackle thick, heavy-duty doughs with ease. You have the choice to click between each of the 11 speed settings or slide between them for absolute precision.

It is a small detail, but anyone who bakes regularly will know that that level of control can be the difference between the perfect bake and an overmixed mess.

While you'll never be heating your stand mixer, nor its accessories, I am always conscious of the materials used. Where possible, I like to avoid plastic and pick the best non-toxic kitchen appliances.

With the Artisan Plus, all attachments are made of solid stainless steel (including the double-flex-edge beater, which features food-grade silicone). They're weighty and exude quality. I hardly worry when I toss them in a drawer that they might come out misshapen.

Speaking of storing bakeware, stand mixers are infamously tricky to tuck away. They are heavy, for one, and while the Artisan Plus is reasonably compact for an appliance that can do much more than mix cakes, it is not easy to tuck into a cabinet in a small kitchen.

Luckily, it looks so good on the counter that I find it rather pleasing to keep on display. Like my Modern Heritage Le Creuset Dutch Oven, it screams 'I know what I am doing' in the kitchen, and I like that baking badge of honor.

Besides, with 14 color options, including the new Sun Dried Tomato, Oat (the color I chose), and Feather Pink, there is a shade for every kitchen color palette.

It is possibly going to be my top kitchen addition for 2026, but I will be sure to give the full report when it comes time to review.

What to Shop

One of my favourite things about KitchenAid stand mixers is their versatility. The extensive ecosystem of attachments allows a single machine to transform into an ice cream maker, the best juicer, a pasta roller, or a meat grinder in a matter of minutes.

It is one of the rare countertop appliances that genuinely earns its space on your counter, so to help you make the most of your new investment, I’ve rounded up six of the most popular add-ons.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking to inject a fun pop of color into your kitchen this year? KitchenAid's 2026 color of the year, Spearmint, might be the very appliance for the job.

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We all seem to be on the hunt for the perfect brewer – a coffee machine that can make a range of excellent drinks, handle beans and milk with ease, and do it all without taking over the entire kitchen counter.

Luckily, the latest espresso machines from KitchenAid appear to be up to the task. Around 25% smaller than previous models, the new KitchenAid KF2 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine combines a built-in conical burr grinder with an integrated milk steaming wand, making it your personal barista at home.

It is already shaping up to be a contender for the best espresso machines – especially thanks to the added cold brew functionality. Here’s everything you need to know.

We’ve always been fans of the KitchenAid coffee machines, particularly the KF range. The KF6, for example, earned an impressive 4.5/5 stars in our expert review by Lydia Hayman, thanks to its exceptionally quiet operation and chic silhouette that sits seamlessly in any modern kitchen. It also delivered consistently strong, well-balanced espresso, the true litmus test for any machine in this category.

The new KF2 variation is simply smaller – offering the same great brewing power on a more compact footprint. It offers six hot and iced recipe options, from rich, bold espresso to refreshing iced coffee, all at the touch of a button. Drinks can also be tailored to taste, too, with a backlit LED display (another upgrade on the previous model) that makes adjusting strength, size, and temperature simple and intuitive.

A built-in burr grinder automatically adapts to different beans and roast profiles, helping ensure a consistently well-rounded extraction without the need for barista-level training.

It has certainly earned its spot on the busiest kitchen counters, and I can't wait to put it to the test.

What Else to Shop

To help you make the best coffee at home, I’ve rounded up a selection of coffee station essentials designed to elevate both your brewing routine and your countertop aesthetic.

All prices correct at time of publication.

With your new automated in-house barista on the way, check out some of the expert coffee bar organization ideas to maintain order.

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There are few things I look forward to more than springtime baking. From fresh focaccias to lemon and blueberry bakes, it’s one of the best ways to welcome the season – especially when hosting for Easter.

The new KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer has arrived at the perfect moment to elevate my seasonal setup. The biggest advancement to the brand’s iconic and best stand mixer since 1955, it features precision speed control, a dual flex-edge beater, and 14 colorways – including the debut shades 'Sundried Tomato', 'Wild Blueberry', and 'Oat.'

Arguably the brand’s most beautiful and functional stand mixer yet, it’s hard not to get excited.

Why Every Home Baker Needs The KitchenAid Artisan Plus Upgrade

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

The iconic KitchenAid Artisan Series 5‑Quart Stand Mixer has held its place as our best KitchenAid stand mixer for several years. It’s hard to beat the timeless design, vibrant colorways, and wide range of attachments that transform a baking essential into a truly multifaceted kitchen workhorse.

The new KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer builds on that success with several thoughtful upgrades. The refreshed tilt-head now features an integrated LED bowl light, making it easier to keep an eye on batters and doughs as they mix. It also introduces 11 precision speed settings – including a half-speed option for delicate folding – and a soft-start function that gradually increases mixing power to help keep ingredients in the bowl and minimize splatter and mess (powdered sugar, I’m looking at you).

Yes, your existing stand mixer or even your handheld beaters will get the job done, but baking demands precision, and the Artisan Plus is designed specifically with this in mind. Think fluffier cakes, elastic, airy doughs, and perfectly whipped icing.

The KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer also introduces thoughtful upgrades throughout the appliance, including dishwasher-safe stainless steel accessories as standard, an improvement on the original model’s mix of plastic and steel components.

The standout addition is the double flex-edge beater, designed to scrape the sides of the bowl as it mixes for more precise, thorough results. In other words, no more pockets of unmixed flour or streaks of butter clinging to the edges.

Better still, all your existing extra KitchenAid attachments still work, from the KitchenAid 3-in-1 pasta attachment to the summer-ready Ice Cream Maker Attachment.

To celebrate the launch, KitchenAid is holding a sweepstakes where you can enter to win one of five Artisan Plus Mixers in any one of their four new colors (US residents only). It's completely free, and more than worth the entry.

What to Shop

A KitchenAid Stand Mixer is capable of far more than just baking cakes, though it certainly excels at that. To truly unlock its potential, investing in a few well-chosen attachments can expand your skills and elevate what you can do in the kitchen.

Here are six of my favorite accessories to help you get the most out of your stand mixer:

If your KitchenAid Stand Mixer always seems to miss the bottom of the bowl, there’s no need to settle for finishing the mix by hand. This quick KitchenAid 'dime test' trick is an easy adjustment that can instantly improve your mixer’s performance and make baking much easier.

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I don't know if it is just me, but by this point in the year, my kitchen is the least favorite room in my house. After peak hosting season and months of relentless winter weather, my motivation to cook and bake is at an all-time low.

Luckily, KitchenAid is coming to the rescue with its invigorating 2026 Color of the Year – Spearmint, the 'bright and calming minty green that invites you to step into the fresh side.'

The new, invigorating shade is available in the best KitchenAid stand mixer money can buy – the Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head – and it's the perfect pick if you're looking to upgrade your kitchen game in 2026 with appliances you'll never want to hide.

Why KitchenAid's Spearmint Hue Is Inspiring for Their Latest Color of The Year

If your kitchen has started to feel a little uninspiring and your smaller appliances are looking more haggard than homy, it's the perfect time for an upgrade – especially in the run up to spring, where this 'revitalising' hue sets the perfect tone for Easter baking.

Whether you're swapping out your old stand mixer for an upgraded model or investing in one of the best stand mixers for the first time as a little pre-spring treat, it's the easiest way to create a fresh look for your kitchen and use functional decor to boost your mood, without a full kitchen redesign.

Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors at Homes & Gardens, points out that blues are having a real moment in the spotlight right now, not just for spring, but for an uplifting pop that can carry you through summer into the chilly winter months without feeling trendy or impulsive.

'It's utterly timeless,' she proclaims. 'It's a low-lift approach to adding something special practically in a way that every busy kitchen demands.'

Brittni Pertijs, design manager: Color, material, and finish, part of the team behind the new colorway at Whirlpool Corporation, shared, 'This year’s Color of the Year, Spearmint, feels like a mood booster – it’s positive, uplifting, and revitalizing.'

Spearmint is also incredibly versatile, she points out. It can bring a fresh pop of color against stainless steel or be a perfect complement in a colorful kitchen. Thanks to its blend of blues and greens, it works just as well in both cool and warm spaces to stand out as a statement or seamlessly blend into its surroundings, too.

The new shade also sees the return of the previously limited-edition 2021 Sand finish. This subtle texture softens the shade, and pulls inspiration from the soft texture of mint leaves, honing in on the tactility of the analogue trend so many of us are turning to in an increasingly overwhelming world, paved in neutrals and slick stainless steel.

'The sand finish is not a texture that you immediately notice with your eyes, but rather one that pulls you in and invites you to touch it,' Brittini shares. 'It has a subtle, grounding warmth that feels reminiscent of baking, cooking, and the moments we spend creating in the kitchen.'

The new KitchenAid is available from 12 February 2026, and launches with a KitchenAid Color of the Year Sweepstakes, where five lucky winners will receive a Spearmint Stand Mixer, plus a matching, limited-edition KitchenAid 36-inch Dual Fuel Commercial-Style Range.

It's the first time the Color of the Year has ever been expanded into the major appliance category, and it's only available to the winners.

What to Shop

With your new upgrade taken care of, discover how to use KitchenAid stand mixer attachments to make the most of your new investment.

One of the most annoying parts of using a stand mixer is realizing that the paddle has missed most of the mix at the edges of the bowl. You either have to mix for twice as long or use a spatula to finish the job yourself.

If your best KitchenAid stand mixer is guilty of this, there's a shockingly easy fix, expert bakers reveal, and all you need is a coin and a screwdriver. No fancy tools or mechanical skills required.

Here's how you can use the dime trick to ensure even mixing in minutes.

How To Use The Dime Trick For Even Mixing

Christina Karras, expert baker and founder of Dolce by Tina, says that the dime trick really is one of the best basic maintenance tasks you can run on your stand mixer. 'If the beater isn’t adjusted properly, you’ll often notice ingredients sticking to the bottom of the bowl or uneven mixing. This small adjustment can make a huge difference in how well everything comes together,' she explains.

While your KitchenAid stand mixer may have been perfectly adjusted straight out of the box, over time, vibrations, heavy loads, and adding and removing different attachments can slowly alter the alignment. It's normal, even if it is frustrating.

Using the dime trick is a quick way to make the minor adjustments needed to get the most out of a stand mixer:

1. Drop a dime (or any small coin) into your clean stand mixer, positioning it towards the bottom edge of the bowl, and lower the head with the paddle attachment.
2. Turn the stand mixer on a slow speed and watch the coin. If it does not move, then the head adjustment is too high, and you need to lower it.
3. Lift the stand mixer head again and use a screwdriver (available from Walmart) to gently loosen the bolt at the base of the head a small amount, turning anti-clockwise a fraction of a turn. Christina advises, 'The key is making small adjustments. Always start by unplugging the mixer, then turn the adjustment screw just a quarter turn at a time and re-test with the dime. You want the beater to gently move the coin, not hit the bowl. Going slowly helps avoid over-adjusting and keeps the mixer in great shape over time.'
4. Repeat the test by lowering the head and running the paddle on slow again. If the coin still doesn't remove, repeat the adjustment.
5. When the coin is moved gently around the bowl's edge, your stand mixer is perfectly aligned. Wash the bowl and paddle before using them for food again.

While you may have to repeat this process a few times over the life of your KitchenAid stand mixer, Christina says you shouldn't have to do it often. 'It’s really only necessary if something feels off while you’re mixing, or if you notice ingredients aren’t incorporating the way they normally do.'

If your stand mixer head is very wobbly, always moving, or stutters when mixing and small adjustments don't rectify the problem, it may be a sign you need to service your kitchen appliances or, in the worst case, replace your old appliances.

What to Shop

Meet the Expert

Want to get the most out of your KitchenAid? Next, learn how to use the KitchenAid stand mixer attachments to get the most bang for your buck on these investment appliances.

I know firsthand that choosing the best KitchenAid color isn’t easy. The best KitchenAid mixers are lifelong companions – and the brand makes beautiful, matching blenders and food prep gadgets, too. With a rainbow of shades to choose from – vibrant cherries and buttery yellows to timeless neutrals – picking the right one is crucial whether you want to make a statement or have your appliance blend in with your kitchen decor.

Luckily, I've found a method that makes the decision easier (and more whimsical). Shop by Birth month color, inspired by your birthstone: January’s ruby-red, February’s dreamy Amethyst, March’s serene Aquamarine, and so on.

Matching your mixer to your birth month is a playful, personal way to choose a KitchenAid that feels made for you – and a clever shortcut to finding a thoughtful gift for a loved one who enjoys cooking. Whether rolling out elegant galettes, experimenting with snacks, or perfecting family suppers, the best KitchenAid color will spark your natural creativity 365 days a year.

The Best KitchenAid Color for Your Birth Month

Ready to uncover the best KitchenAid color for you? As a Kitchen Appliances Editor, I’ve curated standout designs that match not only your birthday, but your unique baking personality and cooking style.

That’s your complete guide to the best Le Creuset color according to each birth month. If you're inspired to carry your birth month palette beyond the kitchen, you're in luck. Explore our Style editor's guide to birth month interior paint color, and our Gardens editors have even explored plants tailored to your unique birthday, like birth month berries.

From stollen to sweet sourdough, I love holiday baking. The kitchen fills with vanilla and cinnamon spice, and my family is always on stand-by to gobble up the results.

Last year, I was using a hand mixer to whip up my festive treats, but the motor quickly tired (and so did my arms, holding it for long periods of time). This year, I invested in a serious bit of kit: KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, now discounted by $219 at QVC.

This is a rare KitchenAid deal, but I actually think it's worth every penny at full price. As a chef-turned-Kitchen Appliances Editor, I get to test the best stand mixers on the market – and I'd certainly count this as the top dog for keen bakers like myself.

Powered by a heavy-duty motor and equipped with a 7-qt. mixing bowl, this stand mixer means business. Where most of the best KitchenAid stand mixers feature a tilt-head design, this model makes use of a bowl-lift mechanism, which is less complicated than it sounds. All you need to do is push the bowl onto the handles, then turn the screw on the side to lift it into place.

The bowl-lift holds your ingredients securely in place, which is ideal when you're working with thicker ingredients and heavier mixtures. On the QVC website, it says you can make 13 dozen cookies, 7.5 lbs of mashed potatoes and 8.5 lbs of bread for homemade loaves (that's the holiday cookie exchange and canapé season, handled).

This KitchenAid deal includes a variety of attachments (like a pastry beater), which open up so many creative ways to use your KitchenAid, but may require you to make some space in your cupboard. However, I find that the tilt-head design makes it easier to store the mixer beneath my kitchen cabinets.

Budding bakers who simply want to make cakes may not need a mixer as strong and versatile as this one. If that sounds like you, look to the classic KitchenAid Artisan model, also discounted by $150 at QVC.

Whatever size mixer you choose, I do recommend perusing the array of attachments, such as ice shavers, spiralizers, and pasta rollers, available to shop at KitchenAid – they add fun and exploration to any model.

More Holiday Baking Essentials On Sale

Cyber Week is bringing some deep discounts to baking essentials, from oven mitts to scales and bakeware.

If you're keen to find more baking discounts to scoop up this holiday season, our Living editor, Martha, found a fantastic Cyber Week deal this Walmart Bakeware Set.

I'd always recommend picking up a KitchenAid coupon too, as that goes the extra mile to save money on stand mixers and helpful appliances.

Few kitchen appliances carry the kind of iconic status that the KitchenAid stand mixer does. Introduced nearly a century ago, it has become a cornerstone of British family kitchens, a trusted companion for generations of home bakers. If you don’t own one and have been enviously spotting it year after year on The Great British Bake Off, consider this your moment. This is a rare and much-coveted family essential that is suddenly within reach.

I’ve found it massively reduced. I spied the KitchenAid Stand Mixer at QVC, of all places, and while the editorial floor waits with bated breath for the Black Friday sale to kick in, this deal has almost no marketing noise around it. Here’s your Homes & Gardens siren: it’s a full £300 off. Gasp. KitchenAid mixers seldom see discounts, let alone of this scale

For those who take cooking, baking, or simply good design seriously, this is the ultimate investment piece. It’s the sort of appliance that becomes part of the family, ready to whip, knead, and mix its way through festive seasons for decades to come. With Christmas fast approaching, there’s no better time to bring one home.

Unlike cheaper appliances that wear out after a few years, a KitchenAid is built to last. Investing in one reduces waste and ensures you have a reliable tool for decades of cooking and baking. We’ve tested, used, and recommended them for years; their durability is unmatched.

Shop KitchenAid Essentials

With Christmas fast approaching, we say don’t wait. Order now and have your KitchenAid ready for mince pies, Christmas pudding, trifle, and every celebration to come. For the record, we’re choosing the classic red.

Last month, Swifties and baking fans went wild when a glittery orange stand mixer appeared on Instagram. The unique shade – dubbed Tangerine Twinkle – was KitchenAid’s playful nod to Taylor Swift’s 'The Life of a Showgirl' album, arriving on October 3rd.

Now the dream is real: the limited-edition sparkly version of the best stand mixer will be available via sweepstakes for just twelve lucky fans, running from September 29 through October 3 at 11:59 pm ET. You can enter here.

If you aren't one of the lucky twelve, KitchenAid is offering $150 off the Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Premium Accessory Pack, too.

KitchenAid’s Instagram has been filled with Swift-coded teasers over the last few weeks – friendship bracelets, chai cookies, sourdough, and disco balls – which have kept fans guessing about the launch.

The orange mixer is a nod to her new album cover and well-documented love of baking: from chai sugar cookies served at her 1989 Secret Sessions, to gifting friends like Selena Gomez and Zoë Kravitz homemade sourdough loaves. Swift herself recently joked that sourdough has taken over her life.

If you’re also a keen baker – or eager to dive into cozy autumnal treats like cinnamon sourdough or holiday cookies – a KitchenAid is a fantastic investment. I was lucky enough to keep the 2024 Evergreen design series after testing, and it has become the heart of my kitchen.

With its sleek, curved design, it’s both retro and timeless – and with additional attachments, you can make shaved ice, chop vegetables, churn ice cream, and more. You can find out more and how it stacks up against the competitors in my guide to the best stand mixers 2025.

My favorite Taylor Swift-inspired baking treats

Tangerine Twinkle isn't the only 'showgirl' in KitchenAid's collection. The brand also offers a 'Scorched Orange' shade and luxurious copper accessories. I found some more cozy baking essentials I think the superstar would love, too.

Even if you own a mixer already, KitchenAid is making sure nobody misses out on the fun. The brand is also hosting special baking classes over on the KitchenAid Instagram page, so fans can learn tips and tricks inspired by Swift’s favorite recipes.

I've also written about the most creative ways to use your stand mixer, so you can experiment with fun ingredients and experimental recipes, like Taylor Swift herself.

I spent many afternoons as a child baking with my grandmother when she would use her KitchenAid hand mixer, and you could say it's become something of a family heirloom as it's now one of my most prized possessions. I've never considered replacing it or updating it with one of the best hand mixers – until now, that is. I must admit that Joanna Gaines' green cordless KitchenAid Hand Mixer is very tempting.

I've been checking out all the kitchenware in Joanna Gaines' new cooking show, Magnolia Table: At The Farm (alongside her recipes and hosting tips, of course), but ever since watching the first episode, I can't get this mixer off my mind (sorry, grandma, but it might be time for an upgrade). The KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Mixer is available in an exclusive colorway – Shaded Palm – as part of Joanna Gaines' Target collection, Hearth & Hand with Magnolia.

It's fair to say that we're fans of KitchenAid here at Homes & Gardens; and we're currently obsessing over the exciting re-release of the KitchenAid stand mixer with a walnut wood bowl, for 2025. Plus, we've spotted another gorgeous KitchenAid stand mixer from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target – but if you don't have the need of one of the best stand mixers and are looking for a more affordable, compact and portable appliance for everyday baking, whisking, and mixing tasks, Joanna Gaines' cordless KitchenAid Hand Mixer from Target packs a punch.

I should add that KitchenAid's cordless mixer claims the top spot in our best hand mixer guide. According to our tester, it has 'the polished retro look that the brand is famous for, the convenience of being cordless, and the performance that you need to get your smaller baking tasks done efficiently.'

Then, of course, there's the color. This sophisticated shade is so timeless and goes with so many different kitchen looks. It's bold enough to make a change from black, white or stainless steel, but subtle enough that you won't have to change your entire color scheme to make it work.

Serious bakers might be wary of a smaller mixer like this one, and it's true that the cordless KitchenAid Go Hand Mixer is only available with one set of mixer attachments. In my eyes, however, that means saving both storage space and counter space in my small kitchen – and if it's good enough for Joanna Gaines, it definitely gets my seal of approval.

Shop alternative hand mixers

Any avid baker doesn't just require a good mixer, but some elegant bakeware, too – and it's no surprise that I've got my eye on Joanna Gaines' forest green Cottage Collection from Magnolia. It'll work so perfectly for my fall baking and look lovely alongside my Joanna Gaines cordless KitchenAid hand mixer.

Last September, our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Lydia, wrote about the launch of one of the most beautiful stand mixers we've ever come across. Yes, the KitchenAid stand mixer has always been an iconic piece, and one of the best stand mixers money can buy, but the Artisan Stand Mixer with Walnut Bowl, available from Williams Sonoma, truly is a stunner.

When it came out in 2024 Lydia wrote 'I'm obsessed,' and I can see why, even though I'm only an occasional baker. I would honestly consider buying this just to look at it on my kitchen counter. Ok, that might be a little indulgent, but we know that this KitchenAid stand mixer with wood bowl has got a lot more to offer than purely good looks.

While it first launched in a divine Evergreen hue, this second edition is available in Porcelain – a versatile off-white – which really makes the unique, natural grain of the walnut wood bowl stand out, and is absolutely timeless when it comes to styling it in both modern and rustic schemes.

According to Digital Editor in Chief, Jen, who owns a KitchenAid, 'using it is an absolute joy.' Perhaps if I owned one as gorgeous as this latest launch, I'd be inspired to unleash my inner Martha Stewart more often. I'm willing to give it a go in the name of research.

While it's not the most affordable kitchen appliance, you know that you'll be investing in an iconic piece that will go the distance. 'KitchenAid's die-cast metal construction means it's solid, sturdy and built to last,' confirms Lydia. However, she does note that the walnut bowl requires a little care as you will need to season it regularly to ensure that it maintains its natural beauty.

For just a smidge under $750, the new model comes with a flat beater, dough hook and wire whip, and boasts a 10-speed range from slow stirring to high beating, so whether trying out Martha Stewart's blackberry and apple cake recipe or whipping the perfect pizza dough this will be your absolute go-to for a huge range of recipes. And it will instantly bring a professional and chic look to your kitchen counter. Just make sure you have the space to display it with pride, as it's far too pretty to hide away.

Shop other walnut wood kitchenware

Mirror the elegance of the walnut wood bowl on your stand mixer with some matching cooking and baking accessories.

If you love the idea of upgrading to a new KitchenAid, but can't quite stretch to the cost of the walnut bowl version, Joanna Gaines's KitchenAid Stand Mixer from the Hearth & Hand With Magnolia collection at Target features a stunning copper bowl, and is a little more purse-friendly at under $430.

I’ve always loved cooking, but baking never came naturally to me – until I started using my KitchenAid 5-qt 10-Speed Stand Mixer, from the Hearth & Hand™ With Magnolia at Target. I can honestly say it has completely transformed the way I approach both baking and cooking.

From the moment I unboxed it, I was struck by how beautiful the design is – it's now a focal point in my kitchen. Its soft matte finish, the subtle warmth of the linen tone, and that gleaming copper bowl make it feel like a centerpiece, not just a kitchen appliance. It truly is the best KitchenAid stand mixer on the market.

Joanna Gaines fans will instantly recognize that mix of timeless farmhouse style and understated elegance. It fits right into my countertop and elevates the whole space.

Using it is an absolute joy. The 5-quart bowl is large enough to handle anything I throw at it, whether it’s kneading bread dough, whipping up fluffy meringues, or mixing a big batch of cookies for friends and family.

Lydia Hayman, our resident Kitchen Appliance Editor, shares my love for this KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

'The 10-speed settings give me perfect control, allowing me to move effortlessly from a gentle stir to a full whip in moments. I especially adore the tilt-head design – it makes adding ingredients, changing attachments, or scraping the bowl beautifully simple. Such a thoughtful detail transforms every baking session into a seamless, enjoyable experience.'

What I love most isn’t just the functionality. It’s how this mixer makes me feel every time I use it. There’s something about the combination of powerful performance and gorgeous design that turns even simple baking into a little ritual I look forward to. I find myself leaving it out on the counter because it’s just too beautiful to hide, and it inspires me to cook more often.

With so many optional attachments, I’ve been able to expand my baking and cooking repertoire, making pasta, grinding meat, and even spiralizing vegetables without needing a dozen different gadgets cluttering up my kitchen. It’s versatility and style all in one, which is exactly what Joanna Gaines’ aesthetic is all about: beautiful, functional, and thoughtfully designed for everyday life.

Shop KitchenAid stand mixers and accessories

Every time I use my KitchenAid, I’m reminded that cooking and baking can be both practical and beautiful, and that the tools you choose can actually make the experience more enjoyable. It’s more than just an appliance. It’s a centerpiece, a workhorse, and a joy to use every single day. Honestly, I don’t know how I ever baked without it.

Every summer, I test the season's hottest appliances, from the best juicers to the top ice cream makers and best portable travel blenders. Last year, one small appliance left a lasting impression. It was a cordless Cuisinart blender – surprisingly powerful for its size and a dream for making fresh pestos, herb drizzles, and salsas on the go. I took it everywhere: to the barbecue, the beach, and even friends' gardens.

One evening, we gathered with the makings of margaritas – liquor, limes, and even ice cubes in a cooler – but found ourselves stalled. There were eight of us, one manual citrus squeezer, and more than a little grumbling. I wished that my portable blender could juice.

Fast forward to this summer, and I’ve been delighted to find a solution in the KitchenAid Go Cordless Citrus Juicer. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks, and it has fulfilled all my al-fresco juicing dreams.

Specifications

Design

This is not the most photogenic member of the KitchenAid family. If you were expecting the glossy colors and retro curves of the best KitchenAid stand mixers, think again. The juicer is functional, but a little plain to look at.

Inside the box, you'll find a 16 oz reservoir bowl, a single reamer, a stainless steel sieve, a 12V Max rechargeable battery and a handy USB charging cable.

The KitchenAid Go Cordless Citrus Juicer charges quickly and feels reassuringly solid. I wouldn’t think twice about tucking it into a weekend bag for a trip to the lakes or a friend's garden party.

Is it easy to use?

I spend a lot of time reviewing the best cold press juicers, and they can be a bit tricky to get your head around. However, the KitchenAid Go Cordless Citrus Juicer has very simple controls.

The juicer is ready to use almost out of the box. I simply charged it up (which didn't take very long), then rinsed the parts, and it was ready to start juicing. There’s no power button; the reamer begins to spin automatically when you press your citrus fruit onto it.

Test 1: Orange juice

The main test for a citrus juicer is fresh oranges, and the KitchenAid passed with ease. I tried using a Kilner jar to collect the juice at first, but the rim was too wide and caused some spillage. Switching to the built-in reservoir and pouring from the tap once the juice was ready worked much better. The strainer collected all the pulp and seeds for me, and the resulting orange juice was fresh and clean.

Test 2: Grapefruit & lime juice

It was equally simple and effortless to juice a large grapefruit, but when I checked my glass of juice, I could see a few tiny seeds floating which had escaped through the sieve. I had to run it through a finer strainer to solve the issue. I would have been disappointed, but the seeds were unusually tiny, so I am inclined to blame that particular grapefruit variety.

Later that day, my partner and I took the juicer out to the garden and made a non-alcoholic Paloma with more fresh grapefruit, lime, and soda water from our cordless Smeg soda maker. Juicing outside was a dream, as I didn't have to walk back up to the house when we wanted a refill. It is my dream to have an outdoor kitchen with a drinks-making station, and I could see how the KitchenAid cordless juicer would help fulfill that.

Cleaning

I am pleased to say that the clean-up was fairly painless. The pulp collects neatly and is easily tipped out. Every removable part – the reservoir bowl, reamer, removable knob, and stainless steel sieve – is dishwasher safe. The parts are fairly easy to hand-wash with a scrubbing brush, too . As someone who has spent hours scrubbing the corners of cold-press juicers with an old toothbrush, this was a welcome change.

How does it compare?

The Smeg Citrus Juicer is still the best I've ever tested. First off, it is beautiful enough to keep on the counter with its 1950s Italian charm and powder-coated finish in shades like powder blue and creamy white – or even Dolce & Gabbana florals.

It also has a weighty, premium feel that gives it an edge over KitchenAid’s lighter alternative. With the Smeg, I could gently maneuver the fruit around the reamer to extract every last drop, thanks to its sturdy base. By contrast, the KitchenAid Go can wobble slightly if you apply pressure off-center.

That said, the KitchenAid Go Cordless Electric Juicer is lightweight because it is designed to roam. Plus, the Smeg comes at a very steep price, whereas the KitchenAid rival is much more affordable.

What do customer reviews say?

Reviewers echo my experience: the KitchenAid Go Cordless design is a game-changer for juicing large quantities of citrus or prepping family-sized dishes. Several owners mentioned that it’s perfect for apartment living or kitchens where multiple appliances compete for power outlets.

One reviewer noted: 'I like not having cords hanging all over the counter as I juice. I already own the KitchenAid Cordless Blender, but now I'm going to save my coins until I can invest in all the KitchenAid Go products. I hope this juicer lasts me for years to come.'

It averages 4.7 stars on the KitchenAid site, but a measly 3 stars on Amazon.com. This appears to be down to the fact that there are only two reviews. The five-star reviewer has waded in to defend the KitchenAid Go Cordless juicer, suspecting that the low rating is from somebody who didn't buy the battery separately. It raises a good point: make sure you buy the battery bundle directly from KitchenAid so you're not left frustrated without power.

Should you buy it?

It's always worth considering how much you will use an appliance before you make the investment. I think if you're entertaining regularly or love a fresh morning juice, you'll find yourself reaching for this juicer often. If that is the case, it is excellent value for money. It is one of the most effective, useful appliances I've tested; with the added perk of being cordless, so you can move it around the counter and even take it outside or on vacation. Just remember not to lose the charger.

If you’ve been dreaming of an automatic espresso maker that blends seamlessly into your kitchen design and busy lifestyle, you should definitely get acquainted with the KitchenAid KF6.

KitchenAid make fully automatic espresso machines, I hear you ask? Well, they do now. The brand has been a household name for decades, known for producing some of the sturdiest, most powerful, and best stand mixers on the market. Now, with the launch of their first, fully automatic coffee machine range, they’ve brought that same design flair to the world of bean-to-cup brewing – and I was excited to see how they’d measure up.

After testing the KitchenAid KF6 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine for a week, I was impressed by the signature KitchenAid craftsmanship. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of more luxury coffee specialists, but it's certainly a reliable, quiet and sleek machine. Plus, the espresso was delicious. Here are all the pros and cons I uncovered in my expert tests.

Specifications

First Impressions

Right out of the box, the machine radiates KitchenAid's signature quality: a solidly built structure, clean lines, and a professional-grade aesthetic. It's clear to see why this model was a Red Dot Design Winner in 2024. Setting it up was straightforward; the 2.4-inch color display screen that walks you through the process.

A small but thoughtful touch is the set of hidden wheels at the back of the unit, making it surprisingly easy to move around the countertop – a detail anyone with limited counter space will appreciate.

I tested the Porcelain White colorway, but it's also available Cast Iron Black and my personal favorite, Stainless Steel.

What's it like to use?

While the display screen is clear and colorful, it’s not touchscreen. You need to cycle through options with the arrows on either side of the screen. This feels a tad dated, especially for a machine at this price point.

Once you get used to the navigation, you can brew a range of drinks at the touch of a few buttons. The menu includes espresso, cappuccino, americano and latte macchiato. You won't find flat whites or specialty drinks, but it caters to most coffee preferences. You can customize your coffee strength, boldness, and temperature – which is my favorite feature, as I'm very particular about my coffee being piping hot. Temperature control isn't a feature on many coffee machines I've tested, but the KF6 delivers.

The quiet operation is another highlight. The KF6 is Quiet Mark-certified, which means acoustic experts have measured the noise during every step of the coffee-making process, from grinding the beans to resetting for the next cup. After comparing hundreds of appliances, Quiet Mark identifies the quietest options out there – and KitchenAid's range is at the top. So, rest assured, you can brew your morning cup without waking the household.

The ambient halo light is a very charming detail, creating a soft glow that’s easy on the eyes – and ideal for those 6am caffeine fixes in the dark days of Winter.

The water tank is well-designed. At first, I thought it was a 'lift out' mechanism – which I don't like, since it's not suited to low countertops. But you actually only need to lift it a little, then it slides out horizontally. That said, the omission of a milk container feels stingy, particularly given the price point. For those who enjoy lattes and cappuccinos regularly, you'll need to purchase the milk container separately, or just use your own jug.

I was also impressed by the removable bean hopper, which also has an Auto Purge feature. This clears out any leftover grounds in the grinder between batches, so you can easily switch to decaf or swap in a new roast. I think this is a genius addition that I haven't seen before.

Taste test

Espresso: Rich, smooth, and full-bodied with a lovely crema on top. The shot is noticeably stronger compared to some competitors, making it a winner for espresso purists.

Americano: While pleasant, the flavor felt a bit thin and watery. I prefer a stronger Americano with less liquid.

Latte: The milk was a good temperature and a nice texture, the coffee had some good depth and boldness. I certainly felt awake after drinking it.

Clean-up, storage & maintenance

Maintenance on the KF6 is blissfully straightforward. The self-cleaning function for the milk tube is a small but mighty feature that makes a big difference for daily use.

For deeper cleaning, there’s a host of built-in features – from deep milk cleaning, discaling and bean purging – which keep the machine in top condition with minimal fuss.

How does it compare?

While the KF6 is an excellent entry into the world of the best coffee makers, it has stiff competition. If you’re in the market for a world-class automatic coffee machine, you’ll probably browse our guide to the best espresso machines and see the 5-star rated De'Longhi Eletta Explore at the top of that page. It won't be getting knocked out of place by the KitchenAid KF6. This premium machine offers 50 coffee options and we think it's the best money can buy, but it does cost $2000 (double the price of the KitchenAid).

KitchenAid do offer some more sophisticated machines in their fully automatic range, such as the KF7 and KF8. I'm yet to test these, but they have bigger screens, an included milk container and tonnes more coffee options on the menu – at a higher price point, of course.

If you're looking for something around the $1000 mark, you might like the De’Longhi Magnifica. It offers a more extensive drinks menu and it's the easiest coffee machine I've ever used, thanks to the intuitive touchscreen. However, the KitchenAid KF6 wins points for its temperature control and much sleeker, attractive design. It's really a matter of personal taste.

What do the customer reviews say?

The KitchenAid KF6 averages 4.3 stars on Amazon. Most reviewers loved how easy it is to clean and use. They appreciate the sleek, modern design. In the review pictures, you can see how well the KF6 blends into various styles of kitchen design. In terms of taste, reviewers admitted they weren't experts in coffee, but they appreciated the ease and strong taste of the espresso.

Should you buy it?

If you’re after a solid, reliable machine that brews excellent espresso and looks stunning on your counter, the KitchenAid KF6 is a strong contender. There's plenty to love: strong espresso shots with excellent crema, customizable temperature and strength settings, and soft, ambient lighting that enhances your kitchen's atmosphere. The uniquely quiet operation and removable bean hopper are features that you won't see on other brands.

However, the drinks menu is more limited than competitors at the price point, the display panel feels dated without touchscreen functionality, and the absence of a milk container at this price point felt disappointing. But if those aren't deal breakers for you, then absolutely go for it.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we have a rigorous testing process for all of our coffee makers. This enables us to score coffee makers both individually and against other models on the market.

We start with our research. As H&G’s kitchen appliance expert, I’m always on the lookout for the best coffee makers on the market. Once I’ve found one that I think you, our readers, will like, I order it to my home kitchen. I like to test at home, as it means I can use the appliance in my regular routine for around a month. This helps me uncover advantages (or most likely, pain points) I would never discover with a one hour session in the test kitchen.

Once I have the coffee maker in my hands, I’ll get testing. The first thing I make with any espresso machine is an espresso. This is a way of testing how good a coffee maker is at the basics. A good espresso should be between 1.25-2 oz. It should be 190-205 degrees and full of flavor. A big giveaway is the crema on top: that should be thick with a hazelnut hue.

Then, I'll test other brews: including americano, latte, cappuccino and anything else the coffee maker has to offer. After brewing and tasting, I make notes on the clean-up process as well as how I would recommend storing and maintaining the coffee maker.

After a month of testing and evaluating, I round up my notes. Then, I take a look at all of our other coffee makers to see how they compare. I also look at online reviews to see what other experts and real-life customers thought, so that I could bring you more insight.

If you’re interested and want to find out more, you can read all about the process in our how we test coffee makers page.

I'm going to admit something: I love baking, but I’m not much of a sweet tooth. As a result, my mixer typically makes an appearance during the holiday season or when I’m baking for friends, birthdays, or dinner parties. Unfortunately, this means my KitchenAid spends most of the year tucked away – and I felt like I wasn't putting one of the best stand mixers you can buy to good use.

But not anymore. This winter, I resolved to get more creative in the kitchen. It turns out there’s a whole world of savory recipes and drinks that your KitchenAid can whip up effortlessly – who knew it wasn’t just for cake batter?

I’ve already put a few of these recipes to the test, and let me tell you: they’re not only simple and delicious, but also a lot of fun to make. From silky-smooth mashed potatoes to homemade meatballs, here are six fun ways to use your KitchenAid mixer. Time to let that mixer shine all year round.

1. Mashed potatoes

Say goodbye to lumps and hello to fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. You can use the KitchenAid Coated Flat Beater attachment to achieve perfectly whipped potatoes in minutes. Simply peel and cube your potatoes, boil until soft, and add to the mixing bowl.

KitchenAid offers some easy instructions from here: 'Add cooked potatoes and butter to the stand mixer bowl and turn the mixer to speed 2. Add warm half and half, 1/4 cup at a time until the potatoes are creamy, increasing speed 1-2 settings with each addition.'

2. Shredded chicken

This hack is going viral on TikTok. I can't believe I never thought of it myself! After cooking your chicken (it should be boneless and skinless), place it in the mixing bowl and use the flat beater attachment. Turn the mixer on low, and in less than a minute, you'll have finely shredded chicken, ready for tacos, salads, or soups.

3. Whipped butter

I've seen platters of fluffy, whipped butter at some very glamorous events recently – I didn't know how easy it was to create. All you need is a block of butter, buttermilk, and a KitchenAid mixer.

Start by adding the butter to the mixing bowl with the whisk attachment and beat on medium-high speed for around 10 minutes. Once the butter turns bright white and fluffy, you can switch the speed to low and add a splash of buttermilk and sea salt. Give it a blast on medium-high for a couple more minutes. Finally, add any flavoring you fancy. Think: rosemary, garlic, citrus zest, lavender, or honey.

4. Veggie noodles

You'll need the KitchenAid Fruit and Vegetable Spiralizer attachment for this one – and it's worth it to create healthy, fun dishes like this. Simply attach the spiralizer, pop in your vegetable, and watch as it creates perfect noodles. I've been using zucchini as a low-carb pasta or noodle alternative. You can also use this tool to spiralize carrots or cucumbers for salads – and even apples for dessert.

4. Homemade meatballs

Meatballs are one of my favorite things to cook on a cozy Sunday night at home. I love pork meatballs, but they're often not available at the supermarket. With my KitchenAid, I can make my own by mincing pork with the food grinder attachment. I find it makes much higher quality meatballs than store-bought. I've actually been batch-making and freezing them for nights when I don't feel like cooking at all.

6. Cocktails

Yes – you read that right. You might not see a KitchenAid at the bar, but you can use a mixer to create sophisticated, bartender-worthy cocktails.

For my holiday party, I used the whisk attachment to whip up frothy egg whites for my favorite cocktail: the Pisco Sour. If you like creamy cocktails, you can make whipped cream for Irish coffee or a White Russian cocktail.

KitchenAid also make an ice shaver attachment, which I haven't tried yet, but the customer reviews say it's fantastic. From the pictures on Amazon, it looks like a fun gadget for frosty cocktails or boozy snow cones. I'll definitely be trying this in the summer.

H&G's favorite KitchenAid mixers

If you previously thought your KitchenAid mixer was just for cake batters and cookies, think again. There's a whole world of recipes it can help you out with. I hope you enjoy experimenting.

As a KitchenAid ambassador, Jennifer Garner can often be spotted in her kitchen using the heritage brand's beloved stand mixer for 'Pretend Cooking Show' series. However, she recently shared some timely gifting ideas for the fast-approaching holidays, and we are taking notes.

In a video shared to her Instagram page, Garner revealed her top three KitchenAid products that she will be gifting to her own friends and family this year, and the best part is they are all on sale.

'This KitchenAid Grain & Rice Cooker (available on Amazon) is my family's favorite thing,' Garner states in the video, showing off the powerhouse product. She also recommends a specific line of items within the KitchenAid family. 'KitchenAid Go Cordless system is so easy to use,' she states. 'It can blend ice and a margarita, and there's a vacuum that is great for little kitchen spills. There's a cordless hand mixer that is strong enough to make mashed potatoes.'

Of course, the tried and true stand mixer that we so often see Garner using also gets a mention. 'Along with the ten speeds, this KitchenAid Stand Mixer [aka one of the best stand mixers available) has a little tiny half speed, perfect for folding things in,' she says.

These gifts are great ideas for the home cook in your life, and all come in under $250. Whether you are shopping for a family member, partner, or friend, you can't go wrong with a durable kitchen appliance. We have rounded up the exact products Garner has mentioned below for easy shopping.

Jennifer Garner's KitchenAid Gifting Picks

These pieces are designed to look good (and last) for years – as Garner herself has experienced in her kitchen.

'I've had my KitchenAid Stand Mixer for decades. It's been by my side through it all – a few major recipe fails and many delicious, everyday successes,' the actress shared following a partnership with the cooking powerhouse. 'I'm thrilled to make my longtime friendship with KitchenAid official.'

From the microwave craze in the 1980s to the Sodastream buzz, kitchen appliance trends have always kept up with the times, making life a little easier – and much more delicious. But over the years, they’ve become so much more than tools for cooking. Now, they help set the mood, reflect our style, and make the kitchen the true heart of the home.

Looking ahead to 2025, kitchens are becoming even more inviting, blending smart innovations with warm, natural touches. From appliances that disappear into the design to materials that bring a touch of nature indoors, here’s a peek at the trends that will make your kitchen the happiest space in the house.

1. Invisible appliances

Camouflage kitchens are taking the design world by storm as we move into 2025. And this wouldn't be possible without invisible appliances. There's no better example of this than Novy's Undercover induction hob. Seamlessly integrated into the worktop, it's virtually invisible – with just LED indicators and a modern remote control panel.

Novy's extractor fans elevate this trend even further, often disguised as shelves or within your ceiling. Combining silence and invisible elegance, this transforms the kitchen into a truly multifunctional space. Whether you're cooking, working, or dining on your worktop, you can enjoy a clutter-free, serene environment.

2. AGA islands

AGAs are set to keep bringing their English country charm to kitchens in 2025. They'll never go out of style, and I've actually spotted AGAs shifting towards the center of attention, quite literally, as part of kitchen islands.

One stunning example comes from Devol Kitchens, where dark cabinetry frames a blush-toned AGA, creating a rustic kitchen island that feels timeless and full of personality.

Thanks to their vitreous enamel coating, AGAs come in a rainbow of colors, offering endless possibilities to make them the heart of your kitchen. Whether you opt for a bold hue to create a statement or a softer shade for subtle charm, an AGA island is a beautiful way to get your loved ones gathered around the stove.

3. Natural alchemy

Natural materials are stepping into the spotlight in 2025, bringing a warm, earthy anti-dote to high-tech appliances. Think hand-hammered details, soft curves in wood grain, and textures that make cooking feel inviting and authentic.

KitchenAid’s walnut wood bowl is a perfect example of this trend. When I tested the new design, the materials didn't just look beautiful in my kitchen – they offered a tactile experience that made baking feel more grounded and connected. A refreshing change from the slickness of modern tech.

This shift toward natural textures reflects a deeper priority: creating spaces that feel comforting and meaningful. Instead of chasing the latest gadgets, people are looking for designs that spark joy, encourage connection, and remind us of the simple pleasures of being in the kitchen.

4. Quiet luxury

In a world full of noise, quiet luxury is a welcome reprieve. Silent appliances like whisper-quiet blenders and air fryers are gaining traction, appealing to mindful cooks who prioritize peaceful environments. These innovations cut down on the hustle and bustle, allowing the kitchen to become a space for mindful cooking and relaxation.

'The kitchen is no longer just a utilitarian space for cooking' says Sabah Mansoor of Sabah Mansoor Design. 'It’s becoming a central gathering place for family and friends, where people can connect, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.' Quiet appliances allow you to create harmonious, multi-functional spaces – where you can cook, dine, and gather, all while enhancing your well-being.

5. Vintage appliances

The nostalgia trend from 2024 is making its way into kitchen appliances, as more people are opting for pieces that tell a story and feel personal rather than following mainstream trends.

I've been spotting vintage moka pots, retro-style Cuisinarts straight out of the 1950s, and even custom-designed espresso machines on TikTok. I was a particular fan of Stanley Tucci's vintage Italian-style colors of his cookware collection which launched at the end of this year; a trend I expect to grow in 2025.

These nostalgic touches bring a sense of character and individuality to modern kitchens. It’s all about blending the past and present to create a space that’s as meaningful as it is functional.

6. Cherry red

Earlier this week, Pinterest predicted 2025 interiors trends. Amid themes like castlecore and surreal dinner parties, they spotlighted cherry red as the color of the year. Dubbed a 'dopamine color' for its mood-boosting, energizing qualities, cherry red strikes the perfect balance between bold and sophisticated. I like to think of it as a more grown-up take on the unexpected red theory.

This tone can instantly transform a kitchen, adding a striking pop of color and uplifting energy to your everyday routines. Le Creuset's Rhône collection exemplifies this beautifully. Though launched over two years ago, the collection is now bang on trend. The Rhone tea kettle is my favorite piece – a nod to the vintage trend, too.

7. Non-toxic stainless steel

As health and wellness remain top priorities for many of us, more people are turning to the best non-toxic appliances to create safer kitchens in 2025.

Stainless steel is leading the way, loved for its durability, easy maintenance, and most importantly, its safety.

Unlike cheap plastics, stainless steel won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food or drinks, making it a go-to choice for health-conscious cooks. Its sleek, timeless look is just a bonus, blending seamlessly into any kitchen style while giving you peace of mind.

Whether it’s the sensorial texture of natural materials, the nostalgic charm of vintage-inspired appliances, or the quiet confidence of health-focused choices, I can't wait to see what 2025 brings us. Here’s to a year of kitchen appliances that inspire, comfort, and help us enjoy cooking even more.

Jennifer Garner's Pretend Cooking Show on Instagram has been a consistent source of inspiration not only for recipes but also for kitchen appliances – the latter taking shape in the form of the most stylish stand mixer we've ever seen.

The 13 Going on 30 star's affinity for KitchenAid products was already evident (so much so, in fact, that she announced her partnership with them in 2022). Since the start of her collaboration, we've spotted a series of KitchenAid products atop her countertops – including mixing bowls and food processors. However, her latest iteration of the series has stopped us in our tracks. Her KitchenAid Design Series Evergreen Stand Mixer is as ornamental as it is functional, thanks to its unique wood bowl that perfectly complements the organic wooden cabinets in her kitchen.

'How about that Evergreen KitchenAid Stand Mixer?!' Garner says. 'It almost doesn’t look real, it’s too pretty.'

The Evergreen stand mixer is a nature-inspired take on the classic stand mixer, fitting in perfectly to design schemes such as organic modern and Japandi. Its walnut bowl beautifully contrasts the green-painted base, all while providing the speed and efficiency the brand has come to be known for.

While the bowl looks magnificent, it also comes with a food-safe finish that locks onto the base. Additionally, each bowl comes in a unique finish, meaning that all the stand mixers are truly one-of-a-kind. We love how this appliance doubles as decor, proving that appliances can serve as so much more than just a functional object. And nobody demonstrates this quite as well as Garner.

In her post, she shares her most recent culinary sucsess: English muffins. 'At the top of the comfort food list around here: Zoe Nathan's Homemade English Muffins. There is a fresh batch quickly disappearing from my counter, and I thought you might like them, too,' she says.

Evergreen Stand Mixer aside, we've found more of Garner's KitchenAid go-to's, as seen on her countertops over recent months. The classic KitchenAid stand mixer (currently reduced on Amazon) offers a more traditonal look that, the actress says, has had a place in her kitchen for 'decades'. You can shop the look below.

As a trained cook and kitchen appliances tester, I’ve spent the past year curating a list of my favorite gadgets, trinkets, and tableware – so I can bring you the ultimate kitchen gift guide.

For the friend who can’t stop raving about their best air fryer, I’ve found kitchen gifts to make their crispy creations even more irresistible. And for the host or hostess who seems to have it all, I’ve found a few surprises that are sure to impress. Even if they're a coffee lover with the most exacting standards, I’ve found barista-approved treats.

Striking the perfect balance between expertise, luxury, and the element of surprise, even the most well-stocked foodie will appreciate these tried-and-tested, H&G-approved kitchen gifts.

Best gifts for the home cook

The home cook finds joy in stirring sauces, experimenting with new recipes, and daydreaming about flavors. These kitchen gifts are sure to spark their imagination.

Best gifts for the budding baker

From whipping up weekend cookies to homemade sourdough, these kitchen gifts will elevate every baker's skills and bring a professional touch to their kitchen.

Best gifts for the air fryer obsessive

They’re so obsessed with their air fryer, it’s become a regular topic of conversation! These tried-and-tested air fryer gifts will bring even more flavor and fun to those quick, irresistibly crispy meals.

Best gifts for the hostess with the most

For the hostess who has it all effortlessly under control, bring something new to the table with these thoughtful, wow-factor kitchen gifts.

Best gifts for the chef who has everything

They've got every tool in the book, apart from these chef-worthy kitchen gifts – including the latest, highest-rated gadgets.

Best gifts for the coffee lover

Tested and approved by the H&G experts, these gifts are perfect for the coffee lover who appreciates quality in every cup.

Best stocking fillers

Treat the foodies in your life to these joyful stocking fillers. They are all under $50, apart from the Mackenzie-Childs spoon rest (sorry, I just couldn't resist).

When is the best time to buy kitchen gifts?

Black Friday weekend is the best time to shop kitchen gifts. At this time of year, newer models and designs will be released, so you’ll typically be able to buy older models at lower prices.

I also see appliance bundle deals in the holiday season, which can help you save more when purchasing multiple kitchen gifts from the same brand.

Plus, winter is a great time to get deals on summery kitchen gifts – like ice cream makers, the best blenders, best juicers and iced coffee makers.

The best kitchen gift combines the elements of surprise, luxury and practicality. Any of the items on this list is sure to bring a smile to someone's face!

‘It’s finally here!’ I squealed, lugging a heavy parcel into my apartment. My partner looked at me perplexed. He’s accustomed to parcels of all shapes and sizes turning up in our kitchen, but this was different. Inside this box was the most coveted kitchen appliance of the year – and the most controversial.

KitchenAid’s evergreen stand mixer (the latest model in their Design Series) broke the internet with its rustic good looks. Unlike the glossy pink models you probably associate with the brand, this mixer is moody, dark, and mysterious. The Artisan frame (top of our best stand mixer guide for years now) is cast in a dark green hue and features a walnut wood bowl; the first of its kind.

Although KitchenAid’s new mixer sold out within hours, armchair critics have been tutting and shaking their heads as appliances fly off the shelves. Gen-Z fans on TikTok were immediately captivated by the statement piece, but commenters on Instagram and Facebook were outraged, deploring the practicalities of the walnut bowl. One food journalist took to Threads to say: ‘I’m sorry but if you buy that new $700 kitchen aid with the wooden bowl, you’re not using it to cook or bake – it’s a statement piece. You won’t be using it. Can’t be soaked. Can’t put into dishwasher.’

These concerns stem from the long list of care instructions on the KitchenAid website. ‘Ensure you take good care of this beautiful bowl by only hand-washing (not dishwasher safe), and dry it immediately. We don't recommend leaving it submerged in water for a long time. Use only gentle, non-abrasive detergents and avoid using steel wool or steel scouring pads.’

To maintain the wood's integrity, bakers must also condition the bowl with food-safe wood oil regularly. KitchenAid reassures that the wooden bowl can be used for all whipping, kneading and mixing needs, yet they ‘also recommend adding a stainless steel work bowl to have on hand!’

As a keen baker and product tester, I’m one of the first people to test it out. I’ve used the best mixers on the market, including the stainless steel original this model is based on. I trained in essential patisserie at Leith’s School of Food & Wine and wholeheartedly believe, as my alma mater taught me: ‘Investing in excellent equipment is key to becoming a better baker. Electric stand mixers are expensive, but an essential shortcut to acquiring professional baking skills at home.’

This begs the question: how professional is KitchenAid's walnut bowl?

First impressions

The mixer frame was more olive-toned than I’d expected, but it pairs beautifully with the brass detailing. The walnut bowl was smooth to the touch, with a unique wood pattern beneath the matte satin finish. Overall, a stunning piece of craftsmanship.

KitchenAid says the tactile nature helps ‘makers feel like they’re out in the woods experiencing all the revitalizing elements.’ Perhaps this is where criticism is creeping in from; I can reassure you that the texture is a whole lot more refined than a raw tree trunk. The wood is well-crafted, smooth, and food-safe.

The care card in the box says: 'Wood is a natural material that shows signs of wear as you use it; marks won't affect its usage.' So I suppose the bowl might become more ‘rustic’ over time.

How does it compare to the classic KitchenAid design?

Like all Artisan mixers, the evergreen model comes with a stainless steel whisk, dough hook, and flex edge beater. For adventurous cooks, there are exciting attachments sold separately, from pasta cutters to ice cream churners – which are compatible with both models.

Performance & Cleaning

Test 1: Cake batter

My first test was cake batter. I felt inspired to make something natural and earthy, so I chose an olive oil, almond and thyme cake. The evergreen model performed perfectly, whipping the batter together in seconds. This was no surprise really, since the frame and attachments are no different to the best model in our guide.

After pouring the batter into my cake tins, I followed KitchenAid’s cleaning instructions for the walnut bowl. This was surprisingly effortless. I’d go as far as to say it was actually easier than cleaning a metal bowl. The dregs of the batter instantly lifted from the smooth wooden surface and swirled down the sink. I used a soft sponge and gentle, neroli dish soap from Homecourt to help shift things, but this was barely needed.

To be honest, I usually hand-wash my mixing bowls anyway, since they're very large and I usually need the bowl back immediately to make fillings and toppings for my cake.

Luckily, the bowl was clean and hand-dried in about three minutes. I inspected for any scuffs or scratches from the ground almonds, but the walnut finish remained in perfect condition. So far, so good.

Test 2: Meringue

Next, I decided to bake something a little more controversial. Meringue. As I’ve underlined in red pen in my cooking school notebook, the first rule of meringues is to use a clean glass or metal bowl. These materials are preferred since they’re non-porous and reduce the risk of residual oils. When whisking egg whites for recipes like pavlova, macarons, and meringue, it's essential to avoid even the smallest amount of oil or fat, which can prevent the egg whites from achieving the correct texture.

KitchenAid acknowledges this in the FAQs: ‘Since maintenance requires regular oil application to the interior of the bowl, it is not recommended to use the oiled wood bowl for whipped egg creations.’

I hadn't oiled the bowl yet, but I did just use it to create an olive oil cake (with copious amounts of olive oil applied directly to the interior). So I was curious to see what would happen.

The mixer took 4 minutes to whip my egg whites into stiff peaks – I'd usually expect it to be around 3 minutes, but 4 minutes is very respectable. I added sugar and cranked the speed setting up to 'fast', watching as a perfect, glossy texture began to form. The baked meringues were absolutely delicious – crisp on the outside, gooey within.

Test 3: Black forest babka

What I loved most about using the evergreen mixer is that it inspired me be creative with my bakes. KitchenAid recommend some gorgeous forest-themed dishes on their website, from wild mushroom galette to black forest crumble.

I was keen to try a dough-based recipe to see how the walnut bowl fared with this task. My recipe required an 8-hour proof – and I was concerned that the wooden bowl wouldn’t like this. But the KitchenAid FAQs reassured me: 'Yes, you are able to proof dough in your wooden bowl.’

Wood is a porous material, which means it can absorb moisture, oils, and scents – so I was interested to see if the wood had absorbed a yeast scent after such a long proof. I was reassured by my 'sniff test.' It smelt very neutral, but I've vowed to keep an eye on this. I'll report back after continuous use, to let you know whether any absorbed scents linger over time.

Walnut Oil Conditioning

Although I have only used the bowl over a couple of weeks (I promise to report back once I have owned it for a while and cared for it throughout the seasons), I decided to oil it and report on the maintenance process.

KitchenAid Design Manager, Brittni Pertjis says, ‘To season your wood bowl, I would use a food-safe mineral oil, a food-safe wood polish, or a walnut oil. You can put that on a rag and just start to wipe the wood to condition it.’

I did exactly that. It was easy, and I actually felt pride in taking care for such a beautiful appliance.

The Verdict

Sorry to the haters, but I think this bowl is effortless to use, clean, and care for. It stood up to my tests. Critics are upset that it can’t be soaked in the sink or popped into the dishwasher – but my batter, dough, and sugary egg white mixtures lifted off effortlessly with soapy water and a soft sponge. No soak needed.

Sure, it requires long-term maintenance, but that’s true for most beautiful kitchenware – like copper pans, for example. However, if you’re looking for pure convenience, reliable functionality, and affordability, the classic Artisan design is a much better option. It's $200 cheaper and you can’t really go wrong with it.

Whatever your taste, all new KitchenAid mixers come with a 1-year guarantee and repair promise, so you can rest easy in your purchase. Personally, I’m really happy with the natural design of my new wooden mixer. I’m hoping with the recommended TLC, my walnut bowl will stand the test of time and become a truly ‘evergreen’ piece in my kitchen.

You know those kitchen gadgets that sit in the back of a drawer, gathering dust? These aren’t those. As a trained cook and kitchen appliances obsessive, I've searched high and low to find some really great gadgets.

Whether they are saving time, simplifying messy tasks, or cutting down on food waste, these gadgets practically pay for themselves. From perfectly chopped onions in seconds to barista-style lattes at home (without the café prices), these are the kitchen heroes you didn't know you needed – until now.

12 game-changing kitchen gadgets

These kitchen gadgets might not be glamorous, but they make a big impact. From simplifying meal prep to helping keep your ingredients fresher for longer, they’re designed to make daily life easier and more efficient. By investing in tools that streamline your kitchen routine (and look after your larger appliances) you’ll save time, money, and food waste.

My personal favorites are the Dreo BaristaMaker (I've saved so much money on matcha lattes) and the glass spray bottles for olive oil. The latter are a genius purchase, as they preserve non-stick, help my air fryer last longer and are so convenient to use.

With gadgets this useful, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without them.

KitchenAid has just unveiled its 2024 Design Series Mixer, and I’m absolutely obsessed.

You’re probably familiar with their best stand mixer, available in vibrant shades like candy pink, mint, and retro red, paired with the classic stainless steel bowl. However, with this latest release, KitchenAid has taken a bold step into ‘natural luxury,’ reimagining its timeless design with a chic new look.

KitchenAid's new mixer is a deep forest green hue with brass-coated hub covers and glossy green knobs – a beautiful contrast to the matte finish. A rustic, walnut wood bowl replaces the traditional stainless steel.

KitchenAid say each bowl will be 'one-of-a-kind', due to the distinctive grain pattern. The final touch is the delicate leaf illustration on the hub cover, bringing a truly artisanal 'hand-crafted' feel to this powerful appliance. It could be the perfect way to update your kitchen for fall.

The design is already receiving rave reviews on social media, with comments like, 'I’ve never seen something so beautiful' and 'Adding to my wedding registry immediately.' Some even noted its resemblance to the trending ‘Italian kitchen decor,’ thanks to the mixer’s warm wood and olive tones.

Where can I buy the new KitchenAid mixer?

It's already out of stock at KitchenAid USA, hardly surprising since this is potentially the chicest stand mixer on the market right now. It's available at Williams Sonoma and KitchenAid UK – but I have a feeling it's going to sell out fast!

KitchenAid's new design is certainly on the expensive side, but the wide range of mixer attachments you can tack on (pasta makers, meat grinders and ice cream churners) adds exceptional value. It's no wonder the Artisan mixer was voted our best stand mixer of 2024.

When it comes to durability, KitchenAid's die-cast metal construction means it's solid, sturdy and built to last. However, like many naturally luxurious pieces, the walnut wood bowl will require some TLC. KitchenAid say, 'Regular seasoning of the bowl with food-safe wood conditioners will maintain its natural beauty and durability.' I can’t wait to test it out soon and update you with a full review.

Alternative stand mixers

If KitchenAid's evergreen mixer and walnut wooden bowl are just a little too pricey, you can't go wrong with the classic Artisan design. If you're still looking for a statement design, we love the Smeg model (and its affordable price tag). Or if you're looking to level up on luxury, the Wolf mixer is an exceptional machine.

While Sophie Ellis-Bextor may once have been synonymous with noughties hits and covetable eyeshadow (see: the Murder on the Dancefloor music video), her music now carries a strong association with the home.

Though it may feel far in the past now, the singer brought a dose of joy to our phone screens during the throws of the pandemic with her Instagram Live Kitchen Disco series, wherein she sang and danced to old and new hits in her home's kitchen. With the release of Saltburn in 2023 (and that scene), SEB fever has continued with a fervor; we are definitely not the first to admit that "Murder" is still playing in our own kitchens nearly 25 years after its initial release.

It's natural, then, that the London-based singer-songwriter has partnered with appliance brand LG in a campaign for their MoodUP fridge – a state-of-the-art refrigerator featuring 1,800 color-changing combinations and built-in Bluetooth speakers. Suffice to say, it's a catalyst for kitchen discos.

Reaching Ellis-Bextor from her (colorful) home in London recently, we heard from the pop star about how this serendipitous partnership came to be.

'I think part of the reason why LG and I have had this nice resonance with this relationship is because I have spent a lot of time in my kitchen and during lockdown. I did discos with my husband, and our five kids live streamed from our kitchen,' she explains. 'You can use [the fridge] either in a kind of fabulous dancing way or just if you want it to be a set color to match the scheme.'

The refrigerator connects to an app, which allows users to control music and light settings.

'It does have a cool thing where you can knock on the window and it will show you what's inside so you can keep the temperature constant,' Ellis-Bextor states when asked about her favorite feature on the appliance. 'I actually really like the lights, though. I'm a simple creature, and things that twinkle and sparkle at me make me happy.'

When it comes to her own interior style, Ellis-Bextor is a self-declared maximalist. She describes her aesthetic as 'colorful, but hopefully quite joyful,' and she balances this affinity for vibrance with the practicalities of having five kids.

'I grew up in a house not far from here,' she explains. 'My mom's 10 minutes away and has a similar exuberance. What I've always wanted is for my kids to feel like they're at home. They can really be as creative and experimental with things as they grow up.'

She continues, 'The world is wide, and there are lots of things that can make you feel a bit homogenized or like the edges of you have been a bit knocked off. As much as you can feel, home is a place where you see yourself reflected back at you, and it makes you feel good, the better.'

To her, this means decorating her home with her children's drawings and ensuring that they make the space their own.

With the resurgence of Murder on the Dancefloor, Ellis-Bextor says that home projects have been developing slower than anticipated as she continues to tour and work on new music. However, there are a few comforting kitchen essentials she likes to have on standby.

'I'm very British, so the first thing popped in my head was like a kettle,' she says. 'I've gotta be able to make tea. There's a certain mug I like making my tea from - Cornishware. I love the shape; they always make the perfect tea.'

A KitchenAid mixer and Thermomix are some other recent additions, but she says, 'As long as I can heat up a pan and get a good oven, I can cook you something nice.' We can shop for some Ellis Bextor-inspired essentials, including that all-important (and continually-celeb-approved) KitchenAid, below.

As she continues working on her eighth album, Ellis-Bextor leaves us with some lasting interior design advice stemming back to playful childhood memories.

'My mum would let me paint on my walls, I could put posters up... I do think that's a nice thing because it means you always feel like you can come home to yourself. It makes you remember who you are. I think everybody needs a bit of that.'

American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality Martha Stewart knows an interior design trend when she sees one. Stewart has helped shape our homes for decades – products from her Martha Stewart Collection on Amazon take pride of place in my kitchen – so when she shared a photo of her culinary space from the '80s there was one thing we noticed; the blue color palette.

Martha Stewart's 1980s blue kithcen color scheme taps into an eternal color trend. Fresh, airy, and imbued with the restorative power of nature, decorating with blue has this year been tipped by interiors experts as the perfect backdrop to modern living. 

‘Whether we are working or relaxing, creating or exercising, it is essential to have a space that reflects the optimism and desire for a fresh, new start that is top of the agenda for the year ahead,’ says Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux. Naturally soothing, but equally energizing and hopeful, the shade promises to bring the outside in to enhance well-being.

For a modern kitchen that will stand the test of time, wall tiles and cabinetry in a duck egg shade is an easy-to-live-with choice that works beautifully with period features.

‘To get the best out of a blue like this, pair it with neutrals to give it a chance to sing,' says Sarah Davies-Bennion, senior designer, of Kate Guinness Design. 'Mixing it with too many other strong colors will result in a confused look akin to an accident in a child’s paint box.’ 

Blue and white is another fantastic color combination for rooms that will remain timeless. Loved by homeowners and interior designers alike, blue and white is a classic pairing for kitchens that is wonderfully versatile. Far from being two-dimensional, the palette can be used to achieve all sorts of looks, from smart and sophisticated to subtle and serene, depending on the shades you use and the proportions in which they are incorporated.

Synonymous with the sea and sky, blues are often linked to coastal style and are a go-to for breathing freshness and calm into the home. ‘Blue and white create a tranquil atmosphere,’ says Debbie Leigh, design manager of fabric brand Iliv. ‘Blue is often associated with feelings of serenity and relaxation, while white helps make a room feel airy and spacious. Used together, these colors create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere – perfect in a hectic family kitchen.’

The color duo works beautifully with other hues, such as oranges and greens; however, for those looking to embrace a pure two-tone scheme, it is vital to introduce plenty of texture to keep the space inviting and prevent it from feeling stark. Decorating with varied tones, patterned fabrics, and materials with beautiful patinas, will all help bring the look to life.

Shop for blue furnishings and accesories

If re-tiling or re-painting your kitchen is not on the agenda for you, why not introduce pale blue accents into your home through beautiful furnishings, appliances, and accessories instead? Blue is the most wonderfully gender-neutral color.

KitchenAid have been gracing us with elegant, durable, cordless appliances for decades. Their latest release, the Go Cordless Portable Blender, is amongst some of their best launches. Here’s why.

When we’re testing the best personal blenders on the market, we look for three things: power, design, and usability. Unlike the majority of models that don’t make our list, the KitchenAid is powerful enough to rival plug-in family blenders. It’s slim and sleek, but with enough capacity to support two drinkers or those who want big protein shakes. And usability? It’s a KitchenAid. Of course it’s easy to use.

I put the KitchenAid through a series of tests, using it to make smoothies, dips, and crushed ice. I’ll give you a spoiler: it was brilliant. If you’re a big smoothie drinker or gym goer, this is perfect for you. 

Specifications

Unboxing

In true KitchenAid style, the packaging for the blender was minimal. The cardboard box is completely recyclable, making this easy on your garbage. 

We tested a model that comes with a rechargeable battery included. Whilst buying a model with a battery is a little more expensive than not, you’ll need it if you don’t already have a battery from one of KitchenAid’s other cordless models. Once you have one or two batteries, you can buy any of KitchenAid’s range without needing to make an extra investment.

Aesthetically, this is bigger than most personal blenders out there. In fact, it was only just smaller than the NutriBullet Pro 900. The design is sleek and easy to store, but it’s certainly on the large end of portable blenders.

Who would it suit?

Of all the cordless, personal blenders that I’ve tested, the KitchenAid is the biggest. That makes it the best candidate for kitchen use. You could easily make bigger portions, enough for two or three, in this. It feels more like a normal blender that just happens to be conveniently cordless. So, if you like big protein shakes, or you’re serving two people on the go, this is a great option.

The battery is also the longest-lasting of all the models we’ve tested. It could run for a full 60 minutes, according to KitchenAid, which is a lot of use. The fact that it separates to charge is useful for space, but it also means you can get a lot of juice in it before you go off-the-grid camping, for example. 

By virtue of its size and power, the KitchenAid has the best performance of all the cordless blenders we’ve tested, so if you’re all about achieving elite results, this is perfect. However, if you’re looking for a model that can slot into your handbag or the bottle holder in your rucksack, this is just too big. it could go in a gym bag, like a protein shaker, but that’s about it. 

What is it like to use?

My KitchenAid battery arrived with full charge, but the first thing I’d recommend that you do is get yours charging, just in case. Setting up the KitchenAid for blending was simple. All I had to do was rinse the blending bottle and then it was ready to use.

The controls are simple. You lock the blending bullet, put it in place, and twist. It works on a single, powerful speed, so you’ll have to keep an eye on things if you want some texture, but it’s really, very easy. 

Test 1: smoothies and protein shakes

The first test we put all of our blenders through is making a smoothie. I added frozen berries, bananas, spinach, oats, and almond milk to my blending bottle. This is a good test of the blender's versatility and range. Spinach skins are tough to whizz into nothing; frozen, seedy berries are almost as tough as blending ice cubes; and oats can be fibrous and tricky to get super smooth. However, at both half and full capacity, the KitchenAid worked quickly and effectively. The smoothies were perfect, there wasn’t a seed or a skin in sight.

Then I tried adding a scoop of protein powder to my drinks. Often, adding creatine or protein can make your drink go lumpy, with pockets of powder. However, the KitchenAid didn’t struggle at all. It incorporated my protein powder perfectly into the smoothie, which would suggest that you could use this for batters and pancake mixes too.

Test 2: hummus

The next test I give all of our blenders is making hummus. This can be tough for small, bullet models, since the mix is much lower in liquid content. However, it’s also really useful if you know that your blender can whip up hummus, guacamole, or salsa.

I used the KitchenAid to make hummus, so I added a can of chickpeas, a spoon of tahini, a squeeze of lemon, some cumin, and some salt to the blender. Then, I twisted on the lid and turned the bottle upside down for blending. This did mean that I left a bit of tahini on the side of my blender, an unavoidable bit of residue, but it wasn’t a disaster. I gave the blender a shake so that the hummus would pick it up. 

The most important thing to know is that the KitchenAid made the best hummus of all the personal blenders I’ve tested. It was by far the smoothest and that was in the shortest amount of time too. The next most important thing to know is that I made double the amount of hummus than I did in any other personal blender. Both of these are down to the above-average size and power of the KitchenAid, which I’m wondering even classes as ‘personal’, but I won’t complain.

Test 3: crushed ice

The final test is a bit of an unfair one for personal blenders, but we give it to our bigger blenders because we think it’s a useful thing to know. We add ice cubes and a drop of water to our blender to see whether it can crush ice. The KitchenAid is one of a handful of personal blenders that actually, successfully blended ice finely enough for it to be an ice cone. It wasn’t as perfect as a full-suited Vitamix, but you could definitely use this for frozen cocktails.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

This part of the whole KitchenAid user experience is as good as the rest. All of the detachable parts are dishwasher safe, so they’re easy to load in and forget about. I chose to hand wash them, adding a squeeze of dish soap and some warm water to the blending bottle. Just thirty seconds of blending cleaned all the hummus or smoothie out of the blender and it was ready to go again. It’s simple.

As for storage, this is easy to fit into any cupboard. If you think of this as a carton of milk in size, any space that will fit it will fit the KitchenAid. Even better, you don’t have a plug or cord getting tangled with anything. This is just one appliance. I hate to say the same phrase again, but it’s simple. 

How does it rate online?

Even though this is relatively new to the market, the KitchenAid has some impressive reviews. People praise it as versatile, slim, and easy to use. I was actually surprised to find a number of people calling this 'light and compact', saying they carried it with them to work and to the gym. I thought it was quite big, especially for personal blender standards, but if you don't need anything too hefty, this is a good shout.

A few reviewers said that another blending bottle would have made a difference. Then, you could have multiple drinks on the go, which is a good idea, but it would also take up more space in the cupboard. A few people also commented that this was an expensive personal blender, which it is. However, you're paying for KitchenAid's battery, which is then compatible with five other products in their range. If you'll use all of these, you can actually make a good saving.

How does it compare?

This is one of the biggest personal, portable blenders that we’ve tested, so it’s tricky to find one that makes a fair comparison. However, as we were using it, our experts kept coming back to the BlenderX, which is relatively similar. 

We normally recommend the BlenderX to campers because it’s big and has good battery life and some serious power. Granted, the 20 oz jar of the BlenderX is another 4 oz bigger than the KitchenAid, but it is more powerful and can run for a lot longer. In fact, the KitchenAid Go Cordless can run for 60 minutes at full power. That's a lot of blending for just one battery.

The BlenderX is perhaps better set up for travel, thanks to its useful carry bag and simple controls. It's also quieter to use. However, it's twice as heavy, so if you need to economize on weight, the KitchenAid is a good option.

At exactly the same price, it's hard to choose between the two. The BlenderX is bigger and it's powerful, but it's also heavier and less versatile. At the end of the day, it's an aesthetic choice.

Should you buy it?

If you're looking for a substantial, powerful, personal blender, the KitchenAid is the perfect option. It's slim, sleek, and easy to use. Our experts are sold on it. However, we recognize that this is bigger than some people might want in their personal blenders, so if you need a handbag or backpack sized option, you'll want to check out our list of the other best portable blenders out there.

How we test

Evaluating a blender involves extensive behind-the-scenes work. Our experts dedicate their time to researching the top portable blenders available. When we discover a promising model, we bring it into our test kitchen. Once we have it, we assess every aspect, from unboxing and initial impressions to making smoothies, protein shakes, hummus, salsa, and ice cones.

After thorough testing, we clean the blender to determine how easy it is to get it sparkling clean. We also evaluate how simple it is to maintain and store. Then, we compare it with other models on the market.

Ultimately, we decide who the blender is best suited for and whether it's worth purchasing, helping you make an informed decision. For more details, check out our dedicated page on how we test blenders.

When it comes to an athlete's diet, ultra-healthy foods like protein smoothies and superfood salads may immediately come to mind. For former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, however, waffles are the go-to – and there is a cult-favorite appliance he likes to use to make the batter.

The NFL alum recently shared a video to his Instagram page of his 'TB12'-friendly waffle recipe, in which he uses a white, KitchenAid Professional 600 to mix the batter. Though this exact model was recently discontinued, KitchenAids are a celebrity-favorite for a reason. We spoke to an expert to find out why, as well as get some recommendations for a comparable model to the 600.

There is a key feature that this stand mixer has that makes it stand out from the others, and it involves the bowl's movement.

'The KitchenAid Professional 600 was discontinued last year but was part of the brand's Pro Line, which features bowl-lift,' explains Tom's Guide senior homes editor Millie Fender. 'Unlike the traditional tilt-head mixers which have a hinge towards the back of the machine to insert and remove your bowl, the bowl-lift models instead have a lever which brings the bowl up to your chosen attachment.'

We can see in the video that when in action, Brady's mixer is smooth and efficient.

Fender goes on to explain that this kind of mixer is great for specific recipes, particularly ones that yield high amounts.

'It's a great option for large-volume bakes and particularly bread dough,' Fender states. 'My KitchenAid Classic sometimes shakes at the hinge of its tilt-head when I knead dough, but because this isn't present in the Pro line it's a more stable and reliable machine when you're working with heavy-duty recipes.'

The closest model to the discontinued 600 that Brady owns would be the KitchenAid 7 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer. As previously hinted, the product features 11 speeds and has the capacity for 13 dozen cookies or 8.5 lbs of bread. Of course, as the name suggests, it also includes a bowl lift rather than the aforementioned tilt-head mixer. It also comes in a variety of colors, including Brady's white, along with red, black, blue, and silver, among other options.

When it comes to kitchen appliances, it's always a plus when a functional and reliable piece also happens to look fabulous as a display piece. KitchenAid pieces fit the bill, with a line of workhorse culinary tools that come in a variety of delightful colors, ranging from neons to pastels to metallics. It's no wonder that many a celebrity are counted among their customers.

One such figure is Denise Richards. The Wild Things and Starship Trooper star has been sharing cooking videos from her home kitchen on her Instagram page, and we were immediately drawn to her bright blue stand mixer in a recent post.

The exact model? The Ultra Power Plus tilt-head stand mixer. Featuring 10 speeds, the mixer can make up to eight dozen cookies in a single batch, along with pasta, burgers, ice cream, and much more – making it one of the best stand mixers on the market.Richards has opted to make pasta dough, though there are endless options with the mixer.

There are also a variety of attachments that can be added on to the mixer, allowing for more customizable mixing techniques.

KitchenAid is the #1 mixer brand in the world, and experts agree that it's a worthwhile buy (it's consistently topping our favorite stand mixer list). And we're not alone in our admiration for this countertop accessory. Jennifer Garner, Martha Stewart, and even the Prince and Princess of Wales have all been known to use a KitchenAid stand mixer in some form – but the Ultra Power Plus gets glowing reviews for a reason.

'Although I've not tried the Ultra Power Plus, I have its less-powerful alternative, the KitchenAid Classic, in my own home,' says Tom's Guide senior home editor Millie Fender. 'It's the perfect stand mixer for two-person households because the 4.5-quart bowl excels at single batches of cookies or a single loaf of bread. I also love how well this mixer fits into my small kitchen. It brings all the charm of the iconic KitchenAid Artisan but in a more compact frame.'

We love the ice blue hue that Richards opted for – it perfectly complements the cool tones of her silver toaster and oven while adding a bright pop of color to the otherwise neutral space. However, the Ultra Power Plus also comes in red, silver, and black for those who prefer a darker appliance.

The Ultra Power Plus retails for $399.99 and is available to purchase at Target.

A reliable kitchen appliance is not to be undermined. While innovative devices and utensils are exciting additions to a kitchen, there is something to be said about a durable and beloved appliance: a classic that will stand the test of time. KitchenAid comes top of mind when we consider products with high quality and a sleek appearance, which are bound to stay in style for years to come.

Jennifer Garner is on board with this brand – in fact, she serves as an ambassador, sharing her experiences with their appliances via her popular Pretend Cooking Show series on Instagram. In the latest episode, she utilized the Deluxe 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer to make dinner rolls – and the appliance just happens to be on sale now for Memorial Day.

'They're the perfect gateway into bread making,' she says of the dinner rolls. 'If you haven't done it, they're so fast and easy, especially if you have my BFF, the KitchenAid stand mixer,' Garner says.

Garner proceeds to use two different attachments to mix her ingredients.'I always start with the paddle attachment, and then I switch to the dough hook because I want it to be mixed before it starts to knead,' she says. However, the mixer is compatible with up to 10, including food grinders and pasta makers for endless food possibilities.

The 13 Going on 30 star partnered with the beloved kitchen appliance brand back in 2022 and has since made several installments of her Pretend Cooking Show using their mixers. Anyone who loves watching the aforementioned show or browsing her social media will know this is not the first time we've spotted the brand's products on her kitchen countertops (and they have been for years).

'I’ve had my KitchenAid Stand Mixer for decades. It’s been by my side through it all – a few major recipe fails and many delicious, everyday successes,” said Garner in a press release after joining the brand. “I’m thrilled to make my longtime friendship with KitchenAid ‘official.'

Plus, Garner is in good company. The mixer is similarly a favorite of Martha Stewart, and across the Atlantic, it even has royal fans (yes, we really did spot this staple in Prince William and Princess Catherine's kitchen, too). It's our time to follow suit.

There are plenty of people who will tell you that Kenwood makes better stand mixers than KitchenAid. It’s a controversial opinion and one that we debate within the kitchen team often, but the Kenwood kMix stand mixer is one of the best examples of Kenwood’s baking brilliance.

Undoubtedly, Kenwood's range of models are some of the best stand mixers on the market. They’re easy to use, neatly designed, and they come with thoughtful extras. The kMix, for example, has a soft bounce head, so it never throws all of its weight too far backward or forwards.

I put the Kenwood kMix to the test, using it to mix cake batters, beat frosting, whip cream, and knead bread dough. I’ve tested some of the best stand mixers on the market, so the bar was set high, but I think the Kenwood is a competitive model.

Specifications

Unboxing

As is the case with most stand mixers, this comes in a big box with lots of packaging, some of it is recyclable, but there’s also plenty of polystyrene that will need to go in your garbage.

Once I had it all unboxed and stood on the countertop, the stand mixer looked slick. This is available in a range of different colors, which are designed to suit a range of households. I have my eye on the cream colorway, or the baby blue, but they're all beautiful.

Each stand mixer comes with a K beater, whisk, dough hook, scraper, and splash guard, which is everything you’ll need to make the most of your stand mixer. They all have a good weight to them. Not so much that they feel like you’re in the gym when you’re baking, but enough for these to feel like good quality.

Who would it suit?

No stand mixer is small (except for the KitchenAid Artisan Mini), so you’ll need to be a keen baker who’s willing to dedicate some countertop space to your stand mixer. This Kenwood is a good mid-range model. It feels premium and comes with all the essential accessories, but you don’t have integrated weighing scales like some of Kenwood’s more advanced models do.

If you want a KitchenAid without having to spend as much money as the brand demands, this is a great model. I would use the word compromise, but that sounds too negative. The only thing you sacrifice with Kenwood is the iconic KitchenAid name. Even then, Kenwood comes with its own prestige.

What is it like to use?

Everything about the Kenwood is intuitive. The head lifts up after you press a release button on the back of the machine. Then, the dial takes you through ten different speeds, which range from a slow hand mix to beyond speedy whipping. The bowl twists in and out of place too. It’s really beginner-friendly.

I tested the whisk attachment on two tasks. The one you can see in the image above is aquafaba (chickpea water). This is the tougher task of the two, but, these days, aquafaba is used in everything. I poured a can of chickpea water into the bowl and set the stand mixer running. It needed just over five minutes to get the thicker texture that you can see above. That's perfect for cakes, cookies, and meringues. I used the aquafaba in a cake mix (the section below) and it integrated well. The whisk had given it enough structure to make my cake light and fluffy: a true success.

The second, easier task that I gave our whisk was whipping up heavy cream. This was a quicker, smoother process. The kMix isn't loud, but when it was running for the aquafaba, my ears tired of hearing the noise. The heavy cream was whipped and airy in just over two minutes. I didn't put much in, so the bottom of the bowl was lightly covered. I didn't know if the whisk would achieve great results with such a small amount, but these were brilliant.

A good test for the k-beater is making a cake. We can start by creaming together butter and sugar. This made light work of mixing the butter and sugar together. In a few minutes, the mix was lump-free and fluffy. Then, I added in the flour and aquafaba (that I whisked earlier), keeping the kMix running. The mix was glossy and well integrated. It looked like the perfect cake mix.

I wanted to make this a lemon and blueberry cake, so I added in some lemon zest, lemon juice, and whole blueberries. Adding in fruit normally requires gentle, hand-mixing. The k-beater, on the lowest speed was able to distribute blueberries throughout the whole batter.

I also tested the kMix on making lemon icing for the cake. This is a similar creaming task to the butter and sugar. I used the guard to add icing sugar, hoping to stop any clouds of icing from flying into the air. The kMix deftly and effectively worked my frosting into a light, fluffy, creamy spread. It was faultless.

The final test I put the kMix through was bread dough. I made an enriched dough for fruit buns, since this is stickier and much harder to work into a light, elastic ball when you're kneading by hand. The dough hook worked by enriched dough into a wonderful dough. It was springy, light, and ready in just six minutes.

I had to use the scraper to incorporate all of the flour from the bottom of the bowl into the dough, as the dough hook missed picking up some of the bits at the bottom. This was the case for all my mixes, but once you know to use the spatula, you get used to interrupting the kMix halfway through the process.

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

The bowl and attachments are all dishwasher safe, so once I had finished my baking, I could put everything away without having to spend too much time near the sink. The highest maintenance part of the whole stand mixer is the shiny top. This easily marks with fingerprints, so it's worth keeping a microfiber cloth nearby. It'll ensure that your stand mixer is always sparkling clean.

The kMix is relatively big and quite heavy, although this is the case for most stand mixers. You'll need to be ready to clear some space in your cupboards or on your countertop for the kMix. It's worth it, but worth considering, especially if you have a small kitchen.

How does it rate online?

The kMix is one of Kenwood's most popular stand mixers. Kenwood markets it as one of the best stand mixers for home bakers, since it balances technical capabilities and power with a relatively compact design. As such, it's also a great buy for beginners. It's also easy to use and comes with clear instructions.

Reviewers all agreed that this is stylish and that it feels premium too. However, some felt that it was more expensive than is reasonable. I think it's worth it, especially since it comes with a ten year warranty.

How does it compare?

The most common comparison that people make is between the kMix and KitchenAid Artisan. They offer similar capacities, the same accessories, and have very similar aesthetics.

Whilst both stand mixers are beautiful, the KitchenAid has an iconic silhouette and a more diverse range of color options. It's more powerful too, so can whisk egg whites and mix batters quicker than the Kenwood. However, you certainly pay a premium for the KitchenAid name.

The Kenwood still offers some beautiful pastel colors and also has a better, slower fold function. It's higher-maintenance because the chrome finishes mark easily and is heavier than the KitchenAid too.

I prefer the KitchenAid, only because it doesn't leave any mix at the bottom of the bowl. This is an issue across all Kenwood stand mixers and, whilst it's not a deal-breaker, it's frustrating for some bakers.

Should you buy it?

If you're new to baking and you want a stand mixer that will last you for years, delivering delicious baked goods with minimal effort, the kMix is wonderful. It's an attractive stand mixer, that certainly gives KitchenAids a run for their money. Whether it's better will depend on what you need from your stand mixer.

Cuisinart and KitchenAid dominate the home appliance market. They make some of the best food processors and most convenient food choppers that you can buy. It's brilliant to have choice and range, but how do you know which is better?

The Cuisinart vs KitchenAid food processor debate is hotly contested. Some people put KitchenAid at the top of their buying guides for the best food processors, prizing the iconic name, brand, and color scheme. Others opt for Cuisinart, choosing the simple, lightweight, and durable build quality.

I'll talk through the pros and cons of both KitchenAid and Cuisinart's food processors so you can decide which is best for you and your kitchen needs.

Is the Cuisinart food processor any good?

Cuisinart are well-known for making some of the best food processors on the market. Theirs come in all shapes and sizes. You can buy a mini one for small tasks, such as dips and sauces, or a professional 14-cup model that's up to the toughest of tasks.

Cuisinart's smallest offering is their 3-cup mini food chopper. This simple model comes with two functions: chop and grind. The chopping uses the sharp side of the blade to slice through ingredients. The grinding function reverses the blade, using the more blunt side to grind up spices and nuts as needed.

In the middle of the range, the Cuisinart 9-cup food processor offers simple functions. It has a low speed, high speed, and pulse setting. It comes with two reversible shredding and slicing disc, both for fine and medium textures. The universal S blade can mix, chop, and make dough too.

At the top end of the range is the Cuisinart 14-cup food processor. Even though the Core Custom 10-Cup food processor sits at the top of our buying guide for the best food processors, the 14-cup is perfect for bigger, tricker tasks. Aside from its immense, 14-cup capacity, the Cuisinart boasts some impressive power and an extra-large feed tube, which doesn't require any preparation. It comes with a slicing disc, shredding disc, chopping and mixing blade, as well as a disc stem and spatula.

Cuisinart's food processors have something to offer every kind of kitchen, but the three below are our favorites.

Is the KitchenAid food processor any good?

KitchenAid makes some of the most iconic, all-American appliances on the market. They're best known for their stand mixers, but they do also make some of the best food processors, food choppers, and blenders on the market.

If you're thinking about investing in a KitchenAid food processor, you have a few options:

The first is either an eleven or nine-cup food processor. This is exactly what you would expect from a food processor. It comes with S blades, grating and slicing discs, and more. It's durable, simple, and powerful. I can't really fault them.

The second option is a food chopper. If you asked any of our expert testers for a list of kitchen essentials, the food chopper is guaranteed a spot. It's a lot like a food processor, except this doesn't grate or slice. It makes good dips and purees, but, as you move onto doughs and tricker tasks, it isn't quite as good. One of the reasons we love this is that it's completely cordless, so you can use it anywhere in the kitchen, or even outside next to the grill.

The final KitchenAid food processor option is an attachment for your food processor. It might sound like they've gone mad, but this is actually very space and cost-effective if you already own (and love) one of their stand mixers. All you have to do is slot it onto the end of your stand mixer head and it will work away, powering through a range of food processor tasks.

Head to head: Cuisinart vs KitchenAid

Alternatives to both KitchenAid and Cuisinart

If you want some other options to KitchenAid and Cuisinart, these are some of our other tried-and-tested food processors.

FAQs

Is Cuisinart or KitchenAid a better brand?

Cuisinart and KitchenAid are both American brands that offer top-quality appliances. It's hard to say which is a better brand, because they have different offerings. Cuisinart's simple models are lightweight and straightforward to use. KitchenAid's tend to have more color and style options as well as more durable materials.

What are the best brands for food processors?

KitchenAid and Cuisinart are certainly two of the best brands for food processors. However, they're not the only people that make good food processors. Ninja, Nutribullet, Magic Bullet, and Vitamix all make some of the best food processors on the market.

Do I need a food chopper or a food processor?

We've gone deep into the details of the differences between food choppers and food processors in another article. Essentially, KitchenAid and Cuisinart's food choppers are good for light tasks, such as making dips and sauces. Their food processors are bigger, more versatile, more powerful, and more durable too.

In my apartment, the 'pasta cabinet' is a cabinet where my housemates and I store pasta. For Gigi Hadid, the phrase takes on a different meaning: her cabinets are literally made of pasta.

The model took to Instagram to share photos of her New York City apartment's redecoration, and though the whole apartment is stunning, slide four is especially eye-catching. In the fourth image, Hadid shows off her glass-fronted kitchen cabinets, behind which swirls of colorful pasta create a stained-glass effect.

It's unique and original, and despite the sound of it, takes on a surprisingly sophisticated feel. Though we don't see this look becoming one of the top kitchen cabinet trends of 2024, it's a testament to how taking design risks can pay off.

Gigi Hadid's pasta cabinets were created by one of the world's foremost pasta artists, Linda Miller Nicholson, aka Salty Seattle. Nicholson is known for her bright and colorful, usually edible, art made exclusively out of pasta dough. Katy Perry, Matthew McConaughey, Snooki, and Harry Connick Jr. are all clients. From Hadid's cabinets, to the intricate, carefully dyed pasta shapes she handcrafts, it's easy to see why.

Design experts love the way that Hadid has embraced dopamine decor in her colorful kitchen. Jennifer Ebert, color expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens states: 'Though we often discuss design rules and interior design trends, Hadid's kitchen cabinets are so beautiful because they are completely unmoored from any of these restrictions. From their bright, rainbow colors, to the actual material, the cabinets are extremely untraditional: it's clear that Hadid has decorated with her heart.'

She continues, 'If you are interested in emulating the kitchen cabinet colors in your own home, think first of what brings you joy. For Gigi, it's clearly pasta and bright colors, but this might not work for everyone. As long as the scheme is uniquely "you" it will have the same joyous effect that can be felt throughout Hadid's space. Noodles or not, creating decor that boosts your mood is one of the most powerful ways to build your space.'

Shop the Look

Though it would be difficult to recreate Hadid's pasta cabinets exactly without expert help, anyone can make pasta. The KitchenAid stand mixer pasta attachment makes the process easy with tools you already have in your home.

When armed with knowledge of trends, design principles, and your own unique taste, there are infinite pasta-bilities for kitchen decor. At the end of the day, design that makes you happy, is the best design.

If you want to know how to clean a food processor thoroughly and easily, you're in the right place. I spend my days testing these appliances on oily, tough, sticky, and strong-smelling ingredients, so I've worked out a simple technique for cleaning.

Luckily, many of the best food processors come with dishwasher-safe parts, so you can load them in and set a rinse running, However, if you don't have space for big food processing bowls, fiddly grating and slicing discs, and sharp blades, you'll want to know how to clean each part.

How to clean a food processor

You'll want to take your food processor apart before you start any of the cleaning process. Unplug the machine, then remove the lid, blades or discs, and bowl from the base. You'll often need to twist and unlock the base to take it off the base.

Once you've separated the parts and set them aside, pick up a warm, damp microfiber cloth (available at Walmart) and give the food processor a wipe-down. You'll want to get any food or oily fingerprints off the controls. Then, use a dry cloth to wipe it dry.

Experts at KitchenAid recommend 'avoiding abrasive cleaners or scouring pads because these will damage your appliance. You also don't want to immerse the base of the food processor or the power cord in water or another liquid.'

When the base is sparkling clean, you can tackle the bowl, blades, discs, and lid. Keep these out of the sink and wash them one by one. If you fill a sink when you've got sharp blades and discs floating around, you risk accidentally cutting yourself. 

Fill the sink with warm, soapy water. I recommend using cleaning detergents, such as Ecover or Method and running warm water into the sink. Then, using a soft cloth or sponge, wash the work bowl and then the lid.

The blades and discs will need some more attention. There are two methods to follow. You can use a small cleaning brush to work into any small spaces, wiping off ingredients from the blades too. 

Alternatively, you can fit the food processor bowl back onto the base, and then fit the blades or discs in place. Millie Fender, one of our kitchen experts says to 'add some warm water and a drizzle of dish soap to your bowl. You only need a few drops otherwise when you set the food processor running, it'll all bubble up and your bowl might become overfilled.'

Then, Millie says 'I always rinse my bowl fully to remove the bubbles, because I don't want the next dip I make to taste like soap! It's also a good way to check that you've cleaned the blades well.'

If you don't want to step near a sink and your food processor parts are dishwasher safe, you can give them a rinse, and then run a cycle on gentle or normal, with a soft dishwasher detergent. Always check your manual for what the brand recommends.

Once all the parts are clean, make sure that they're dry. I use a microfiber cloth since these are really effective at picking up every last drop of water. Then, reassemble the food processor and store it in your cabinet, shelf, or pantry. That's all there is to it.

FAQs

Why is my food processor bowl discolored and what can I do?

Plastic bowls and pitchers can cling to bold colors and potent smells, whether you've been blending a green, garlic pesto or a bright curry paste. It's not something to worry yourself with. Try the cleaning steps, but make sure to soak the bowl in warm soapy water, overnight if possible, rather than doing a quick rinse and scrub. If that doesn't work, try mixing baking soda and water. This should help to give the inside of your bowl a deeper clean.

How do you clean the inside of a food processor handle?

Sometimes, the handle can also get a little grubby and this is hard to really reach inside. It's a good idea to invest in some small brushes (the kind you'd use for reusable straws) or a small toothbrush. These should be able to fit inside your handle section, giving it a good clean. If that doesn't work, try adding some white wine vinegar. That should help things along.

How do I clean a cloudy food processor?

Foggy or cloudy plastic needs a little more TLC when you're cleaning, but there are plenty of ways that you can get rid of it. The most common and effective home remedy that people use is sprinkling baking soda onto a damp sponge and using that to wipe the cup. If that doesn't work, try mixing baking soda with vinegar and then using that solution to clean the food processor. It should help to get rid of any fogginess.

Knowing how to choose a food processor that suits your kitchen needs is key to making the most of your space, money, and time. There's plenty to consider before you dive into a food processor purchase and, thankfully, you've got the help of our experts for choosing the perfect one.

We've tested all of the best food processors on the market, as well as food choppers and some of the best food processor combos too. That means we've seen the small, the stylish, and the stunning, as well as ones which are a little less impressive.

Before you choose a food processor, you'll want to think about the size of your kitchen, the capacity that you need, what you will use your food processor for, how much you want to spend and, where you'll store it. We'll cover all of that and more right here.

How to choose a food processor 

The key factors to consider when you're buying a food processor are: capacity, footprint, power, functions, and price. I'll go deep into the details of that and more, but if you want a quick table for what to expect in different price ranges, here's a summary.

Matching aesthetics and style

Food processors aren't known for being the most beautiful appliances on the market, but it helps if you can pick one which matches your interior kitchen design, whether it's a retro-farmhouse style or a more modern, minimalistic tone, there'll be one to match your kitchen. Here are some of our tried and tested suggestions for different kitchen styles:

What sort of size and capacity do you need?

In the table above, I gave you a rough guideline for what sort of capacity and size to look for in a food processor. Large homes that need to make big batches of dips, sauces, smoothies, and nut butters, will need at least 11 cups of capacity. 

If you're a couple or small family, you'll probably want a 7-10 cup capacity. This will be enough to make hummus for you and any guests. There's a danger in sizing-up because the food processor blades won't do as thorough of a job if you've not got a very full food processor. The same applies for sizing down, in which case you're likely to have to run your chopping, dicing, slicing, and blending tasks in batches. 

The smallest food processors might also be called food choppers. These will have up to seven cups of capacity and will be great for single-person homes or couples. You'll be able to chop an onion, grate a carrot, and slice half a cucumber in these. They'll be useful extras to have, but don't count on them if you're squeezing all the extended family round for food.

Often, the footprint of your food processor is proportionate to capacity. Bigger models will require more space on your countertop. The bigger they get, the more important storage options will become. It's important to check that your extra accessories can be stored in the food processor bowl. You'll also want to measure your wall cupboards, if you have them, to make sure that your food processor clears them once the lid and feeding chute is fixed on. You can always pull it out further onto the countertop if you need to, but it's good to have options.

Which functions and features are important?

All basic food processors come with blades, which can chop, mix, and blend up your ingredients. However, as you pay more money, you'll get extras which increase the versatility of your food processor. Mid-range and premium food processors will have slicing and grating discs, so that you can shred cheese and carrots as well as cutting cucumber without getting your hands dirty. If you can see these features on a smaller food processor, make sure you check the chute size, since the smaller models might have narrow chutes which require some more vegetable prep before you can feed your foods into the bowl.

More versatile food processor and blender combos will come with blending pitchers, bullet blender attachments, and blending cups. This will mean that you have more clutter to store away, but, in the grand scheme of things, you'll be able to save space, since you've combined two appliances into one. Check the capacity and power of the blender to make sure that it can cater to your needs. 

Some food processors have special ice functions as well as pulse settings, speed settings, soup settings, and pre-sets for different kitchen tasks. These can be really useful, especially if they'll time how long your machine has been running for. However, bear in mind that you're paying a premium for a luxury rather than a necessary function.

What's good value and a reasonable warranty?

You can pick up an inexpensive food processor easily. The cheapest model that I've tested (and would still buy) is the Magic Bullet Kitchen Express. I actually recommend this all the time, because it's super speedy, really powerful, compact, and consistent. It's only $50 for the food processor with the blending attachments too. You can't go wrong if you're a small household.

At the other end of the spectrum, you've for the luxurious Vitamix food processor and the Ninja Professional Food Processor-Blender Combo. The Vitamix Gourmet SmartPrep Kitchen is $900 (currently reduced to $799.95 at QVC). You get a blender, food processor attachment, and plenty of different discs for various functions. It's a beautiful and powerful appliance, but you pay a premium for the prestigious brand name.

Somewhere in the middle of the two is the Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor, which is $200. I love it because you get a full-sized food processor and blender, as well as smaller blending cups. It's powerful, sleek, and exceptional value. The only people I wouldn't recommend it to are those in smaller homes.

FAQs

Should I buy a food processor blender combo?

If you don't have both appliances or think you need to upgrade the quality of your food processor and your blender, I would recommend buying a blender and food processor combo. They'll save you space and money, so it's really a no-brainer. The only downside is, you won't get to select specific functions for both. For example, if you want a blender that heats and an 11 cup food processor, you'll have to do a lot more research than if you bought the two separately.

What factors should I consider when picking a food processor?

You'll want to work backwards, when choosing a food processor. The most important thing is that it can meet your needs. Think about whether you need yours to slice, and grate as well as chop. Then, think about the capacity and size of your food processor so that you can use it for your needs. You'll then need to set a budget and think about what yours should look like.

KitchenAid has been gracing our kitchens with their timeless designs and premium appliances for over a century. With the launch of six, new, cordless appliances, I expect they'll be our favorite kitchen staples for even longer.

The brand has announced the launch of their new Go Cordless line which covers six different appliances: a hand mixer, hand blender, food chopper, personal blender, coffee grinder, and kitchen vacuum. All these sleek and smart appliances are powered by one removable, rechargeable 12 Volt battery. 

It's simple. You don't need to wind up long wires or always be in proximity to a plug, you can take the food chopper out to the BBQ when you're eating in the sun; bring the blender with you to work; grind coffee in the office; and use all the other appliances wherever, whenever. 

Our experts can't wait to cut the cord with KitchenAid's stylish appliances (we've already got our tests of these lined up). Corded, KitchenAid's appliances make up some of the best hand mixers, coffee gadgets, and personal blenders on the market. Now that they're completely portable and versatile, kitchen plugs will be a thing of the past.

What is the KitchenAid Go Cordless line?

KitchenAid has designed the Go Cordless system to cover all your cooking and baking tasks without needing to be tied to a plug. Each matte black appliance is compatible with the same, rechargeable battery, so you'll only need one to share between the hand mixer, portable blender, food chopper, immersion blender, coffee grinder, and kitchen vacuum.

The lithium-ion battery comes with a USB-C charging cable, with an indicator light that will let you know when you need to charge the battery as well as when it's finished. At full power, the battery will give you three hours of run time.

Here's a little more about what your battery will be able to power:

Where can I buy the KitchenAid Go Cordless line?

All of the Go Cordless line, including the batteries are available on KitchenAid's website and that's the best place you can pick up all of them at once. You'll be able to find the appliances on Amazon and at third party retailers, where there might be discounts too, but if you want everything in one place, KitchenAid is the best place to look.

Are cordless kitchen appliances worth it?

KitchenAid's Go Cordless line is a selection of the most useful appliances to take with you on the go. Once you're emancipated from plug sockets and wires, you can wander around the kitchen and use these when needed. For example, if you've got a soup on the stove and not a plug nearby, you can use the immersion blender directly into the pan, without having to move the pan around. Equally, if you want to whip cream on the kitchen island (which doesn't have a plug) you can use the hand mixer or food chopper without any fuss. 

Spa-like spaces in the home are typically reserved for bathrooms. As a room for bathing and body care, it makes sense that design and facilities are often modeled after spas themselves, with inclusions such as lush towels, scented candles, and neutral-colored decor. 

Gwyneth Paltrow – always an innovator in the health and wellness realms – has just proven that the kitchen can be as serene as a spa. In a recent video posted to her Instagram account, the Goop founder and The Talented Mr. Ripley star showed off her bright, white studio kitchen, which is both airy and bright.  

'Cooking is therapeutic for me,' Paltrow states in the caption. 'Setting the mise-en-place, tasting and tweaking the recipe as I go, the aromas that emerge as flavors blend —it’s meditative. I wanted this studio kitchen to feel serene, almost like a spa.' 

White kitchens are eternally popular due to their clean appearance and versatility with decoration. However, it can also inadvertently make an (at times) chaotic space like a kitchen into an oasis.

'White's calming properties make it a natural fit for any serene space,' says Homes & Gardens' digital editor, Jennifer Ebert. 'Gwyneth Paltrow has combined this soothing color scheme with an open plan kitchen, which really elevates the spacious and calm ambiance.'

While varying size constraints may not allow for a studio-style kitchen in every home, Ebert recommends a few tricks for making a kitchen feel as spacious and open as possible.

'Kitchen islands create clean lines in a kitchen while also providing space for storage, prep, and even seating,' says Ebert. 'Utilizing a luxurious material, like marble, takes it to the next level: while clutter is tucked away, the luxe finish creates an atmosphere that is reminiscent of relaxing and refined spa spaces.

When considering how to make a kitchen more relaxing, lighting is also an essential element in ensuring a space retains its zen.

'Dimmable lights are key to a calming kitchen,' Ebert explains. 'Harsh overhead lights only heighten what can sometimes be a high-stress room, so ambient lighting is the way to go. For a softer look, try table lamps.'

Finally, as is the case with any white room, a variety of textures can enhance a room's welcoming (and therefore, calming) ambiance.

'Brass fixtures, such as the subtle ones on Paltrow's stove burners, along with wood floors or cutting boards, can create a simultaneous coolness and warmth that feels balanced,' Ebert explains.

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As a country musician, Miranda Lambert's songs evoke visions of dirt roads and rural pastures; a staple within the genre. However, when it comes to the "Mama's Broken Heart" singer's home, she likes to infuse these country sensibilities with a touch of modernity: AKA, the modern farmhouse look.

The singer-songwriter recently posted a photo of her kitchen on Instagram, and we love the blend of rustic and contemporary elements, from her white-tiled walls to the wood shelves and mint green, painted cabinets.

The modern farmhouse trend is beloved for its ability to combine what may be seen by some as opposing styles. Sleek materials like marble can exist alongside reclaimed wood, with the latter serving as a solid foundation for this ever-trending design.

'Stylistically, the wood look brings an elegant, organic feel to a space, adding texture and interest to an interior whilst remaining neutral,' says Neel Bradham, a design expert from Parador. 'From beautiful oaks and deep walnuts to light ash, these natural hues incorporate the outside world into our homes, offering a grounded and calm foundation.'

Another key element of the modern farmhouse trend, as seen in Lambert's own kitchen, is open shelving. Allowing chic and frequently-used items like ceramic bowls or vintage pitchers to be displayed just adds to the rustic appeal.

'Whether it's a renovation of an older home or the construction of a new one, these modern farmhouse-style homes all tend to have design features like exposed beams, walls paneled in shiplap or beadboard, and kitchens that feature exposed shelving instead of upper cabinets, apron front sinks and a classic gooseneck faucet,' says Angelica Ferguson VonDrak, Associate Real Estate Broker at Sotheby's International Realty.

The burst of green via Lambert's mint cabinets is also intentional in achieving the modern farmhouse look; though the style favors warm neutrals, a pop of green is recommended by experts to create some vibrancy in the space.

'The sage color will compliment the lighter tones in the space and connect beautifully with the black accents to bring all of the elements together in a cohesive and organic way,' says Jane Barnes, designer at her eponymous company. 'Plants are another excellent way to achieve this, real or faux.'

Shop the Lambert-inspired edit

Below, we have curated some modern farmhouse kitchen essentials to create a blissful and cozy ambiance. They bring the Lambert-look to all spaces without the need for a huge renovation, so what are we waiting for?

If you’ve been looking for a good KitchenAid Stand Mixer deal, then we may have just found you the best one on offer right now. In their Way Day Sale, Wayfair has discounted their classic stand mixer by $90.

As soon as I saw this, I knew it would cause a stir, in more ways than one. KitchenAid makes the best stand mixers on the market and their Classic 4.5 quart Bowl Lift model is one of the very best. Normally, the Classic Series is $329.99, but in the Way Day sales, the KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer has come down to $239.99. That's a serious saving, especially since KitchenAids are rarely discounted around this time of year.

As KitchenAid deals go, this is a good one, and it’s only available for as long as Way Day (or stocks) last, so don’t hang around. Regardless of the size of your order, everything ships for free this Way Day, with the sale event running from May 4th to May 6th.

The Classic Series is one of the best KitchenAids that I've tested. It comes complete with ten speeds and three stainless steel attachments. With these features, you can hand-mix frozen blueberries into a batter or whip up stiff egg whites in seconds. That's all you need to whip up some effortlessly delicious bakes.

Do a full deep-dive into the details in our KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer review.

As H&G's KitchenAid expert, I put this model through its paces over a year ago. It still sticks in my mind, because it's just so brilliant. One of the most striking features of the KitchenAid (aside from its stylish silhouette) is the build quality. I haven't tested any other stand mixer quite like it. 

The body is crafted from stainless steel, as is the bowl and attachments. Whilst this does mean that the whole product weighs a hefty 25 lbs, it also means that this is a really durable appliance. If you want a stand mixer that you'll use for a lifetime, this is it.

The capacity, 4.5 quarts, is the perfect size for a four to six-person household. You'll be able to knead a load of bread or mix some cake batter effortlessly. Performance-wise, the Classic is faultless. I used it to knead bread dough, mix cake batter, and whip cream and didn’t have complaints about any of them. If you need smaller or bigger capacities, I've included some alternative suggestions further down.

Two of the stand-out features of the classic are the neat controls (which make it easy to use, even when your hands are covered in flour and butter) and the tilt head. You can buy bowl lift KitchenAids, where you crank the bowl up to meet the mixer, but the tilt head makes add-ins and general baking much easier, in my opinion. 

The icing on the cake is that, of course, the Classic looks beautiful on the countertop. You usually get an array of colors to choose between, but the only catch with this one is that it's available in Onyx Black and White. These are pretty timeless, but if you were looking for a splash of color, you might need to spend a little more money.

Alternative options to the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer

If you like to batch bake and think you need some more capacity, it’s also worth checking out the KitchenAid Pro. Conversely, the Mini is great for smaller homes and lighter tasks.

More Way Day deals

At H&G, we're seriously excited about Way Day deals. Whilst this KitchenAid offer is one that deserves a place in the spotlight, we have some other dedicated pages for deals to shop. Here are the places to go if you want to bag a bargain:

• Our picks from the Wayfair bedding sale
• Our picks from the Wayfair outdoor furniture sale
• Our picks from the Wayfair accent chair sale

Some of the best home cooking shows are happening on Instagram. Case in point: Jennifer Garner's Pretend Cooking Show, a social media series that has seen the likes of Ina Garten appear in the 13 Going on 30 star's home kitchen. 

Because of this series, we have become well acquainted with Garner's well-equipped space, but in her latest video, we couldn't help but admire a new area of her modern farmhouse-style room. 

While making an early morning breakfast of pancakes, the actor brewed her morning espresso (using a KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine) in a cozy corner, backed by a natural, stone wall and white-painted shelves to match the cabinets.

The modern farmhouse trend is truly the best of both worlds: rustic and contemporary in equal measure, the design has seen a rise in popularity recently due to its versatility and charm.

'Modern farmhouse appeals to anyone who likes a blend of traditional design with unique or unexpected accents,' Homes & Gardens editor, Jennifer Ebert explains. 'The style can incorporate vintage or antique elements with finishes and accessories we see more frequently in modern homes, like metallic fixtures or accent colors.'

Natural materials are a cornerstone of the modern farmhouse style; Garner's combination of stone walls with painted, wood shelves is a perfect example of blending traditional and modern.

'In a space like the kitchen, try to utilize raw wood or stone in furnishings like dining tables and floorboards, while adding in contemporary touches with stainless steel appliances, or even a marble countertop,' Ebert suggests.

Color comes into play as well. Garner has opted for a mostly neutral palette, with gray stone and white cabinetry, but she allows for some subtle bursts of color with her ceramic, blue glassware sitting on the shelves. 

'Due to the materials used in the modern farmhouse trend, like wood, burlap, or stone, you will likely be dealing with neutral colors like brown, white/cream, and gray,' Ebert states. 'However, accents colors such as greens, blues, and pinks work wonders to brighten up a space.'

Aside from color, texture can also add visual interest to a predominantly neutral, modern farmhouse kitchen.

'Try incorporating texture into the kitchen with accessories like linen tablecloths, or a reclaimed wood serving platter,' Ebert recommends.

Shop the Garner-inspired edit

Below, find some modern farmhouse kitchen accessories, including the exact KitchenAid espresso machine that Garner uses. It's one of the best coffee makers available (which is no surprise, considering it's loved by the actress herself). 

If there were to be a color that morphs into a neutral come springtime, it would be nature's very own green. Reminiscent of fresh grass and leafy plants, green can be seen around the home all year round, but it takes on a whole new meaning in a time of growth and rebirth.

Daisy Jones & The Six star Suki Waterhouse and Twilight's Robert Pattinson have utilized a deep shade in their kitchen, and they have not shied away from covering all surfaces. In a TikTok shared by design company IHF Interiors, we see the actor's West London flat broken down room by room, and the green kitchen is a standout with its bold emerald walls and cabinets, marble countertops, and luxe gold faucet.

For those who have been considering infusing more color into the home, this time of year is highly appropriate, with green mirroring the blooms we see outside our windows.

'Spring is one of the best seasons for interiors,' says Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed. 'The longer, lighter days and new bursts of color in nature are fantastic sources of inspiration for the home. Injecting a new color into your living space is a great way to re-energize your home, and my favorite springtime shade for 2024 is a clean, fresh green.'

For optimal radiance, Rolland recommends selecting a vivid green paint color.

'A bright green is a perfect shade for your interiors for the spring months,' he says. More specifically, a bright and clean tone, such as Farrow & Ball’s Yeabridge Green, is the perfect balance between energizing and soothing. It emulates the fresh and upbeat nature of the spring season, and will beautifully reflect light to make the most of the longer days.'

Rolland says that kitchens are a safe choice for such a bold color, but he also recommends trying bedroom cabinetry as an alternative option.

'It’s also important to consider where you get natural light in the home - avoid using it in a room which is on the darker side, as this color very much thrives in the sunshine,' he says.

Shop the green kitchen edit

Paint is an instant way to introduce this color into our kitchen, but it's not the only option. Below, we have rounded up some green accessories that are sure to add vibrancy and life to any colored space.

With a jam-packed market of versatile toasters, knowing how to choose the best toaster for your kitchen can be tricky. There are single-slice, two-slice, four-slice toasters, as well as smart toasters and simple toasters too. If that sounds like a lot to handle, don't worry.

Our team of experts works tirelessly, testing the best toasters on the market. We dedicate our days to researching and using the best toasters for every kitchen, home, and slices of bread.

Whether you're looking to make a super stylish countertop statement or you want a simple, pared-back model, here's our advice for how to choose a toaster that will blend into your kitchen, seamlessly becoming the best, most used appliance in your kitchen.

How to choose a toaster

Whilst looks aren't everything, it's important that your toaster matches your interior design. Here's a quick selection of the kettles that we love for each different kitchen style.

What size toaster do I need?

The size of toaster that you'll need falls into two categories: dimensions and slots. Knowing what the dimensions of your toaster should be is straightforward. I'd recommend measuring the height, depth, and width of the countertop or cupboard that you plan on keeping your toaster in. You need to make sure that there's enough clearance for toast to pop up without obstruction. Plus, you don't want any cabinets or shelves above it, since these can be a fire hazard. 

Your toaster should generally only come out by about 1/3 onto the countertop. That way it won't be too obtrusive in the space of the whole kitchen. Even if it's a beautiful toaster, you won't want it to dominate.

Slot wise, you generally get to choose between two or four slice toasters. If you have a large household or you're often hosting, you'll want a four-slice toaster. Two slice toasters are great for smaller kitchens, because they're usually around 11 x 7 inches big. Four slice toasters typically measure around 14 x 9 inches, so they're more versatile, but also more demanding space-wise. 

 For those who also enjoy artisanal or homemade bread, it's worth looking for four-slice toasters that are made up of two long slots rather than four normal-sized ones. This will mean that you can fit long slices of sourdough into them without needing to cut them in half. We'd always recommend making sure that the slots are long and wide enough to fit your favorite bread in.

What functions and settings are essential?

Basic toasters should have at least a toast and defrost setting. This allows you to toast simple slices of bread, both fresh and from the freezer. Lots of basic models also offer a bagel setting which can toast the cut side of the bagel whilst warming the outside. 

If you like a more advanced and technical toaster, you might want to look for pre-sets, which will toast your bread to different levels depending on whether it's an enriched dough sourdough, pop tart, or seeded, brown bread. These settings might also let you control how brown or crispy your toast ends up. The best toasters will give you a countdown to when your toast is ready, so that you know whether you've got time to tackle other tasks in the kitchen before your toast pops up.

You should also get a reheat and a cancel button, which allows you to control and stop your toasting when you notice that it looks brown. Some smarter toasters offer a high-lift lever that allows you to safely check the toast levels of your bread without finishing the toasting timer cycle. It'll also help you to easily lift smaller items such as English muffins and short pieces of bread out of the toaster without burning your fingers. If that's never something that's relevant to you, there's no point in spending more money on features that you won't use.

Modern toasters have automatic lift and lower functions, so that all you have to do is press a button and the toaster will do the rest for you. This might sound lavish, but just wait until you deep dive into smart toasters. You can get touchscreen models with apps and WiFi connectivity, which act like smartphones giving you technical controls, including customizable settings, over your bread.

What is a good energy usage for a toaster?

Toasters are generally pretty efficient appliances. A toaster that is around 800-1,000 Watts will generally be considered energy efficient. It's worth looking for certifications, such as Energy Stars which will give you an indicator that your toaster is ultra-energy efficient. 

If you're conscious of your consumption, it's a good idea to unplug your toaster when it's not in use. These can consume power when they're on standby, so if you need to reduce your utilities, make sure it's not draining energy when it's not in use. It's also important to only toast what you need. If you overfill it, your toaster will become less efficient, requiring more energy to produce standard results.

Do you need any extra accessories

Premium toasters might come with some extra accessories. Whilst these aren't essentials, they might make your toaster more versatile. For example, if you have toast tongs and a sandwich press, you can make toasties without too much mess. You might also get a wire rack, especially with a four-slice toaster, which will help you put baked foods, such as pastries and croissants into your toaster.

How much money should you spend on a toaster?

There's no fixed price that you should spend on a toaster, I say this as someone who has spent more money than she would have liked to on hers (although I don't have any regrets). If you want a basic toaster with simple functions, you can get away with spending $30. However, be prepared to compromise on warranty, functions, design, and durability.

Mid-range toasters will cost up to $100, offering some more advanced features, a reasonable build quality, a longer warranty period (a few years), and more versatility. If you up your budget a little more, you'll be spending up to $200, but you'll get an Energy Star certification, ten (or more) year warranty, sleek design, and digital displays and timers.

If you need to work out how much to spend, think about how often you'll use it, the interior design of your kitchen, which features you really need, and which brand you're buying from. I bought a KitchenAid ProLine toaster because I already have a KitchenAid kettle and wanted mine to match. I spent a little more money on the auto-lowering function and capacity, but as someone who bakes their own bread, it's worth every penny. 

If I trust anyone to make a good kettle, it's KitchenAid. Best known for making iconic stand mixers, the brand also produces some substantial kitchen essentials. This simple KitchenAid kettle is crafted from understated stainless steel, but it offers precision temperature variability, a steady pour, and a compact design.

Alongside a team of experts, I've been testing the best electric kettles on the market. I have one of KitchenAid’s other kettles in my kitchen, so I was keen to see how their more affordable option compared to mine. 

This retails at under $100 which is a steal if you want the KitchenAid name on your countertops. I tested this across a range of temperatures, brewing matcha, coffee, and different teas, so that I could see how accurate it was. I also tested the insulating properties, checking whether your water would still be warm if you brewed the kettle and came back to it more than a few minutes later.

Specifications

Unboxing

Unboxing the KitchenAid was easy. Kettles are rarely complex to set up, so I didn’t expect to struggle. Most of the packaging was cardboard, which is easy to recycle. There was some plastic coating, which is harder to recycle, but it meant that the kettle arrived in pristine condition.

From the pictures that I’d seen, I didn’t know whether the KitchenAid would feel like a super slick, premium kettle, or a somewhat overpriced basic. You’ll be pleased to know that it was the former. This is slim, with a brushed stainless steel finish. It's available in other signature KitchenAid colors, but I tested it in this understated style.

Overall, it feels like a well-made kettle. This boasts some substantial weight, but not so much that it feels heavy.

Who would it suit?

This is certainly one of KitchenAid’s basics. It retails around $100, which is cheap for a temperature variable kettle and an absolute steal for any appliance with the name 'KitchenAid' printed on it. You can choose from a range of color options and, you'll also be pleased to know that KitchenAid makes a coordinating toaster that matches the kettles aesthetic.

The KitchenAid is understated and simple, not for the likes of any ultra-glossy kitchen. However, it’s a great basic if you’re setting up a kitchen and just want a functional, reliable kettle.

The variable temperatures add an extra edge that makes the KitchenAid a good choice for those who like to drink matcha and tea. You can select fifty-degree increments, achieving hot water perfection. 

What is it like to use?

I tested all the temperatures on just one cup of water as well as the full 6.3 cup capacity. The lowest temperature on the KitchenAid’s settings is 122 degrees, perfect for mixing with yeast when baking. The KitchenAid heated one cup up to temperature in just 19 seconds, it was seriously speedy. 

At full capacity, it took a little longer, two minutes and twenty-three seconds. For this kind of capacity, that's not a slow boil. It’s about average actually, although it certainly felt slow to me. I'd recommend filling the kettle, setting it to boil, and then doing a task such as washing up.

Even though the exterior is stainless steel, it didn’t get hot, promising some great insulation. When both my single cup and full kettle boiled, I took their temperatures. They were spot on, if not a couple of degrees above on some of the tests. Most of them sat around the perfect temperature.

I checked back after one minute, two minutes, three minutes, four minutes, five minutes, and ten minutes, to see how well the kettle was keeping my coffee hot. The single serving had cooled by 30 degrees within one minute, 54 degrees within two, and it just kept getting cooler. After five minutes, it was too cool to class as even close to the temperature. The fuller carafe was slower to cool, but I still couldn’t use it after five minutes. 

75 degrees

If you like to drink matcha and white tea, you'll want your kettle to be precise when it's set to 176 degrees. I like to drink my matcha a little more mellow, so set the kettle to reach 158 degrees. The KitchenAid consistently overshot it, hitting 165 consistently. This didn't affect the flavors of my matcha much, so if you didn't have a temperature probe, you probably wouldn't notice it. However, in our tests, it came up as an issue.

If you're making coffee, which can be really sensitive to temperature changes, set the temperature to about 10 degrees lower than you want, so that you don't end up scalding your coffee grounds.

When I was aiming for 176 degrees, I set the temperature to 165. When I took the temperature of both my single cup serving and full kettle, they were close to spot on for 170 degrees. This is perfect for brewing with green teas and more delicate leaves. It's a knack that, once you've grown accustomed to, is easy to adjust for.

The hottest setting on the KitctchenAid is, of course, 212. My kettle boiled one cup to full temperature in just 34 seconds, which is almost as quick as the coolest setting. It took four minutes and fifty-two seconds to boil a full carafe. Some kettles can take up to eight minutes, so although this might sound like a long time, it's actually pretty speedy.

The kettle did a good job of keeping my boiling water close to a high temperature, across capacities. It was still usable for ‘boiling’ after my four-minute check. At five, it was on the edge, and by ten, it needed a quick re-boil to hit temperature. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Relative to the 6.3 cup capacity, this is a compact kettle. It’s easy to keep on the countertop and would look great in a kitchen with other stainless steel appliances. The finish didn’t mark with fingerprints, so it’s low maintenance and an easy kettle to put in a home where lots of people will use it. I could imagine this being a great kettle for a second home. 

I have a few notes for cleaning the KitchenAid, although these apply to all kettles. Make sure to use filtered water. Not only will this give you consistent flavors, it will also stop any scale from building up around the heating elements. If you don't use filtered water, it's worth learning how to clean an electric kettle for safe, hygienic boiling.

How does it rate online?

The KitchenAid is a popular kettle online. It's a relatively new addition to KitchenAid's collection and the small amount of reviews that are available online praise this highly. People like the simple aesthetic and speedy boiling times. I think the price had a big influence on people's perceptions of the KitchenAid too, as a number of the reviews had a slightly surprised tone when they were praising it.

There's very little criticism online. Some people found scale building up inside their kettle, but that's not really an issue with the KitchenAid, more with the user. Others questioned the time that it takes to boil, but the average time a full kettle can take is up to eight minutes. Given that this can be done in just four, it's super speedy. 

I was ready to agree with criticisms of functional aesthetics, but there weren't any. After scouring through the reviews, the KitchenAid comes off really well.

How does it compare?

I can’t help but compare this to KitchenAid’s Pro Line kettle. Of course, the Pro Line is more expensive and it can technically do the same, without any extra flourishes, but my oh my is it a looker. I have it in almond cream (to match my toaster) and it’s beautiful. However, the basic KitchenAid is half the price. Whilst you'll have a more practical-looking kettle, you can tuck $100 neatly aside to invest in other more fancy kitchen appliances. 

I wanted to compare a similar style kettle to this one and the Aarke immediately sprung to mind. The Aarke has a similar, stainless steel aesthetic and offers variable temperatures, but it’ll cost you a lot more money. It doesn't offer any more capacity or variety in the temperature settings and it'll cost you two and a half times the price. Compared to both of these highly covetable kettles, the KitchenAid is incredible value.

Should you buy it?

If you want a simple, inexpensive kettle that doesn’t compromise on quality, this is a great option. It is quick to brew, low maintenance, and can achieve accurate, variable temperatures. If you’re after something that’s more blessed in the looks department, I recommend giving the Pro Line kettle a try. It’s more expensive, but I know I’ll be keeping mine for life. 

How we test

We're stringent with our testing standards at H&G, and while electric kettles might seem straightforward, we don't let standards slip. We test our kettles at the minimum fill level and the maximum fill level. We record any variation in temperature from the claims of the manufacturer and what we actually find on our thermometers, and we also time how long it takes. We also record the noise level in decibels of kettles as they come to a boil. That's to say nothing of all our user tests, assessing how easy the kettle is to use, clean, maintain, and store. There's more information about our processes in our explainer of how we test. 

Stand mixers often fall into the category of aspirational, rather than affordable, but Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is truly treating us. GE’s stand mixer is half-price, meaning you can enjoy using one of the best for just $150. 

I’m Homes & Gardens’ eCommerce editor, which means I spend my days testing and reviewing stand mixers and other small appliances. I've been scouring Amazon's sales looking for deals on our favorite home appliances and when I saw this I just couldn't wait to share the details. I've included some more good stand mixer deals at the bottom of the article too. You can't say we don't treat you.

I love GE's stand mixer for covering the all the basics of baking without breaking a sweat. Our experts reckon it's one of the best stand mixers on the market; it whips cream, mixes batters, and kneads dough like the best of them. You'll be spending at least three times the price before you find a better stand mixer. 

What's the deal?

Is the GE stand mixer any good?

The GE boats some impressive credentials. It's well-built, versatile, and reliable, competing with some of the best stand mixers on the market. The seven-speed settings and simple controls are easy enough for beginners. The GE even has a soft start setting (so that you don't spray clouds of flour into the air when you turn the machine on) and an auto-locking head which means you'll have both hands free to scrape, stir, and add ingredients when needed. 

The sleek design looks modern. If you read the reviews, you'll see that everyone is surprised by the weighty, durable feel of the stand mixer. GE includes the essential accessories: a whisk, dough hook, flat beater, and pouring shield. It's powerful enough to whip up egg whites, mix sausage meat, and knead dough. Even better, the GE is compatible with all of KitchenAid's best attachments. If you've been eyeing up their incredible ice cream maker (which is reduced by $20 at Amazon) or meat grinder (also reduced at Amazon) you won't have to miss out.

For those who are feeling ambitious and tackling a tough project, the GE can get pretty noisy. If your kitchen is a social space, choose your baking times carefully. Whilst the exterior wipes clean, the accessories are hand-wash only, so you'll need to be more involved in the cleanup. The rule in my house is, that the cook (or baker) never cleans. If you'll be the one using the GE, I recommend implementing this. to save yourself some time.

The GE is a brilliant buy if you're on a budget. You'll have spent $150 to have access to a stand mixer which delivers results which are at least worth $300, if not more. Sure, it's not the iconic, colorful KitchenAid, but you'll need to quadruple your budget to pick up one of those.

What are my other options?

The GE isn't the only discounted stand mixer, there are plenty of other options. None are quite as cheap as this one, but you can pick up a discounted KitchenAid, save $300 on a professional Wolf model, or nab a Hamilton Beach model for $75.

A good stand mixer makes it easy to whip up all sorts of batters and dough, but they’re often a substantial investment, costing upward of $300. If you’re looking for something that won’t put such a dent in your wallet, the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is a highly rated option that costs just $120. But does it work?

This electric stand mixer has a 4-quart capacity, and it comes with all the accessories you’d expect, including paddle, whisk, and dough attachments – there’s even a bowl shield to keep ingredients from splashing out as you stir. Plus, the brand claims that the beater uses the same action as the beloved KitchenAid for more even hands-free mixing. It all sounds great, but we wanted to see if this budget-friendly option can really compete with more expensive appliances. 

I tested the Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer over the course of a week, using all its different attachments to make a variety of baked goods. Here’s what I liked about this inexpensive mixer, as well as the issue that keep it from being one of the best stand mixers

Product specifications

Unboxing and set-up

The Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer arrived packaged in a few pieces of molded cardboard, and it was wrapped in a layer of plastic to protect it during shipping. All the accessories were individual plastic bags. In addition to the mixer itself, the box contained three basic attachments – a paddle, whisk, and dough hook – as well as a plastic bowl shield. 

The stand mixer has a silver finish (it does come in several other hues, as well), but the exterior is just plastic – not stainless steel. There’s a dial-style control knob on the right side of the machine that lets you turn it on and off, and unlike most mixers, the speed levels aren’t fixed. Instead, it’s a variable-style knob that lets you set the speed in between settings, if needed. Next to the control knob, there’s a button that unlocks the mixer’s head, allowing you to tilt it up and down. The head locks in the up position, so you have to unlock it again before putting it back down. It's a good safety feature that keeps the mixer from slamming onto your hands, but it's a little frustrating to use. 

The mixer has a 4-quart stainless steel bowl with two handles on each side, and you just twist it to lock it into place on the base of the mixer. There’s a big handle on top of the mixer, as well, which actually proved to be really handy when moving the appliance around my kitchen. Underneath the handle, there’s also a mixing guide that explains the different speed levels, and I can see this being useful for new bakers who need a little extra guidance.

Who would it suit?

The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is well-suited for beginners or more casual bakers. It will come in handy for light-duty tasks like baking cookies or cake, and it also did a good job whipping up egg whites and kneading bread dough. This appliance is also a good option for anyone who doesn’t want to keep a stand mixer on their counter all the time, as it’s very lightweight and easy to move around thanks to the large handle on top. 

However, if you’re a serious baker, this stand mixer isn’t powerful enough to tackle more complex tasks. It struggles to cream butter and mix thick batters, and it tends to wobble quite a bit when stirring at high speeds.  

Test 1: Lemon Bundt cake

Soon after I received this mixer I had a family dinner to attend, so I decided it was the perfect opportunity to whip up a special cake. I decided on one of my go-to recipes for a lemon Bundt cake – it’s easy to make, but looks impressive.

The first step in this recipe is to cream together butter and sugar. I made the mistake of tossing whole sticks of butter into the bowl instead of cutting it into pieces, and the mixer had a hard time squishing down the sticks, even though they were room temperature. I actually had to hold the mixer down because it was jolting all over the counter.

Once the butter was mashed up, the mixer was able to mix it with the sugar, but I had to stop regularly to scrape the mixture off the sides of the bowl. (This is an issue I’ve run into with a lot of cheaper stand mixers.) Overall, it didn’t do a great job creaming the ingredients, because it just kept pushing them to the sides of the bowl out of reach of the paddle. 

I decided to just move on with the recipe, and the mixer performed much better once the liquid ingredients were added. It did start to struggle again when I added in the flour – the head of the mixer was wobbling as it stirred because the batter was so thick. The good news is that the cake came out absolutely delicious, despite the hiccups along the way.

Test 2: Cinnamon crunch bread

The dough hook that came with the Hamilton Beach Mixer has a different shape than ones I’ve used in the past. The hook is quite narrow, and I was curious to see how it would perform kneading dough. I decided to make a loaf of cinnamon crunch bread, one of my favorite breakfast treats. 

I started with the paddle attachment to mix all the ingredients together, then I switched to the dough hook for five minutes of kneading. Instead of grabbing the dough like other hooks I’ve used, this attachment seems to knead just by pressing the dough against the sides of the bowl. It seemed to be working pretty well, and after five minutes at a medium speed, the ball was much smoother than when it started. 

At this stage, I left the dough to rise for a few hours, and I was slightly concerned because it didn’t really double in size. However, I decided to just trust the process, and I’m glad I did. The bread came out so good, and it was definitely kneaded enough, as the loaf had a beautiful texture.

Test 3: Peanut butter meringue cookies

To try out the mixer’s whipping abilities, I settled on a recipe for peanut butter meringue cookies. Meringue is just egg whites and sugar whipped at a high speed, which creates a light and fluffy batter. 

To make this recipe, I used the stand mixer’s whisk attachment. I beat the egg whites and sugar at the mixer’s highest speed for around four or five minutes, at which point stiff peaks began to form. The mixer didn’t wobble around at all because the batter is thin, but I did notice that the batter around the sides of the bowl wasn’t whipped as well as the batter in the center.

I swirled some peanut butter through the batter, but in doing so, I think I knocked too much air out of it. Some of the cookies came out with the right texture, but others collapsed during baking and were hollow inside. Still, I was impressed with the mixer’s whipping abilities. It was able to create meringue quickly, but next time I’ll stop to scrape the sides of the bowl down a few times along the way.

Cleaning and maintenance

One of the nice things about this stand mixer is that all of its removable components are dishwasher-safe. All three of the attachments can be cleaned in the dishwasher, along with the bowl shield and bowl itself. I put them through a regular wash cycle multiple times, and they came out looking as good as new. 

The only thing I noticed is that sometimes water gets trapped in the base of the bowl, and you can hear it sloshing around after you take it out of the dishwasher. In these cases, I generally just left the bowl tilted on a hand towel for a few hours so the water drained out.

How does it rate online?

The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer has more than 9,400 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Many reviewers like that the appliance is lightweight, affordable, and easy to move around, and most agree that it’s great for small tasks like making cookies. However, a large number of people have experienced wobbling at high speeds or when working with a thicker batter.  

How does it compare?

If you bake regularly or want to tackle more heavy-duty tasks, it’s worth upgrading to a KitchenAid stand mixer. These appliances are the current gold standard for stand mixers, as they’re incredibly sturdy, powerful, and versatile. Our top pick for most people is the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer, which can handle virtually any baking task. However, it’s much bigger, heavier, and more expensive than the Hamilton Beach model, retailing for around $450 at full price. 

Another budget-friendly option that we recommend is the Beautiful Stand Mixer. It’s similar in price, costing around $100, but it’s a bit sturdier than the Hamilton Beach and has a stylish design with a matte finish and gold accents. It also offers a total of 12 speeds and includes a bowl shield that attaches to the head of the mixer—not the bowl—making it more convenient to use.  

Should you buy the Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer?

The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is a decent choice if you only bake once in a while and are looking for a budget-friendly appliance. During testing, it did well with light-duty tasks like mixing cake batter, but it does struggle with more complicated jobs like creaming butter or stirring thick dough. However, we do love that it’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to move in and out of storage, and overall, it’s a decent option for your kitchen if you want to stay in the $100 price range.  

How we test stand mixers

We always test stand mixers on three different tasks; mixing, kneading dough, and whisking. The first test lets us assess how well a mixer can combine ingredients, and whether or not your need to scrape down the bowl. The second test on dough hooks helps us to see how well the mixer can knead heavy doughs, and if it sits securely on a countertop as it mixes. The final test means that we can see how the stand mixers copes with lighter ingredients like cream and egg whites. 

2023 may have been The Year of the Girl, but its aesthetics have carried over into 2024. Influences like Barbie and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour brought feminine imagery to the forefront, and their popularity continues to grow. In Maude Apatow's kitchen, the Year of the Girl is neverending.

The Euphoria actress's West Village kitchen revolves around marble countertops and light pink kitchen cabinets. It's chic and stylish and blends timeless style with contemporary trends. 

According to experts, Maude's use of interior design trends with classic motifs is a winning combination.  First, it relies on the everlasting appeal of the color pink. NYC-based interior designer Kathy Kuo says, 'About eight years ago, it was #MillennialPink. Now it's #BarbieCore and Pantone's Peach Fuzz—there will always be a shade of pink du jour, especially among vibrant young trendsetters like Maude Apatow.'

Interior designer Soledad Alzaga adds, 'In Maude Apatow's space, the blend of soft pink cabinets with white and gray marble kitchen backsplash and countertops offers a visually striking and balanced aesthetic. The marble adds luxury, while the soft, warm pink cabinets add playfulness and fun contrast. This combination creates a modern and sophisticated kitchen design.'

Kathy continues: 'What I love about this sweet pink kitchen is that the shade of pink falls somewhere in between trendy Peach Fuzz and classic ballet pink, and the addition of the striking veined marble backsplash makes the whole space feel sophisticated and luxe, rather that gimmicky or childish.'

If you love Maude's kitchen, you're in luck. Experts slate it as a popular 2024 kitchen color trend. Soledad says, 'This combination will likely gain popularity as people embrace color, specifically pinks, in their home decor this year. The timeless marble allows for easy updates in the future, as it complements various cabinet colors in case you grow tired of pink.'

Shop the Pink Kitchen Edit

If Maude Apatow's kitchen sets the tone for interior design in the coming year, we can't wait to see what comes next.

I’m beginning to put KitchenAid in the same category as Moccamaster, De’Longhi, and Breville for their coffee products. Whilst they might be best known for their iconic stand mixers, it’s about time we all got to know them for their incredible coffee grinders and coffee makers. I haven’t tested any KitchenAid coffee product that’s been anything short of perfect. 

However, I wanted to make sure that their products were quality across their coffee range. I'd already heard great things about the burr grinder before testing it. I've spoken to plenty of other expert testers who already rank the KitchenAid grinder among the best coffee grinders and even use it in their own homes. When the experts start adding appliances to their home collections, that’s when you know that they’re really, genuinely good, so I wanted to make sure it lived up to such a high bar.

After testing it across a range of functions, I can officially tell you that the KitchenAid burr grinder is outstanding. It’s easy to achieve perfect results whether you’re a coffee novice or more of an expert. Every feature sets you up for success. I love it.

Specifications

Unboxing

I have mixed feelings about the whole unboxing process for the KitchenAid. Most of my experience was good, if not exceptional. The box is sturdy, the grinder looked great on the countertop, and it was easy to set up. The hopper clicked satisfyingly into place and the airtight grounds container also slotted tightly underneath the grounds dispenser. Every part was distinctly different, but simplified so that even a beginner could set this up without any instructions at all. 

However, all is that this came surrounded by plastic and polystyrene, neither of which is recyclable. There’s very little else that the KitchenAid falls short on.

Who would it suit?

This grinder is available in a range of colors, designed to suit various kitchens, and the LED controls can do enough to protect a beginner from messing up their grinding, whilst offering precision for the more advanced coffee drinker. I think it satisfies a large portion of the coffee grinder market.

The only people who this might not suit are those who are short on space. The Kitchenaid has a large footprint, so if your countertops are really compact, you might need to look for an alternative option. It’s also quite expensive, probably because it can do so much. If you’re shopping for a very basic model and you’re on a tight budget, you’ll also want to check out some more simple alternatives. 

What is it like to use?

As you might expect from everything that I’ve said so far, this is a breeze to use. The LED display clearly breaks down settings, dose, and grind times. You can adjust these using the dial and buttons.

Test 1: Fine grinds

Our first test for every grinder is on the finest setting. I twisted the tactile dial onto its finest number (1) and set the dose to two cups. I watched the timer count down and my beans quickly and relatively quietly whizz away into a powder of coffee grounds. 

There was no retention or popcorning and my grinds all looked really consistent. They were the perfect texture for an espresso machine, so I boxed them up and took them back to mine to use, a few hours later, in my home espresso machine. The flavor results were as good as they looked. My espresso was rich and full of deep, complex flavors. Each note of chocolate and hazelnut was sharp and easy to pick out. In summary, it was a great success. 

Test 2: Medium grinds

The next test sits in the middle of the KitxhenAid’s grinding range. I twisted the dial to setting 35, keeping the dose to two people, and the KitchenAid automatically adjusted how long it would need to grind through the beans. I let it run and it whizzed through my beans again, dispensing the grounds neatly into the pot without any static. 

Again, there was no popcorning or retention and my grounds looked consistent. I sat them against my fine grinds and could see a distinct difference, demonstrating that this really can do it all. The noise level reached 76 dBA of noise, which is pretty noisy but not out of the ordinary for a coffee grinder. Whilst this setting was perhaps on the finer side for French press, I wanted to do a quick taste test, so I brewed a carafe. My cup of coffee was delicious: smooth, even, and delicious. It genuinely very hard to fault this.

Test 3: Coarse grinds

The final test I wanted to put this through was the coarsest setting, so I twisted the grinding dial and it auto-adjusted its timings ready to go. This look the shortest time of all the grinds (just under six seconds), but didn’t create any more noise than the other settings and was still equally consistent.  

I put both servings in my French press and brewed up a beautiful carafe of coffee. It was confidently acidic, with clear notes of chocolate and hazelnut extracted from my roast. I’d trust this grinder to do a great job of grinding any beans off any size.

After testing the KitchenAid grinder, I had a couple of filter coffee makers to test, so I thought I would just set the KitchenAid to grind through the rest of the hopper. As expected, it worked through my beans with the efficiency and dexterity that I have come to associate with all of KitchenAid’s coffee products. When it sensed that the bean hopper was empty, this came to an abrupt halt. I then sealed the rubber lid on the grounds container and set it aside for my tests later on. The process couldn’t have been any cleaner and I didn’t even need to watch the KitchenAid grind because all the presets handled everything automatically. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

At this point I could look inside the empty burrs to see whether there was any unrecorded grounds retention. Whilst there was a dusting of grounds around the burrs, I couldn’t find enough to weigh out, let alone mention. 

All the parts clicked neatly out of place and both the hopper and grounds container can be put in the dishwasher or washed by hand. 

As I mentioned, this is bigger than the average coffee grinder, but I also think it’s more beautiful. For both practical and aesthetic reasons, I would recommend finding a spot on your countertop and sitting the KitchenAid there. It would need a tall, stable cupboard to sit inside.

KitchenAid has mitigated the size by offering some storage issues. Inside the base is a neat portafilter holder, which you can lift out and use to grind directly into the filter baskets. You can store it inside the KitchenAid or fixed into the machine.

How does it rate online?

As I said, this is a popular coffee grinder. It’s featured in all the best coffee grinder guides. I’ve seen rave reviews for it from everyone on Reddit, as well as in specialist coffee communities. It’s often recommended to beginners for its easy controls and auto-dosing, but that didn’t stop professionals from praising it too. I spoke with other expert coffee testers who all said they were surprised that KitchenAid, which is  are better known for baking, makes such incredible coffee makers.

People only advised that this has all the bells and whistles, so might not be the best investment for entry-level coffee enthusiasts. If you think you might fall out of love with grinding your own beans, this will be a big appliance on your countertop and a big dent in your bank account.

How does it compare?

It might seem unfair, but the only comparison I would make to the KitchenAid is the Fellow Ode, available at Amazon, our top pick for the best coffee grinder.

The Fellow Ode also strikes a stunning silhouette on the countertop. The sharp, clean lines are best suited to more modern interiors, but that means that the KitchenAid’s curves suit a cosy, farmhouse style much better. They’re both heavy grinders, so I wouldn’t recommend moving either around much, but the Fellow is much more compact, so will demand a lot less space on your countertop.

Using both machines is easy. The Fellow doesn’t have an LED display or as many increments between settings, so it jumps straight into the deep end. If you’re a beginner, this could be more intimidating, but it’s not difficult to understand. Both grinders share a tactile dial, which makes it easy to switch between settings anyway. 

It’s a very close call, but I think the Fellow is slightly more consistent and can grind beans better at the extremes: the fine grinds are exceptional and the coarse grounds are really quite huge. Price wise, there’s not much in it, so really, it’s difficult to choose between the two grinders. I like the fact that you can watch the KitchenAid grind and the controls are really easy to navigate, so I would recommend it for most people, just check the measurements of your countertops and wall cupboards. I think it ultimately comes down to style. 

The only person I wouldn’t recommend this for is someone who is on a budget, but who can handle their own grinding. You can use your skills to save some money here and opt for a grinder such as the Bodum Bistro.

Should you buy it?

I don’t need any convincing: the KitchenAid is one of the best investments you can make in a grinder. It’s one of the more expensive models on the market, but the build quality is excellent and the controls make it almost impossible to go wrong.

How we test

Before we review or recommend any product to you, we’ve tested it in-person as if it’s an everyday product. We have a specialized process for how we test every appliance. I’m trained as a barista. This means that I’ve been through a number of processes to become an expert on all things coffee.

Before testing, we carefully research the claims that a brand makes about their product, so we know what we are looking for. We will also look at and test competitors, so we can place every product that we test on the market.

I took this KitchenAid grinder and tested it alongside other market-leading grinders. I used it in an everyday kitchen and made sure to test every function. At every stage of the process, from unboxing to cleaning up, I made thorough notes and observations, and taste tested all of the grounds.

KitchenAid's Drip Coffee Maker is the perfect example of why you can't beat a classic. The American brand is already well-established as the producers of top-quality kitchen appliances and their coffee makers are no exception, especially this one.

If anyone was going to do filter coffee well, it has to be KitchenAid. Filter coffee is popular across the nation, as is KitchenAid. It came as no surprise to me when this attractive appliance secured a space in our buying guide for the best drip coffee makers on the market. 

After testing this across a range of brewing functions, from single-serve, auto-start, and keep warm, I can confirm that this more than lives up to its reputation. It's basic enough for beginners, whilst brewing truly delicious coffee. Even as a coffee snob, I loved this.

Specifications

Unboxing

The KitchenAid comes in a big cardboard box. The coffee maker is already big, but the size is exaggerated by the excessive, non-recyclable packaging. There's about an even split of recyclable cardboard and non-recyclable polystyrene, which isn't ideal for your garbage, but it means that the KitchenAid arrived in perfect condition.

There were lots of stickers which needed peeling off before I could sit this in its full glory on the countertop. It didn't take long to peel these off, and they didn't leave any marks. In fact, they were useful, offering guidance for coffee grounds to water ratios. However, these are nevertheless one more thing to do before you can get brewing.

There are lots of well-considered features across the KitchenAid: the carafe has a tactile handle, the water reservoir is completely removable (and also has a useful handle), and everything is self-explanatory. I only got the instruction manual out for a precursory glace to make sure I wasn't overlooking any special features. I wasn't: the KitchenAid lays all their best features out easily, so you can make the most out of them.

Who would it suit?

It's easiest to ask 'who wouldn't the KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker suit?', because the KitchenAid has such a broad appeal. It's available in KitchenAid's classic colors, so suits a range of interior designs. The glossy, curved finishes only enhance KitchenAid's signature style. 

This can brew between a range of one and twelve cups of delicious coffee. There's even a useful pause button, so you could pour a cup without having to wait for a whole pot to brew. Plus, if you brew too much, the keep-warm plate maintains a super hot temperature, so there's always a steaming cup of coffee ready to pour. I can almost hear the sigh of relief coming from busy family homes as I'm writing this.

The people who it wouldn't suit will be those who are short on space, in spite of being beautiful, this is also pretty huge. It's also more of an investment than other drip coffee makers, so isn't for those who are shopping on a budget. There's very little else I can offer to deter buyers. It has a big capacity, makes delicious coffee, and can keep it hot for well over an hour.

What is it like to use?

Drip coffee makers can become surprisingly complex, but I think the KitchenAid has hit the sweet spot. All the controls are clear and obvious. There's also a handy – if slightly retro – digital clock on the front. 

Once I had rinsed the machine and filled the reservoir, it was ready go. The KitchenAid warmed up in just 15 seconds, which is quicker than the average drip coffee maker (some take minutes) and then all I had to do was push a button. That's not a cliche, it really is that simple.

Twelve cup

I added my freshly ground coffee to the filter basket (which is both reusable and dishwasher safe). There are useful markers lining the inside of the filter basket, designed to help you choose how much ground coffee to add to get your desired cups. These guidelines are rough, because, how finely you grind you grind your coffee will affect how much space it takes up. However, for the average coffee drinker, these markers are more than enough of a guide. If you're really flavor sensitive, you could start weighing out your coffee grounds using coffee scales (like the Escali Versi, available at QVC).

My first brewing test was a full, twelve-cup carafe. The KitchenAid works using a showerhead to evenly saturate grounds. You can see all 29 holes on the inside, which don't translate to a particularly noisy brewing sound. Overall, it made about 40 dBA of noise, which was similar to the sound of a dripping faucet. I wouldn't want to sleep with that noise in the background, but I have no trouble with it in the kitchen.

In eight minutes the KitchenAid had filled my twelve cup carafe with some delicious-smelling coffee. This is a little slower than other drip coffee makers I've tested (which took five minutes). In the grand scheme of things, eight minutes isn't long to wait for a full carafe of piping hot coffee.

In terms of taste, this was delicious. It was smooth, sweet, and velvety. The brew strength was strong, but not overpowering, still delivering on filter's classic lightness. It's a gentle and an easy place to start if you're new to drinking filter coffee. I offered some cups to other expert testers who happened to be working in the test kitchen, including one who doesn't actually like filter coffee. Even the one who doesn't like filter coffee enjoyed it. She actually finished her cup, which speaks for itself.

However, I found that twelve cups of coffee isn't quite the quantity you might expect. I'd filled two mugs with just under 8 oz of coffee and spotted that the carafe quantities had plummeted. As it turns out, one cup for the KitchenAid is actually 5 oz. It's not a problem in a smaller home, but well-worth noting if you need every drop to serve twelve caffeinated guests.

Single-serve

The smallest brewing measurement on the carafe is four cups, so testing single-serve coffee was tricky. Given that I'd spotted that KitchenAid's cup size is almost half of mine, I had a good idea of where to watch the brewing levels to, before making use of the 'pause and pour' function. 

This is one of my favorite features on the KitchenAid. It's not unique to their drip coffee maker, but they do it particularly well. Regardless of how much has brewed, you can stop the process (drip free) and pour from a partially brewed carafe. It's perfect for people who like a coffee top up, or drink multiple cups in a morning. I found out that the reason it's drip free is because the machine has a valve which collects coffee for half a minute whilst you pour, giving you time to top up your cup with minimal mess. So, whilst it's not ideal to have to estimate your single-serve coffee quantities, it's pretty easy, and the 'pause and pour' function makes life even easier.

Keep warm

I've tested lots of drip coffee makers recently which are moving away from offering long 'keep warm' functions and hot plates. I think it's part of the movement towards fresher, speciality coffee. If your carafe sits on a hot plate for a while, it will taste stale and burnt. 

KitchenAid has hit the sweet spot with their hot plates. The keep warm function works for 40 minutes and the digital screen will give you a countdown for how long the 'keep warm' function has left to go. I left half a carafe on for the full forty minutes and when I tried to pour and drink a cup, it was too hot. I had to leave it and come back, because it was steaming. I came back to my coffee pot after an hour, which is probably about the optimal 'keep warm' time. The coffee was still too hot to drink straight away. In spite of this impressive temperature, the flavors were all still there. My cup was light, sweet, and a little nutty, not stale or burnt at all. 

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

Given how beautiful the KitchenAid is, it's surprisingly low maintenance. The glossy exterior didn't get any coffee static stuck to it and all of the removable parts (including the filter) are dishwasher safe. There's very little you need to do. 

This comes with a forty inch cable, meaning you have a lot of options for where you can place it on the countertop. Any cable spare can wind underneath the KitchenAid (there's some neat cable management hooks on the base). These are all useful features because this is too big to do anything except store on the countertop. If you put it in a cupboard, you wouldn't be able to fit much else in.

How does it rate online?

Reviewers and customers alike feel the same way that I do about the KitchenAid. It's close to universally loved. People described it as 'beautifully built' with 'genuinely useful' features. One reviewer even called this a 'genius' drip coffee maker. The range of functions, auto timers, and generous capacity seemed to lend themselves best to busy homes. However, even those who didn't need to make huge quantities of coffee came to the same consensus as batch brewers: this makes delicious filter coffee.

That all sounds pretty good, but there are some common complaints amongst reviews. The only two which stand are that this has a large footprint and that it's slower than other drip coffee makers. There's no escaping it, the KitchenAid is big. It's not so tall that it wouldn't sit under wall cabinets, but it demands a significant amount of countertop space. 

The speed issue is tricky. If you want a single cup of filter coffee, you could have it in a matter of minutes, which, for the flavors, seems reasonable enough to me. I would rather have a coffee in two minutes which tastes like the KitchenAid's than one from another one, made in half a minute, but with significantly less perfect flavors. It's all about priorities.

How does it compare?

We've tested a range of the best drip coffee makers, and the fairest comparison would be to put the KitchenAid against the best option in our buying guide, the OXO 8 cup. Our experts love the OXO for its versatility, quality, and space efficiency, so it shares some similarities to the KitchenAid (as well as some significant differences).

On the countertop, the OXO takes up significantly less room than the KitchenAid. It's not as beautiful. In fact, the stainless steel finish looks quite functional. However, if you're short on space, the OXO is a much better option. Both drip coffee makers are easy to use. Their functions are obvious and they both deliver on their promises. However, the OXO can be programmed to make a single-cup where the KitchenAid required some supervision. 

When it came to brewing big carafes, the KitchenAid pulled ahead. It can auto-start, making coffee to be ready for a specific time and the OXO can't. The KitchenAid can also keep a full carafe piping hot for over an hour. Again, the OXO can't. The most important practicality to note is that neither the KitchenAid nor the OXO measures cups in the same way that we might (I make a standard cup of coffee at 8 oz). Instead, the KitchenAid has just under a 60 oz capacity and the OXO has a slightly limiting 40 oz capacity. In my home, that's only covering about 5 cups at the most.

When it came to cleaning, whilst both are generally low maintenance, there's one big difference. The KitchenAid has a removable water reservoir and the OXO doesn't. You can fill the KitchenAid up from the faucet, but will need to collect water in a cup or pitcher to pour it into the OXO. Plus, when you want to do a deep clean of the OXO's reservoir, you'll have to reach all kinds of awkward angles. I'm perhaps disproportionately passionate about this, because I have the cleaning schedule of any good commercial barista ingrained into me, but it's worth knowing if you don't like to clean.

In short, if you want quick, small, delicious servings, the OXO is your better investment. If you've got the space for a big brewer, the KitchenAid delivers bigger quantities of delicious coffee.

Should you buy it?

I've gone a bit KitchenAid crazy. I tested this next to the KitchenAid grinder and I loved them both. I'm still amazed at the sheer quality, technicality, and expertise that the brand are delivering on in a relatively new section of the kitchen. Even if you're a coffee specialist, I think you'd enjoy the KitchenAid. If you have the room and the budget, I'd go for this coffee maker every time.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens we pride ourselves on delivering reliable reviews to you. That's why we never recommend a product to you until our team of experts has tested it. 

As soon as a drip coffee maker comes onto our radar, we get researching. We'll look at the reviews, claims, and customer feedback of any and every drip coffee maker before we call it into our test kitchen. Once we have it, in-person, there are a series of standardized tests that we put our coffee makers through. We'll test it for single-servings, a full carafe, and on the keep warm function. 

At each stage, we want to know: how much 'one cup' is to the manufacturer (it's often smaller than you think); the temperature of the coffee (between 195°F and 205°F); the flavors (which should be light and sweet, people often say 'clean'); and how long it takes to brew (it should sit around the five minute mark). Of course, we will also make notes about lots of other features, including special settings, auto-stops, preset functions, and flavor adjustments. 

When all the fun, coffee tasting is over, we'll undertake the clean-up process, which can be just as insightful. Here, we'll spot whether a reservoir is removable and how easy it is to reach right to every corner. We'll also check the filter and how easy that is to clean, whether it's re-usable, and how fine it is. There will be other maintenance, rinse, and storage notes we think you need to know about. Here's the time we take to put them down.

After all that, we'll also make notes on the overall appearance, user-experience, and who we think this is suitable for (as well as who it isn't suitable for). We let you know everything we think you need to, so that if you choose to invest in the KitchenAid, you don't end up with any nasty surprises. 

If you want to find out more, you can visit our dedicated page for how we test coffee makers. There's lots of information on there.

I've gone a bit KitchenAid crazy. I tested this next to the KitchenAid grinder and I loved them both. I'm still amazed at the sheer quality, technicality, and expertise that the brand are delivering on in a relatively new section of the kitchen. Even if you're a coffee specialist, I think you'd enjoy the KitchenAid. If you have the room and the budget, I'd go for this coffee maker every time.

The heart and soul of KitchenAid is color. That's what distinguishes these iconic stand mixers from the competition: KitchenAids can not only beat batter, knead dough, and whip cream better than anything else out there, but they look good doing it. The KitchenAid artisan is our pick for the best stand mixer for a reason.

When you picture a KitchenAid stand mixer, you might imagine it in a bright, block color. There's the iconic Empire Red, as well as the vibrant hibiscus and earthy beetroot shades of previous years. But the KitchenAid Color of the Year 2024 has landed, and this year marks a major departure from such warm color trends. Blue Salt is soft and cool, reflecting the natural shades of air and water.

Blue Salt isn't just blue. This color has tonal highs and lows, just like real rock salt. As it catches the light, Blue Salt takes on tinges of pink and purple. According to Brittni Pertijs, the Lead Color, Material & Finish Designer at KitchenAid, Blue Salt is 'a subtle sensory reminder to see every day in a new light', and a great way to put a new twist on blue kitchen ideas.

What's the KitchenAid color of the year 2024?

There's nothing like Blue Salt in the KitchenAid colorways. That's because the KitchenAid design team created this color themselves by combining light and dark shades of blue until they achieved their desired effect. 

After months of experimentation, Brittni says that she felt that something was missing. 'We knew we wanted an iridescent finish, so we began layering different shades of blue with chromatic nail polishes,' Brittni explains. Before long, the team had arrived at Blue Salt: soft, sweet, and slightly spacey. 

If you like to follow color trends, then you'll understand that Blue Salt marks a major departure from previous Colors of the Year. 2023's Hibiscus was a vibrant pink; so bright that you either love it or hate it. We had a sample in the test kitchen and the color had a depth to it that doesn't come across in pictures, but it's totally understandable if you think it's too garish for a neutral kitchen.

There's something subtler about Blue Salt. In the same way that you only need a grain of salt to unlock new depths of flavor, it only takes a dash of color to make a statement in the kitchen.

Color lovers who can cast their minds back a couple months might remember Pantone's Color of the Year 2024: Peach Fuzz. I like to think of Peach Fuzz and Blue Salt as sister shades, with Blue Salt as the cooler, quieter younger sibling. As we head further into 2024, I get the sense that we'll be leaving loud luxury behind, and playing with calmer hues. 

The KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer in Blue Salt

I wouldn't cover the KitchenAid Color of the Year without telling you exactly what you can buy in Blue Salt. At the moment, there's just the one product available for purchase, but it's the most iconic KitchenAid of all: the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. 

If you're in the market for an attractive appliance, but you just can't get on board with KitchenAid, you might appreciate the Smeg Retro Stand Mixer. Smeg produce kitchenware in a wide range of bold hues and cute pastels to pop against plain white walls. This stand mixer is almost as capacious as the KitchenAid Artisan, and a little cheaper, too, and it's just as easy on the eye, though nowhere near as capable at mixing.

KitchenAid has been praised for decades on account of their capable and beautiful stand mixers. Now, they’ve expanded their offering to coffee makers and kettles, but if you want the best of the best, I suggest you take a look at their Pro Line Toaster. 

Unlike other high-end toasters, this doesn't just look the part. While it looks incredible, it's a simple, straightforward toaster that makes consistently perfect toast. That's before you get into all the more luxurious features, like the auto-lifting and lowering slots. It's a true contender among the best toasters. 

I've tested it for months and actually ended up buying one because I loved it so much. It might not offer exactly what every single home needs, but it sure will please ninety nine percent of us.

Specifications

Who would it suit?

This is a luxury toaster, so best suited to those with big budgets. At around $300, it’s one of the most expensive toasters on the market. While that's overkill for most of us, if you have the money, you what you pay for. It makes great toast, looks beautiful, and the build quality is second-to-none, so it’s good if you want a toaster to last for a lifetime. The features are all useful (especially the bagel and auto-lift). Plus, the different finishes are perfect for those cultivating color-conscious kitchens.

With only two toasting slots and a relatively slow toasting time, this isn’t particularly well suited to large homes and big families. You can opt for the larger Pro KitchenAid Pro Line Four Slice Toaster, available at Amazon, , which reviews just as well, but this takes up more space on the countertop. Whilst the auto lift and lower function feels super premium, I’m also very aware that this is an unnecessary luxury for most people.

Unboxing

The KitchenAid comes in a big box. It’s deceptively big because this is actually a really compact toaster, but KitchenAid has built lots of protective, recyclable packaging around it. There’s also a sandwich press attachment which you can insert into the toaster when you have a hankering for a grilled cheese, and a neat cable manager underneath to keep everything tidy on the countertop.

In true KitchenAid style, this comes in all their Artisan colors: almond cream, empire red, onyx black, frosted pearl, and more. I tested almond cream and it looked awesome. I’ve already tested the KitchenAid Pro Line Electric Kettle, available at Walmart, in almond cream, so pairing the two together on my countertop looked incredible. My only caution would be that this is pretty heavy for a small appliance – I wouldn’t like to be lifting it above my head to put in a cupboard, so I would recommend that you either store this low down or keep it on constant display.

What is it like to use?

The KitchenAid balances versatility and simplicity really well. There’s a timer with an LED countdown, so you can see how long your toast has left. There’s also a bagel button, defrost button, and 'a little longer' button. This way, you and your toaster are always on the same page about what the end goal is.

Test 1: White bread

Sliced white bread is the most elementary test for any toaster. If it can’t do this, it can't do anything. I placed two slices of white bread into the slots and the KitchenAid detected the weight, made a light bell sound, and began to auto-lower my toast down. I almost laughed at how unnecessarily luxurious this feature is.

This was the first run through the KitchenAid had ever had, but I gave it a standard two minute setting. One minute forty seconds later, my toaster made a light bell sound and lifted up two, pale slices of toast-bread (they hadn’t been turned to proper toast yet). I lowered them for another minute, hoping to give the toaster a chance to warm up. 52 seconds later, I heard the chime and saw my toast lift up. It was perfect: the golden color evenly covered both sides of both slices of toast. I was pretty pleased with myself (and the toaster).

Test 2: Sourdough

Sourdough is another great test for any toaster. It needs more heat, doesn’t brown as easily, and can come in a range of shapes and sizes. I bought a big, wide, artisanal loaf for testing and only one of our toasters didn’t require me to cut my slice in half (if you're interested, it was the Smeg Four Slice, available at QVC). It was no surprise that the KitchenAid couldn’t fit it: it’s a compact toaster.

After cutting my slice in half, I put the two chunks in the toaster for three minutes, which isn’t really long enough, but I didn’t want to overdo it. It didn’t come as any surprise that this needed another two minutes (actually one minute forty) before it popped up, looking golden). The toaster hadn’t dried it out and had got the most even toast coverage that I’ve experienced in my toasting tests. It was hot enough to melt the butter into all the air bubbles of my slice, but not too hot for me to take a big bite straight away. It was the perfect texture: crunchy on the outside, but warm and springy on the inside.

Test 3: Bagel

I think that a bagel function is a toaster essential, so I was glad to see this toaster had a bagel mode for me to test out. The top of the toaster has a useful icon to show you which way your bagel needs to sit in the toaster. All you need to do is press the bagel button and the KitchenAid will do the rest.

I put my bagel in for one and a half minutes (although this was only one minute twelve seconds in practice) and when it lifted up, it looked like it had hardly seen the heating elements. I repeated the one and a half minute setting three times (so my bagel probably had just over three minutes in total) before I was happy with the toasting level. As you get used to your toasting settings, you’ll be much happier setting the bagel to four and leaving it for one run through, but for my first toast I was constantly checking on the toasting levels.

On flavors and textures, this was flawless. The outside of my bagel was soft, the cut side had a good crunch and the very centre was soft and doughy. It's perhaps a little pale for some people, but I was able to achieve a slice of toast exactly as I like it. 

Test 4: Gluten-free bread

Gluten-free diets should never mean compromising, even if the bread is a little trickier to toast. I was apprehensive about how well this would turn out, because the KitchenAid had done such a good job of normal white bread, so I wondered whether the generic settings would suit a different bread. 

I placed two small slices into the KitchenAid and was struck by how high they sat. Even small pieces of toast are easy to lift out and in because they’re almost completely out of the toaster when it’s not on. This came in useful when I made my own loaf and the end pieces were imperfectly shaped and quite small to say the least.

After one minute forty in the toaster both slices of gluten-free toast popped up, evenly warmed, golden across both sides, with a good crunch. They hadn’t lost their fluffy middle section either. It was an impressive performance overall.

Test 5: Fruit bread

Enriched doughs are delicious, but temperamental. Fruits are also pretty tricky to toast without burning, so I thought I’d really test the KitchenAid’s skill set by toasting a slice of fruit bread. 

Given that it is such a delicate loaf, I started on the single minute setting. The fruit bread was warm, but needed another minute. In total, the fruit bread only had one and a half minutes in the toaster, because the settings don’t fully equate to timings. That’s on the speedy side for toasters, but it was warmed right through. Both sides were golden and crunchy, but the middle section was light and fluffy still. None of my fruit had burned either. It was still delivering pure perfection.

Test 6: Pop tarts

My final toaster test is the all-important pop tarts. These need to be warmed right through, but still treated with care. I don’t want icing in my toaster slots or jam sticking anywhere.

I put my 'Cookies n Cream' flavor tarts into the toaster. Without any specific pop tart setting, I thought I would give two and a half minutes a test. This was the optimal time (even though it only amounted to two minutes and three seconds). They popped up and I could sense they were done. All my icing was perfect, my filling was gooey, and the biscuits were crumbly. There’s little else to say (and even less pop tart left untouched on my plate).

Cleaning, storage, and maintenance

This is an incredibly low maintenance. I had every sort of butter, jam, conserve and preserve you can think of on hand and I didn’t need to give give this toaster a wipe down once. It didn’t show fingerprints and there were very few crumbs in the crumb tray. I couldn’t help but wonder if the gentle auto lift and lower helps to stop springing crumbs everywhere.

As for storage, this is a relatively heavy toaster, so I wouldn't recommend lifting it into high cupboards or awkward spaces. There's already useful cable storage underneath the toaster and an attractive design that's perfect for keeping out on display. I live in an urban apartment and kept my previous toaster stored away because it was a) unattractive and b) pretty hue. I was happy to keep the KitchenAid on countertops 24/7. It looks good without dominating the space.

How does it rate online?

I was pleased to read that everyone else loved the KitchenAid as much as I did. It was described as a 'status symbol' and 'small grill', which everyone felt warranted the big price tag. As you might expect, everyone commented on the aesthetics of the Artisan as well as the easy controls and consistent toasting capabilities. I particularly enjoyed the pictures of KitchenAid trios on people's countertops: the stand mixer, toaster, and kettle, proudly lined up in social-media worthy set-ups. It's clearly a product to be proud of.

In fact, almost nobody could criticise it. Some people said that they would have liked the controls to be a little fiercer, but I think it's better to be gentle and this still does a good job of toasting. Another feature which was divisive was the alert noise that the toaster makes when it begins and finishes toasting. This is the same noise across all KitchenAid appliances, so I liked the consistency. It's also quite a gentle sound, but isn't to everyone's tastes.

How does it compare?

KitchenAid makes another two-slice toaster, which is much more basic (and a quarter of the price). The functional, stainless steel finish sets the tone for everything you need to know about it. The KitchenAid Manual Lift 2-Slice is hard-working, durable, and reliable. For all of its functionality, the Manual Lift lacks the niceties offered by the Pro Line: I had to wave goodbye to my auto lift and lower function, as well as the beautiful design, and grilled cheese sandwich plates. Performance wise, the Pro Line felt a little more measured and refined, because it didn't really get any fiercer throughout my tests. Most toasters heated up and got quicker and less consistent, including the KitchenAid Manual, but overall both are excellent toasters.

If you don't like the idea of sacrificing aesthetics, but you want a little more versatility, check out Breville's The Toast Select Luxe, available at Amazon. This compact, two slice toaster is available in a range of classic colors. It looks really chic and it's not just a pretty face. This has the most versatile setting range I've seen, with options for rye bread, sourdough, waffles, and pop tarts. You have almost all the same luxuries as the KitchenAid Artisan (but not the auto lower and lift), for a similar price. This is the KitchenAid's toughest competition.

Should you buy it?

I'd recommend this toaster to everyone. I've really committed to the phrase 'put your money where your mouth is', because I ended up buying this after our tests were concluded. I love it and have gotten used to the comforts of the auto-lift and lower. However, I recognise that it's not for everyone: the luxuries are a little unnecessary and it is expensive for its size.

How we test

At Homes & Gardens, we test all of our toasters thoroughly before writing a review. If you're interested in finding out more about how we test and review a toaster, you're in the right place.

Before anything, we research our toasters. Our team of experts is always looking for the latest and greatest models on the market. Once one has caught our eye, we'll read about it before calling one in.

When we have the toaster in our hands, we'll get to work. I tested all of these toasters for at least a week. In the case of the KitchenAid, once I had finished testing it, I bought one and have been using it for months. I love it. Every toaster gets at least one week of usage though, because, that way, we can grasp what they're like to use in the middle of the morning rush as well as on a slow Sunday.

You'll spot that we use a range of different bread types, because we want to see how it can handle a range of textures and flours. We always start with basic white bread, because that's a household staple, as are pop tarts, which we also test. These require a toaster to be gentle with the iced outside, but thorough enough to cut through to the gooey center. We'll also try sourdough, because that can take longer to toast and often comes in odd, artisanal shapes. For the gluten-free eaters, we also look at gluten-free bread, again, because we know it can be a little more sensitive to heat and it's good to know if your toaster can handle it. 

As I said above, we make sure to check how well a toaster can toast bagels. Most have special bagel settings, because these need to be light on one side and stronger on another. If they can't do that, you might end up with a leathery bagel. Our team also wanted to test enriched breads, such as fruit bread, which can burn easily or not toast fully through. It's important to see how well a toaster can handle more complex breads.

For each bread type, we test how long a toaster takes to complete them. When they pop up, we look at how evenly they're toasted and we taste how thoroughly they're toasted throughout the cross section. A bagel is a great example of why this is important: it should be doughy in the middle, crisp on the cut side, and still soft on the outside.

Our experts also think about factors such as cleaning, storage, and maintenance, because they can have a huge impact on how motivated you are to use an appliance. If it's more work than you think its worth, no matter how well a toaster works, you won't use it.