Best KitchenAid Mixer

For over a century, KitchenAid stand mixers have been a great help for bakers. They are designed to make it easier to mix, even for those things that usually take time and effort when done by hand.

Because all KitchenAid mixers are made with top-notch quality, most bakers, especially those who are buying their first-ever mixer, are wondering which to buy.

To help out, here is a list of the best KitchenAid mixers on the market today. I will also discuss how I chose the best KitchenAid mixer in the latter part of this guide.

So, let’s get into today’s post as we help you optimize your baking arsenal.

Artisan Series 5 Quart Model

If you want a mixer with an outstanding balance of size, design, and power, the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Model is your best option.

Although it falls under the tilt-head mixer category, you don’t have to stop the mixer only to tilt the head back to scrape down the bowl.

Its large mixing bowl is open enough to allow you to scrape the sides without lifting the head. Also, its bowl is equipped with a sturdy handle, making it easier to lift.

During my first try, I felt it shook a little as I was mixing bagel dough. But I didn’t worry that much, as KitchenAid ensures that the Artisan Series 5 Quart Model is stable enough to not walk off the counter.

NSF Certified Commercial Series 8 Quart Stand Mixer

If you are running a bakery, you will need a powerful mixer like the KitchenAid NSF Certified Commercial Series 8 Quart Stand Mixer. It features a bowl-lift design and better stability support for mixing large batches and heavy ingredients.

Aside from that, it integrates 10-speed slide control that ranges from very fast to very slow.

It is also a great investment, as it comes with a versatile power hub that will allow you to work with more than 12 attachments. The tools it arrives with are a stainless steel wire whip, flat beater, and Powerknead spiral dough hook.

Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Stand Mixer

There is a KitchenAid mixer for those baking in a small kitchen: the Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Stand Mixer. Its compact design makes it easier to work within small kitchens. You can make single batches of your favorite recipes using this tool.

If you are a parent who loves to bake with your kids, this stand mixer is an excellent choice. It is also around 25% smaller than the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Model, making it easier to handle and store.

How We Picked the Best KitchenAid Mixer

There are two ways to categorize stand mixers: by mixing action or by the base’s design. The latter determines how the beater meets the bowl, and it comes in either tilt-head or bowl-lift design.

According to Design

To have a better understanding of these designs, check out the following:

1. Tilt-head design

A stand mixer with this design will have its top tilt up to allow you to remove or attach the mixing attachment and bowl.

You can find this design in most stand mixers, including the KitchenAid Artisan. Stand mixers that feature the tilt-head design are usually more compact compared to bowl-lift mixers.

Aside from that, they can easily switch beaters or remove the bowl even with the beaters still attached.

2. Bowl-lift design

This stand mixer style will allow you to snap the bowl into place on the mixer’s base. Afterward, use a lever to lift it toward the mixing attachment.

The Hobart line is among the professional mixers that utilize this design and some domestic mixers such as the KitchenAid Pro 600 Series.

Because you have to raise and lower the bowl, bowl-life stand mixers are usually larger than tilt-head mixers.

Also, they are usually more stable and sturdier, which allows them to handle thick doughs. Compared to tilt-head mixers, bowl-lift designs make it easier to add ingredients when the bowl is lowered.

On the other hand, you have to remove the bowl by removing the beater attachment, which can be annoying.

According to Mixing Action

Stand mixers also utilize one of two mixing actions:

1. Planetary mixers

Stand mixers with this mixing action have a single beater that turns on its axis and simultaneously spins around the bowl.

This mixing action guarantees more points of contact for more consistent mixing.

2. Stationary mixers

As the name suggests, stationary mixers feature two stationary beaters that rotate while the bowl spins in place.

Unlike planetary mixers, stationary mixers do not provide thorough mixing because the attachments do not touch everything inside the mixing bowl.

Simple Controls

Stand mixers might be bulky in appearance, but users should find them convenient after one use. For this reason, having simple controls is very important for these appliances.

It should be easy to lock or lift the head in a stand mixer, remove or add beater attachments, secure splash guards, and place the bowl to the base.

When pouring cake batter, a handle that comes with the bowl is extremely convenient. The same is true when scooping cookie dough or cooking Swiss meringue over a bain-marie.

Power and Range

Aside from simple controls, it would help if you looked for a powerful stand mixer with a range of low and high speeds to suit different recipes and baking needs.

The low speed is ideal to use at the beginning of the mixing process to prevent splashing the contents. It is also great for handling delicate batters.

High speeds, on the other hand, will whip egg whites and cream quickly. They also help to make sugar and cream butter turn into a pale and fluffy consistency.

A stand mixer that does not walk, strain, or smoke when mixing harder doughs at the highest speed is an excellent investment.

Interchangeable Beaters

Many stand mixers feature multiple beater attachments that are intended to handle various types of recipes.

When buying a stand mixer, look for one that includes a dough hook for kneading bread, a paddle for beating cooking doughs and batters, and a whisk for aerating whipping cream or egg whites.

Usually, these stand mixer attachments are made of metal. You can also find some of these made with a nylon coating, which is mostly dishwasher safe.

However, nylon coatings impose a small risk of chipping. If you utilize top-notch products like KitchenAid, this should not be a problem.

Size and Heft

According to baker Anne Gordon, a high-quality mixer can handle its force with its weight. This means that a great stand mixer won’t move from its position while mixing a thick dough on a high-speed setting.

Some people hate heavy stand mixers, not knowing that these appliances are meant to be left on the counter.

The added weight on stand mixers helps prevent rocking appliance and keep it stable while working on more intensive tasks. So, if you want one that is more portable, stand mixers are not for you. Probably, it is best if you settle for a hand mixer.

Bowl Size

In terms of bowl size, choose a stand mixer that includes a five- to six-quart bowl. These sizes are big enough to handle four dozen standard-sized cookies and any home baking needs.

When the bowl is too big, the beaters will have difficulty reaching small amounts of solid or liquid ingredients.

Optional Accessories

When buying an expensive machine, go for one that will allow you to do more. For instance, when purchasing a stand mixer, buy one that comes with a power hub that lets you mount additional accessories.

Some of these accessories include a pasta maker or meat grinder that you have to purchase separately.

You might find this feature irrelevant, but having more options is not bad for a large, expensive appliance like stand mixers.

Budget

Aside from the factors mentioned earlier, your budget matters when you’re looking for the right stand mixer to buy. Going over a cheap option is not always ideal. Most top-notch stand mixers today are not cheap.

If you are looking for a stand mixer with excellent stability, power, and versatility, go for reputable brands. I recommend a tool that offers more attachments and features and that does different things to help with your baking needs.

Conclusion

Make the most out of your baking sessions by using the right KitchenAid mixer. To do so, determine the advantages you want to get from a mixer and look for these advantages in your prospective products.

The most important characteristics that a mixer should have include stability, power, and convenience, so please note them when shopping for one.

Choosing a mixer that suits your needs is crucial, as most KitchenAid mixers are not cheap. It is also best to get a versatile mixer to make the most of your investment.