If you’ve got the baking bug and you're weighing up whether or not to invest in a stand mixer – every Bake Off contestant’s best friend – our handy guide will help you find the right model for you.
What is a stand mixer?
Stand mixers are a practical, timesaving kitchen gadget that’ll make light work of your baking sessions, letting you whip up a large batch of treats with the press of a button while keeping your hands free for other baking or cooking tasks. They have more power and create much less mess than a hand mixer, and have lots of additional functions too.
All of the stand mixers we’ve included have a splashguard, which helps to keep your surfaces clean, and a tilt head, which makes inserting and removing the mixing bowl a doddle. Many of these mixers give you the option of additional attachments too, so you can create more than just your standard Victoria sponge. You can create fresh bread, cookies, cakes, pastries and even fresh pasta!
What's the best stand mixer for you?
Before parting with your money, consider your baking needs. If you enjoy baking most weekends and like experimenting with recipes and styles, it’s worthwhile investing in a higher-end machine that will stand the test of time, and one that will give you the option of additional attachments so you can play around with new ideas and mixes.
If you’re more of a high-days-and-holidays type of baker, who bakes up a storm for special occasions, then a straightforward, entry-level stand mixer that has the three standard mixing heads might be the best bet for you.
Your kitchen space should also be considered. If countertop space is limited, a smaller, compact stand mixer that can be easily stored away is a must. Many of these stand mixers are style statements in themselves though, so if you do have plenty of room, why not show them off? Now there’s nothing for it but to get on your marks, get set, BAKE!
Related: Looking for a KitchenAid stand mixer but don't have the budget? Our list of Kitchen Aid mixer alternatives should give you plenty of inspiration.
Best stand mixers in 2024
Kenwood kMIX KMX750 Stand Mixer
- Speeds: 6, plus fold function
- Size: 35.5cm H x 24cm W x 38.5cm D
- Weight: 10.9kg
- Capacity: 5L
- Power: 1000W
- Accessories: Stainless steel bowl, spatula, splashguard Attachments: K beater, balloon whisk, dough hook, plus 10 optional additional attachments (sold separately)
- Guarantee: 2 years
Easy to set up and simple to use, the Kenwood kMIX KMX750 would make a great investment for keen bakers and cooks. This model was actually used in the Bake Off tent itself, so you know it means business!
Combining style and practicality, this Kenwood has a sleek, stainless-steel exterior with a design modelled after the retro kitchen mixers of the 1950s. It has some seriously impressive features too; a unique fold function means more advanced bakes such as soufflés are a doddle, sturdy dough hooks will help create a well-kneaded dough, and smart speed control means you can carefully build up mixing momentum without creating spills.
Considering its large capacity of 5 litres, it’s also relatively compact, making it suitable for most kitchen sizes. The stainless-steel bowl can be washed in the dishwasher and the exterior is wipe-clean only.
This is an incredibly stylish, high-performance stand mixer, perfect for those who need a reliable model to turn to, day after day. Additional attachments include a food mincer, fruit press, rotary slicer, spiraliser, grinding mill and a selection of pasta-making accessories as an added draw for cooking enthusiasts.
Stand mixer terminology
Wondering what a beater, balloon whisk and dough hook do? Here are some technical terms busted
Balloon whisk The most familiar type of whisk, a balloon whisk is used for whipping soft ingredients together for a smooth, light and fluffy texture
Beater or flat paddle This mixing head helps to fold ingredients together for gentle mixing
Dough hook This will do the kneading for you when you have ingredients that need greater force when mixing, such as bread dough
K beater This clever mixing head has been designed to reach all areas of your mixing bowl, so no scraping down needed mid-mix
Bosch MUM59340GB Stand Mixer
- Speeds: 7, plus pulse function
- Size: 28.2cm H x 28cm W x 27.1cm D
- Weight: 7.5kg
- Capacity: 3.9L
- Power: 1000W
- Accessories: Stainless steel bowl, splashguard, shredding discs, citrus press, blender, meat mincer, recipe DVD
- Attachments: Flexi-stirring whisk, height-adjustable beating whisk, kneading hook
- Guarantee: 2 years
This model is not just a stand mixer, it’s a food processor too! The Bosch MUM59340GB comes with all the essential attachments for baking, but also includes cooking prep must-haves including shredder discs for grating, chopping and slicing, a citrus press juicer and a meat mincer. Considering all these extra attachments, this mixer is surprisingly compact and would fit neatly in a cupboard.
A three-zone moveable ‘arm’ accommodates the various attachments and the easily manoeuvrable head, adjusted at the touch of a button, makes it simple to insert and remove the stainless-steel mixing bowl. This model also features a height-adjustable planetary mixing head, to ensure the beating whisk and kneading hook reach right to the edge of the bowl so that all of the ingredients are incorporated. The flexi-stirring whisk uses a sweeping and rotating motion, great for blending butter and flour together at the beginning of your baking prep. When kneading dough, the machine can move a bit, so it’s best to keep an eye on it and place it far from the counter edge.
All the attachments are dishwasher safe. The culinary possibilities and high performance this machine offers justify the higher price tag, as its dual function saves having to buy a separate stand mixer and food processor – ideal for keen bakers and cooks.
Russell Hobbs x Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Stand Mixer
- Speeds: 10, plus pulse function
- Size: 35cm H x 20cm W x 37cm D
- Weight: 6.1kg
- Capacity: 5.5L
- Power: 1000W
- Accessories: Stainless steel bowl, splashguard, spatula, recipe book
- Attachments: Beater, dough hook, balloon whisk
- Guarantee: 3 years
On the hunt for a lighter weight model that can be moved around with ease? This brand new Russell Hobbs x Emma Bridgewater stand mixer is an impressive choice. Despite its lightweight design, it has a powerful motor that can whip up cakes, bread, biscuit and pizza doughs with ease. With its classic Emma Bridgewater polka dot design, it’s a style statement too.
This model has 10 speeds, modified with a dial, and the addition of pulse control. The planetary mixing action also ensures that the attachments reach right to the sides of the bowl, making sure that your ingredients are thoroughly incorporated without the need to pause and scrape down the sides.
Due to its lighter weight, the unit needs to be placed firmly in the centre of your countertop when in use, just in case movement occurs when whisking heftier ingredients or kneading dough. Hand washing is recommended.
With its 5.5-litre bowl and reliable performance, this model is the perfect size and design for batch-baking family treats.
Whip up some treats!
VonShef 1000W Black Stand Mixer
- Speeds: 8, plus pulse function
- Size: 32cm H x 41cm W x 25cm D
- Weight: 4.5kg
- Capacity: 3L
- Power: 1000W
- Accessories: Stainless steel bowl, splashguard
- Attachments: Flat beater, dough hook, balloon whisk
- Guarantee: 2 years
The dinky VonShef 1000W is a great choice if you’re on the hunt for an affordable, entry-level mixer. Its compact size also makes it ideal if you have a smaller kitchen or limited counter space. The contemporary design will sit comfortably in a range of kitchen interiors, but if you don’t want it on show, the low height will make it easier to tuck away.
The model includes a handy pulse function, giving your ingredients an added burst of blending when required, and the transparent splashguard has a large ingredients chute, so you can easily add ingredients while you whisk which is a perk. The mixing bowl, splashguard and balloon whisk are dishwasher safe, while the other attachments are wipe-clean only.
Three attachments in total are included, with the flat beater a go-to for everyday baking such as batters, creams and cake mixtures. It’s worth noting this machine performs best with larger batches, as the mixing heads don’t reach right to the sides of the mixing bowl with a smaller quantity. It can knead bread dough sufficiently, but for a keen breadmaker it would be wise to choose a larger, sturdier model. For an occasional baker, however, this is a sound choice, which will certainly save on time and effort.
Cuisinart Precision SM50BU Stand Mixer
- Speeds: 12 Size: 36cm H x 37cm W x 21cm D
- Weight: 7.5kg
- Capacity: 5.2L
- Power: 500W
- Accessories: Stainless steel bowl, splashguard, recipe book
- Attachments: Chef’s whisk, flat paddle, dough hook
- Guarantee: 3 years
If you’re a keen breadmaker or are looking to get into baking bread, this stand mixer has the tools you need. Its robust and reliable dough hooks can cope with a thick dough and make a well-kneaded ball each time, essential if you’re hoping for a Paul Hollywood handshake for your well-risen loaf!
As well as its impressive dough hooks, the chef’s whisk attachment is designed for gentle mixing, perfect for making deliciously light and airy creams or sauces, while the flat paddle mixes excellent cookie and cake batters. The mixing bowl has an ergonomic handle and both the bowl and attachments are dishwasher safe too.
The Cuisinart Precision mixer is a little larger than some other models, but it can be used side-on as well as front-on, which may help if counter space is limited. Its higher price tag is paid off thanks to its sleek finish, sturdy design, high-capacity bowl and great performance, added to which it’s also one of the quietest models on the market, which makes it ideal if you have an open-plan kitchen and living area.
Know what you’re after now? If you enjoyed our round-up, check out our other Buyer’s Guides! We’ve got guides to the best washing machines, best electric ovens, and many more household appliances!
