Best Affordable Stand Mixer

Keeping in mind all of the possibilities, one of the very first decisions you should make when shopping for a stand mixer is what you expect to be making with your new appliance. Consider how frequently you’ll be using it and how versatile you’d like it to be before making your decision. That information will assist you in determining which features will best meet your requirements and allow you to narrow down your options more quickly.

Capacity

Smaller bowls have a capacity of approximately 4.5 to 5.5 quarts. If you’re a casual baker or intend to use your mixer on a limited basis, a smaller bowl size will meet the majority of your needs. In a 5-quart bowl, for example, you can comfortably mix the batter for a half sheet cake, two loaves of banana bread, three dozen cupcakes, or a couple of dozen 2.5-inch chocolate chip cookies.

What about batch baking for cake sales? You’ll need a larger bowl capacity and possibly a more robust mechanism to get through more significant amounts of a mix. Purchase a larger machine that will fit in your kitchen.

It’s worth noting that many mixers advertise the bowl size in terms of how many cups of flour it can hold. However, this can be misleading because, while the bowls may have the specified amount of flour, they may not mix a recipe of the same volume without causing a mess or overloading the machine. Therefore, a slightly lower capacity is a safe assumption.

Power

Like the bowl size, the power of your stand mixer will be scaled according to the volume and kind of work you are going to use it for. The recommended minimum wattage is 250 watts, but some mixers boast up to 1000 watts. A lower wattage machine will do the job if you plan on mixing and whipping up lighter cake batters and liquids that do not require a long mixing time.

If you plan to work with thicker cookie doughs and more significant volume foods, a 325-watt motor or more remarkable will provide the necessary power for your project. If you plan to work with heavier doughs regularly (bagels, pretzels, large batches of bread), the more power you have, the better. You should aim for a machine with a minimum capacity of 6qt and a power output of at least 500 watts. However, even with a robust mixer, you may need to finish kneading bread dough by hand.

Additionally, similar to bowl size, advertised wattage can be misleading. While a mixer may promote a 500-watt motor, it may consume more energy to operate than a comparable stand mixer of the same wattage, resulting in less power being delivered directly to the bowl. It is best to use this factor as a guideline while weighing the other features’ importance.

Controls and Settings

Many kinds of stand mixer controls include dials, knobs, buttons, and the speed control lever-style. Regardless of the controls on your stand mixer, they should be simple to understand and use.

Stand mixers typically have between three and twelve-speed settings. While low, medium and high speeds are fundamental, the more speed settings you have, the more control you have over the recipe. Additionally, look for a machine that features a slow start or “stir” mode to initiate mixing. This prevents liquid or flour from flying out of the bowl when the mixer is turned on, and it can be used when working with particularly delicate mixtures.

Some machines integrate an internal timer and an auto-shutoff feature (also called overload protection). While this is not a necessary control, the benefit of setting the device and diverting your attention to another task (and trusting that it will turn off when the timer expires) is undeniable.

If you choose a tilt-head mixer, ensure that the tilt-head locks in the mixing position. This prevents the mixing head from jumping around while the machine is running, potentially ruining your recipe or causing damage to the machine. While the stand mixer head should lock in the mixing position, some models also lock in the open position. This is less necessary, and some reviewers even consider it a disadvantage if unlocking the device requires two hands or is difficult to use.

Versatility

Stand mixers can be used with the right attachments, ranging from pasta rollers to sausage makers. If you intend to use your machine for various kitchen tasks, look into the number of bolt-on accessories available.

Price

While stand mixers are not cheap, there are options for a high-quality machine in nearly every price range. And, unlike other appliances, you can generally expect to get what you pay for. Starting with more affordable devices in the $100 to $200 range, you can find high-quality machines with few compromises.

Again, consider how frequently you’ll be using your stand mixer and the types of projects you’d like to tackle. The more work you intend to do, the more critical it is to invest in a higher-rated machine. It is best to make this investment in the highest quality stand mixer you can afford.

Overall Size and Weight

If you have limited counter space and will be transporting the stand mixer in and out of storage, keep in mind that some of them are pretty large. This is critical if you struggle with your back.

When it comes to storing your stand mixer, the option to place it on the counter may not be feasible. If you have a small and lightweight machine, you can consider storing it in a cabinet or on a shelf. In general, machine weight is one of the vital stand mixer features. If your machine weighs more than 20 pounds, it will be less likely to creep or walk across the counter while mixing.

Color and Design

While most stand mixers are designed with functionality in mind, having a color selection is one of the more exciting options when purchasing a new machine. Even the most affordable models are typically available in various colors such as silver, black, white, red, or blue.

Because your stand mixer will most likely be a permanent fixture on your countertop for many years to come, choose one that you enjoy the look of. When looking for a piece to accent your kitchen, consider clean and contemporary, modern brushed steel, or classic and vibrant colors.

Warranties

Warranties on most machines range from one to three years, a relatively short period for such an expensive machine. Fortunately, the majority of stand mixers are built to last. When properly maintained and not pushed to their limits, stand mixers can last for years (or even decades!) without requiring repair.

As always, consult your user manual for precise instructions for your machine, but also be aware of any visible or auditory symptoms of struggle your mixer may exhibit while operating and work within its capacity.

Value for money

It’s pointless to spend money on a fancy machine with a bunch of extras if you’re only going to use it to make basic cakes.

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