6 Best Stand Mixers, According to Testing
After hours of baking, these came out on top for cookies, cakes, bread, and more.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab DirectorTested by Sarah GregoryDeputy Editor, Editorial Operations & Special Projects
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Stand mixers can be quite an investment, but they can make tasks like kneading bread or whipping cream much easier since it does the work for you. Plus, some have extra attachments you can purchase separately for rolling out pasta, spiralizing vegetables, juicing, and more, allowing you to expand their use well beyond baking.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we use stand mixers year-round and have multiple experts who test them. In addition to our official testing in the Lab, all of our pros use stand mixers at home. I even have two stand mixers at home, one that has been my go-to and a new one that I'm testing. I also test hand mixers and other baking-related kitchen gadgets throughout the year. In our most recent round of stand mixer testing, I spent more than three weeks whipping egg whites and heavy cream, as well as baking cakes, cookies, and bread to evaluate ease of use and performance of each one.
Best Deal
KitchenAid Artisan Design Series 5-Qt. Mixer
Pros
- Aced Lab tests across the board
- Able to handle dense cookie dough and bread
- Many colors, attachment, and customization options
Cons
- Pricey
KitchenAid makes a classic stand mixer that many know and love since the company has been around since 1919. It includes great basic tools, like a paddle, whisk, and dough hook. But you can purchase a variety of unique compatible accessories like a pasta maker, spiralizer, or juicer, which the KitchenAid mixer's impressive motor has no trouble running.
We've used the stainless steel bowls in the Lab for years, and they've held up beautifully without rusting, even after numerous dishwasher cycles. I've used this stand mixer many times and found it both durable and versatile. With 10 speeds, that are adjustable by moving the lever on the side of the head, it can gently combine ingredients at low speed as well as whip airy cream at high speed.
This 23 pound Artisan Design Series 5-quart option is available in over 20 colors, from trendy options like Almond Cream or Juniper, to retro colors such as Ice Blue or Pistachio.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: This model scored well in all of our tests, but in particular, it aced our cookie dough and whipped cream tests, easily tackling dense oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies and turning out fluffy, stable whipped cream. It's also a great mixer for bread bakers, since it received a perfect score for kneading in our tests. I found the attachments easy to change and appreciate that many are dishwasher-safe. When it comes to all-around mixer power, this pick is a top performer.
TAKE NOTE: Pricey but worth it.
| Capacity | 5 qt |
| Power | 250 watts |
| Weight | 25 lbs |
| Dimensions | 9.3" x 14.3" x 14" |
| Speeds | 10 |
| Attachments | Flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip |
| Type of mixer | Tilt-head |
Cuisinart SM-50TQ Stand Mixer
Pros
- 12 speed settings to dial in exact mixing needs
- Impressive performance
- Can purchase other attachments for pasta, ice cream, and more
Cons
- Head may move with stiff bread dough
If you're not ready to splurge on a KitchenAid but still want the versatility, this pick will be a nice addition to your kitchen. It features 12 speed settings so you can choose the exact speed you need using the rotating knob for whatever you're making. The lowest setting is very gentle, so flour won't spew everywhere, while the highest setting is good for putting the final touches on whipped cream. The bowl attaches to the base effortlessly, and the attachments are easy to add and remove.
Several attachments for this stand mixer can be purchased separately, including a pasta roller and cutter, spiralizer, and ice cream maker. (We especially like using ice cream attachments on stand mixers because you can increase the speed to make a fluffier ice cream.) Plus, this mixer comes in so many different cool colors, you'll be sure to find the right one for your kitchen.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In our tests, the whisk whipped excellent fluffy egg whites and cream that didn’t seep. The flat beater attachment handled a monster cookie recipe very well. This mixer is one of the lighter ones in our tests at 23 pounds, so it's easier to move for storage if needed.
TAKE NOTE: While the mixer tackled a multigrain bread dough, we did note that the head can move when kneading stiff doughs.
| Capacity | 5.5 qt |
| Power | 500 watts |
| Weight | 23 lbs |
| Dimensions | 12.75" x 20" x 17.5" |
| Speeds | 12 |
| Attachments | Flat beater, dough hook, chef's whisk, and splash guard with pour spout |
| Type of mixer | Tilt-head |
Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
Pros
- High scores for kneading and whipping
- Suctions to countertop for sturdy performance
- Easy to lift with a top handle
Cons
- Had some issues with splattering in our tests
Beginning bakers will appreciate this Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer was among the most affordable models we tested and earned a high score in nearly every one of our evaluations.
Designed with a top handle to make lifting the head easy, and it's just under 10 pounds making it easy to move for storage. The mixer also suctions to your countertop so it'll stay in place while mixing. All attachments are dishwasher-safe, too. The dial on the side rotates to seven different speeds, so you'll have enough control to avoid under-mixing and over-mixing batters, doughs, and frosting. That said, we did note some splattering in our tests.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: Our Lab pros were impressed with its ability to both whip delicate egg whites into stiff peaks and to quickly (and evenly) knead bread dough.
TAKE NOTE: It splatters a bit, but it comes with a splash guard.
| Capacity | 4 qt |
| Power | 300 watts |
| Weight | 9 lbs. 6.24 oz. |
| Dimensions | 10.4" x 15.55" x 16.3" |
| Speeds | 7 |
| Attachments | Flat beater, dough hook, whisk and splash guard |
| Type of mixer | Tilt-head |
Ooni Halo Pro Spiral Stand Mixer
Pros
- One of the best we've tested for making bread dough
- The dough doesn’t stick to the hook and is kneaded evenly
- Can handle bigger batches of dough
Cons
- Large and clunky
- May not handle small batches well
The Ooni Halo Pro Spiral stand mixer is a newcomer, launching earlier this year. We're a big fan of their pizza ovens, so it's no surprise we were impressed with the stand mixer during testing.
The rotating knob allows you to adjust up to 58 speeds with a digital control panel and a built-in light. Sarah Gregory, deputy editor for the Good Housekeeping Institute, says, "The built-in light helped me see how the mix was progressing, which made me feel very in control of the batter or dough." It has a tilt-head similar to other stand mixers, but what sets it apart is that the bowl also rotates. The flexible beater, which is stainless steel covered with silicone, helps ensure the edges of the bowl are scraped while mixing.
The extra-large mixing bowl is great for those who make bigger batches of dough, and holds up to 11 pounds of yeast dough, according to the brand. "This is the perfect tool for people who take their sourdough or pizza seriously at home. It holds a lot of dough with ease. All pieces clean up nicely in the dishwasher as well. The timer is amazing, you can set it and forget it," says Eva Bleyer, Kitchen Appliances Lab reviews analyst.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: I was stunned by how well this stand mixer kneaded bread dough. When making our standard bread loaf, the dough was evenly kneaded and didn't stick to the dough hook. Thanks to the breaker bar attachment, you don't have to stop the machine to remove or adjust the dough. After baking, the bread had a noticeably higher rise than others, with an airy texture and good crumb. This mixer also performed well in all our other tests, whipping up voluminous whip cream and excellent cookies.
TAKE NOTE: Due to the larger bowl, smaller batches may require extra scraping to incorporate everything well. Also, the machine is on the larger side, but serious bread and pizza makers won't regret it.
| Capacity | 7 qt |
| Power | 650 watts |
| Weight | 32 lbs |
| Dimensions | 13.5" x 9.9" x 17.2" |
| Speeds | 58 |
| Attachments | Flexible beater, spiral dough hook, whisk, and splash guard |
| Type of mixer | Spiral |
Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer
Pros
- The stainless steel bowl has a large 7.4-quart capacity
- Easy to add ingredients into the open bowl
- Whips cream and eggs very fast
Cons
- Some parts are not dishwasher-safe
- Learning curve to set up dough accessories
Serious bakers will appreciate this stand mixer from Swedish brand Ankarsrum. It comes with a ton of accessories, including a dough kit that contains a dough roller, hook, knife, scraper, balloon whisks, cookie whisks, and a lid that can be used to proof dough or act as a splashguard. Plus, it includes a 3.7-quart plastic whisking bowl and a large 7.4-quart capacity stainless steel bowl, one of the largest in our tests. At 28.2 pounds, it has good heft so it's not moving around on the counter.
The setup of this stand mixer is different from others with a the motor in the base so most of the weight is on the bottom. Since it rotates from the center of the bowl there is no tilt-head to maneuver around as you're pouring ingredients. I loved how easily I could add ingredients into the open bowl, and as a messy baker, it helped ensure all my ingredients made it in without spilling. I found the stainless steel bowl and dough accessories easy to use once I learned how to set them up. Gregory noted that the tool arm had a level of tension that required a learning curve, but the design felt very sturdy for denser doughs.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In our Lab, this mixer earned top scores across nearly every category. It combined cake batter smoothly and handled dense chocolate chip oatmeal cookie dough with ease, producing tender yet crisp cookies with evenly distributed chips. I found that setup required a quick look at the manual, but once assembled, it was straightforward. Our pros also highlighted the double whisks, which whipped cream quickly and uniformly. The machine is very powerful, so it's easy to over-whip delicate foods like cream or egg whites if you don't keep a close eye. Speed adjustment works slightly different than others with a continuous speed dial which we found easy to use.
TAKE NOTE: I loved using this machine, but my biggest complaint is that some of the included pieces are hand-wash only, although some are dishwasher-safe.
| Capacity | 7.4 qt (stainless steel bowl), 3.7 q (plastic bowl) |
| Power | 600 watts |
| Weight | 28.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 18.1" x 12.9" x 17.3" |
| Speeds | Continuous dial (45-180 rotations per minute) |
| Attachments | Dough roller, dough hook, dough knife, scraper, balloon whisks, cookie whisks, and lid |
| Type of mixer | Dual whisk/rotating bowl |
GE 7-Quart Smart Mixer with Auto Sense
Pros
- Connects to GE app so you can control mixer from afar
- 7-quart capacity suits a variety of cooking projects
- App provides multiple recipes
Cons
- Scale is less precise than other kitchen scales
- Extremely heavy and can't be moved easily
This appliance stood out for the smart skills that other models couldn't match. A built-in scale is available to weigh ingredients, plus the voice command setting provides hands-free operation, and auto-sense technology works with included recipes to keep an eye on how well ingredients are mixing. It's important to note that the scale only measures in 5-gram increments, so it is less precise than using a traditional scale.
The 7-quart capacity of the bowl can accommodate both small- and large-batch bakes. You can adjust up to 11 different speeds with a rotating dial on to of the mixer head, including a slow start function. It can connect to your phone via the GE SmartHQ app, allowing you to control it remotely. This lets you monitor and change the speed, set a timer, or receive a notification once each step in a recipe is completed.
HOW IT PERFORMED IN OUR TESTS: In testing, it made tasty cookies, although the bowl needed scraping a few times while mixing. One of our staff members used the AutoSense Technique program to make butter and were impressed that it automatically stops when the butter is ready. The app connected quickly and efficiently, and the pairing technologies provided multiple recipes that are easy to follow through the application.
TAKE NOTE: The Scale is not as precise as other kitchen scales. This machine is much heavier than other stand mixers. It took two of us to lift the stand mixer, so you'll want to make sure you have counter space for it since it's not easily moved for storage.
| Capacity | 7 qt |
| Power | 600 watts |
| Weight | 35 lbs |
| Dimensions | 11.33" x 14" x 17.07" |
| Speeds | 11 |
| Attachments | Whip, beater, dough hook, and pouring shield |
| Type of mixer | Bowl-lift |
How we test stand mixers
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test a wide variety of kitchen products, including stand mixers. Since there hasn't been much innovation in stand mixers in a while, so were excited to see how the latest models performed. For our latest roundup, we tested a range of the newest models of stand mixers for over three weeks.
When testing stand mixers, our experts evaluate ease of use, such as considering how simple each machine is to set up, switch tools, and clean. We also put each product to the test with a roster of classic baking tasks:
✔️ Whipping egg whites and heavy cream to evaluate how quickly they reach stiff peaks. We also measure the volume of the whipped cream and egg whites to determine how well the mixer can incorporate air.
✔️ We also place the whipped cream and egg whites over a fine mesh screen to see if they remain stable or weep over time.
✔️ Kneading bread dough to test whether it mixes thoroughly without assistance and to see if the mixer can handle the heft of the dough. We also time how long kneading takes. We then bake two loaves, checking for even browning. Each loaf is cut in half to evaluate air holes and crumb, and we measure the rise.
✔️ Mixing cake batter and baking cakes to assess if the mixer can produce well-risen, level cakes that are evenly colored with a good texture and crumb. We also note the amount of scraping and splashing while mixing the batter.
✔️ Mixing oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough to test the ability to work with stiff dough and evenly combine the ingredients. We bake at least a dozen cookies to make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout. The best cookies are well-risen and crispy yet tender.
✔️ Taste testing each baked good to ensure ingredients are thoroughly mixed and score the overall taste and texture.
Types and styles of stand mixers
Stand mixers come in a few varieties, and understanding the difference will help you find the style that's right for you.
✔️ Tilt-head and bowl-lift stand mixers: These are the most common types of stand mixers, where the mixing bowl is stationary and has a moving attachment.
A tilt-head mixer has a hinged neck so that the head can tilt back, giving you better access to the bowl and letting you insert and remove the accessories more easily.
A bowl-lift mixer has a fixed head, but the bowl sits on two arms that can be raised to meet the mixing attachment. These mixers can often support a large-capacity bowl and, therefore, are ideal for larger batches and heavier tasks.
Both of these types of mixers use what's called planetary mixing, where the bowl locks into place and the mixing attachment—such as paddle, whisk, or hook—rotates on its axis while also rotating around the bowl (just like our solar system's planets, hence the name).
✔️ Spiral stand mixers: Spiral mixers feature a rotating bowl paired with a spiral dough hook, making them ideal for bread and pizza dough. This type of mixer has traditionally been found in commercial kitchens, but Ooni recently introduced a home-friendly model that includes multiple attachments for use beyond just bread.
✔️ Dual-whisk and rotating bowl stand mixers: These types of mixers house motors in the base rather than the head. Dual-whisk mixers feature a stationary bowl with two attachments, such as whisks, that rotate from the center.
Rotating bowl mixers rely on a spinning bowl; however, the attachments are stationary. Both of these designs offer the advantage of an open bowl, which makes it easier to add ingredients and usually have a higher capacity than traditional stand mixers.
What to look for when buying a stand mixer
Finding the best stand mixer for your needs comes down to these main factors:
✔️ Capacity: This refers to the size of the work bowl. We like a 5-quart bowl as a baseline, but a larger bowl can give you more flexibility for batch size if you find that you’re always doubling your recipes to cook for a crowd. That said, if you bake for just one or two people or need the ability to whip just a few egg whites or a small portion of heavy cream, a smaller bowl is a better choice.
✔️ Wattage: This indicates the maximum power of the motor. The higher the watts listed for the motor, the greater the power. Think about what you like to bake most. Will you be using the stand mixer for sourdoughs and pizza crusts? If so, you'll want a motor that can tackle stiff or sticky doughs. Looser items, like cake batter, can turn out nicely even with a lower wattage.
✔️ Price: Some high-end mixers can cost more than $500 and may be worth it for some. A budget-friendly model is a steal, but other times you might find that the motor can’t handle heavy-duty tasks or won’t last as many years.
✔️ Size and weight: If you plan to leave your stand mixer on the counter, consider the width of your available space and the height of your cabinets when choosing your model. If you want to store your stand mixer in a cabinet or pantry, the weight will be an important factor, as you'll need to be able to lift and move the unit with each use.
✔️ Attachment and accessories: Most stand mixers come with a paddle attachment (for cookie doughs and cake batters), a whisk attachment (for meringues, marshmallows, and whipped cream), and a dough hook (for bread doughs). Some might also provide a paddle attachment with silicone edges that help you scrape the sides of the bowl as you mix. The most versatile machines include the option to buy additional attachments that let you use the stand mixer's motor for completely different tasks, like rolling pasta, juicing fruits and veggies, grinding meats, or peeling produce.
Are heavier stand mixers better?
While a heavier stand mixer can sometimes indicate a more powerful motor, that’s not always the case. Whether it’s better really depends on your needs. The extra weight can help keep the mixer stable when working with heavy, dense doughs. However, it also makes the appliance more difficult to move which is not ideal for someone who needs to take the mixer in and out of storage.
How to clean and care for your stand mixer
To ensure that your mixer can stand the test of time, practice good clean-up and maintenance. Always follow the instruction manual for care, and contact the manufacturer for larger issues. But for day-to-day cleaning, we recommend:
✔️ For stray flour or dry goods, wipe the mixer with a dry cloth or use a dry pastry brush to sweep the mess from any crevices; this will prevent clumps and buildup (since introducing water can create a paste that will harden if not removed).
✔️ For wet messes like batter or liquid, wipe with a damp sponge or cloth right away to prevent sticking and staining. Then dry the mixer with a dry cloth.
✔️ Hand wash attachments and accessories and dry—or allow to air dry—thoroughly. While many stand mixer tools are dishwasher safe, hand washing will help prevent potential nicks, chips, and rusting, and it will help preserve the nonstick finish, where applicable.
✔️ Store the attachments in the bowl of the mixer, preferably in a tea towel to help prevent scratching.
What's the difference between a stand mixer and hand mixer?
Both hand and stand mixers are designed to whip or mix ingredients. The main difference is that a hand mixer requires you to move it in a bowl. Stand mixers make combining ingredients easier since they are hands-free. Hand mixers are smaller and less expensive, while stand mixers are bulkier and pricier.
Although you don't need a stand mixer, it offers several advantages. It eliminates the manual effort required for tasks like whipping cream or mixing thick cookie dough, whether using a hand mixer or by hand. Plus, you can set the speed and step away, freeing you up for other tasks while it does the work for you.
Many stand mixers come with attachments such as dough hooks that can knead bread for you. Additionally, various accessories can be purchased for tasks such as juicing, making ice cream, grinding meat, and more, making it a versatile kitchen tool.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with nearly two decades of experience in product testing, development and manufacturing. She has tested products and written many reviews across dozens of categories, including stand mixers, hand mixers, cake decorating tools, ice cream makers, and many more kitchen products. In addition to Lab testing, she has two stand mixers at home since she is an avid baker, and likes to test them to see how they'll perform with a variety of foods such as cake, cookies, bread, frosting, and more.
Nicole Papantoniou runs the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all content and testing related to cooking products. She has been testing kitchen appliances professionally since 2013.
Sarah Gregory is Good Housekeeping Institute's Deputy Editor and contributed to testing some of the stand mixers on this list as well as using one at home. She has tested and written about numerous kitchen appliances such as immersion blenders, waffle makers, cast iron skillets, and many more. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center.
Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to juicers, and kitchen scales. She has used some of the stand mixers on this list and is testing one currently for our Kitchen Awards. She is a trained chef from the Natural Gourmet Institute.
Jamie Ueda is a consumer products expert with over 17 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing. She has held leading roles at both mid-size consumer goods companies and one of the most notable and largest apparel brands in the world. Jamie has contributed to several of the GH Institute Labs, including Kitchen Appliances, Media and Tech, Textiles and Home Appliances. In her free time she enjoys cooking, traveling, and working out.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
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