Best planetary mixers buying guide

The stand mixer is a very useful kitchen appliance for kneading, whipping and mixing ingredients efficiently. Thanks to its spiral movement, the stand mixer is able to work large amounts of dough effortlessly.

If you are a pastry enthusiast or simply want to simplify your life in the kitchen, a stand mixer could be the right investment for you. In this buying guide, we will help you choose the best stand mixer for your needs.

How does a stand mixer work?

A stand mixer is composed of an electric motor that rotates the machine's mechanical arm. The arm has a head with a bowl where the ingredients are placed.

As the arm rotates, the machine's head moves on itself thanks to a gear system. This spiral movement allows the stand mixer to work the ingredients evenly and effectively.

What can you do with a stand mixer?

With a stand mixer, you can prepare many different recipes. Here are some examples:

  • Doughs for bread, pizza and focaccia
  • Creams and mousses
  • Sauces and condiments
  • Cakes and desserts

In addition, many stand mixers come with additional accessories such as whisks for whipping cream and butter, hooks for kneading shortcrust pastry and cookie cutters for making biscuits and fresh pasta.

Features to consider

Before purchasing a stand mixer, there are some important features to consider to make sure you make the right choice. Here are the main ones:

Motor power

Motor power is an important factor to consider when choosing a stand mixer. A more powerful motor allows you to knead even the toughest and densest doughs, such as bread dough, with more ease.

Bowl capacity

Bowl capacity determines the maximum amount of ingredients that the stand mixer can handle at once. If you intend to prepare large quantities of dough, for example for a large family or commercial activities, it is advisable to opt for a stand mixer with a large capacity bowl.

Bowl material

Stand mixer bowls can be made of different materials, such as stainless steel or glass. The choice depends on personal preferences and intended use. Stainless steel bowls are generally more durable and easy to clean, while glass bowls can also be used as serving dishes.

Included accessories

Some stand mixers include additional accessories, such as whisks for whipping cream or hooks for kneading pastry. If you intend to use the stand mixer for various preparations, it is advisable to opt for a model that includes a wide range of accessories.

Speeds

Most stand mixers offer different working speeds. This allows you to adjust the speed according to the type of dough being prepared. For example, lighter doughs require a lower speed than denser and heavier ones.

  • In summary: when choosing a stand mixer, it is important to consider the motor power, bowl capacity and material, included accessories, and available speeds.

The best stand mixer brands

When it comes to choosing a stand mixer, the brand is an important factor to consider. Here are the top stand mixer brands on the market:

KitchenAid

KitchenAid is one of the most popular and reliable stand mixer brands. Their machines are known for their durability and versatility, and are available in a wide range of colors and designs. Most KitchenAid models have a capacity of 4.5 or 5 quarts, making them perfect for preparing large quantities of food.

Cuisinart

Cuisinart is another leading brand in the stand mixer industry. They offer a wide range of models at affordable prices, but do not sacrifice quality for price. Many of their models include features such as quick accessory attachment and multi-level speed control. Additionally, Cuisinart also offers a wide selection of optional accessories for their stand mixers.

Breville

Breville is an Australian brand that produces some of the best stand mixers on the market. Their machines come with powerful motors and advanced features such as automatic speed control and interlock safety system. Although their models may be more expensive than other brands, investing in a Breville is definitely worth it for the quality and reliability.

Smeg

Smeg is an Italian company that produces high-quality stand mixers with a retro design. Their machines come with powerful motors and a wide range of optional accessories, including a meat grinder and pasta set. Although they may be more expensive than other brands, Smeg stand mixers are a great choice for those seeking style and functionality.

  • KitchenAid
  • Cuisinart
  • Breville
  • Smeg

In conclusion, choosing the right brand for your stand mixer depends on your specific needs. Consider the features, capacity, and price before making a decision.

Reviews of the best stand mixers on the market

In this section, we present our detailed reviews of the best stand mixers on the market. We have selected these stand mixers based on their technical specifications, quality of materials used in their construction, and positive user reviews.

KitchenAid Artisan

The KitchenAid Artisan is one of the most popular stand mixers on the market thanks to its power and versatility. With a 300-watt motor and 10 speeds, this stand mixer can easily knead even the toughest doughs. Additionally, it comes with three different attachments: wire whip, dough hook, and flat beater, making it suitable for many different preparations. The die-cast metal construction ensures long-lasting durability.

Bosch MUM48A1

The Bosch MUM48A1 is a compact yet powerful stand mixer, equipped with a 600-watt motor and four speeds. Thanks to its compact design, it takes up little space in the kitchen but still offers enough power to knead bread and make desserts. It comes with three accessories: dough hook, wire whisk, and beater. In addition, the sturdy plastic case helps protect the machine during transport or storage.

Kenwood Chef XL Titanium

The Kenwood Chef XL Titanium is a high-end stand mixer, equipped with a 1700-watt motor and a 6.7-liter bowl capacity. This stand mixer can handle even large amounts of dough without any problems. It comes with five accessories: dough hook, wire whisk, beater, food processor, and juicer. In addition, the die-cast metal structure and elegant design make it a perfect choice for those looking for a durable and sophisticated stand mixer.

  • KitchenAid Artisan: powerful and versatile, suitable for many different preparations;
  • Bosch MUM48A1: compact yet powerful, ideal for those who have limited space in the kitchen;
  • Kenwood Chef XL Titanium: high-end and large-capacity, suitable for large amounts of dough.

Based on your specific needs, one of the three stand mixers listed above may be the right choice for you. Pay attention to the technical specifications and evaluate which accessories are included in the package before making your final decision.

Conclusion and final tips for buying the best stand mixer

Buying a stand mixer may seem like an expensive investment, but if you are passionate about cooking and want to improve the quality of your dishes, it is definitely a purchase that will pay off over time.

Depending on your needs, you may opt for a stand mixer with more or fewer functions. If you are an experienced chef and need a versatile machine, then choose a stand mixer with at least 8 speeds and many options for included accessories. If instead, you are a beginner or only use the stand mixer occasionally, then you can opt for a simpler and less expensive version.

Remember that the motor power is important: the greater the power, the greater the ability to knead even the toughest ingredients effortlessly. Also, always check the materials used in the construction of the stand mixer: those made of metal are generally more durable than those made of plastic.

Finally, do not forget to consider the design and style of the stand mixer: if you have a modern kitchen, you may prefer a machine with a contemporary look. On the contrary, if you love vintage style, you may opt for a stand mixer with a retro design.

  • Choose the right power based on your needs
  • Check the materials used in construction
  • Consider the design and style of the stand mixer

In conclusion, choosing the best stand mixer depends on your culinary needs. Evaluate motor power, materials used in construction, and machine design to find one that suits you best. With a quality stand mixer, you can prepare delicious dishes quickly and easily.

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Michael Anderson - Software Engineer

My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.

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