What to look for in a kitchen mixer

Take the hard work out of kneading and heavy mixing.

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Last updated: 15 Dec 2022

red benchtop stand mixer on a blue background

From kneading bread and pizza dough to mixing heavy cake batter, benchtop mixers (also known as kitchen or stand mixers) have come a long way.

Now you can buy additional accessories for your machine that’ll transform it into a mincer, pasta maker, blender and citrus press, just to name a few. And they’re available in stylish designs, demanding to be displayed on your benchtop.

If you’re looking to up your baking game, follow our guide to make sure you get the best stand mixer model for your needs.

What is a stand mixer?

A kitchen mixer is a benchtop appliance commonly used for mixing, whisking and kneading batters and doughs. It has a mixing bowl that attaches to the base of the unit and utilises mixing tools like beaters, whisks and dough hooks to do the grunt work for you. It’s the ideal appliance for the baking enthusiast.

Types of stand mixers

Being able to make your own doughs and batters means much healthier options are available for you and your family, particularly if there are allergies or food intolerances in the mix.

You can be sure of every ingredient that goes into your food, and combine it easily with the help of a mixer. If you buy a model with the ability and versatility to accommodate extra attachments, you can make even more foods from scratch, like pasta for example.

But first you need to decide between two mixer types: single tool and twin attachments.

Single tool attachments

Mixers with single tool attachments can handle heavier loads and knead dough. This type of mixer is for the serious and regular cook, and ideal for batch preparation.

Twin tool attachments

Mixers with twin tool attachments can whisk and mix well, but struggle when mixing and kneading heavier batters. They’re a cheaper alternative for the occasional cook, but if you’re making dough, you’ll have to knead it by hand.

How much do stand mixers cost?

The models in our latest kitchen mixers review range in price from $75 all the way up to $1149. But price isn’t necessarily an indicator of quality – we found there were both cheaper and higher priced models that rated well, or otherwise.

Some offer added features and sturdier benchtop bases, which provide more stability during heavy-duty tasks like dough kneading. But attributes like these tend to go hand-in-hand with hefty price tags.

Many also offer add-on attachments that can turn your mixer into a pasta maker, spiraliser and ice-cream maker, but these accessories don’t often come cheap. In previous tests we found they cost from $80 up to more than $300 in some cases.

Features to look for in a stand mixer

Storage

Will your mixer take prime position on the kitchen bench or will it need to fit into a cupboard? Mixers tend to be large, bulky and heavy, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to stash yours away.

These days, most models come in a range of colours and designs, so if you have the space on your bench, you’ll likely want to have it on display.

Heavy-duty beater

This accessory is likely to be the most frequently used attachment for making cakes and savoury dishes.

Scraper beaters

A rubber scraper which works its way around the rim and makes for more thorough mixing. They’re becoming increasingly common.

Whisk attachment

Perfect for creating foamy, whipped mixtures.

Single dough hook

This attachment is particularly useful if you make a lot of bread.

Optional accessories

Some models come with optional accessories that allow you to convert your mixer into a multipurpose appliance, like a meat grinder or pasta maker.

Splash guard

A splash guard will prevent ingredients from spilling out of the bowl while mixing – great for avoiding an unexpected dust cloud of flour or a fountain of liquid mess.

The guard should ideally attach to the motor head so it lifts away from the bowl when the motor head is lifted. This makes it easier to access the mixture, as otherwise you’d have to remove the guard every time you wanted to scrape down the bowl.

Some guards include a chute for adding ingredients directly into the bowl without having to stop the machine and lift the motor head.

Speed settings

A range of speed settings is essential, and six speeds are usually enough. Look for:

slow speed (for kneading and folding)
light mixing speed (for puddings and muffins)
creaming/beating speed (for butter, sugar and heavy batters)
whipping/aerating speed (for cream, egg whites and meringues).

Wattage

The wattage of mixers can range from 300–1500W. But in our testing, we’ve found that wattage doesn’t have a significant effect on performance.

Bowl lock

This feature is useful to keep the bowl stable during mixing.

Suction feet

This will help to keep the mixer stable on the bench during use, and is particularly important when it comes to mixing heavy batters and doughs.

Spring-loaded tilt head

This feature allows for an easy lift, as the spring takes the weight for you.

Height-adjustable mixing tools

Adjusting the height of the mixing tools can be fiddly, but it allows the mixer to work with small quantities and makes for a more thorough mix. Since benchtop mixers are restricted in movement, you might find some unmixed ingredients at the bottom of the bowl if the mixing tools are raised too high.

Stainless steel bowl

A stainless steel mixing bowl is extremely durable and should last the life of the mixer. Glass or plastic bowls may be hard to replace if you break them. Also, look for a bowl with a handle – it’ll be convenient for pouring mixtures.

Release button

A release button for the beaters will prevent your hands from getting covered in messy ingredients.

Timer

This isn’t a common feature, but if you have recipes that specify the length of mixing time, it will come in handy.

Versatile attachments

Many high-end models have attachment outlets that let you add functionality to your mixer. These are often optional extras and are powered by your mixer’s existing motor. Common add-ons include an ice-cream maker, juicer, spiraliser, mincer, blender or pasta maker.

Rebecca

I joined CHOICE in 2008 as a work experience student while studying my Bachelor of Science (Nutrition and Food) at the University of Western Sydney. I've been with CHOICE ever since. My first job was in a room full of muesli, collecting all their nutritional data. When I completed my course, CHOICE offered me a full-time position as a Test Officer in the Kitchen Lab. In 2009, I moved into the role of household content producer. I write about a wide range of children's and household products, ranging from cots and strollers to ovens, BBQs, espresso machines and electric blankets. I even write about grocery items such as nappies, sanitary pads and laundry detergents. I love my job and the extremely talented and passionate group of people I work with. I love knowing that our research, testing and results go a long way to helping consumers with their buying decisions by highlighting great products – and singling out poorly performing ones. You can find me on LinkedIn.

Fiona

I'm a home economist and test coordinator at CHOICE. I work in the kitchen lab, testing and comparing kitchen appliances. I am also involved in Test Research, helping manufacturers with product development for kitchen appliances such as microwaves, ovens and cooktops. I help conduct food taste tests and have been on the judging panel for a number of taste tests such as hummus, strawberry jam and pesto, and coffee when we test coffee machines. I also write recipes for our members on some of the food products that we test so they have the option of making the product themselves (like corned beef, baked beans and mulled wine). I have just been accepted as an associate judge for the Royal Agricultural Society and hope to be participating in the Sydney Royal Fine Food show this year. I started working at CHOICE in 1997 and previously worked as a dietary supervisor at a children's hospital. I have a degree in home economics and dietary supervision. I've been at CHOICE for over 20 years and have cooked over 8000 scones, 4000 chickens, 3000 sausages, 1000 meringues and 500 pizzas, to test over 3000 appliances! I want to help consumers save time and money in the kitchen, reduce waste and landfill, and enjoy eating foods that they've prepared from scratch. Read more about my day-to-day life at CHOICE (and pick up a few kitchen lab secrets along the way). You can find me on LinkedIn.