Which KitchenAid mixer is best?
The KitchenAid mixer is an iconic tool that belongs in every kitchen. The original stand mixer dates back over a hundred years — it was first used by commercial bakers in 1914. KitchenAid now makes multiple models, still retaining the classic look, that have evolved beyond just meeting your baking needs. These gorgeous machines can juice, make pasta, grind meat, whip up ice cream, and do much, much more.
There is a dizzying array of KitchenAid mixers to choose from — some models come in as many as 22 colors — but fear not. We’re here to help you select the right mixer at the right price for you. This is an investment for the kitchen of your dreams, whether you make cookies for bake sales or hope to become the next Julia Child (who, by the way, used the KSA model KitchenAid mixer on her show).
What to know before you buy a KitchenAid mixer
Capacity
The first step in selecting a mixer is choosing the appropriate capacity for your needs and budget. They typically come in capacities of 3.5 quarts, 5 quarts, 6 quarts, 7 quarts and sometimes 8 quarts.
What to look for in a quality KitchenAid mixer
A KitchenAid stand mixer is a worthy investment for your kitchen because it’s an all-in-one unit. Instead of having various appliances cluttering your kitchen counter, such as a food processor, cheese grater, juicer, and spiralizer, the mixer does it all. The KitchenAid utilizes separate attachments for its power hub to accomplish all these tasks and many others. The following three attachments come with every KitchenAid mixer:
- Flat beater: This is a baking necessity. It’s the primary way to mix a variety of ingredients in many recipes.
- Dough hook: This is essential for making pasta and bread.
- Wire whip: This versatile tool has many uses, from whisking egg whites to whipping meringue to making perfect whipped cream.
- Other attachments: These include a juicer (just for citrus), meat grinder, shredder/slicer (grates awesome cheese), spiralizer (great for apples or zucchini), pasta maker, food processor, and ice cream maker.
KitchenAid mixer FAQ
Q. Are the accessories dishwasher-safe?
A. All attachments are dishwasher-safe, except the pasta maker. The mixing bowls are dishwasher-safe as well.
Q. How much do these stand mixers cost?
A. The more budget-friendly models cost around $200, while the professional-grade mixers cost upward of $800.
What are the best KitchenAid mixers to buy?
Top KitchenAid mixer
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS
What you need to know: This classic, dependable mixer has been a staple in kitchens for decades.
What you’ll love: This mixer is a workhorse in the kitchen and is very durable. It can do everything from whipping egg whites to kneading dough. The bowl has a 5-quart capacity and a comfortable handle. The tilt head makes it easy to add ingredients as needed.
What you should consider: The bowl might be too small for larger mixing jobs.
Top KitchenAid mixer for the money
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS
What you need to know: This classic KitchenAid mixer is perfect for everyday use.
What you’ll love: You can mix dough for up to 8 dozen cookies in this mixer, which has a 4.5-quart bowl. It has a traditional, tilt-head design and comes with beater, dough hook and whisk attachments. It has 10 mixing speeds to suit your needs.
What you should consider: The bowl does not have a handle.
Worth checking out
KitchenAid 7-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer
What you need to know: This powerful, 7-quart mixer is ideal for large batches.
What you’ll love: Its extra-powerful motor and large capacity makes it have twice the mixing power of other mixers. It comes with a dough hook, among other attachments.
What you should consider: It takes up a lot of counter space and is quite heavy.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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