Think of a stand mixer and the best KitchenAid mixers will likely come to mind. The iconic brand has become synonymous with stylish, colorful products that are designed to be easy to use, and produce practically perfect results every time.
I've been testing the best stand mixers and hand mixers for years. Whilst competitors can offer more affordable prices and modern extras, KitchenAid has always consistently delivered on stylish designs and products that will last. There's a reason people have been using the KitchenAid Artisan (my favourite stand mixer) for nearly a century.
As you start to browse KitchenAid's offering, you'll see that there's a lot on offer, so I've brought in my practical experience to help you find the right one for you. Whether that's a hand mixer that you can hide in a drawer or the famously stunning Design Series with a wooden bowl. Here's everything you need to know about KitchenAid's mixers, including which KitchenAid attachments are worth the extra investment.
The quick list
If you want a little flavour of what the best KitchenAid mixers have to offer, here's a short summary of what I found them like to use. You can find more detail further down the guide:
Best overall
This has been KitchenAid's best-seller and it has been for decades. With 10, versatile speed settings and 36 colour options, it's no surprise.
Most stylish
Everyone's talking about this limited-edition KitchenAid. The walnut bowl, moss green stand, and engraved stand mixer is a design piece as much as it is a sous chef.
Best for serious bakers
Bowl-lift models offer better stability for tricky, dough tasks. You get almost 1 litre more capacity than the tilt-head Artisan and a half-speed hand folding setting.
Best for small spaces
KitchenAid makes a few hand mixers, but this is the best. It's compact enough to pack into a drawer, cheaper than a stand mixer, and comes with 9 speed settings.
Best for big batches
This is the biggest non-commercial stand mixer KitchenAid makes, so if you'll be making multiple loaves of bread or a wedding cake, this is the one to invest in.
Best for beginners
If you want to strip things back to basics, this is the stand mixer to go for. It doesn't have a handle on the bowl and you're more limited with colour options, but you can't beat a beginner's choice.
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Most colourful
Butter yellow is KitchenAid's colour of the year and I love it. The new neutral hue looks homely and bright in any kitchen and it'll only be available this year.
Best cordless
You can cut the cord on whipping and mixing with the GO hand mixer. It's not as powerful as the stand mixers, but it's compact and easy to store.
Best KitchenAid mixers for fluffier cakes, better bread, and whipped cream that's light-as-air
The KitchenAid shelves are richly decorated with over 40 different colour options, plenty of impressive KitchenAid accessories, and various bowls and bowl sizes. They're careful to ensure that each new model offers something different to every kind of baker. Here are my top picks:
Best KitchenAid stand mixer overall
If you spot a KitchenAid stand mixer in someone's kitchen, I'd put money that it's going to be this model. The Artisan is the brand's most popular stand mixer, loved by Princess Katherine, Paul Hollywood, and Nigella Lawson. After testing it, you can add me to that list too.
With the Artisan, you get to enjoy the KitchenAid aesthetics. It comes in 36 different colours, with a stylish bowl and your essential accessories. The Artisan fits all KitchenAid's extra bowls and special accessories, so you could re-style it with some ceramic bowls and a blending attachment.
I didn't just give this the top spot for its looks though. The Artisan made perfect cake, thick cream, and smooth bread dough in all my tests. It isn't noisy, nor is it fiddly to work. In short, it's a dream come true.
Read more in my full KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer review.
Most stylish KitchenAid stand mixer
All the rumours are true. The KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series Stand Mixer, informally known as "the one with the wooden bowl" is as beautiful as you would expect it to be. The deep moss green body pairs with a walnut bowl that's truly one-of-a-kind.
With a 4.7L capacity and all the signature KitchenAid parts, this works as well as the Artisan that scored top spot in this buying guide. Astute readers will have spotted that this has 0.1L less capacity in the bowl, but that makes almost no difference in baking. My cake was just as delicate, my whipped cream was light-as-air, and my bread dough melted in the mouth.
The only reason this isn't the only stand mixer in this buying guide is that it's expensive. The Design Series is a limited edition stand mixer and it's widely coveted, which comes at a cost. If you like the finer things in life, this is worth the splurge. Just take good care of that gorgeous walnut bowl, please.
You can find out more in my full KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series Stand Mixer review.
Best KitchenAid stand mixer for serious bakers
One of the largest of the KitchenAid stand mixers, this whopping bowl-lift model is just as efficient as it looks. Tall, sleek, and sturdy, it has a large, 5.6-litre, stainless steel bowl that can mix enough cake batter for four cakes; knead 3.7 kgs of dough, and make 11 dozen cookies.
Alongside the immense capacity comes some neat, extra features. My favourite is the half-speed setting, which mimics hand-folding. I've made lemon and raspberry cake as well as blueberry muffins without the batter being dyed red or blue. Thanks to the bowl-lift mechanism, this remains grounded and stable, even when full to the brim of thick, dense dough.
This is also really quiet, so if you know you need something heavy duty, it's worth spending the extra money on a bowl-lift model. However, if you don't feel that your baking really pushes the limits of the average stand mixer, you'll be fine opting for a cheaper, tilt-head model. It's a lot less confusing.
You can find out more in my full review of the 5.6-litre KitchenAid stand mixer.
Best KitchenAid for small spaces
It's easy to get whipped up in all the stand mixer madness when, actually a hand mixer will do the job you need. An elaborate hand mixer can cover the same basic functions of a stand mixer and nobody makes hand mixers better than KitchenAid.
With their 9-speed model, you get the choice of all KitchenAid's classic colourways, so you don't lose out on style, whilst benefitting from a range of attachments. KitchenAid sends two beaters, two dough hooks, a whisk, and a blending rod (ideal for smoothies and sauces). That's plenty to be baking with, and trust me, I did.
Over time, I appreciated the soft-grip handle, which makes it easy to hold, as well as the durable stainless steel beaters. I felt like I could use this forever, except on max speed (9). That's a workout. Whilst the ninth speed setting is strong, there's a soft start function that made sure I didn't make any flour clouds or spills in each task.
Tasks with a higher liquid content, such as whisking and mixing, are really easy with the hand mixer. However, if you're making a thick bread dough, you might be in better hands with a KitchenAid Stand Mixer.
The formal review for this is pending. These are my initial thoughts.
Best KitchenAid stand mixer for big batches
This is almost identical to the 5.6-litre bowl lift KitchenAid Stand Mixer that stole a spot as the best KitchenAid stand mixer for serious bakers. The only difference is that this is 1 litre bigger: you can add half a dozen cookies, another couple of pizza's worth of dough, and another 12 cupcakes worth of mix into the bowl. It's rare that you'll actually need this kind of capacity, but if you're a professional baker, this is the one you'll want.
I came across this because everyone was asking "which stand mixer do professionals use?" I asked around and all the bakers, from Australian TV baking icons through to Artisan bakers, pointed me in the direction of this stand mixer. It's powerful, versatile, boasts the impressive half-speed setting, and unbeatable stability. In short, it's perfect for serious bakers.
Much as I love the quality and power of this model, it's expensive and would be overkill for most homes. You can find out more about whether this is for you in my breakdown of the bowl-lift vs. tilt-head stand mixers.
You can find out more in my full review of the KitchenAid Artisan 6.6-litre Stand Mixer.
Best KitchenAid stand mixer for beginners
KitchenAid refers to this as its entry-level stand mixer model but it certainly doesn’t skimp on quality. It has a nice roomy bowl, feels super sturdy and does all the basics—mixing, whipping and kneading—flawlessly.
Lots of people ask me what the difference is between the Artisan and the Classic and there isn't very much. There are fewer speed settings, the bowl doesn't have a handle, and it's a little less powerful. It's a much more humble stand mixer, but you can buy a nicer bowl and all the KitchenAid accessories are compatible with the Classic, so you can accessorise it until it rivals an Artisan.
As with the hand mixer, this does a really good job of whipping cream and mixing cake batters, but when it comes to tougher doughs, you might see the Classic wobble. Quite literally. For a casual baker, it's all you need. However, if you're ready to invest in your baking accessories, you might need something extra.
You can find out more in my full KitchenAid Classic review.
Most colourful KitchenAid stand mixer
I just had to show you this stand mixer, as it comes in KitchenAid's 'Colour of the Year' — Butter Yellow — which interior designers are calling "the new neutral". It's a bright and happy hue that's still subtle enough to integrate into tonal homes.
As well as the three standard attachments, this 10-speed design comes with a flexi-beater, pastry cutter, splash guard, and a second bowl. It's more expensive — both because you get an upgraded set of accessories and because this will only be available for a year — but I think it's worth the splurge if you're a serious baker.
As with the Design Series Evergreen KitchenAid Stand Mixer, the Colour of the Year riffs off the main KitchenAid Artisan model that's in top spot. It has the same power and the same capabilities, but you can actually make more of them. I used the two bowls to make different batches of bread dough and the pastry cutter inspired me to write a dedicated article to this clever attachment too.
You can find out more in my full KitchenAid Colour of the Year Stand Mixer review.
Best cordless KitchenAid mixer
If you're looking for one of the best hand mixers to do light work and take up limited storage, then this KitchenAid cordless model is a fantastic option. With no need to plug it in, you have the freedom to use it anywhere, rather than simply where your power point is situated. The only thing to keep in mind is to charge your mixer when the battery is low. If you don't remember to charge it, you may be waiting a while to start mixing when you next want to use it as the charge point is only accessible when the mixer is off, meaning you can’t plug it in while using it. This shouldn’t be an issue though, as KitchenAid say that this model should be able to make a whopping 200 cookies in four batches on a full charge.
I tested the matte charcoal grey mixer (which also comes in Black, Empire Red and White) and its super-shiny appearance is ideal for matching up with KitchenAid’s other appliances.
This mixer has a rounded shape with a curvy handle that makes it almost retro in design. Power-wise I can’t fault it, as the seven speeds adjust smoothly without splattering ingredients everywhere. Could I have done with a whisk for the egg whites? Yes. Is it the lightest hand mixer around? No. What it is though, is easy to use, powerful enough, flexible and the best KitchenAid mixer if you have few power points in your kitchen.
I'm still testing this in our kitchen, so these are my initial thoughts. A full review will be coming soon.
How we test the best KitchenAid mixers
I test the KitchenAid stand mixers and hand mixers in exactly the same way that I would any other stand mixer and hand mixer. I have a series of set recipes that will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the mixer overall, but also of specific attachments.
The main three tests that I run are: mixing cake batter with the beater, kneading bread with the dough hook, and whipping cream with the whisk. These are classic tasks that your mixer should fly through. I'll be able to tell whether the mixer has enough power to do a good job, whilst picking up on how versatile it is, how thorough, and how nice it is to use. The best models fly through tasks, delivering well-mixed results without a splash.
After the formal tests, I'll clean and store the mixer before coming to a conclusion on whether it offers good value for money. At this point, I'll compare it to similar models that offer the same functions for a little less or a little more money.
You can find out more in our dedicated section for how we test stand mixers.
How to choose the best KitchenAid mixer
Purchasing a KitchenAid mixer is an investment, so it's important to think about which model would best suit your needs at home. It can be helpful to think about:
- Capacity—this one really only applies to the stand mixers that come with a bowl. If you’re an avid bread baker for example, going for a mini stand mixer with a smaller bowl isn’t going to cut it. Similarly, if you only cook for two people, you’re not going to need a design with a huge bowl, and a hand mixer may well suffice instead.
- Power—Look for a model that has a motor of 300W or more to make sure it’s delivering enough power, and if you can find a model with a flexi beater (or add it as an optional extra), so much the better.
- Size and weight—think about where you're going to be storing your mixer, as some models are more compact than others. Or, do you have room on your worktop for one? And, if you’re going to be lifting it out of a cupboard, you might want to choose a lighter option. If you’re short on space, then a hand mixer may well be more suitable.
- Attachments—KitchenAid has more than 10 motor attachments that work with all its stand mixers, from pasta cutters to meat grinders and food processors, so you can add to your collection as and when you need them, but you'll want to choose the ones you need the most immediately. Hand mixers will include beaters, a wire whisk, dough hooks and a mixing rod.
- A tilt head or a bowl lift—consider which one you'd prefer—a tilt head has a bowl that twists onto the base of the mixer, with the head of the machine tilting forward when in use and lifting back when you want to change ingredients or attachments. A bowl lift has a bowl that extends from the body of the mixer, with a lever to raise and lower it. The latter is a more sturdy option, but bear in mind that it takes up more space.
- Speed—the more speed settings you have, the easier the mixer will be to adjust and control, so generally, a mixer that has six speed settings or more will cover all bases when prepping food. You don’t want a model that’s too powerful if you’re only ever mixing lighter ingredients, for example.
FAQs
What kind of attachments do I need for a stand mixer?
Every stand mixer — and most hand mixers — come with three attachments: a wire whisk, dough hook, and a flat beater. These will cover your cakes, cookies, breads, meringues, whipped cream, and much more.
If you wanted to expand your mixer's capabilities, KitchenAid sets you up for success. The KitchenAid accessories can grind meat, chop vegetables, grate cheese, and even make ice cream. Whilst none of these are essential, they're fun to consider later down the line. You can also upgrade your stand mixer bowl to a special KitchenAid one (there's black stainless steel, fired clay, and hammered copper up for grabs).
Is a KitchenAid mixer worth buying?
Quite frankly, if you know without a shadow of a doubt that you’re going to be baking time after time, then a stand mixer is a must-have. And you really can’t get a much more consistently reliable and efficient model than a KitchenAid mixer. And that aside, there are so many different KitchenAid models with different capacities, attachments, power and price points—meaning there’s literally one for everyone, whatever your baking/cooking needs.
Plus, most of the best KitchenAid mixer options come with a five-year warranty, and you can buy an extended three years of coverage should you want. You also have the luxury of being able to choose from a whole kaleidoscope of colors which is one of the most fun parts—especially when you consider that some of the stand mixers are available in up to 47 different colors.
What size mixer is best for me?
This completely depends on the size of your kitchen and how much cupboard or worktop space you have to store it. Check the dimensions of the mixer you’re keen on and measure the space you plan to keep it in. In terms of volume, a 4.8-litre bowl is enough for a family of four and will handle most food prep tasks with ease.
Those that are 5.6 litres and above are ideal for those who cook in large quantities. If you’re short on worktop space though, then a hand mixer may be the better option.
In my book, you can't go wrong with any of KitchenAid's mixers. They're some of the best and most famous on the market for a good reason. The only downside is that they can get expensive, but if your committed to quality and a regular baker, you won't regret investing in your kitchen. You'll be the envy of all your friends too.
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