For an avid home baker, a stand mixer is a must-have. This kitchen gadget makes baking a breeze, simplifying dough prep and beating egg whites, whipping cream and more without tiring out your arm. Even regular cooks can appreciate a stand mixer’s ability to make the fluffiest mashed potatoes, perfectly combine ingredients for meatballs and shred chicken or pork.
Here’s a look at the variety of stand-mixer sizes, price ranges and features you’ll encounter.
Our Stand Mixer Buying Guide
Now that you’ve decided to add a stand mixer to your arsenal of kitchen gadgets, there are a few things to consider:
Size and Weight
Large mixers are a winner for anyone who bakes throughout the week or needs to feed a hungry family. If you opt for a larger stand mixer, it’s important to remember it needs a powerful motor to properly knead dough. Your new mixer should also be fairly heavy to keep from shimmying around on your countertop.
If you cook for two or have a small kitchen with limited counter space, you’ll definitely want to consider a smaller model. The standard size bowl is between 4.5 and 5.5 quarts, which is perfect for most cakes and homemade frostings. Smaller models are easier to move from cupboard to countertop, an absolute essential if you don’t plan on using your mixer on a regular basis.
Larger sizes can range from 6 to 8 quarts, which is ideal for all the bake sale heroes out there!
Our Pick for a Small Mixer: KitchenAid Artisan Series, $380
Our Pick for a Large Mixer: KitchenAid Professional 600 Series, $500
Price
Stand mixers are available at all price levels and the best of the best will set you back hundreds of dollars. The price of these machines is based on factors like brand name, capacity and features, plus any special attachments. The good news is that you can pick up a quality stand mixer for around $100. Some are available at lower prices; however, these mixers tend to be less sturdy and may break down with repeated heavy use.
A great stand mixer is an investment for your kitchen, so it might be worth spending the extra cash.
Power
A general guideline is to pick up the most powerful mixer in your budget range. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the motor, which means you can safely mix sturdier dough. (Keep our best recipes for homemade bread handy!)
Test Kitchen tip: Aim for 300 watts and higher.
Features and Accessories
From speed settings to attachments, you’ll want to compare the available features on the models you’re considering. Opt for a stand mixer that has multiple speed settings and comes with whisks, a dough hook and a paddle for the best value.
Every stand mixer on the market has a wide selection of accessories you can buy to get the most out of this brilliant gadget. There’s a KitchenAid attachment for everything, including homemade ice cream and fresh pasta.
Meatballs
Making meatballs can be tough on your wrists—especially when whipping up a big batch. Save your energy by letting a stand mixer do some of the work. Simply toss the breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings and any other add-ins from your favorite recipe into the mixing bowl. Use the paddle attachment on a low speed to combine the ingredients. Then, add the meat until mixture is lightly but thoroughly incorporated. In the market for a new stand mixer? This is our favorite KitchenAid model.
Shredded chicken
Whether you're shredding chicken for a crowd or a single sandwich, let your stand mixer do all of the work. No forks required. Simply toss cooked, boneless chicken into the mixing bowl, secure the paddle attachment and turn the mixer on a low speed. Voila! In just a few seconds you'll have effortless pulled chicken.
Guacamole
Guac lovers, listen up. The days of mixing your favorite chip dip by hand are over. Make guacamole in a stand mixer by placing halved avocados, lime juice and your favorite seasonings in the mixing bowl. Use the paddle attachment on a medium speed to combine. Then, stir in diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and any other add-ins you'd like.
Pizza dough
No bread machine? No problem. You can still make easy homemade doughs—no kneading required. Just attach a dough hook to your mixer and let it work its magic. Your dough is done when it's smooth and elastic. Crispy? Chewy? Cheese-stuffed? Here's how to make homemade pizza crust just the way you like it.
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a holiday favorite, but they can take a toll on your time (and energy!) when mashing by hand. Lighten up your workload by making oh-so-creamy potatoes in your stand mixer. The paddle attachment makes quick work of boiled potatoes, butter, milk and any add-ins you desire. Just mix the spuds on a low or medium speed until you reach the desired consistency.
Stuffed shells filling
Stuffed shells are a comfort food classic, but they can be tedious to assemble. Make the task easier by preparing the filling in your stand mixer. Blend the cheese, seasonings, egg and any other add-ins on a medium speed with the paddle attachment. Once combined, scoop the mixture straight from the bowl into the cooked shells.
Dips
No appetizer spread is complete without a good dip, but it takes time to chop and combine all of those ingredients. Use your stand mixer to speed up the process. When making spinach and artichoke dip, for example, mix together the cream cheese, mozzarella, seasonings and other base ingredients until smooth. Then, throw in the spinach, artichokes and other veggies. In just minutes you've made a creamy-yet-chunky dip that's ready to pop in the oven.
Macarons
Macarons don't have to be intimidating. The secret is to get your egg whites perfectly whipped—and a stand mixer can help you do just that. Let the egg whites reach room temperature, then beat with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form. Ever wonder the difference between macaroons and macarons? Here it is.
Scrambled eggs
We know that scrambled eggs are super easy to make by hand. But when whipping up a big batch for company you'll appreciate your stand mixer's power. Simply crack the eggs into the mixing bowl, secure the whisk attachment, and add your desired amount of milk and seasonings. Blend for a minute or so until the eggs are fluffy and light.
Pulled pork
Take the mess out of pulled pork by shredding the meat in your stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment and a low speed to tear apart warm meat. Just be sure to cut the roast into medium-sized pieces before attempting to shred it—placing a whole roast in the bowl will overwhelm your machine.
Meat loaf
Meat loaf oftentimes requires that you mix the ingredients multiple times. When you use a stand mixer, you'll cut down on both prep time and dirtied dishes. Start by beating the eggs. Then add in the milk, bread and other ingredients. Finally, add the meat and mix well. With just one bowl you've made a hearty dinner.
Cheesecake filling
Cheesecake filling can be a real pain to mix by hand—especially if the ingredients are cold. Minimize the muscle by mixing up your filling in a stand mixer. Just blend all of the ingredients until super smooth and pour into your prepared crust.
Butter
Add extra flavor to your butter with herbs and spices. Just place softened butter in the mixer, add your seasonings, and let the mixer evenly incorporate. If you're feeling extra ambitious, make the butter from scratch by placing heavy cream in the stand mixer. Whip it on high speed until butter starts to form. Drain away any excess liquid, and that's it! You have fresh, homemade butter.
Kolachkes
It's tough to combine stiff ingredients—like ice cream and butter—by hand. Use your stand mixer to create these sweet Polish treats. Trust us, your arm will thank you.
Lasagna filling
Lasagna is a labor of love, but that doesn't mean it has to take hours to make. Speed up the process by preparing at least one of the fillings in your stand mixer. Create the cheese layer by blending together ricotta, eggs, mozzarella and more with a paddle attachment on medium speed.
Mashmallows
Homemade marshmallows are SO much better than the store-bought kind. And with the help of your stand mixer, they're not too challenging to make. Once you've brought all the ingredients to a boil, pour the liquid into your stand mixer and beat on high until the mixture is thick and has doubled in volume.
The post What to Look for Before You Buy a Stand Mixer appeared first on Taste of Home.
Camille Berry