How do you choose a stand mixer?
Choose a stand mixer
With a stand mixer, you can make various preparations. And you want to use it for a long time, of course. With the questions below, we'll help you make the right choice:
- What do you want to make?
- Which power do you need?
- How much batter do you want to make in one go?
- Which extras do you want?
- Which lifespan and design do you want?
- What are the differences between the brands?
Preparations and power
What do you want to make?
With a stand mixer, you can whisk, knead, and mix various ingredients together smoothly. You can use a stand mixer to make cakes, pies, bread dough, and more. You can use the included dough hook, balloon whisk, or mixing hook. Choose a stand mixer if you mainly want to bake a lot and you could use some help.
How much power do you need?
The power indicates how much energy the motor uses to rotate. Stand mixers with a high power are often more effective, but that's not always the case. A stand mixer with a direct propulsion uses less power to provide the same result, because it puts all the energy into mixing right away. When you knead heavy dough such as bread or pizza dough, choose a powerful stand mixer.
How much batter do you want to make at once?
Small to medium-sized preparations
Do you have a small household and don't necessarily want to knead large amounts of dough at the same time? A stand mixer with a 3 to 4L mixing bowl is a good choice for you. An advantage is that this stand mixer takes up less space on your kitchen counter. You can use a 3 to 4L mixing bowl to make batter for 1 cake.
Large preparations
Do you want to make large pies or multiple cakes at the same time? Go for a stand mixer with a 5-liter mixing bowl or more. You'll be able to make batter for 1.5 to 2 cakes. Do you want to make more at the same time? Look at a mixing bowl between 6 and 7 liters, so you can make batter for 2.5 cakes. Keep in mind that a stand mixer that size takes up more space on your kitchen counter and is more difficult to move.
User-friendliness and accessories
What user-friendly features do you want?
There are various function to improve the user-friendliness. For example, some models come with an extra mixing bowl so you can make multiple preparations in a row. In addition, some mixing bowls have a volume marking. This allows you to measure ingredients directly in the bowl. Another useful feature is the anti-splash lid. This way, the contents don't splash out of the bowl. Do you want the stand mixer to start gently, so your ingredients don't fly around? Choose a stand mixer with Soft Start.
Which accessories do you want?
With a stand mixer, you can whisk, knead, and mix your ingredients. But with the right accessories, you can do even more. There are many accessories available for stand mixers. Some mixers have a blender attachment, pasta roller, meat or grain grinder, a food processor attachment, or an ice cream maker attachment. Some brands include attachments with the stand mixer and for other brands, you have to purchase these yourself. Think about what you want to make with your stand mixer to determine which attachments you want.
Lifespan and design
What's the lifespan?
The lifespan of the stand mixer depends on how much you spend on it and on how often you use it. Stand mixers made of metal are better than those made of plastic. A stainless steel mixing bowl lasts longer than a plastic mixing bowl. Stand mixers with a strong motor that's suitable for heavy dough can handle more and last longer. In general, the more you spend, the longer the stand mixer lasts.
Which design suits you?
You can leave a stand mixer on the counter permanently. Make sure to check the size when you choose your stand mixer. This way, you know if it fits on your kitchen counter. Take a good look at the design and the color, too. It's very annoying to look at a stand mixer that you don't like. Do you prefer to store the stand mixer after use? Keep in mind that large models are very heavy and difficult to move.
Which brand?
The 2 major stand mixer brands are KitchenAid and Kenwood. Both brands make high-quality stand mixers. The KitchenAid stand mixers all have a direct motor propulsion. The Kenwood stand mixers have an indirect propulsion. With a direct propulsion, you need less power for the same result. KitchenAid pays more attention to the design, but Kenwood has more affordable expansion options. Bosch also has many stand mixers. They distinguish themselves by supplying many accessories for at an affordable price.
