Welcome to the ultimate standmixer interactive guide. Using our multiple choice quiz we will guide you to find the best stand mixer for your needs. We have included in the quiz the best stand mixers that you can buy for all budgets and requirements. Once you have answered the quiz we automatically compare your answers to the stand mixers in our database to find the best one for your needs.
Below we have set out some elements of what we consider when finding the right stand mixer for you.
Main Features Of Stand Mixers: A stand mixer, at a glance, is quite a basic small kitchen appliance. However once you start to look into the features you will begin to realise that there are many different features to consider before you can be sure you are buying the right one. From build quality to extra features that you might not expect a stand mixer to deal with, like sausage making.
The main two features to begin with are capacity and power. It is important to make sure you are buying a mixer that can take the amount to mixture you are wanting to use otherwise you will find yourself upgrading to a new one soon after. Similarly with the power if you get one that is underpowered for your needs you may well wear out the motor or gears.
The weight of a stand mixer can greatly influence its stability and ease of use. Lightweight mixers may not provide enough stability when working with denser doughs, causing them to wobble or even tip over. On the other hand, a stand mixer that's too heavy may be challenging to move, especially in kitchens where counter space is limited. Striking the right balance between weight and stability is vital for your comfort and the mixer's efficiency.
Stand mixers with variable speed settings offer greater control over your mixing process. You can adjust the speed to match the consistency and type of ingredients you're working with, from slowly combining dry ingredients to vigorously whisking egg whites. Certain models even feature a 'slow start' or 'soft start' function, which begins the mixing process at a slower speed to prevent ingredients from splashing out of the bowl, gradually increasing to the selected speed.
The ease with which you can clean your stand mixer is another essential factor. Check if the bowls and attachments are dishwasher-safe or if they need to be washed by hand. Also, consider the design of the mixer itself: some models have more crevices where food can get trapped, making them more difficult to clean. Choosing a stand mixer that's easy to clean can save you time and effort, making the baking process more enjoyable overall.
All stand mixers generate noise, but the level can vary considerably from model to model. If you're sensitive to noise, or if you often bake early in the morning or late at night when others may be disturbed, you might want to look for a quieter model.
Once you have decided on these elements there are still many more features to look at. We have taken every element into account and put it in the form of a quiz to save you time! Take the quiz to find out. We have explained below a few frequently asked questions about features of stand mixers.
What Are Planetary Mixers? Generally planetary mixers are considered commercial mixers. However if you look at many consumer grade stand mixers you will see that they have a planetary mixing action. This is a movement of the mixer paddle / whisk where it moves around the bowl in one way while spinning the other way, resulting in a thorough mix. Many of the stand mixers in our quiz have this feature as it is an effective method.
Stand Mixer Power Hubs: Some stand mixers have power hubs. These are connector points on the mixer where other devices can be attached. It allows the machine to take advantage of the motor in the stand mixer making the attachment smaller and more affordable than if it was a stand alone kitchen device. From pasta makers to meat mincers there are many options to choose from. You may not want to get these attachments straight away but it is worth considering what you may want in the future to make sure your stand mixer will be comparable.
Bowl Lift vs Tilt-Head: This refers to the mechanism by which you access the bowl of the mixer. In bowl lift models, the bowl moves vertically via a lever, while the mixer head remains stationary. These models can be more stable and better suited to heavy-duty mixing. Tilt-head models allow the mixer head to tilt back, providing access to the bowl. They can be easier to use and are generally less expensive, but they might not offer the same level of stability as bowl lift models.
Direct Drive vs Belt Drive: There are a few key things to understand here. With regards to stand mixers direct drive mixers require the motor to directly move the mixer, where as belt drive mixers allow the motor to be located further way. The important thing to know however is that when looking at the power of the motor you will see that direct drive motors will be less powerful the the other motor. This does not mean that they are less powerful, it is just the direct drive motor is able to put all the power into to the mixing where as the belt drive motors will loose a lot of that power.
Plastic Gears? People are rightly worried about plastic gears in stand mixers. When you buy a stand mixer you are investing quite a bit into it and you want it to last. It is likely you have relatives who have had theirs for many decades. So when you hear horror stories about gears melting or giving in after a short period of use you want to be sure about what you are buying.
Luckily most of the worry about this is overblown. Most reputable stand mixers do not have plastic gears. KitchenAids were rumoured to have plastic gears but this was not the case, they used to have a nylon gear which acted as a failsafe, it would bread before the motor would and would be cheap to replace.
Anyway in the quiz we have been sure not to add any poor quality stand mixers, so don't worry.
We have put together this quiz to help you find the perfect stand mixer for you. You do not need to know all the technical details about the product, we ask you how you intend on using the mixer and what you are looking for to help you find the best one to buy.