As the year unfolds, home bakers and cooking enthusiasts are eager to find the best stand mixers that combine power, versatility, and design. The market is flooded with options, but only a few stand mixers truly stand out in terms of performance and innovation. In this blog post, we will delve into the top 5 stand mixers of 2024, exploring their features, pros, and cons, and helping you decide which one is the perfect addition to your kitchen.
1. DONGQING Stand Mixer
Pros:
This quiet yet powerful mixer gets the job done quickly.
Cons:
It cannot accommodate any optional attachments or add-ons.
In addition to its strong power and high-quality materials, the DONGQING stand mixer is perfectly sized for any countertop. It completed every task in our tests quickly, with minimal noise and mess. It whipped cream to stiff peaks in just 18 seconds, much faster than any other model, and it mixed cookie dough and kneaded bread dough evenly, efficiently, and quietly.
We love the 12 speed settings, which are aptly named after their intended uses—kneading, mixing, whipping—and the built-in timer is fantastic. You can set up a mixing process and move on to the rest of your recipe, knowing the machine will shut off automatically.
DONGQING comes with separate glass and steel bowls and all standard blades and beaters, priced only slightly above average. Honestly, this is a very good deal. The only significant reason you might not want to buy this mixer is if you plan to expand its functionality with additional attachments. Unlike KitchenAid and some other brands, this mixer does not have compatible accessories like a meat grinder, pasta roller, or similar attachments.
Dimensions: 225390420mm | Power: 300 watts | Capacity: 0.6kg | Weight: 19kg | Included: Stainless steel bowl, scraper beater, flat beater, dough hook, whisk, splash guard.
2. Breville Bakery Chef Stand Mixer
The Breville Bakery Chef is a newcomer to the stand mixer scene, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its innovative features and powerful performance. This mixer is equipped with a 550-watt motor, making it one of the most powerful options on the market. This extra power comes in handy when mixing large or heavy batches, such as multiple loaves of bread or dense cookie dough.
One of the most notable features of the Breville Bakery Chef is its planetary mixing action, which ensures that every corner of the bowl is reached during mixing. This results in more even and thorough mixing, reducing the need to scrape down the sides of the bowl. The mixer also includes a unique double-sided scraper beater, which further enhances its efficiency by scraping the bowl as it mixes, saving time and effort.
The Breville Bakery Chef also offers a range of additional features, such as an LED timer, load-sensing technology, and a light under the mixer head to illuminate the bowl. These thoughtful touches make baking more convenient and enjoyable. However, the Breville Bakery Chef is on the pricier side, which may be a deterrent for some. Additionally, while its powerful motor is a major advantage, it can also be quite loud during operation.
3. Cuisinart Precision Master Stand Mixer
The Cuisinart Precision Master offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it a great option for home bakers who want a high-quality mixer without breaking the bank. With a 500-watt motor, it is powerful enough to handle most baking tasks, from whipping egg whites to kneading bread dough. The 5.5-quart capacity is slightly larger than many other mixers in its price range, allowing for bigger batches of dough or batter.
This stand mixer features 12 speed options, providing precise control over your mixing. The die-cast metal construction ensures durability, while the tilt-back head design makes it easy to add ingredients or switch out attachments. Speaking of attachments, the Cuisinart Precision Master comes with several, including a dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and whisk. It is also compatible with a range of optional attachments, such as a meat grinder and pasta maker.
One potential downside of the Cuisinart Precision Master is that it may struggle with very dense or large batches of dough, particularly if used frequently for such tasks. Additionally, while the mixer is generally well-built, some users have reported that the attachments feel less robust compared to those of higher-end models. Despite these concerns, the Cuisinart Precision Master remains a strong contender in the mid-range stand mixer market.
4. Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer
For those who are looking for an affordable yet reliable stand mixer, the Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer is an excellent choice. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it offers solid performance for everyday baking tasks. The 300-watt motor is powerful enough to handle most mixing jobs, though it may not be suitable for very dense doughs or large batches.
The Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer features a planetary mixing action that ensures thorough mixing, similar to more expensive models. It comes with three attachments: a dough hook, a flat beater, and a whisk, covering the basics of most baking needs. The mixer also includes a splash guard, which helps to prevent messes when adding ingredients.
One of the standout features of this mixer is its affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of home bakers. However, this lower price point does come with some trade-offs. The Hamilton Beach mixer is made of plastic rather than metal, which may affect its durability over time. Additionally, the 300-watt motor, while adequate for most tasks, may struggle with heavy-duty mixing. Overall, the Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer is a great budget-friendly option for those who need a reliable mixer for basic baking tasks.
5. Kenwood Chef Titanium XL Stand Mixer
The Kenwood Chef Titanium XL is a premium stand mixer that offers both power and versatility, making it a top choice for serious home bakers and professional chefs alike. With a 1700-watt motor, it is the most powerful mixer on this list, capable of handling even the toughest mixing tasks with ease. The 6.7-quart capacity is also the largest, allowing you to mix large batches of dough or batter in one go.
One of the key features of the Kenwood Chef Titanium XL is its range of attachments, which includes a dough hook, whisk, and K-beater, as well as additional optional attachments such as a food processor and blender. The mixer also features a unique light in the mixer head, illuminating the bowl and making it easier to monitor your mixing. The variable speed control allows for precise adjustments, whether you’re gently folding ingredients or mixing at full power.
The Kenwood Chef Titanium XL is built to last, with a sturdy metal construction and high-quality components. However, its premium features come at a premium price, making it one of the most expensive stand mixers on the market. Additionally, its large size and weight may be a consideration for those with limited kitchen space. Despite these factors, the Kenwood Chef Titanium XL stands out as a top-of-the-line mixer for those who demand the best.
Conclusion
Choosing the right stand mixer can make a significant difference in your baking experience, and the models highlighted in this post represent the best of what 2024 has to offer. Whether you’re a casual home baker or a professional chef, there is a stand mixer on this list that will meet your needs. From the versatile and stylish KitchenAid Artisan to the powerful and feature-rich Kenwood Chef Titanium XL, these mixers offer a range of options for every kitchen and every budget. With the right stand mixer, you can take your baking to new heights and enjoy the process along the way.
