Our 10 Favorite Stand Mixers We've Tested and Reviewed (2024)

Versatile attachments: On top of the standard mixing, kneading, and whisking tools, some mixers offer attachments that can be bought separately. These include extra attachments for tasks such as shaving ice, rolling pasta sheets, grinding meat, citrus juicing, shredding, and slicing.

Speed settings: These vary from model to model, but a stand mixer with a good variable speed range means you can launch gently to combine liquids and lighter ingredients and dial up the speed for thicker mixes when needed.

Useful extras: Most designs come with a spatula in the kit that is useful for scraping out ingredients left in the bowl, while a recipe booklet is always a bonus to push you out of your cooking comfort zone. Some stand mixers also come with a splash guard that works well to make sure flour or liquids stay in the bowl and don’t spill out onto your countertop when you start mixing.

Storage: Larger than a kettle or toaster, stand mixers can be rather cumbersome. It’s a good idea to house it on the worktop if you have the space, so you can plug in and start it up easily when needed. But also consider storage space for all the extras such as a secondary bowl and attachments.

Take It Steady

To make the perfect sponge cake, the most critical step is whipping the egg whites. Room-temperature egg whites are more elastic, which helps trap air more effectively. Always whip at medium-low speed. Don’t rush the process; incorporating air gradually ensures uniform bubble sizes. If you whip at high speed, you'll get uneven bubbles, and during baking, the larger ones will burst, causing the smaller ones to collapse as well.

Add Dry Ingredients

If you don't have a bowl cover or pouring shield, before adding dry ingredients, stop the mixer and cover the bowl with plastic wrap, leaving a small opening to pour in the dry mix. This trick prevents the dry ingredients from puffing out of the bowl. Add them gradually on low speed. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is in, as over-developing gluten will yield a dry, tough sponge.

Frosting Tips for a Smooth Finish

For smooth and creamy frosting, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. If you're short on time, gently heat the butter and cream cheese with a kitchen torch, moving it evenly around the bowl. This softens the mixture just enough without melting it.

Perfectly Whipped Cream for Decorating

If you love decorating with whipped cream, chill the mixer bowl with the cream in the fridge for about 30 minutes before whipping. This keeps the cream cold for longer, helping it whip faster and hold its structure without breaking.