Wondering which is the best stand mixer for your home kitchen?
You’re in the right place.
I investigated the options extensively before making a purchase a couple of years ago.
My beloved kitchen mixer had quite literally blown up after only a few years – and I didn’t want to have to buy another again in such a short period.
Here, I run through the popular kitchen mixers available in Australia, and the pros and cons of each.
Rest assured, I have not included the brand of mixer that below up on me.
So let’s investigate the best options for serious home cooks.
1. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer (KSM160)
First on my list was the KitchenAid stand mixer.
Why?
Because these mixers look so darn lovely, and my mum and sister have been raving about theirs for years.
The Important Bits
Bowl size: 4.8L and 2.8L (the KSM150 has only the larger bowl)
Weight: 10.6kg
Wattage: 300W (DC motor which is more powerful, quiet and efficient – others listed here appear to be AC)
Mixing action: planetary
Speed: 10-speed variable
Colours: heaps!
Included: flat beater, stainless steel wire whisk, dough hook and pouring shield
Available attachments: food grinder, pasta maker, food processor and more
PROs
Good looks
Lovely colour options
Excellent reviews (number 1 rated stand mixer on Product Review)
CONs
Weight
Price
Conclusion
As the highest rated stand mixer on Australia’s Product Review website, if you’re a serious home cook this really is an attractive option.
With a 5 year warranty, sturdy construction, and rave reviews, it seems the higher price tag is justified. You do often get what you pay for!
The only serious drawback is the weight. It’s heavy and lifting it in and out of the cupboard might be inconvenient or even a struggle for some.
But with seriously good looks, you can leave this one out on the bench if you have room in any event.
2. Kenwood Chef XL Major Stand Mixer
This is another serious contender for home cooks that want something a bit special in a stand mixer.
The Important Bits
Bowl size: 6.7L
Weight: 10.4kg
Wattage: 1700W
Mixing action: planetary
Speed: variable plus pulse and fold
Colour: silver
Included: K-beater, creaming beater, whisk, dough hook and a folding tool
Available attachments: food grinder, pasta maker, food processor, rotary slicer, fruit press and more
PROs
Powerful motor
Large capacity
Excellent reviews (number 2 rated stand mixer on Product Review)
CONs
Less popular option so less reviews
Price
Boring design
Conclusion
This stand mixer has some seriously good features, with more inclusions than others in its class, pulse and fold option, and a huge selection of additional attachments.
The large bowl means it’s great for those who cook for a large family or often cook up bigger quantities for parties.
If you’re comparing Kitchenaid vs Kenwood, the Kenwood is less popular than the KitchenAid.
However, the reviews it does get are very complimentary so it’s important to remember that popularity isn’t everything!
The main drawback in my mind are its looks – it’s a little too industrial looking for me. But perhaps it would look just perfect in your kitchen?
3. Smeg Stand Mixer
This 50’s inspired stand mixer is pure elegance.
If I was choosing on looks alone, this one would be in my shopping basket.
But how does it rate when you put it into action?
The Important Bits
Bowl size: 4.8L
Weight: 9.5kg
Wattage: 800W
Mixing action: planetary
Speed: variable
Colour: black, red, cream, silver, pastels
Included: whisk, flat beater, dough hook and pouring shield
Available attachments: food grinder, and pasta maker
PROs
Elegant looks
Excellent reviews on Product Review
CONs
Less popular option so less reviews
Price
Conclusion
This mixer is comparable to the KitchenAid.
If you’re comparing Kitchenaid vs Smeg, Smeg might just edge out its competitor when it comes to looks.
However, the KitchenAid is more popular and boasts more positive reviews.
So, what will you choose: looks or popularity?
4. Breville Scraper Beater Stand Mixer
This mixer promises that you can say goodbye to your spatula and hello to “light and fluffy” ingredients, since it “scrapes the bowl up to 1120 times per minute.”
Sounds impressive.
The Important Bits
Bowl size: 4.5L
Weight: not available
Wattage: 700W
Mixing action: planetary
Speed: 8 speeds
Colour: silver and coconut
Included: double scraper beater, whisk, dough hook and pouring shield
Available attachments: none
PROs
Promises no manual scraping during mixing
About 1/3 of the cost of other mixers
CONs
Mixed reviews on Product Review
Conclusion
This mixer is worth a try if you’re on a limited budget. But do read the reviews first.
After writing this review post, I’m leaning towards the KitchenAid.
It’s just so popular, it looks good and my mum and sister have had theirs for more than 10 years (and they look and mix as good today as they did at the time of purchase).
UPDATE: THE FINAL VERDICT
As you can see, I did indeed opt for the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer.
I’m thrilled with my new stand mixer and although I didn’t actually road test the others, I’m completely satisfied with my decision and absolutely LOVE the KitchenAid mixer.
It’s so powerful and lovely to use and look at.
I’m glad I opted for the KSM160. It’s a little more expensive than the KSM150 but comes with 2 sized bowls and I use both bowls regularly, depending on what I’m making.
I really think there’s only one decision you need to make… which colour?!?
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