Mixers: Expert and User Reviews

Our AssessmentEditors test about 30 stand mixers and rate them in five separate categories: whipping time, mixing, kneading, convenience and noise. An easy-to-read chart also identifies weight, bowl size and material. Editors recommend four models.

Our AssessmentReviewers compare 15 hand mixers by mixing batter and kneading dough. The key features are outlined for each hand mixer along with any drawbacks. The three top picks are the Cuisinart Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Hand Mixer, Hamilton Beach SoftScrape 6-Speed Hand Mixer 62637 and Sunbeam Mixmaster Hand Mixer. The KitchenAid Ultra Power and Oster 2577 also perform well -- almost as well as stand mixers.

Our AssessmentEditors compare 22 stand mixers based on overall design, features and bowl capacity. Testing involves tough tasks like kneading bread, pizza and cookie dough, as well as lighter chores like whipping egg whites and heavy cream. Editors recommend four mixers based on their performance (one is now discontinued). They also caution against buying three other models.

Our AssessmentAs a product category, KitchenAid stand mixers generally receive high ratings at Amazon.com. The KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer is the top-rated model earning an average 4.5 stars (out of 5) from more than 2,000 owners. The KitchenAid Professional 600 Series Stand Mixer receives 4 stars overall from about 1,600 owners. A few models have fewer reviewers but also receive 4 stars: KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer, Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer SM-55 and Hamilton Beach Eclectrics Stand Mixer. The Cuisinart Power Advantage 7-Speed Hand Mixer has accumulated the most reviews and has an overall rating of 4 stars, the same rating as the Cuisinart Power Advantage 5-Speed Hand Mixer.

Our AssessmentAustralia's Choice magazine tests 18 stand mixers from KitchenAid, Breville, Kenwood, Sunbeam and Eurolab. The mixers are evaluated for ease of use and performance, whisking egg whites, mixing cake batter and kneading pizza dough. The Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer receives the best overall score, but is one of several models not available in the U.S. Two mixers from Breville and KitchenAid are the only recommended products that are available in the United States.

Our AssessmentCooking.com is a retail website that lets users post reviews on all sorts of kitchen gear, including mixers. Stand mixers are reviewed more often than hand mixers, most of which only receive a dozen or so reviews. The Cuisinart HM-70 earns the most reviews -- more than 30 -- and a favorable overall rating. The KitchenAid Artisan Series and KitchenAid Professional 600 Series are the most popular stand mixers, each earning a near-perfect 5-star rating from more than 140 reviewers apiece.

Our AssessmentMariette Mifflin, About.com's guide to housewares and appliances, reviews two stand mixers -- giving both high ratings. She lists specs for the units as well as pros and cons for both. She says the Bella Professional is powerful and easy to use but noisy. The KitchenAid Artisan Series is powerful and durable but expensive. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Our AssessmentOnly-Cookware.com is a blog that features buying advice on cookware. Editors evaluate the KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer and deem it the best stand mixer. This lengthy review summarizes the stand mixer's main features, but there's no information about performance.