Buyer's Guides

The Best Stand Mixers for Baking Bonanzas

Tired of mixing your baking ingredients by hand? If your answer is yes, the best stand mixer can help you get the job done with the least amount of effort. 🥮
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Stand mixers are essential for every kitchen. If you are a baking enthusiast, there is no doubt that you’ve used a stand mixer before. The good thing about these appliances is that they are versatile and equally easy to use. With the right attachment, a stand mixer can perform a wide range of tasks. You can use them for stirring, beating, mixing, kneading, whisking, etc.

Plus, most stand mixers come with all the basic accessories that you may need for different recipes. Additionally, they are equipped with powerful motors that will help you speed up the food preparation process. Some models feature variable speed control systems that allow you to customise the machine according to your needs.

TL; DR: The #1 Stand Mixer for Most People 👇
Frigidaire ESTM020-BLUE 4.5L Retro Stand Mixer
1,283 Reviews
Frigidaire ESTM020-BLUE 4.5L Retro Stand Mixer

The Frigidaire ESTM020-BLUE may not be the most powerful stand mixer on the list, but it has great features that will dramatically boost your performance.

It has 8 speed settings for different mixing strengths and also comes with a splash guard to keep your worktop mess-free. If you are in search of good all-roiunder the Frigidaire ESTM020-BLUE is the right pick for you!

If you like, you can buy additional attachments for mincing meat, spiralising vegetables, making pasta, to mention but a few. But first, you need to choose the best stand mixer, and the list below provides you with some of the highly recommended options that you can find in the Australian market.

The Best Stand Mixers to Buy Today in Australia

1. Best Overall: KitchenAid Stand Mixer “Classic” silver 5K45SSBSL

293 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Planetary action mixes ingredients evenly
  • 10 speed settings to select for different mixing applications
  • All metal construction for increased durability
  • The hub accepts optional attachments for maximum flexibility
What customers say:

“What can I say, the best mixer ever, if you thinking about getting one, think no more you will not be sorry.”–Phil

We chose the KitchenAid Stand Mixer "Classic" silver 5K45SSBSL as our top pick for the best stand mixers because of its high-efficiency motor, great build quality, and user-friendly design. With up to 10 speed settings to choose from, this appliance can knead, whip, mix, whisk, stir, etc. Moreover, it features a multipurpose hub, which is compatible with the commonly used optional attachments. With that being said, this stand mixer can effectively perform other functions, so it will all depend on the type of attachment that you use.

It will provide you with quality results in all scenarios, regardless of the speed setting that is applied. This stand mixer comes with a whisk, creaming beater, dough hook, and a 4.3-litre stainless steel work bowl. The hub has a simple design and will allow you to swap attachments with ease. This unit measures 43.7 cm by 42.6 cm by 28.5 cm and weighs approximately 10.5 kilograms. And because it is fitted with a direct drive motor, it can power through tasks effortlessly. This makes it ideal for kneading thick, sticky dough.

You won’t have a hard time swapping attachments or adding ingredients into the work bowl, thanks to its tilt-head design. The hinge glides smoothly, thus providing you with a frustration-free user experience. This electric stand mixer employs the planetary action, meaning the attachment and the head doesn’t rotate in the same direction. The result is that the ingredients will be mixed evenly with just a few passes. Also, this allows the kneading attachment to scrape dough from all parts of the bowl.

This machine is sturdily built to ensure you get long-lasting service. Since it has a wide base and is also counterweighted, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer Classic 5K45SSBSL won’t topple over even when the head is in a tilt position. Its silver finish and overall design can blend well with a variety of kitchen décor styles. The only gripe about this appliance is that it does not come cheap. All in all, it has amazing features and is also durable, making it an excellent choice for those who want to boost their performance when prepping dough.

Pros
  • Very powerful
  • Quality construction
  • Easy to work with
Cons
  • Heavy

2. Best Large Capacity: Kenwood Chef XL Titanium Stand Mixer

33 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Extra-large 6.7-litre work bowl can hold large quantities of ingredients
  • Removable dishwasher safe attachments for effortless cleaning
  • Soft start function keeps ingredients inside the work bowl during start-up
  • Halo illumination increases visibility
What customers say:

“Am still thrilled to bits with this machine. It works like a dream, came at a great price and was delivered in double quick time. Excellent.”–A. Mcinerney

Featuring a generously sized 6.7-litre work bowl, the Kenwood Chef XL Titanium Stand Mixer is the ideal machine for heavy baking. Furthermore, it is equipped with a powerful 1,700-watt that runs at a consistent speed even when the unit is under load. This is one of the top-rated stand mixers on the list, so you can pick it knowing it will deliver commendable results. It offers a range of features that will help take your culinary skills a notch higher.

When you buy this appliance, you will get a dough hook, splash guard, beater (flat K and creaming), folding tool, spatula, and whisking tool. The folding tool will ensure you achieve the desired airy consistency, while the k-beater ensures the ingredients are mixed thoroughly and evenly. To add to its versatility, this stand mixer can accept more than 25 optional attachments, so you won’t be limited in any way when trying out new recipes.

The Kenwood KVL8300S is designed with a variable speed system that will give you complete control over the motor. What’s more, the control dial makes speed adjustments a cinch. It also has a soft start feature that prevents spillage when you turn on the machine. Aside from that, this feature will keep your kitchen worktop mess-free throughout the period that you will be using this unit, meaning you will be doing more baking than cleaning.

This tilt-head stand mixer has an in-bowl light that allows you to check the consistency of the dough. Like most stand mixers in its class, this machine utilises the planetary technique to give you the perfect mix for your bakes. This model is slightly smaller than the KitchenAid Classic 5K45SSBSL, measuring 28.5 cm x 38 cm x 35.6 cm. However, both machines weigh almost the same. The included attachments are dishwasher safe and also durable.

Pros
  • High performance
  • Exceptionally versatile
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • A bit bulky

3. Best for Precision: Sunbeam Planetary Mixmaster The Master One

4 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Tilt-head design allows for easy swapping of attachments
  • 850W motor for optimum power
  • The work bowl has a handle for user convenience
  • Wide base increases stability

The Sunbeam Planetary Mixmaster The Master One has 8 speed settings that you can use in different scenarios. And like the first two stand mixers on the list, this model comes from a brand that is known for making top-notch kitchen appliances. Included in the package are a 5-litre stainless steel bowl, die-cast beater, dough hook, whisk, and scrapemaster spatula. The bowl has a handle that will make your work easier when pouring the ingredients into another container.

On top of that, this stand mixer has a locking mechanism that ensures the bowl stays in place regardless of how fast the attachment is running. This machine is designed such that the attachments can move about inside the bowl whilst the motor rotates. Besides, it offers 360-degree coverage, so no part of the dough will be left untouched. As such, the attached accessory will reach all areas, thereby mixing the contents of the bowl according to your preference. We highly recommend this stand mixer to users who make bread, pizza, cookies, and other pastries.

The motor head is spring-loaded to allow for easy lifting when swapping accessories. Because the head can tilt, you won’t have to remove the bowl from the platform when adding ingredients. Once you are done, the head will lock firmly, allowing for safe operation. Plus, the materials used in the construction are of good quality, so you won’t have to worry about durability. The control dial is strategically placed on the side to prevent accidental switching of speed settings when handling the mixer during usage.

It enables you to customise the motor speed based on the types of ingredients that you are using. You can set the stand mixer to run at a slow speed when stirring watery ingredients, while the max speed can greatly assist when preparing recipes that require speedy mixing. To add to this, the hub is designed with your needs in mind and allows users to switch from one attachment to another within the shortest time possible. The main disadvantage of this stand mixer is that it does not have a splash guard.

Pros
  • It can handle tough dough
  • The mixing bowl is corrosion resistant
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Ingredients are likely to splatter if you overfill the bowl

4. Best Value: Oppsbuy Electric Stand Mixer

165 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • It comes with a splash guard for mess-free operation
  • Multiple attachments for unlimited baking opportunities
  • High power motor for maximum efficiency
  • Rubber suction feet for non-slip performance
What customers say:

“More than pleased with the quality and speed of (red) stand mixer. Easy to detach and attach the mixing parts and bowl. Super easy to operate.”–Kafley

Equipped with a 900-watt motor Oppsbuy Electric Stand Mixer is yet another powerful appliance that you can consider adding to your kitchen. It comes with all the attachments that you may need to get started on your first baking project. Additionally, it gives you the option of choosing the most appropriate speed setting for your recipe. The speed values range from 1 to 6, so you can make a selection based on the desired mixing strength.

This multi-functional stand mixer can be used for whisking, kneading, whipping, beating, stirring, and more. It will deliver exceptional results provided that you use the right attachments. And unlike the unit just before it, this stand mixer is fitted with a splash guard to prevent splatter. Since the splash guard is transparent, you can check the progress of the kneading process while the machine is running. This will save you a lot of time, especially when tackling heavy baking tasks.

The lift lock keeps the tilt mechanism in the correct position when the machine is in use. This means the motor head will only lift when you want it to. Also, the control dial and the lock lever are placed just a few millimetres from each other to give you easy access. The 4.5-litre mixing bowl is made of stainless steel to limit corrosion and rust. All three attachments that come with this unit are dishwasher safe, thus allowing for quick clean-up.

To prevent slippage, the base is fitted with rubber suction cups that lock the stand mixer onto the surface of the worktop. The housing is tightly sealed to prevent dust and other foreign debris from damaging the motor. In terms of compactness, this equipment does not take up as much space compared to most stand mixers with a similar design. Nonetheless, you should keep in mind that the mixer can be difficult to lift if the suction cups are locked.

Pros
  • Stylish design
  • It has a pulse mode
  • Humanised design
Cons
  • Limited colour options

5. Best for Most People: Frigidaire ESTM020-BLUE 4.5L Retro Stand Mixer

1,283 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • It has 8 mixing speeds for increased versatility
  • Planetary action for shorter mixing time
  • Bowl cover prevents splatter during usage
  • Lift lock for user safety
What customers say:

“Really happy with this purchase. It is really easy to use and clean. The colour was my main reason for ordering this one. Once I received it and starting using, wouldn’t want another. This definitely meets all my needs.”–Jaime Ward

The Frigidaire ESTM020-BLUE 4.5L Retro Stand Mixer has a simple design , but it is very efficient. It is equally stylish and can be a great addition to every kitchen. In addition to this, it features a tilt-head design, making it even more convenient. This appliance is lightweight and also has non-slip feet. The fact that it is counter-weighted means it won’t fall over when you are preparing your ingredients.

You can easily swap attachments by tilting the motor head upwards. Plus, the head allows you to make tilt adjustments up to 33 degrees, providing you with enough space to add all your ingredients without experiencing any problems. The splash guard locks firmly on the bowl, so it won’t come loose when the motor is running. There are 8 speed options that you can use when kneading dough, beating eggs, whisking, etc.

It even has a bowl lock that will prevent the bowl from tipping over while you are kneading. This stand mixer can cover all parts of the work bowl and will allow you to mix large quantities of dough at a go. The motor is only rated at 300 watts, but it packs a punch. It won’t stall, and neither will it burn out. On the downside, some users report that the motor can be a bit noisy when kneading tough dough.

The stainless steel bowl offers great rust resistance, meaning it won’t discolour as long as you give it proper care. This unit’s retro-style design and blue colour will make your kitchen more appealing. Cleaning this stand mixer is very easy, so ensure that you rinse off the attachments and the bowl after each use.

Pros
  • Great quality
  • Offers good value for money
  • Straightforward design
Cons
  • Not the quietest

6. Most Versatile: Sunbeam MX5950 Mixmaster Compact Pro

12 Reviews

Why we like it:
  • Detachable motor head can transform into a hand mixer
  • 10 speed settings for different mixing strengths
  • It has a small footprint
  • Turboboost function for optimum motor power
What customers say:

“Very efficient n good. It’s all the functions n speeds that I need at a reasonable price.”–Widya

If you are looking to buy a benchtop stand mixer and a hand mixer for the price of one, the Sunbeam MX5950 Mixmaster Compact Pro is the right appliance for you. This unit has plenty of features that you can rely on and is also durably built to give you a worry-free user experience. It draws its power from a 400-watt motor, which is great considering its size.

The Sunbeam MX5950 is unlike any stand mixer on our list in that it can transform into a hand mixer. Simply press the release button to detach the motor head from the base. This feature can assist you when prepping ingredients that require you to manoeuvre the attachment manually. Furthermore, it has an ergonomically designed handle that will provide you with maximum comfort.

Additionally, the backside of the handle is textured to prevent slippage, while the base has traction-enhancing feet for the same purpose. This stand mixer also has a boost function that will allow you to optimise motor power according to your requirements. But it doesn’t end there; it has a dual-speed system, so you can make the necessary adjustments needed to achieve the desired dough texture. The MX5950 will ensure that the dough is properly aerated and mixed to the right consistency.

This model is specially designed for whisking, kneading, and beating, but it can also perform other functions. Since most of the buttons are placed on the hand mixer, you can comfortably operate this appliance with one hand. The dough hooks and the beaters are not only of high quality , but also dishwasher safe. Also, they are very easy to install and detach. The same applies to the 3.1-litre stainless steel work bowl. However, you shouldn’t place the bowl in a dishwasher.

Pros
  • Conveniently designed
  • Compact and lightweight
  • 3-way beating function
Cons
  • The mixing bowl may be too small for some users

How We Researched the Best Stand Mixers

Stand mixers come in different models and are also sold by a variety of brands. To find the best of the best, we turned to Canstar Blue, one of Australia’s most reliable consumer rating sites. The goal was to find reputable brands that excel when it comes to producing stand mixers. Several brands stood out, but we mostly considered those in the top three during the selection process. Most of the stand mixers on our list are from KitchenAid, Sunbeam, and Kenwood.

However, two of the products are from Frigidaire and Advwin. Once we were done choosing the brands, we proceeded to Amazon to find stand mixers from the aforementioned brands. And because we pick products based on independent reviews from real customers, we scoured through the review section of each stand mixer. Additionally, we checked the ratings to ensure they correspond with the reviews.

We also visited local eCommerce stores owned by Appliances Online, Kitchen Warehouse, Myer, and The Good Guys to see what Aussie retailers had to offer. After creating the first shortlist, we compared the stand mixers based on their features, design, ease of use and cleaning, and build quality. We eliminated units that did not meet our standards, leaving us with the 6 best stand mixers that you can buy in Australia.

Stand Mixers: Buying Guide

Not all stand mixers are the same. Plus, countless brands sell these appliances, so it can be a bit tricky to find one that is of good quality, offers value for money, and is also efficient. To find a unit that checks all the boxes, you will have to consider a range of factors. This requires you to put in a lot of time and effort, something that most of us can’t do because of our busy schedules.

As such, we’ve not only listed some of the best stand mixers , but also provide you with this detailed buying guide to help you with the selection process. Still, you can choose any of the stand mixers that we have reviewed above since all the products are carefully curated with the below-listed factors in mind.

Types of Stand Mixers

Before you buy a stand mixer, it is important that you acquaint yourself with the different types of mixers that are on the market. This way, you will stand a better chance of finding a machine that suits both your preference and needs. There are two main types of stand mixers that you can buy:

Tilt-head Stand Mixers

Most people prefer tilt-head stand mixers because they have a small footprint and also allow for quick swapping of attachments. These types of stand mixers feature a tilt-up hinge mechanism, which allows you to lift the head of the mixer upwards. As a result, you will be able to swap the attached accessory with the attachment that you want to use without anything getting in your way.

In addition to this, you can switch attachments on a tilt-head stand mixer without removing the bowl. However, tilt-head mixers require more vertical space to make the needed adjustments. The KitchenAid Stand Mixer "Classic" silver 5K45SSBSL is one of the best tilt-head stand mixers that you can add to your kitchen.

Bowl-lift Stand Mixers

Bowl-lift stand mixers are slightly larger than their tilt-head counterparts. Stand mixers with this design are fitted with a mechanical lever that raises or lowers the bowl according to your needs. Ensure that the bowl is securely attached to the arms of the lever mechanism before lifting it.

What to Consider When Buying a Stand Mixer

Below are some of the factors that you should take into consideration before purchasing a stand mixer:

Bowl Capacity

Stand mixers are fitted with different sizes of work bowls, so ensure that you pick a bowl that is large enough for your needs. Many stand mixers come with 5-litre bowls, while some models are larger.

Generally, a stand mixer bowl can range anywhere between 3 litres and 6 litres. If you are looking for a stand mixer with a large capacity bowl, the Kenwood Chef XL Titanium Stand Mixer can be a great choice for you.

Build Quality

When it comes to build quality, you should consider the type of material from which the mixer and the work bowl are made. If you are after quality and durability, you should pick a stand mixer that is made of titanium or stainless steel. Both materials are highly resistant to corrosion and rust, meaning the mixer won’t lose its aesthetic value with time.

A good number of stand mixers feature stainless steel bowls, while others are either made of glass or ceramic. Stainless steel bowls are highly preferred since they are less likely to break. You should also check if the attachments are made of steel to prevent premature wear.

Motor Power

To get the best from your stand mixer, you should go for a unit with a high-power motor. Such models can take on any dough mixing task that you may throw at them without the motor stalling.

The best way to determine motor power is by checking the wattage rating of the machine. A high wattage rating means more power and vice versa. Some manufacturers indicate the maximum and minimum rotation speed, so you can use this if it’s available.

Attachments

Most stand mixers come with multiple attachments for maximum flexibility. However, not all mixers ship with similar accessories. Many manufacturers will provide you with a dough hook, beater, and whisk upon purchase, while others may only provide one or two attachments.

You also need to check if the hub accepts optional attachments for mincing meat, cutting vegetables, making pasta, spiralising, etc.

Size

Size is also another factor that you should consider when buying a stand mixer. If your kitchen worktop has limited space, you should buy a stand mixer with a small footprint. Size also matters during storage, so you need to check if the mixer that you want to buy can fit inside your kitchen cabinets.

Features to Look for When Buying a Stand Mixer

Aside from the above highlighted factors, there are key features that you should look for when selecting a stand mixer:

Soft Start Feature

The soft-start feature automatically regulates the speed of the motor during start-up. This will, in turn, prevent the contents of the bowl from spilling all over the place when you turn on the mixer.

Planetary Action

Stand mixers that utilise the planetary technique are more versatile and can help you tackle a wide range of tasks. Units with this feature run clockwise and counterclockwise simultaneously.

To elaborate, the attachment socket and the attached accessory rotate in the opposite direction. This ensures the ingredients inside the bowl are properly mixed.

Variable Speed Control

You should only pick a stand mixer with multiple speed settings because this will allow you to fine-tune the motor to match your needs. There are also units with pre-set speeds for specific applications, so you should know the purpose for which you are buying the stand mixer.

Pause Function

This feature can stop the motor without completely turning off the machine. It can prove helpful when adding ingredients into the bowl or when swapping attachments.

Direct Drive Motor

Stand mixers with direct drive motors are known to be more efficient because the motor delivers power directly to the attachment, thereby boosting the unit’s overall performance. Direct drive motors can effortlessly knead thick dough without giving you any problem.


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Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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