The 10 Best Kitchen Electric Stand Mixers of 2021

When you start to think about buying any kitchen appliance, there’s a lot to consider. Not only do you have to factor in the price, but also the size, power, style, and much more. In saying that, once you do your homework and make your purchase, you are often quite happy with your mixer.

Before you get to that point, though, it’s worth thinking about the vital information related to standing mixers. Consider these points below. 

Why Do I Need a Stand Mixer? 

You might have two arms and two hands that work immensely well for mixing, so why would you need to purchase a mixer? The reality is, such a product can add much convenience to your everyday life. Are you not convinced? Here are some of the many benefits of electric mixers.

They Save Time and Effort

Whether you’re creating bread dough, a delicious pudding, or even a cake or cookies, you can whip out your stand mixer and put it to use. The mixture will then be prepared in the nick of time. You can’t say that about elbow grease alone.

A mixer can save considerable time and effort, especially when you pair it with the right accessory for the job. 

They Come with Plenty of Accessories

You might think that there is not much difference between a hand mixer and stand mixer – except that a stand mixer takes up more space. Quite the opposite is true. A mixer can do much more than a hand mixer because it comes with an abundance of accessories. What it doesn’t come with, you can most likely purchase separately as long as it’s brand-compatible.

Some of the most popular accessories include balloon whisks, dough hooks, and flat beaters. A balloon whisk is a lifeline for anyone trying to produce a meringue. While you would have to dedicate all your time to this task if doing it by hand, you can carry on doing other things in the kitchen while the mixer does all the work.

The same benefits apply to the inclusion of a dough hook. Even the heaviest, yeastiest doughs are taken care of with such an accessory. You then don’t have to worry about having sore arms. And then there’s the flat beater. This versatile accessory is suitable for fluffy cakes, egg whipping, and much more. 

You also get stainless steel bowls with your mixer. These are available in different quart capacities to suit the kind of baker you are – single batches or multiple. 

They Are Easy to Clean

Even though a mixer is yet another appliance you have to clean, at least it’s a straightforward process. Typically, there are only two things you need to worry about – your chosen accessory and the stainless-steel bowl. 

Often, some of the accessories are dishwasher-safe. So, there’s one less thing for you to worry about. In saying that, not all accessories are, so read through the fine print of your manufacturer’s manual before you put anything in your dishwasher.

They Are Versatile

A stand mixer is something you associate with cake mixtures. It’s true that they can help you whip up a cake in seconds, but that’s not all they are suitable for. You can also prepare bread dough, cookies, pudding, meringues, and nearly anything that requires mixing, whipping, or preparing in some way. A more challenging question to ask would be what aren’t they good for. 

They Are Affordable

You might not think that such a large, fancy appliance would be cost-effective for the average home baker or cook. However, these machines are becoming more affordable by the day. It also helps that there is stiff market competition. You can buy high-end and low-end models for affordable price tags. 

When to Use a Stand Mixer

Many situations will call for the use of a stand mixer. You might be in a hurry and don’t want to mix something by hand. Or, you might want to free up your hands for another task while your mixer works like an extra pair of kitchen hands. 

You would also be amazed at just how many “out of the box” uses this machine has. It can shred cooked beef and pork, mix meatloaf and meatballs, and even take care of that painstaking process of making mashed potatoes.

Some people also decide to use their mixer when making dips, stuffing, fast and easy granola bars, biscuits, donuts, tortillas, scones, batters, pie crusts, and even marshmallows. You won’t find too many situations when you don’t call upon your mixer’s assistance to lend a helping hand. 

How to Use a Stand Mixer 

Many people fear using a mixer because they think it will require them to be a brain surgeon. Quite the opposite is true. Using this kitchen appliance is a lot easier than you might think. 

1. Read the manual. One of the first things you’re going to want to do upon unboxing your brand new mixer is to read the manufacturer’s guide for its use. You can get to grips with all the accessories, buttons, and general use instructions. You can then proceed to use it with far more confidence. 
2. Set up the mixer. This may require you to add the stainless-steel bowl to the mixer and your chosen accessory. Some of the larger models come with a bowl lift lever, while smaller ones tend to have a tilting head. 
3. Lock the bowl in place. Some mixers come with a locking mechanism on the bowl’s base. If that’s the case with your one, twist it clockwise to ensure it’s firmly in place. 
4. Make sure the attachment is firmly in place. Often, these make a clicking sound once they are secure. 
5. Turn the mixer onto the lowest speed. Most mixers have at least six speeds, but some have up to 12. Start the mixer on the lowest speed to prevent ingredients from flying out of the bowl. You can then increase the pace as the ingredients moisten. 
6. Set the machine speed to a suitable one depending on what you’re making. Heavy batters require a low speed of around 2. Cookie doughs and egg whites are best mixed on medium to low speeds of about 4. 

If you are whipping something for that ‘whipped’ effect like meringue or egg whites, then medium-high to high speeds are generally preferable. Your chosen recipe may have specific instructions for stand mixers. 

How to Take Care of an Electric Mixer

Many people are on the fence about purchasing a mixer because they believe it’s one more thing in their home they have to maintain. Fortunately, they don’t require a lot of care. You can wipe down the mixer with a damp cloth to remove batter, flour, dust, and anything else that accumulates on the top. 

If there is any baked-on muck, you can take care of this with a mild soapy mixture, then remove it with a damp, clean cloth. 

Even when it comes to bowls and attachments, the care process is straightforward. Wash your bowl in warm, soapy water. You can do the same with the attachments or check to see if they are dishwasher-safe. Make sure you dry them thoroughly to prevent rust. 

If you notice that the beater attachments are scraping the bowl, then make a slight screw adjustment at the beater’s head to increase the bowl and attachment distance. 

You can also tighten the hinges if you notice that the mixer’s head wiggles around. This is easy enough to do by unplugging the machine, locking the head in place, then using a flat-head screwdriver on what usually is an obvious screw at the top. 

How to Store a Stand Mixer

A stand mixer can indeed be a lot harder to store than, say, a toaster. In saying that, it’s not complicated. Many people with ample bench space leave theirs on their bench so they can access it at a moment’s notice.

People who only use their mixer from time to time will pop it in a kitchen cupboard. They are not so huge that you won’t find somewhere suitable in your home for its safe storage.

How to Stay Safe with an Electric Mixer

Most home cooks are aware of what it takes to remain safe around an electric mixer of any kind. Still, we’ve included some helpful safety tips all the same. 

1. Read all the instructions before use. 
2. Don’t put your mixer in water or another liquid.
3. Always supervise children or those with reduced capabilities or knowledge.
4. Avoid contact with moving parts.
5. Keep clothing, hair, hands, and other tools and utensils away from the beater when in use. 
6. Do not let young children operate it. 
7. Do not use the mixer when the plug or cord is damaged or if you have dropped it or damaged it in any way. 
8. Do not use a mixer outside.
9. Avoid leaving cords hanging over edges or tabletops. 
10. Avoid accessories before washing.