KitchenAid makes a number of different appliances, but somehow “mixer” seems to be the suffix that best fits the brand -- and for good reason. KitchenAid dominates the stand mixer category, and we got to test the recently launched Artisan Plus, which introduces new features and colors. The addition of a half-speed setting, a built-in LED light and a double-flex edge beater that scrapes the bowl while mixing makes this our top pick. The small-but-mighty LED light helps you see ingredients in the bowl, while the half-speed setting prevents splatter.

Bonus: The attachments that come with this mixer are stainless steel, meaning they're dishwasher-safe.

KitchenAid also makes a slightly smaller model, the Artisan Mini, for when you want the brand but don't have the space.

• Size: 14.1 x 8.7 x 13.9 inches (depth, width, height)
• Weight: 21.8 pounds
• Style: Tilt-head
• Capacity: 5 quarts
• Power: 350 watts
• Number of settings: 11, including a 1/2 option
• Attachments: Stainless steel bowl, dough hook, wire whisk, flat beater, double-flex edge beater, pouring shield; 12 optional attachments, including ice cream maker, meat grinder, pasta roller and spiralizer

Pros

• Good amount of speed settings for a budget pick

Cuisinart is to the food processor as KitchenAid is to the stand mixer, but it’s certainly no slouch when it comes to stand mixers, especially if you’re brand-loyal. If you’re also price-sensitive, this Cuisinart model offers the security of a major brand name with significant savings over a KitchenAid mixer. (It’s still on the pricey side to be considered “budget,” but that’s where the handy term “value” comes into play.) The look is a little sleeker and more industrial than the KitchenAid model, but it still comes in a generous range of colors.

A speed-adjustment dial, rather than levers, gives you more nuance when setting speeds, and it offers 12 speed settings -- the most of any mixer on this list. And while the list price is technically $250, we often find it on sale.

• Size: 14.17 x 7.87 x 14.13 inches (depth, width, height)
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Style: Tilt-head
• Capacity: 5.5 quarts
• Power: 500 watts
• Number of settings: 12
• Attachments: Paddle, whisk, dough hook, pouring shield; 12 optional attachments, including ice cream maker, meat grinder and pasta roller

Compact and relatively light, this Hamilton Beach model was the clear winner among budget stand mixers. In both my own hands-on experience and across review evaluations, Hamilton Beach has proven to be an extremely reliable brand for those looking to save money, and it earned the “budget” spot on well over half of the review sites I consulted.

For less than $100, you still get solid power, six speed options, three mixing attachments and a 3.5-quart bowl that can handle most basic recipes. If you have a large family or plan to make big batches, it may be worth scaling up to a larger model; for small households, kitchens with limited space or occasional stand mixer use, this is an excellent option.

Your only color choice here is black, but that’s a classic look that fits many kitchens.

• Size: 8.66 x 13.58 x 11.88 inches (depth, width, height)
• Weight: 11.05 pounds
• Style: Tilt-head
• Capacity: 3.5 quarts
• Power: 300 watts
• Number of settings: Six
• Attachments: Paddle, whisk, dough hook

If you don’t know what “hydration” means in baking, the Ankarsrum Assistent Original probably isn’t for you. But if you do -- and bread in all its breathtaking varieties is what you want a stand mixer for -- don’t skip this modern classic from Sweden. Its powerful motor is built into the base and turns the bowl, making this machine about as stable as it gets. That design also means it can handle super-low-hydration doughs -- whole wheat or rye, pizza and even bagels -- without breaking a sweat or moving a millimeter.

The Assistent Original’s infinite speed dial and built-in timer give you plenty of flexibility for dealing with long, heavy mixing sessions, too. It also comes with a second bowl and a separate mechanism for mixing cookie doughs or cake batters, or whipping cream or egg whites. That means you’ll need plenty of space to store all the parts. 

Learning the mixer’s intricacies can take a while, and it doesn’t come cheap at $800; for most people, a simpler, all-in-one KitchenAid is the better choice. But if you’re an ardent, adventurous baker, you’ll undoubtedly find that with the Ankarsrum, the dough you pay is worth it for the dough it turns out.

-- Matthew Murray, director, CNET Labs

• Size: 19 x 14.3 x 14.3 inches (depth, width, height)
• Weight: 18.3 pounds
• Style: Motor in base
• Capacity: 7.4 quarts (metal bowl), 3.7 quarts (plastic bowl)
• Power: 600W
• Number of settings: Infinite
• Attachments: Dough hook, dough scraper, balloon whisks, dough whisks, dual-bowl lid

Same KitchenAid design, same KitchenAid color choices (mostly), but with 40% more volume, 66% more power and two additional mixing paddles to take your stand mixer functionality to a professional level. I also like the half-speed setting here for the possibility of gently folding nuts or chips into batters. The bowl-lift mechanics allow for even greater maneuverability (and far less swearing than with a tilt-head when you accidentally hit the cupboards).

A slightly less expensive 600 Series pro model is also available from KitchenAid, if you're interested in the bowl-lift option but don't necessarily need the greater volume.

• Size: 14.63 x 11.31 x 16.5 inches (depth, width, height)
• Weight: 31 pounds
• Style: Bowl-lift
• Capacity: 7 quarts
• Power: 500 watts
• Number of settings: 11
• Attachments: Double-flex edge beater, flat beater, dough hook, pastry beater, whisk, pouring shield; 12 optional attachments including ice cream maker, meat grinder, pasta roller and spiralizer

The Ooni Halo Pro Spiral Mixer is an absolute tank of a stand mixer. At $799, it's not for the stand mixer-curious, but it's great for those who make dough on the regular, and we're not talking about cookie dough. Instead, this mixer excels at pizza dough, bread dough and anything where gluten needs to be worked over with serious muscle.

This monster has 650 watts of dough-mixing power and a modern industrial look. You can read our full review on the Ooni Halo Pro Spiral Mixer here.

• Size: 17.17 x 9.9 x 13.5 inches (depth, width, height)
• Weight: 32 pounds
• Style: Spiral mixer
• Capacity: 7.4 quarts
• Power: 650 watts
• Number of settings: 58
• Attachments: Flexible beater, spiral dough hook, geared whisk

When GE unveiled its Smart Mixer at CES 2023, it caught the attention of a few folks in attendance, including CNET's own Jessica Dolcourt, who deemed its entry into the category a "big deal." Dolcourt, who was able to both see the Smart Mixer in action and play around with it, was impressed by its many futuristic functions, none more useful than the built-in scale. 

GE Profile’s stand mixer stands out from the crowd thanks to its -- dare I say -- genius integrated scale, which lets you measure ingredients with precision right in the bowl. The scale then zeroes out so you can add the next ingredient without having to bust out measuring cups or spoons. We simply adore skipping a step, no matter how small.

Another smart element is the mixer's auto-sense technology, which works with dozens of programmed recipes from the app to monitor viscosity changes through motor torque while in use, optimizing speed and power for best results when whipping, mixing, emulsifying and so on. Simply put, this mixer does a lot of the work for you. It's also powerful, with 540 watts of oomph, and offers a large 7-quart bowl.

• Size: 14 x 11.33 x 17.07 inches (depth, width, height)
• Weight: 22 pounds
• Style: Bowl lift
• Capacity: 7 quarts
• Power: 540 watts
• Number of settings: Dozens, including preprogrammed recipes
• Attachments: Dough hook, wire whisk, beater

KitchenAid is certainly the most popular stand mixer and has a decades-long track record of satisfaction from bakers and home chefs alike. While it might be the safest bet, KitchenAid machines are also expensive, with most models costing well over $300. Among our list of best stand mixers, any of these should serve the purpose of consistently handling typical recipes on a regular basis and any of them can be considered a worthwhile investment. The best stand mixer for you is the one that fits your budget, space and lifestyle.

Expect to spend between $200 and $500 for an average, well-reviewed stand mixer. Very few are priced lower than $100; our budget pick here is pretty close to that mark. Professional grade or splurge-worthy options can cost $1,000 or above. Average models will be worthy investments for most home cooks and their needs. You may want to consider a higher-end model if you have an especially large household, a catering operation or the verve to make artisanal bread at home several times a week.

The base of a stand mixer can be wiped down with water and a clean dish or paper towel. It's important to do this thoroughly after each use, as residual flour or batter can build up close to the motor or hinge and inhibit its functionality. The bowl and detachable beaters or paddles of a stand mixer can be washed thoroughly with soap and water. These parts may also be dishwasher-safe; you should check the user manual of your particular model to confirm whether it's alright to put them in the dishwasher. 

For more, read CNET's complete guide to cleaning your stand mixer.

There are several important factors to consider when choosing a stand mixer, including price, space requirements, bowl volume and attachments -- all of which should reflect how often and what you plan to make. If you expect to use your mixer frequently, it’s worth investing in a sturdy, well-reviewed model that'll serve you better in the long run than opting for a cheaper option. How often you use it will also help determine whether the mixer lives on your counter or gets stored in a cupboard or pantry when not in use. Either way, make sure you have enough space and can move it comfortably, as many models are quite heavy.

Most stand mixers come with bowl capacities ranging from 4 to 6 quarts, which works well for typical home baking. Smaller-capacity models are available, but these are often chosen to save space rather than because you’ll only be making half-size recipes.

Larger mixers can offer bowls up to 8 quarts, which can be helpful if you frequently make extra-large batches, though these are typically considered professional-grade models. If you plan to keep your mixer on the counter, color or design may also be important. Getting the most out of your mixer may also mean considering additional attachments, such as a meat grinder, ice cream maker or pasta roller.