The best stand mixer is the KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS. Its 5-quart bowl, 10 speeds, tilt-head design and metal construction handle almost any recipe, and it has 4.7 stars from more than 23,000 Amazon reviews.
We compared eight top-rated stand mixers on Amazon, using only the specs each brand lists. Prices, ratings and review counts come from Amazon at the time of writing and may change.
A stand mixer handles cake batter, cookie dough, whipped cream and bread hands-free. Below you’ll find our top picks, a comparison table, detailed reviews, a buying guide and answers to common questions.
Top 3 Stand Mixers
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PS)
Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5 Qt. Stand Mixer (SM-50)
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS)Stand Mixers Compared
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PS) Best Overall | 5-quart stainless steel bowl with handle · 10 speeds | 4.7/5 23,330 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5 Qt. Stand Mixer (SM-50) Best Value | 5.5-quart polished stainless bowl · 500-watt motor, 12 speeds | 4.7/5 10,032 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) Best Classic | 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl · 10 speeds; 59 touchpoints | 4.7/5 12,312 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. KitchenAid 5.5-Qt Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer (KSM55) Best Bowl-Lift | 5.5-quart bowl-lift design · 2x the power in the bowl vs. tilt-head | 4.6/5 154 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 Qt Stand Mixer (KSM3311) Best Compact | 3.5-quart bowl · 25% lighter, 20% smaller footprint than Classic | 4.8/5 723 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. SMEG SMF03 Retro 5 Qt Stand Mixer Best Design | 5-quart stainless bowl · 600W motor, 10 speeds | 4.6/5 104 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. Cuisinart SMD-50 Precision Pro Digital Stand Mixer Best Digital | 5.5-quart bowl with helper handle · 500-watt motor, 12 speeds | 4.7/5 94 reviews | Check Price |
 | 8. VIVOHOME 6-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer Best Budget | 6-quart bowl · 660W copper motor, 10 speeds | 4.5/5 3,871 reviews | Check Price |
1. KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PS) – Best Overall
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, Juniper
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 23,330 reviews
Pros
Cons
The KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS is the best stand mixer for most home bakers. Its 5-quart stainless steel bowl handles everything from a single batch of cookies to holiday bread, 10 speeds cover gentle stirring through fast whipping, and the tilt-head design gives easy access to the bowl and beater. It costs about $349 with 4.7 stars from more than 23,000 Amazon reviews.
The durable metal construction is built to last for years, a pouring shield helps prevent mess, and the power hub works with KitchenAid’s wide range of attachments, from pasta rollers to meat grinders.
Key features
5-quart bowl. Comfortable handle; small to large batches.
10 speeds. Stir, mix, beat and whip.
Attachment hub. Turn it into a pasta maker, grinder and more.
What it’s like to own
The Artisan is popular for good reason: it’s versatile enough for cakes, cookies, meringues and everyday bread, and it comes in dozens of colors to match any kitchen. Owners often keep one for a decade or more.
It’s heavy to move, and for very large or stiff bread doughs, a bowl-lift model gives more power.
Best for: Most home bakers.
May not fit: Big-batch bread bakers.
2. Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5 Qt. Stand Mixer (SM-50) – Best Value
Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5 Qt. 12-Speed Stand Mixer, SM-50BCNAS
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 10,032 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 is the best value stand mixer, at about $270 with 4.7 stars from 10,032 Amazon reviews. Its 500-watt motor powers 12 speeds and a 5.5-quart bowl.
Cuisinart says its die-cast metal construction is meaningfully lighter to lift.
Key features
12 speeds. Click-stop LED dial.
5.5-quart bowl. More room than the Artisan.
Planetary action. Thorough mixing.
What it’s like to own
It includes a full baking kit and an attachment port. The tilt-back head locks in place.
Its attachment ecosystem is smaller than KitchenAid’s.
Best for: Value seekers.
May not fit: Attachment collectors.
3. KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) – Best Classic
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 12,312 reviews
Pros
Cons
The KitchenAid Classic K45SS is the best classic stand mixer, at about $400 with 4.7 stars from 12,312 Amazon reviews. Its 4.5-quart bowl mixes up to 8 dozen cookies in a batch.
KitchenAid lists 59 touchpoints for thorough mixing.
Key features
4.5 quarts. 8 dozen cookies.
10 speeds. Nearly any task.
Attachments. 10-plus available.
What it’s like to own
It shares KitchenAid’s durable metal build. The tilt head gives easy bowl access.
Its bowl is smaller than the Artisan’s.
Best for: Traditional bakers.
May not fit: Big batches.
4. KitchenAid 5.5-Qt Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer (KSM55) – Best Bowl-Lift
KitchenAid 5.5-Qt Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer, KSM55SXXX, Porcelain White
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 154 reviews
Pros
Cons
The KitchenAid 5.5-Qt Bowl-Lift KSM55 is the best bowl-lift stand mixer, at about $500 with 4.6 stars from 154 Amazon reviews. KitchenAid says it delivers 2x the power in the bowl compared with tilt-head models.
A 1/2 speed gently folds delicate ingredients like blueberries.
Key features
Bowl-lift. Stable for heavy dough.
11 speeds. Including 1/2 speed.
5.5 quarts. 11 dozen cookies.
What it’s like to own
It works with over 10 KitchenAid attachments. It suits frequent bread bakers.
It’s a newer model with fewer reviews.
Best for: Bread bakers.
May not fit: Low cabinets.
5. KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 Qt Stand Mixer (KSM3311) – Best Compact
KitchenAid KSM3311XAQ Artisan Mini Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 3.5 quart, Aqua Sky Blue
Amazon rating: 4.8/5 from 723 reviews
Pros
Cons
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini is the best compact stand mixer, at about $400 with 4.8 stars from 723 Amazon reviews. It’s 25% lighter with a 20% smaller footprint than the KitchenAid Classic.
It’s compatible with all KitchenAid attachments, excluding bowls and beaters.
Key features
Compact. Small counters.
Lighter. Easy to move.
Attachments. Hub-compatible.
What it’s like to own
It’s powerful enough for most recipes for small households. It comes in many colors.
The 3.5-quart bowl limits batch size.
Best for: Apartments.
May not fit: Big families.
6. SMEG SMF03 Retro 5 Qt Stand Mixer – Best Design
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 104 reviews
Pros
Cons
The SMEG SMF03 is the best-looking stand mixer, at about $600 with 4.6 stars from 104 Amazon reviews. Its 50s retro design pairs with a 600W motor and 10 speeds.
It includes a wire whisk, flat beater, flex edge beater, dough hook and pouring shield.
Key features
Retro design. Coordinates with SMEG appliances.
600W. 10 speeds.
All-metal. Die-cast aluminum.
What it’s like to own
Its compact dimensions save counter space. Planetary mixing ensures consistent texture.
It costs more than most rivals.
Best for: Design lovers.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
7. Cuisinart SMD-50 Precision Pro Digital Stand Mixer – Best Digital
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 94 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Cuisinart SMD-50 Precision Pro is the best digital stand mixer, at about $259 with 4.7 stars from 94 Amazon reviews. An LED display, countdown timer and auto-off feature help prevent overmixing.
Three preprogrammed settings simplify common recipes.
Key features
Countdown timer. Auto-off.
12 speeds. 500 watts.
3-year warranty. Limited.
What it’s like to own
It includes a chef’s whisk, dough hook and flat paddle. A power outlet supports optional attachments.
It has fewer reviews than the SM-50.
Best for: Tech-minded bakers.
May not fit: Simplicity seekers.
8. VIVOHOME 6-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer – Best Budget
VIVOHOME Stand Mixer, 6-Quart Tilt-Head Kitchen Mixer with Bowl, Black
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 3,871 reviews
Pros
Cons
The VIVOHOME 6-Quart is the best budget stand mixer, at about $120 with 4.5 stars from 3,871 Amazon reviews. Its 660W copper motor powers a 6-quart bowl.
Strong suction cups keep it stable on the counter.
Key features
6 quarts. Large batches.
Splash guard. Add ingredients mid-mix.
10 speeds. Plenty of control.
What it’s like to own
It includes a dough hook, beater and whisk. It’s gift-ready.
It lacks the attachment ecosystem of premium brands.
Best for: Tight budgets.
May not fit: Attachment fans.
How to Choose a Stand Mixer
Tilt-head or bowl-lift
Tilt-head mixers, like the KitchenAid Artisan, Classic, Mini and Cuisinart SM-50, let you tilt the motor head back to add ingredients and swap attachments. They’re easier to use and fit under most cabinets.
Bowl-lift mixers, like the KitchenAid 5.5-Qt KSM55, raise the bowl to the beater. KitchenAid says this design delivers 2x the power in the bowl, making it better for heavy bread dough and big batches.
Bowl capacity
Bowl sizes range from 3.5 quarts on the Artisan Mini to 6 quarts on the VIVOHOME. A 5-quart bowl handles most household recipes, including about 9 dozen cookies.
If you bake often for crowds or make several loaves at once, choose 5.5–6 quarts. For one or two people, a 3.5–4.5 quart mixer saves space.
Power and speeds
Wattage ranges from 500W (Cuisinart) to 660W (VIVOHOME), but wattage isn’t the whole story. Gearing, bowl design and planetary mixing action affect how well a mixer handles dough.
Most mixers offer 10–12 speeds. Special low speeds, like KitchenAid’s 1/2 speed for folding, help with delicate ingredients.
Attachments and ecosystem
KitchenAid’s power hub works with over 10 attachments, from pasta rollers to meat grinders and spiralizers. This makes a KitchenAid a long-term kitchen system.
Cuisinart mixers also include an attachment port, while budget brands typically offer only the basic beater, hook and whisk. Consider whether you’ll use extra attachments.
Build quality
Metal construction, like KitchenAid’s and SMEG’s die-cast aluminum, adds weight and stability and tends to last longer. Cuisinart uses die-cast metal that it says is lighter to lift.
Budget mixers often use plastic housings with suction-cup feet for stability. They work well for occasional baking but may not last as long under heavy use.
Features and design
Digital models like the Cuisinart SMD-50 add timers, auto-off and preset programs. Pouring shields, included with the Artisan and SMEG, reduce flour clouds.
Design matters if your mixer lives on the counter. SMEG’s retro look and KitchenAid’s wide color range let you match your kitchen.
FAQ
What is the best stand mixer?
The KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS is our top pick. It has a 5-quart bowl, 10 speeds, a tilt head and durable metal construction. It has 4.7 stars from more than 23,000 reviews.
Is a KitchenAid stand mixer worth it?
For frequent bakers, yes. KitchenAid mixers are durable, versatile and compatible with many attachments. Occasional bakers may be happy with a Cuisinart or budget mixer.
What size stand mixer should I get?
A 5-quart mixer suits most households. Choose 3.5–4.5 quarts for small kitchens and 5.5–6 quarts for big batches or bread. Bowl-lift models are best for heavy dough.
Tilt-head or bowl-lift: which is better?
Tilt-head mixers are easier to use and fit under cabinets. Bowl-lift mixers are more stable and powerful for heavy dough. Choose based on what you bake most.
Can a stand mixer knead bread dough?
Yes, using the dough hook. For frequent bread baking or large batches, choose a bowl-lift model or a dedicated dough mixer. Follow the manufacturer’s speed recommendations for kneading.
How long do stand mixers last?
Quality stand mixers can last many years with proper care. Metal construction and gear-driven motors tend to be more durable. Avoid overloading the bowl with stiff dough.
Final Verdict
The KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS is the best stand mixer overall, with a 5-quart bowl, 10 speeds and more than 23,000 reviews.
Choose the Cuisinart SM-50 for value, the KitchenAid Bowl-Lift for heavy dough, the Artisan Mini for small kitchens or the SMEG for retro design.
On a budget, the VIVOHOME 6-Quart costs about $120.
Quick picks:
- Best overall: KitchenAid Artisan
- Best value: Cuisinart SM-50
- Best bowl-lift: KitchenAid 5.5-Qt
- Best compact: KitchenAid Artisan Mini
- Best budget: VIVOHOME 6-Quart
Related buying guides: Best Hand Blenders · Best Food Processors · Best Large Food Processors
