The best stand mixer for most bakers is the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt — powerful, iconic, and it takes dozens of attachments. A stand mixer whips, creams, and kneads hands-free, so if you bake at all it earns its counter space. Below are the best stand mixers we’d actually buy — premium to budget, across sizes and the colors people actually shop for — every one confirmed in stock.
How we chose the best stand mixers
Every pick was scored against the same criteria, and we confirmed each product is currently in stock on Amazon before including it:
- Real-world quality — materials, construction, and durability, not marketing claims.
- Fit for purpose — sound design and the right fit for the job each product is meant to do.
- Value across budgets — from a solid budget pick to a premium best-in-class option.
- Owner consensus — thousands of verified reviews and Amazon’s Choice standing, cross-checked against known failure points.
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Stand mixers: the 14 best, compared
The 14 best stand mixers, ranked
1KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Tilt-Head (Empire Red) Best overall
The stand mixer — a 325-watt tilt-head with a 5-quart bowl (9 dozen cookies a batch), 10 speeds, and the famous attachment hub that turns it into a pasta maker, meat grinder, or ice-cream churn. In the signature Empire Red. Iconic, capable, and it holds its resale value.
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, Empire Red
- Durable and built-to-last metal construction, with 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
- 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with comfortable handle for small or large batches, to mix up 9 dozen cookies* in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl - lock the head in place while mixing
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed, to whipping cream at speed 8, you'll get thorough ingredient incorporation every time
- Model KSM150PS include (1) 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, (1) Coated Flat Beater, (1) Coated Dough Hook, (1) 6-Wire Whip, (1) Pouring Shield
$499.95
Buy on Amazon
2Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Qt (Dove Gray) Best value
More power (500 watts) and a bigger 5.5-quart bowl than the base KitchenAid, plus 12 speeds and all the attachments in the box — for well under the Artisan’s price. The pick for bakers who want capability over the KitchenAid badge.
Cuisinart SM-50GR Precision Master 5.5-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer with Mixing Bowl, Chef's Whisk, Flat Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, and Splash Guard with Pour Spout, Dove Gray 5.5 Qt Stand Mixer Color: Dove Gray
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: Delivering power, precision and performance, our stand mixer features a 5.5-quart capacity with a 500-watt motor, die-cast metal construction, and 12-speeds that allow for nuance and excellence in performing a variety of preparation tasks
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Polished stainless steel bowl, tilt-back head and one power outlet for optional attachments
- INCLUDED: Chef’s whisk, dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and splash guard with pour spout – also included is an instruction manual and recipe book
- OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS AND COLORS: Pasta extruder, pasta roller and cutters, ice cream maker, meat grinder and spiralizer – All colors available in Silver Lining, Onyx, Periwinkle Blue, Ruby Red, White Linen and Robin’s Egg
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
3KitchenAid Classic 4.5-Qt Tilt-Head (White) Best compact KitchenAid
The smaller, cheaper KitchenAid — a 4.5-quart bowl and 275 watts that still handle everyday cookies, cakes, and light dough, and it takes the same attachments as the Artisan. The pick for a smaller kitchen or a tighter budget that still wants the ecosystem.
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, White | 10 Speeds, Durable Metal construction, 59 Touchpoints for Thorough Mixing, Compatible with KitchenAid Attachments White Mixer
- Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
- 4.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl to mix up to 8 dozen cookies in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. Using the flat beater; 28g dough each
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl - lock the head in place while mixing
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed, to whipping cream at speed 8, you'll get thorough ingredient incorporation every time
- 10 plus attachments to make more with your mixer to make everything from fresh pasta to burgers, veggie noodles, ice cream and more, sold separately
$399.00
Buy on Amazon
4Aucma 6.5-Qt Stand Mixer (Silver) Best budget
A big 6.5-quart, 660-watt tilt-head with dough hook, whisk, and beater for a fraction of the premium mixers — genuinely capable for the occasional or new baker. Not built for daily heavy dough, but a lot of mixer for the money.
Sale
Aucma Stand Mixer,6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Mixer, Kitchen Electric Mixer with Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater (Silver, 6.5QT) Silver 6.5QT
- Powerful Motor and Variable Speed Control - 660W high performance pure copper motor and sturdy ABS housing; 6 optimized speeds with pulse function, access to multipurpose and a variety of recipes. More powerful motor but lower operation noise ≤76dB.
- 6.5QT Large Capacity Bowl With Handles - 6.5QT Stainless steel bowl can meet all your kitchen needs. The Stand Mixer is easy to use for making cakes, breads, cookies, pastry, muffins and waffle, and the dual handles are more convenient to hold.
- Tilt Head and Outside Design - The tilt-head design mixer allows access to install or uninstall bowl and accessories easily. The mixer has a stainless steel decoration belt and blue LED light as power indicator. Definitely one of the best appliance in your kitchen.
- Multiple Attachment Set - Aucma stand mixer comes with three upgraded mixing accessories: whisk, dough hook, mixing beater which are all dishwasher safe.The splash guard with access hatch helps add ingredients without making a mess.
- Ideal Gift and Multiple Authentication - Aucma electric mixer is a perfect gift idea for Christmas Day, your family and friends. Please always feel free to contact us if you have any questions during using.
$135.99
Buy on Amazon
5Cuisinart Precision Pro Digital 5.5-Qt Best digital
Cuisinart’s digital Precision Pro — a bright display, 12 speeds, and three preprogrammed prep settings that run and stop for you, on the same powerful 5.5-quart platform. The pick for bakers who like set-it precision over a manual dial.
Sale
Cuisinart SMD-50BC Precision Pro 5.5-Quart Digital Stand Mixer With 12-Speeds, 3 Preprogrammed Food Prep Settings, Mixing Bowl, Whisk, Flat Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, And Splash Guard, Silver Lining Digital Brushed Chrome 5.5 Qt Stand Mixer
- 12 speeds for precision mixing with powerful 500-watt motor
- LED Digital Display and LED dial illuminates when operating
- Countdown timer with Auto-off feature, preprogrammed recipe features
- One power outlet for optional attachments
- Polished stainless steel 5.5 Qt. Bowl with helper handle
$340.00
Buy on Amazon
6KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt (Black Matte) Best modern finish
The same beloved Artisan 5-quart in an all-over matte black that looks striking on a modern counter — identical 10-speed, attachment-ready performance, just the most on-trend finish. For bakers who want the icon in stealth black.
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, Black Matte | Includes Pouring Shield for Mess-Free Mixing, 10 Speed Settings, Easily add Ingredients with the Tilt-Head Design Matte Black
- Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
- 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with comfortable handle for small or large batches, to mix up 9 dozen cookies* in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl - lock the head in place while mixing.
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed, to whipping cream at speed 8, you'll get thorough ingredient incorporation every time.
- Match your style with over 20 colors available. Choose from a full palette of color options to best match your style and personality.
$478.67
Buy on Amazon
7KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt (White) Best classic white
The timeless white Artisan — the same 5-quart, 10-speed workhorse in the clean, goes-with-everything finish that never dates. The safe, classic color pick for the do-it-all KitchenAid.
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, White | Includes Pouring Shield for Mess-Free Mixing, 10 Speed Settings, Easily add Ingredients with the Tilt-Head Design
- Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
- 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with comfortable handle for small or large batches, to mix up 9 dozen cookies* in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl - lock the head in place while mixing
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed, to whipping cream at speed 8, you'll get thorough ingredient incorporation every time
- Model KSM150PS includes (1) 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, (1) Coated Flat Beater, (1) Coated Dough Hook, (1) 6-Wire Whip, (1) Pouring Shield
$489.00
Buy on Amazon
8Aucma 6.5-Qt Stand Mixer (Black) Best big-bowl budget
The 6.5-quart Aucma in black — the largest bowl here at a budget price, handy for big batches of dough or cookies when you don’t want to spend KitchenAid money. A lot of capacity for the price.
Sale
Aucma Stand Mixer,6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Mixer, Kitchen Electric Mixer with Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater (Black, 6.5QT) Black 6.5QT
- Powerful Motor and Variable Speed Control - 660W high performance pure copper motor and sturdy ABS housing; 6 optimized speeds with pulse function, access to multipurpose and a variety of recipes. More powerful motor but lower operation noise ≤76dB.
- 6.5QT Large Capacity Bowl With Handles - 6.5QT Stainless steel bowl can meet all your kitchen needs. The Stand Mixer is easy to use for making cakes, breads, cookies, pastry, muffins and waffle, and the dual handles are more convenient to hold.
- Tilt Head and Outside Design - The tilt-head design mixer allows access to install or uninstall bowl and accessories easily. The mixer has a stainless steel decoration belt and blue LED light as power indicator. Definitely one of the best appliance in your kitchen.
- Multiple Attachment Set - Aucma stand mixer comes with three upgraded mixing accessories: whisk, dough hook, mixing beater which are all dishwasher safe.The splash guard with access hatch helps add ingredients without making a mess.
- Ideal Gift and Multiple Authentication - Aucma electric mixer is a perfect gift idea for Christmas Day, your family and friends. Please always feel free to contact us if you have any questions during using.
$135.99
Buy on Amazon
9Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Qt (White Linen) Best value (white)
The 500-watt, 12-speed Cuisinart Precision Master in a soft white-linen finish — the same value-packed, big-bowl mixer that undercuts the KitchenAid, in a lighter color for brighter kitchens. Power and capacity without the premium price.
Sale
Cuisinart Stand Mixer, 12 Speed, 5.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, Chef’s Whisk, Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, Splash Guard w/ Pour Spout, White Linen, SM-50NAS, Manual | 12 speeds, 500W motor, bowl, whisk, paddle, dough hook, splash guard Manual Color: White Linen 5.5 Qt Stand Mixer
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: Delivering power, precision and performance, our stand mixer features a 5.5-quart capacity with a 500-watt motor, die-cast metal construction, and 12-speeds that allow for excellence in performing a variety of preparation tasks
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Polished stainless steel bowl, tilt-back head and one power outlet for optional attachments
- INCLUDED: Chef’s whisk, dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and splash guard with pour spout – also included is an instruction manual and recipe book
- OPTIONAL ATTACHMENTS AND COLORS: Pasta extruder, pasta roller and cutters, ice cream maker, meat grinder and spiralizer – All colors available in Silver Lining, Onyx, Periwinkle Blue, Ruby Red, White Linen and Robin’s Egg
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
$248.99
Buy on Amazon
10KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt (Cast Iron Black) Best premium finish
The Artisan in a deep cast-iron black with a subtle metallic depth — a more premium-looking take on the classic 5-quart, same 10-speed attachment-ready performance. The upscale color choice for a statement counter piece.
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, Cast Iron Black | Includes Pouring Shield for Mess-Free Mixing, 10 Speed Settings, Easily add Ingredients with the Tilt-Head Design
- Choose from all the color options to find the one that best matches your style and personality. Important safeguard: Remove Flat Beater, Wire Whip or Dough Hook from Stand Mixer before washing. . Cord length : 36 Inches
11KitchenAid Classic 4.5-Qt (Onyx Black) Best compact (black)
The compact 4.5-quart Classic KitchenAid in onyx black — the affordable, smaller-footprint way into the KitchenAid attachment ecosystem, in a sleek dark finish. Great for everyday baking in a tighter space.
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black | 10 Speeds, Durable Metal construction, 59 Touchpoints for Thorough Mixing, Compatible with KitchenAid Attachments Onyx Black Mixer
- Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
- 4.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl to mix up to 8 dozen cookies in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. Using the flat beater; 28g dough each
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl - lock the head in place while mixing
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed, to whipping cream at speed 8, you'll get thorough ingredient incorporation every time
- 10 plus attachments to make more with your mixer to make everything from fresh pasta to burgers, veggie noodles, ice cream and more, sold separately
$399.95
Buy on Amazon
12KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt (Aqua Sky) Best statement color
The Artisan in the popular Aqua Sky blue — same 5-quart, 10-speed icon, in the retro-pastel color that makes it a countertop centerpiece. For bakers who want the mixer to be a design feature.
Sale
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, Aqua Sky | Includes Pouring Shield for Mess-Free Mixing, 10 Speed Settings, Easily add Ingredients with the Tilt-Head Design
- Durable and built-to-last metal construction, with 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
- 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with comfortable handle for small or large batches, to mix up 9 dozen cookies* in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl - lock the head in place while mixing
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed, to whipping cream at speed 8, you'll get thorough ingredient incorporation every time
- Model KSM150PS includes: (1) 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, (1) Coated Flat Beater, (1) Coated Dough Hook, (1) 6-Wire Whip, (1) Pouring Shield
13Aucma 6.5-Qt Stand Mixer (Blue) Best budget color
The 6.5-quart Aucma in blue — the lowest price here for a genuinely big-bowl mixer, in a cheerful color. The pick to try stand-baking without a big commitment, or a fun second mixer.
Sale
Aucma Stand Mixer,6.5-QT 660W 6-Speed Tilt-Head Food Mixer, Kitchen Electric Mixer with Dough Hook, Wire Whip & Beater (Blue, 6.5QT) Blue 6.5QT
- Powerful Motor and Variable Speed Control - 660W high performance pure copper motor and sturdy ABS housing; 6 optimized speeds with pulse function, access to multipurpose and a variety of recipes. More powerful motor but lower operation noise ≤76dB.
- 6.5QT Large Capacity Bowl With Handles - 6.5QT Stainless steel bowl can meet all your kitchen needs. The Stand Mixer is easy to use for making cakes, breads, cookies, pastry, muffins and waffle, and the dual handles are more convenient to hold.
- Tilt Head and Outside Design - The tilt-head design mixer allows access to install or uninstall bowl and accessories easily. The mixer has a stainless steel decoration belt and blue LED light as power indicator. Definitely one of the best appliance in your kitchen.
- Multiple Attachment Set - Aucma stand mixer comes with three upgraded mixing accessories: whisk, dough hook, mixing beater which are all dishwasher safe.The splash guard with access hatch helps add ingredients without making a mess.
- Ideal Gift and Multiple Authentication - Aucma electric mixer is a perfect gift idea for Christmas Day, your family and friends. Please always feel free to contact us if you have any questions during using.
$135.99
Buy on Amazon
14KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt (Almond Cream) Best neutral tone
The Artisan in warm almond cream — a soft, neutral finish that blends into farmhouse and classic kitchens, wrapped around the same 5-quart, attachment-ready workhorse. The understated color pick.
KitchenAid Artisan, 5-Qt Tilt Head Stand Mixer, KSM150PS, Almond Cream
- Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
- 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with comfortable handle for small or large batches, to mix up 9 dozen cookies* in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.
- Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl - lock the head in place while mixing.
- 10 speeds for nearly any task or recipe, from mixing ingredients together on the stir speed, to whipping cream at speed 8, you'll get thorough ingredient incorporation every time.
$489.00
Buy on Amazon
Stand mixers: buyer’s guide & FAQ
Which KitchenAid stand mixer should I get?
For most home bakers, the Artisan 5-quart tilt-head is the sweet spot — enough power and capacity for cookies, cakes, and moderate bread. Go Classic 4.5-quart to save money and space, or step up to a Professional bowl-lift (6+ quart) if you bake bread often or in big batches. All take the same attachments.
Tilt-head or bowl-lift — what’s the difference?
Tilt-head mixers (like the Artisan) flip the head back so you can add ingredients and swap the bowl easily — great for everyday baking. Bowl-lift mixers raise the bowl on arms and are sturdier for heavy, dense dough and large batches, but they’re bigger and pricier. Most home cooks are happiest with a tilt-head.
Is a stand mixer worth it over a hand mixer?
If you bake regularly, yes — a stand mixer works hands-free, kneads dough a hand mixer can’t, and whips and creams faster and more thoroughly. If you only mix the occasional batch of brownies, a good hand mixer is cheaper and stores easily. It comes down to how often you bake.
What can a stand mixer do besides mix?
With attachments, a lot — especially KitchenAid, whose hub powers pasta rollers, meat grinders, spiralizers, grain mills, and even ice-cream makers. That expandability is a big reason people pay up for KitchenAid. Cuisinart and budget brands mix and knead well but have far fewer add-ons.
KitchenAid vs. Cuisinart vs. a budget mixer — how do I choose?
KitchenAid wins on the attachment ecosystem, build, resale value, and colors. Cuisinart typically gives you more motor power and a bigger bowl for less money. Budget brands like Aucma offer a large bowl cheaply and are fine for occasional baking, but aren’t built for daily heavy dough. Match it to how seriously you bake.
More kitchen gear, ranked
Meet your guide
M
Melissa
Home, Kitchen, Beauty & Fitness
I’ve spent years writing about and recommending the products people actually live with — the kitchen gear, home goods, and beauty finds that earn their place on a shelf. At Golden’s List I lead editorial across Home, Kitchen, Beauty, and Fitness, digging through reviews, specs, and real owner feedback to separate the genuinely great from the merely popular — and making sure every pick is in stock with a live price before it makes a list. Meet the whole team →