Best Stand Mixers 2026
Powerful stand mixers for baking and cooking.
Our Top Picks
Full Rankings
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer
Best OverallThe iconic stand mixer—tilt-head design, 10 speeds, and 15+ optional attachments. Huge color selection to match any kitchen.
Pros
- ✓Iconic design
- ✓10 speeds
- ✓Tilt-head convenience
Cons
- ✗Struggles with stiff doughs
- ✗Heavy for tilt-head
- ✗Expensive attachments
KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart
Best PremiumBowl-lift design with 575W motor handles heavy bread doughs that stall lesser mixers. 6-quart capacity for large batches.
Pros
- ✓575W motor
- ✓Bowl-lift stability
- ✓Handles heavy doughs
Cons
- ✗Large footprint
- ✗Bowl-lift less convenient
- ✗Very heavy
Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer
Swedish engineering with unique arm-and-roller kneading that mimics hand kneading. The bread baker's secret weapon.
Pros
- ✓Unique roller + arm kneading
- ✓7 qt capacity
- ✓600W motor
Cons
- ✗Very expensive
- ✗Different technique
- ✗Large footprint
Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
Best Value500W power and 5.5-quart capacity at significant savings versus KitchenAid. Includes splash guard and 12 speeds.
Pros
- ✓500W motor
- ✓12 speeds
- ✓Great value
Cons
- ✗Less attachment ecosystem
- ✗Fewer color options
- ✗Lesser brand prestige
Hamilton Beach Eclectrics All-Metal Stand Mixer
Best BudgetAll-metal construction and 12 speeds at the most accessible price. Great for beginning bakers.
Pros
- ✓Very affordable
- ✓All-metal construction
- ✓12 speeds
Cons
- ✗400W motor
- ✗4.5 qt only
- ✗Limited attachments
Score Comparison
| Product | Mixing Power 35% | Versatility 25% | Build Quality 20% | Bowl Capacity 10% | Value 10% | Weighted Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9.70 | $450 |
#2KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 9.40 | $699 |
#3Ankarsrum Original Stand Mixer | 9 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 8.80 | $850 |
#4Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8.65 | $248 |
#5Hamilton Beach Eclectrics All-Metal Stand Mixer | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 7.50 | $192 |
Buying Guide
Bowl-lift models handle heavy doughs better than tilt-head. Consider motor power (for bread dough), bowl capacity, and attachment compatibility. Planetary mixing action is essential.
What We Evaluate
Mixing Power
Heavy dough handling
Versatility
Attachments and functions
Build Quality
Motor and construction
Bowl Capacity
Batch sizes
Value
Features per dollar
Our Testing Methodology
We test stand mixers for bread dough handling, whipping stability, motor heat, attachment variety, and long-term durability.
Learn more about how we test →