Best Stand Mixers in the UK

The Kenwood kMix 0W20011139 has no chill. From its retro style blasting from the blast (there's something about kitchen appliances from the 60s that makes them look much more interesting than the sleek but otherwise bland units we have today) to the model's functionality, ergonomics, and performance, there's almost no room for complaints here.

That said, ditching the modern look and sticking with its retro-inspired profile, the machine has also gained some weight. Where most stand mixers nowadays usually stop at ~7 kilogrammes, this one goes the extra mile extra pound. At 9.1 kilogrammes, the model's pretty heavy, no doubt about it. Of course, you seldom move stationary mixers, so we wouldn't call its considerable weight a considerable drawback. Plus, measuring 38.5 x 24 x 35.5 centimetres, this appliance is as compact as its more lightweight competition, so even one-handed relocation is possible. Challenging, maybe, but possible.

What's also possible is that the complementary attachment list is quite thorough. Most modern-day stationary mixers come with k-beaters, whisks, and dough hooks. Despite its almost vintage appearance, the model follows the same suit. Using these attachments, you can prepare flavoured bread, whip up brilliant-looking cakes, and treat guests to a delicious pavlova.

But, again, there's nothing unique about these attachments, so there's also nothing unique about the dishes and desserts you can prepare with it. There is, however, something unique about the model's fold function. With this function, the machine enables folding and layering ingredients together so prepare soufflés, mousses, or meringues with relative ease.

The Kenwood Chef KVC3100W is a pretty massive machine. At 38 x 28 x 30 centimetres, this is not the most compact appliance on this list, not quite. On the plus side, there's a pretty good chance that most people will find this model a little more practical and a lot less awkward than the more space-spacing stand mixers. Appearance-wise, the machine looks a bit bland, but that's not something that most companies prioritise with mixers anyway. Looking decent is acceptable in this business and we can give 'decent', no sweat.

Discussing more important matters, this appliance can come with 25 attachments, which is not a short list, not one bit. Aside from the usual suspects (k-beaters, balloon whisks, dough hooks, you know them) that will always arrive with the unit, you can pony up some extra dough and receive a food mincer attachment, a food processor attachment, a fruit press attachment, the company's very own ThermoResist™ blender attachment, and many more. Needless to say, between these attachments, there's almost nothing this machine won't let you prepare. They're pretty cheap as well, so we would not advise against some browsing, to say the least. Pasta rollers, ice cream makers, the company has them all, and they're all compatible with this appliance.

The Tower T12033 looks about as intense as the company's appliances usually look. Sporting Tower's staple black housing, the model matches the brunet paintwork with bronze/rose gold accents, creating a pretty elegant combination that makes the machine look much more expensive than its low-end price tag would suggest. Besides looking good, this appliance is also no slouch in the performance department. Still, keeping the price around 75 quid and producing a machine without a few weak points is nigh impossible, so we're not saying that this machine is flawless, not really.

First, the power cord is fairly short, which means that you'll be more tied to the mains than you normally would be. Second, the package does not include a spatula. That being said, at this price point, there's no shame in that, and you can always purchase one for 5-10 quid separately.

Setting these almost negligible drawbacks aside, we have basically no complaints left. Following in its less affordable contemporaries' footsteps, the machine arrives with a sizable, 5-litre bowl. Crafted from stainless steel, the bowl's protected against rust and corrosion. Plus, it is pretty thick, meaning that the bowl can take a serious lickin' and keep on tickin'. Along with the bowl, what should not deform is the handle that's attached to it, making sure that you can grab, hold, and carry the bowl with one hand.

Atop this bowl, you can put a handy splash guard that's also supplied with the package. With this guard, even on the highest speed setting, the machine works without spilling. Furthermore, the guard is transparent, so you can keep an eye on what's happening in the bowl without removing the splash guard.

The Morphy Richards 400023 shares the company's affordable pricing policy. But, unlike most stand mixers at this price point, this is one capable machine. Amateur bakers or seasoned professionals, there's very little chance that you will not benefit from this appliance or, at the very least, find the model useful at times. To begin with, despite belonging to the budget class, the machine looks quite sleek.

The white housing works well with black inserts and the chrome-treated stainless steel bowl. Of course, made from stainless steel, the bowl is protected from corrosion damage and will not start forming rust patches with time. Having said that, with its 4-litre capacity, the bowl's not especially spacious. But, despite that being the case, where most people are concerned, 4 litres is plenty, so you might not even notice the difference between this option and its 4.5- or even 5-litre counterparts.

Mirroring its more budget-hostile peers, the model utilises an orbital mixing motion. What that means is that, as the attachment that you have chosen spins, the motor's head turns in the opposite direction, making sure that each ingredient is incorporated and mixed with sufficient thoroughness.

Drawing 800 watts, this is not the fastest or most powerful machine but, between the 6 speed settings that this appliance comes equipped with and the additional pulse function, you should have no trouble whipping up delicious mixes, pastries, snacks, and more. The model will also let you prepare homemade sauces, dips, and mashed potatoes with very little effort.

The Heska 1500W 4-in-1 Food Stand Mixer does more with less. Despite the model's value-oriented price tag, the appliance draws and outputs 1500 watts, a lot more than most stand mixers these days. Because that's the case, the machine takes less time to prepare the same desserts and dishes that you would be preparing typically.

What's more, besides the traditional balloon whisk, dough hook, and k-beater, the model also arrives with a flexible silicone beater, hence its '4-in-1' disposition. With this beater, you can stir, mix, and beat cookies and batters, preparing perfect pastries. As per usual, the balloon whisk will make sure you'll be able to whip eggs, egg whites, and heavy creams. The dough hook, on the other hand, will give you the means to knead yeast dough, preparing different bread types, rolls, and pretty good pizza.

Considering the model's increased power, the same <5-litre bowl that 9/10 stand mixers come with would make very little sense, therefore the manufacturers have supplied this machine with a 5.5-litre bowl. Owing to this large-capacity bowl, you can mix enough batter for ~60 cookies or stir ~6 cups filled with dry ingredients. Made from stainless steel and polished with a chrome finish, the bowl looks good and will continue looking good, thanks to its scratch-resistant treatment and stainless steel composition. To add more, the bowl adopts a sizable handle. Holding the handle, you can relocate the bowl with one hand without worrying about spilling one drop. Plus, it is dishwasher safe, so you can clean it up without wasting a substantial amount of time or energy on it.