Households that often make bread, brioche and other bakes
Compare the stated dough capacity of each model with the size of your usual batches. Check for a dough hook, beater and whisk, and consider how easy the bowl is to grip when full.
Who are these appliances for?
Que Choisir sees a stand mixer as particularly useful for making bread, brioche and other bakes regularly or in large quantities. The right set-up then depends on what you make and how much space you have at home.
Home cooks short on space who want an appliance with several functions
A food processor you already own may still be useful if it has a dough hook suited to the quantities you make and can also chop or blend. If you’d prefer a stand mixer with optional attachments, make room for the ones you’ll actually use.
Bakers who make large batches of yeasted dough
Look for the dough capacity stated for the specific model, rather than relying on bowl capacity alone. Also measure the space you’ll need to set up and use the appliance.
How do the appliances compare?
First decide whether kneading is your main use, or whether chopping, mincing and blending matter just as much. Then compare capacities and practical considerations for the exact model you’re looking at.
Standard stand mixer
Worth considering: if you often knead, mix and whisk, and don’t regularly need to chop or mince.
Bear in mind: a bowl sized for your batches may take up space and need careful handling when emptying and cleaning.
Stand mixer with optional attachments
Worth considering: if you often make dough and also regularly use compatible attachments for other tasks.
Bear in mind: an attachment being available in a range doesn’t mean it comes in the box. You’ll also need to consider how easy it is to fit, clean and store.
Food processor with a dough hook
Worth considering: if you already own one with a dough hook, it can handle the quantities you make and you regularly use it for other recipes.
Bear in mind: check the usable capacity for the specific model before relying on it for large batches.
High-capacity domestic dough kneader
Worth considering: if making very large quantities of yeasted dough is your main priority.
Bear in mind: check the stated capacity for the model you choose, as well as the space needed for the appliance and its bowl.
| What to consider | What to check | Think about your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Dough quantity | Compare the size of your usual batch with the dough limit stated for the model. Don’t confuse this limit with the bowl capacity, and check whether the bowl is easy to empty. | I sometimes make several loaves or brioche one after another, so I need a suitable dough capacity without choosing an unnecessarily bulky bowl. |
| Baking tools | Check for a dough hook, a beater for mixing and a whisk for whisked mixtures. Check exactly what’s included in the box. | I want to switch from bread to cakes using the tools supplied, without assuming that every attachment in a range is included. |
| Additional functions | Identify the tasks you regularly do, such as chopping, mincing or blending. Check which models the attachments are compatible with and how much storage space each one needs. | If my current food processor can knead the quantities I need, I can keep using it. Otherwise, I’ll compare the other functions I’d genuinely use. |
| Cleaning and storage | Check the dimensions, how easy the bowl is to grip and the washing instructions for each part. Allow for enough storage space if you’ll put the appliance away after use. | As I’ll be getting the mixer out often, I need to be able to empty the bowl and put each part away without hassle. |
| Parts and attachments | Look up parts listed for the exact model. Distinguish between the manufacturer’s stated commitments and whether the part you want is actually available. | I’d like to be able to find a compatible bowl or tool if I need a replacement. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing mainly by wattage or the number of speed settings
These figures alone don’t tell you how much dough the model can handle, or how easy it is to clean and store. Que Choisir’s test protocol includes testing bread dough at maximum capacity.
Start with the weight of your usual batches, then check the dough limit, the tools supplied and the instructions for the model you’re considering.
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Choosing the biggest bowl without checking how much space you have
A large bowl can be awkward to empty, wash or store if you usually make smaller batches.
Compare the dimensions of the appliance and bowl with your worktop, storage space and usual batch sizes.
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Confusing compatible attachments with those included in the box
A mincer or blender shown as part of a range may not come in the box with the specific model you choose.
Check the box contents and compatible model numbers separately before relying on an additional function.
Extra attachments also need space, and take time to fit and clean.
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Assuming a stated commitment to spare parts guarantees a repair
A brand’s commitment to supplying parts doesn’t, by itself, tell you whether the bowl or tool you might need will be available for your model.
Note down the exact model and look up the matching parts and the service terms stated by the manufacturer.
Which ranges are worth considering?
These examples show different set-ups. Their capacities and attachments don’t automatically apply to every model from the same brand.
Bosch
The MUM range combines stand mixers with attachments identified by model number.
- Bosch states that the MUM58710 has a 3,9 L bowl and can handle up to 1,9 kg of yeasted dough. The MUM5 catalogue also features replacement bowls.
- Check compatibility and box contents for the model you’re considering: an attachment from the range may not be included.
Moulinex
The Masterchef Gourmet range includes stand mixers and attachments offered with selected models.
- Moulinex lists the QA510110 Masterchef Gourmet+ with a 4,6 L bowl with handles and a baking kit.
- Check which tools come in the box and which are optional, and confirm their model numbers before choosing.
Magimix
The CS 4200XL is a food processor to consider if you want to knead as well as prepare other recipes.
- Magimix states that the CS 4200XL has a 3 L bowl, a usable capacity of 1,3 L and comes with a dough hook.
- Compare the quantity of dough you plan to make with the documented kneading capacity. Don’t infer it from the bowl size alone.
Ankarsrum
The Assistent is a domestic mixer-kneader designed, among other things, for making large batches.
- Ankarsrum states that the Assistent can handle up to 5 kg of dough.
- This stated capacity doesn’t remove the need to check the instructions, attachments and dimensions of the model you choose.
Stand mixers available on Joybuy
These options are stand mixers for kneading or baking, including one model with additional functions. Compare their set-up with the batches you make. This list doesn’t compare food processors with bowls and specialist domestic dough kneaders.
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KITCHENCOOK AK80 silver
If you plan to make batches regularly, compare the dough limit and operating time stated in the manual for this model with your needs.
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Electrolux EKM3010 4,1 L 800 W
For bread or brioche, check the maximum dough quantity allowed: the 4,1 L bowl doesn’t tell you this. Also check that the tools supplied suit the bakes you usually make.
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AUCMA ASM1559 black, 6 L 450 W
The product name specifies a 6 L SUS304 stainless steel bowl, a tilt-head design, six speeds, a dough hook, whisk, beater and splash guard. For large batches, check the maximum dough load separately, along with the space needed to tilt back the head.
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Honinst 6.5QT, 10 speeds
This tilt-head mixer comes with a dough hook, whisk and beater. Before planning to make large batches, check the permitted dough load and the recommended running time for heavy doughs: the 6.5QT capacity doesn’t tell you this.
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Robby silver 5 L 1000 W, blender and mincer
The product name lists a 1,5 L glass blender and a mincer alongside the mixer. If you also want to bake, check exactly what comes in the box, including whether a beater is supplied, as well as the maximum dough load and washing instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Can my current food processor save me from buying a stand mixer?
Yes, if it has a dough hook and the stated dough capacity for your model suits the size of your batches. Que Choisir includes bread dough in its food processor testing protocol, but having this function doesn’t guarantee that every appliance will suit large quantities or frequent use.
Do multifunction attachments come with a stand mixer?
Not necessarily. Check the box contents for the exact model, and distinguish between the baking tools supplied and compatible attachments sold separately for mincing, blending or other tasks.