People who make bread regularly
You often make bread, brioche or other yeasted doughs. The amount of dough the mixer can knead and whether it comes with a dough hook matter more to you than a long list of functions.
Who is this guide for?
Baking enthusiasts with varied needs
You want to whisk, mix and knead, as well as try other recipes with compatible attachments. Check which tools come with the mixer and which extras need to be bought separately.
Home cooks who make smaller quantities
You make cakes or creams more often than large batches of bread. Storage, handling the bowl and how well the mixer suits your usual recipes may therefore carry more weight in your decision.
Which features should you prioritise?
Start with how often you knead and the size of your batches. If you rarely knead and mostly prepare a variety of dishes, compare the functions of a food processor too. If you knead regularly, check the stand mixer’s dough capacity and only consider the attachments you’ll actually use.
| Feature | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Kneading and capacity | Compare the weight of your batches with the stated limit for the type of dough and exact model; check that a dough hook is included. | If I often make large batches of bread or brioche, I want to avoid dividing them up. Around 33% of consumers would prioritise kneading capacity. |
| Useful attachments | Check which tools are included and whether the attachments you want are compatible with the exact model. | If I want to make more than just baked goods, I’m looking for functions I’ll actually use. Around 25% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Small batches and storage | Measure the space available, including room to lift the mixer head, and make sure the bowl size suits your usual recipes. | When I mostly make small batches, I want an appliance that’s easy to handle and store. Around 25% of consumers would prioritise this balance. |
| Parts and maintenance | Look for bowls, whisks and dough hooks that fit the exact model; check who the seller is and what after-sales support is available. | If I use my mixer often, I want to be able to replace a worn tool rather than the whole appliance. Around 17% of consumers would put parts availability first. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing based on watts or speed settings alone
If you knead regularly, these figures don’t tell you on their own how much dough a model can handle. UFC-Que Choisir recommends taking the bowl and the quantities you usually prepare into account.
Compare the stated capacity for the type of dough you make and check that a dough hook is included before weighing up the rated power.
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Choosing a large bowl for the occasional big batch
A larger bowl takes up more space and can be less convenient to handle or clean if you usually make smaller quantities.
Measure your worktop and storage space, then choose a bowl to suit the quantities you make most often.
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Assuming all attachments are included
An attachment available for a product range won’t necessarily come with the mixer or be compatible with every model.
Check what’s in the box and confirm the model number of each attachment you plan to use.
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Forgetting about spare parts and the seller
A brand’s promise that a product can be repaired doesn’t, on its own, confirm that every part is available. In France, according to the Ministry of the Economy, the legal guarantee of conformity for goods sold by a business to an individual is provided by the business that sold them. It is separate from a commercial guarantee.
Look for parts that fit the exact model, check who the seller is and keep your proof of purchase.
Brands to consider
Kenwood
Worth considering if you make large batches and are thinking of adding attachments to your stand mixer.
- Kenwood states that the Titanium Chef Baker XL KVL85.009SI comes with two bowls (7 L and 5 L), a dough capacity of 2.56 kg and a baking kit.
- This model measures 40 × 22,5 × 37 cm and weighs 11,5 kg, so check you have space for it and can handle the bowls comfortably.
KitchenAid
Worth considering if you want a tilt-head mixer with a medium capacity and the option to choose extra attachments to suit your needs.
- KitchenAid lists a 4,7 L stainless steel bowl, whisk, dough hook and flat beater for the Artisan 5KSM125.
- Check optional attachments separately. The bowl’s volume alone doesn’t tell you the maximum amount of yeasted dough it can handle.
Bosch
Worth a look if a stated yeasted dough capacity will help you work out the right batch size.
- Bosch states that the MUM58720 has a 3,9 L bowl and can handle up to 1,9 kg of yeasted dough.
- Check attachments by series and model number. Accessories for different MUM ranges aren’t automatically interchangeable.
Moulinex
Worth considering if you’re looking for a family-sized mixer and want to check which parts are available for your model.
- Moulinex states that the Masterchef Gourmet+ QA510110 comes with a 4,6 L bowl, dough hook, beater and Flex whisk.
- The brand offers parts for several mixer ranges. Confirm that each part is available for the QA510110.
Stand mixers available from Joybuy
This selection includes dedicated stand mixers as well as a food processor that combines baking and other kitchen functions. If you regularly make bread or brioche, check the dough capacity for the exact model you’re considering. You can’t work it out from the bowl’s volume or the motor’s power alone.
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Kenwood Go Collection KZM35.000RD, Red Clay
Worth a look for home baking if its size suits your kitchen. Before planning regular batches, check the dough capacity for this model and which tools are included.
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Robby 5 L food processor, silver, with blender and mincer
Worth considering if you want to combine baking with blending and mincing. The product name indicates a 5 L bowl, a rated power of 1 000 W and a 1,5 L glass blender jug. Check the dough capacity and power supply voltage before choosing it for your batches.
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AUCMA ASM1559, 6 L black stand mixer
Worth considering if you alternate between dough and baking and have room for a 6 L bowl. The product title lists a tilt-head design, a SUS304 stainless steel bowl, dough hook, whisk, beater and splash guard. Check the maximum dough capacity before planning large batches.
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AUCMA 5 L stand mixer, 10 speeds, black
Compare it with your usual batch sizes if you want to knead as well as make cakes or creams. The product title lists a tilt-head design, dough hook, whisk and beater. Check the dough capacity for this exact model separately.
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HAUSWIRT M5, 5,5 L stand mixer, Lake Green
Worth considering for home baking, once you’ve checked it has the tools you need for your recipes. The product title lists an LED touchscreen, five pre-set programmes and 11 speeds. Check which attachments are included, the dough capacity, dimensions and power supply voltage for this model.
Frequently asked questions
What size bowl do you need to make bread regularly?
Start with the weight of dough in your usual batches and compare it with the capacity stated for the model, rather than looking at the bowl’s volume alone. Bosch states that the MUM58720 can handle up to 1,9 kg of yeasted dough; Kenwood gives a dough capacity of 2,56 kg for the KVL85.009SI. These figures apply to those specific models and may not refer to the same type of dough.
Which tools should you check for kneading, mixing and whisking?
Check the box contents for a dough hook, beater or flat beater, and whisk. These tools cover all three tasks, but any attachments sold separately should be checked against the exact model.
How do you choose a mixer with replaceable parts?
Search the manufacturer’s catalogue using the exact model number, then check whether the parts you might need, such as the bowl, whisk or dough hook, are available. Moulinex lists parts for several stand mixer ranges, so check that each part fits the model you’re considering.
Who should you contact if a mixer bought in France doesn’t conform to its description?
For a mixer sold by a business to an individual in France, the legal guarantee of conformity applies through the business that sold it, according to the Ministry of the Economy. It covers new, second-hand and refurbished goods. Any manufacturer’s commercial guarantee is separate and does not replace it.