Discover the top KitchenAid Stand Mixers recommended for beginner bakers

As a child, my fondest memories often revolve around my KitchenAid stand mixer. Its presence on the kitchen counter was always a sign that something delicious was about to be made, such as cookies, cakes, muffins, or even homemade pasta.

Getting my own KitchenAid stand mixer was a rite of passage when I moved into my first apartment. I was lucky enough to inherit an older model, the KitchenAid Classic Plus 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, from my dad. Despite its age, it served me well for many years, until the motor finally gave out while I was kneading a particularly stiff dough for hand-pulled noodles.

Getting my own KitchenAid stand mixer was a rite of passage when I moved into my first apartment. I was lucky enough to inherit an older model, the KitchenAid Classic Plus 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, from my dad. Despite its age, it served me well for many years, until the motor finally gave out while I was kneading a particularly stiff dough for hand-pulled noodles.

Design and specs

The specifics of stand mixer wattage are explained in more detail in the “How to choose a stand mixer” section of our KitchenAid buying guide. In general, the lower the wattage, the less powerful the motor. KitchenAid stand mixers range from 250 to 970 watts, with the Classic Plus having a 275 watt motor, which falls on the lower end of the spectrum. Despite its lower wattage, it is capable of performing common baking tasks such as making cookies, brownies, whipped cream, cakes, and occasional bread loaves.

On the other hand, if you are an avid baker who bakes on a weekly basis or regularly make dense doughs, a model like the KitchenAid Pro with a higher wattage would be better suited for your needs, as it can handle demanding tasks more effectively.

If you only bake a few times a year, the KitchenAid Classic Plus would suffice for your needs.

Review of the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer

For our guide to the best KitchenAid stand mixers, I tested a newer version of the KitchenAid Classic Plus and used it to mix cookie dough, whip egg whites, and knead heavy bagel dough. The mixer is equipped with three attachments, including a paddle mixer, a whisk, and a dough hook, to handle each of these tasks effectively.

The stand mixer is straightforward to use with only two controls: a lever to secure the mixer head for safety and another to alter the speed. The slowest speed is suitable for mixing delicate ingredients, such as chocolate chips in cookie dough, while the fastest speed can handle demanding jobs like kneading bread dough. Typically, speeds higher than 7 are not necessary for most tasks.

The stand mixer performed exceptionally well when mixing cookie dough and whipping egg whites, but encountered some difficulty with the bagel dough. Although the dough eventually blended together properly, it may not be suitable for handling large quantities and to ensure its longevity, it’s advisable to limit heavy-duty tasks to a few times annually.

Weighing 22 pounds, this stand mixer is substantial, though lighter than many other KitchenAid models. Despite its lighter weight, it can still be challenging to move due to its solid enamel-coated metal construction, which provides great durability. Cleaning the body is simple, just wipe it down with a damp cloth. The metal mixing bowl is lightweight and has a smooth finish, making it effortless to clean – it can even be put in the dishwasher. Additionally, the mixer is compatible with all KitchenAid attachments.

Factors to consider before purchasing Stand Mixer

The most significant downside to consider is the wattage, as it may not meet your requirements. It is not recommended to experiment and find out, as this may result in burning out the motor, which is a repairable issue but with a cost that could approach the cost of a new stand mixer. It’s advisable to exercise caution and choose a more powerful model like the KitchenAid Pro if you plan on using the stand mixer frequently or for tasks such as kneading bread.

One aspect of stand mixer advertising that is frustrating is the difference between stated and actual capacity. For example, the KitchenAid Classic Plus claims a 4.5 quart capacity, but the practical capacity is around 3 quarts. This mixer can handle single batches of most recipes, but it’s not suitable for making double batches.

Honestly, I would have preferred if the mixing bowl had a handle for better handling. 

Conclusion

For occasional bakers or those just starting to explore cooking, the KitchenAid Classic Plus stand mixer is an excellent choice to begin with. It features the same metal components as more expensive KitchenAid mixers, a robust motor, and a spacious mixing bowl.