Best for most bakers
KitchenAid Artisan
- Mixes cakes, cookies and bread dough well
- Hub for pasta, mincer and grater attachments
- Pouring shield included
- Heavy — leave it on the counter
Best stand mixers
Most bakers should get the KitchenAid Artisan. Want to spend less? The KitchenAid Classic mixes the same way.
Best for less
KitchenAid Classic
- Same mixing action as the Artisan
- Takes the same attachments
- Cheapest way into a KitchenAid
- Smaller bowl with no handle
Best budget
Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50
- 5.5-quart bowl — bigger than the Artisan's
- 12 speeds and a splash guard
- 3-year warranty
- Fewer attachments than KitchenAid
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Tom's Guide, America's Test Kitchen, T3, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 8 Oct 2026How we decide