Cuisinart SM-50R 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer
A stand mixer (5.2L, 110 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
The Best Stand Mixers in the UK (2026)
A stand mixer takes the effort out of baking - creaming, whisking and kneading hands-free. This guide explains what matters (power, bowl size, head type) and which mixers we rate now.
Quick answer
For most home bakers, a tilt-head stand mixer with a 4.5-5L bowl and the three standard attachments (flat beater, dough hook, whisk) is the sweet spot. If you bake bread regularly, prioritise motor power, a sturdy build and bowl capacity. Buy on capability, not just colour - though the colour range is part of the appeal.
How much power do you need?
Higher wattage helps with stiff bread dough, but gearing and build quality matter as much as raw watts - a well-engineered mixer with metal gears can out-knead a higher-wattage plastic one. For cakes, biscuits and whipping, almost any decent mixer copes; for frequent bread making, lean towards more power and a heavier, sturdier body.
Bowl size and head type
- Bowl capacity - 4.5-5L suits most homes; 6L+ for large bakes and bread; smaller bowls for compact kitchens.
- Tilt-head - the head tilts back for easy bowl and beater access; ideal for everyday baking and most homes.
- Bowl-lift - the bowl raises to the beater; sturdier for heavy dough and larger capacities, but bulkier.
Most home bakers are happiest with a tilt-head; choose bowl-lift if you make lots of bread or big batches.
Attachments and versatility
Every mixer should come with a flat beater (cakes, biscuits), a dough hook (bread) and a whisk (cream, egg whites). Many also have a hub that takes optional attachments - pasta rollers, mincers, spiralizers - turning the mixer into a kitchen workhorse. Check which attachments are included and whether the hub accepts the extras you want.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying an underpowered mixer for regular bread making.
- Choosing a bowl that's too small for your batches.
- Expecting a budget mixer to knead heavy dough continuously without motor strain.
- Overlooking attachment availability if you want to expand later.
- Forgetting a mixer is heavy and needs permanent counter or cupboard space.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Cuisinart SM-50BC SMD-50BC Precision Pro 5.5-Quart Digital Stand Mixer
A stand mixer (500 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#3 
Aucma Stand Mixer
A stand mixer (6.2L, 1400 watts, tilt-head), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#4 
Aucma VIVOHOME 5.7l Electric Stand Mixer With Bowl for
A stand mixer (5.7L, 1500 watts, tilt-head), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#5 
Aucma Stand Mixer
A stand mixer (7.5L, 1400 watts, tilt-head), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#6 
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
A stand mixer (300.00, tilt-head), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#7 
Cuisinart MisterChef PRO Electric Kitchen Food Stand Mixer
A stand mixer (5.5L, 1600 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#8 
Cuisinart SM-50BCC Precision Master 5.5 Qt Stand Mixer
A stand mixer (5.2L, 500 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#9 
Kenwood Stand Mixer 5L Capacity 1000W Motor Black
A stand mixer (5L, 1000 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
#10 
Kenwood KMIX Stand Mixer 6-Speeds Cream
A stand mixer (5L, 1000 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough.
Frequently asked questions
Is a stand mixer worth it?
If you bake regularly, yes - it creams, whisks and kneads hands-free, saving time and effort, and expands with hub attachments. Occasional bakers may manage with a hand mixer.
What size stand mixer bowl do I need?
A 4.5-5L bowl suits most households; choose 6L or more for large bakes and bread dough, or a smaller bowl for a compact kitchen.
How much power does a stand mixer need?
More wattage helps with stiff bread dough, but gearing and build quality matter just as much. For cakes and whipping, most mixers are fine; for frequent bread, choose a powerful, sturdy model.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Cuisinart SM-50R 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer (our score 9.6/10) - A stand mixer (5.2L, 110 watts), a solid choice for everyday baking and the occasional bread dough..