The Best Stand Mixers That Are Not a KitchenAid (2024)

Ready to mix things up? We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best alternatives to KitchenAid stand mixers.

KitchenAid has long been heralded as the gold standard for stand mixers. But if you’re on the lookout for an alternative that’s more budget-friendly or simply offers a different flair, you might be wondering about your top options.

To aid in your search, we’ve rounded up a list of what we believe to be the best stand mixers that aren’t from KitchenAid. Our picks are not only reliable and perform admirably for the majority of daily cooking tasks, but also have a more accessible price tag.

While certain traits and features that have become synonymous with KitchenAid might be absent, these stand mixers let you equip your kitchen for less dough (pun intended!).

Best Alternatives to a KitchenAid Stand Mixer

• Editor’s pick: GE 5.3-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer
• Heavy-duty pick: Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
• Budget pick: Hamilton Beach 4-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer

From General Electric, an American company we all know and trust, comes our editor’s pick: the GE 5.3-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer. This stand mixer is stylish, compact, well-constructed, and, last but not least, assembled in the USA.

The stand mixer boasts a die-cast metal frame with a tilt-head design, available in sapphire blue and granite gray. The tilt head auto-locks upon closure—a handy feature for those prone to forgetting.

Its 350-watt motor gracefully stands up to dense doughs and sticky batters. With 7 speed settings, it offers enough versatility for tasks from stiff peaks to airy loaves. The mixing mechanism is adept, leaving little-to-no dry ingredients unmixed. Moreover, the spacious 5.3-quart stainless steel bowl, safe for the dishwasher, is spacious enough for preparing meals for larger families.

One of our favorite things about the GE 5.3-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer is how easy it is to use. The flat top ensures a firm grip on the tilt head, the bowl’s handle facilitates effortless lifting, and the dial is practically foolproof.

Take note during cleanup: The stainless steel bowl and the whisk are dishwasher safe. The beater and dough hook, however, while still made of metal, are not. Also, be mindful of the 10-minute safety shut-off. It’s intended to prolong the life of your stand mixer, but it can also get annoying for prolonged mixing.

There’s much to be said about this stand mixer. General Electric, its manufacturer, is a company committed to American industry and creating US jobs. It’s also known for producing products of high quality—and this one is no exception. The price is just right, the quality is there, and it’s a joy to use.

This is more than enough to earn the GE 5.3-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer the title of editor’s pick when it comes to KitchenAid alternatives.

Big, sturdy, and capable of handling almost any mixing, kneading, beating, and creaming task you throw its way, the Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is our pick for a heavy-duty stand mixer on a budget.

With a powerful 500-watt motor, this Cuisinart stand mixer can deal with even the thickest and stickiest of doughs. Its 12-speed settings give you swift and precise control throughout the mixing process. (For comparison, KitchenAid’s commercial and most powerful stand mixer, the KSM8990, is also equipped with a 500-watt motor.)

With a sleek die-cast metal build, the Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is heavy, stays stable while working, and looks and feels built to last. The paint finish is robust, designed for longevity, and comes in various color choices. The sturdy build is complemented by a limited 3-year warranty to put your mind at ease.

The thing about it we love the most about it? Although its 21.2-pound weight makes mobility an issue, it ensures the Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer stays stable and doesn’t rattle off the counter.

On the downside, the dial is positioned on one side, necessitating a particular orientation—potentially problematic in tighter spaces. Additionally, the attachments don’t fully extend to the bowl’s bottom, often requiring a pause to manually scrape and blend ingredients.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a stand mixer for the price that handles heavy-duty tasks with as much ease and precision. For home bakers seeking a mixer that measures up, the Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer should be on top of your wishlist.

The Hamilton Beach 4-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer offers unbeatable value for the money. First featured in our guide on May 30, 2021, it still holds the title as our budget pick three years later. Here’s why.

Equipped with a capable 300-watt motor, this stand mixer handles tasks with ease, from whipping delicate egg whites to a stiff peak to aptly mixing bread or pizza dough to the point that it requires little-to-no kneading. (For comparison, the KitchenAid Classic model motor is 275 watts.)

While the planetary mixing action is decent, it’s not exceptional. Mid-mixing, you may need to stop the mixer and manually incorporate dry ingredients from the bowl’s bottom using a spatula. The top gets hot to touch if you’re using the mixer for several minutes and the bowl cover doesn’t make it particularly easy to add flour.

This stand mixer’s body is made of plastic, making it lightweight, haul-able, and easy to maneuver in the kitchen—a distinction that not all stand mixers on our list can claim. However, due to its lighter weight, the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer will move across the counter when handling dense doughs. Be around to keep it from falling off and prevent any mishaps, as the suction cups may give way while in use.

Cleanup is a cinch thanks to the fact that both the bowl and the attachments are dishwasher-safe. The tilt-head design simplifies the assembly and disassembly for usage and cleaning.

We firmly believe this is the best stand mixer available at this price point. It has quirks but not deal-breakers. If you’re in the market for a lighter, more affordable alternative to a KitchenAid stand mixer, the Hamilton Beach 4-Quart, 7-Speed Stand Mixer may just be your top choice.

What’s the Deal With KitchenAid Stand Mixers?

For starters, the American manufacturer we now know as KitchenAid practically invented the stand mixer.

KitchenAid’s story goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, when Herbert Johnson, an engineer at the Hobart Corporation, observed a baker at work. Determined to remove the toil from the process, Johnson created the prototype of the first stand mixer.

Work on the stand mixer continued and, when Hobart executes brought them home to their wives, one of them allegedly said, “I don’t care what you call it, but it’s the best kitchen aid I’ve ever used.” And that’s how the iconic name KitchenAid came into existence.

KitchenAid invented the stand mixer in the 1910s—and has been setting the gold standard for it since.

Throughout the decades, KitchenAid’s utilitarian stand mixers proved to be very dependable, with some outliving their owners and getting handed down through generations of family bakers.

Every American cook has a story about a KitchenAid stand mixer in their family. Including the contributors to Home Cook World! In the article, “What’s the Lifespan of a KitchenAid Stand Mixer?”, Tiffany Noel Froese wrote about her mother’s first KitchenAid Classic stand mixer. Forty years on, it was still going strong and serving her well.

There’s so much more that makes KitchenAid stand mixers what they are. The fact that they are design and assembled in the USA. That that you can buy attachments for them and turn yours into anything from a meat grinder to an ice cream maker. The act of buying and owning a piece of American history.

Still, KitchenAid stand mixers don’t come cheap—and if you recently found yourself with a back, shoulder, or hand injury, are not easy to haul around. Which, since you’re here reading this, is why we’ve done the due diligence for you and spend hours and hours identifying the best alternatives on the market.

What to Look For in a KitchenAid Alternative

Hunting for a KitchenAid stand mixer alternative is not just about finding a machine that can mix: It’s also about finding a capable, dependable, and versatile countertop appliance that can stand up to daily use.

Here’s what you should keep an eye out for:

Reputable brand: In the world of kitchen appliances, brand reputation is key. While it might be tempting to snag a deal from an unknown brand, remember that a stand mixer is as much an investment as it is a purchase.

Opt for brands with a proven track record in the industry. Reputable brands tend to offer better customer service, more dependable warranties, and have a history of satisfied customers.

Don’t be swayed by flashy marketing from newer, untested brands unless they come with a slew of positive reviews and recommendations from multiple sources.

Powerful motor: The heart of any stand mixer is its motor. For most home cooks and bakers, a motor ranging from 300-350 Watts will suffice, handling everything from meringues to cookie dough.

However, if you’re someone who often deals with denser mixtures or larger batches, consider splurging on a mixer with a 500-Watt motor. It’ll ensure that your machine doesn’t strain or overheat during those heavy-duty tasks.

Enough speed settings: While it might seem like a minor detail, the number of speed settings on your mixer can make a significant difference. A mixer with around 7 speeds typically covers all the bases, from slow stirring to fast whipping.

Of course, having more speed options can offer you finer control, especially when transitioning between different stages of a recipe.

Planetary mixing motion: One of the standout features of high-quality stand mixers is the planetary mixing motion. This refers to the way the beater moves around the bowl, ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

In a planetary motion, the beater not only rotates on its axis but also orbits around the bowl, similar to how planets move around the sun. This dual motion ensures that no ingredient is left untouched, providing a consistent and even mix.

When looking for a KitchenAid alternative, ensure the mixer has this feature. It’s especially crucial for recipes that require precision and uniformity, like bread doughs or delicate batters.

Tilt-head design: The tilt-head design is another feature to consider when shopping for a stand mixer. This design allows the head of the mixer to tilt back, providing easy access to the bowl and beater. It’s a simple yet effective feature that makes adding ingredients, scraping the bowl, or changing attachments a breeze.

Pus, a tilt-head design often means fewer parts to clean and maintain, as there’s no need for additional locking mechanisms or complex hinge systems. When comparing mixers, prioritize those with a tilt-head design for a more user-friendly experience.

It’s not just about convenience; it’s about making your baking and cooking processes smoother and more enjoyable.

The must-have attachments: A stand mixer’s versatility is often determined by its attachments. At the very least, ensure your chosen mixer comes with a dough hook, whisk, and flat beater.

These are the essentials for a wide range of recipes. While a splash guard with a pour spout can be a neat addition, it’s not always as practical as one might think. Sometimes, it’s more about preventing messes than aiding in the addition of ingredients.

Positive reviews: Last but certainly not least, always do your homework. Before committing to a purchase, especially for lesser-known products, delve deep into customer reviews. Check multiple sources, such as the manufacturer’s site, online retailers, and independent review platforms.

Be wary of overly positive reviews without any constructive feedback, as these could be sponsored or fake. Genuine reviews often provide a balanced perspective, highlighting both the pros and cons of a product.

Tying It All Together

Thanks for stopping by! We hope we’ve guided you to your next stand mixer choice. If you have questions or want to share your experience with any of the products mentioned in this guide, drop a comment below.

We truly believe our selection—the top-rated General Electric Stand Mixer, the wallet-friendly Hamilton Beach Stand Mixer, and the heavy-duty Cuisinart Stand Mixer—the are the best of the bunch when seeking out a KitchenAid alternative.

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