← Best of the Best: all the guides
The best stand mixers for every budget
The KitchenAid Artisan wins for balanced everyday performance; Cuisinart and Costway offer tested alternatives at lower prices.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 5-Quart (KSM150PS) | Cuisinart Precision Master Stand Mixer, 5.5-Quart (SM-50TQ) | COSTWAY 6-Speed Electric Stand Mixer, 6-Quart |
| Price | about $495 | about $320 | about $110 |
| Why | Food Network chose the Artisan as its best everyday mixer, and Tom’s Guide also recommends it for most people. It handled cookies, cakes, and whipped cream well, while its 5-quart bowl and broad attachment compatibility suit a range of home baking. | Good Housekeeping names this Cuisinart its best value, with 12 speeds, a larger bowl than the KitchenAid, and strong results in cookie and whipping tests. It costs noticeably less than the overall pick at the cited Amazon price. | Food Network names this COSTWAY its budget pick and lists it at about $110 on Amazon. Testers found it mixed cookie dough and other recipes capably, making it the lowest-priced Amazon-linked option here that reviewers still recommend. |
| Good to know | It can move on the counter when kneading heavier dough. | The head may move when kneading stiff dough. | It feels light and less sturdy than pricier mixers. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIFood Network chose the Artisan as its best everyday mixer, and Tom’s Guide also recommends it for most people. It handled cookies, cakes, and whipped cream well, while its 5-quart bowl and broad attachment compatibility suit a range of home baking.
Good to know: It can move on the counter when kneading heavier dough.
See on Amazonpicture by AIGood Housekeeping names this Cuisinart its best value, with 12 speeds, a larger bowl than the KitchenAid, and strong results in cookie and whipping tests. It costs noticeably less than the overall pick at the cited Amazon price.
Good to know: The head may move when kneading stiff dough.
See on Amazonpicture by AIFood Network names this COSTWAY its budget pick and lists it at about $110 on Amazon. Testers found it mixed cookie dough and other recipes capably, making it the lowest-priced Amazon-linked option here that reviewers still recommend.
Good to know: It feels light and less sturdy than pricier mixers.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Match bowl size and stability to what you bake: cookies and cakes are easier on most mixers than stiff bread dough. Consider how much counter space you have and whether you’ll actually use optional attachments.
Who this is for
These picks suit occasional and regular home bakers who want hands-free mixing. Frequent bread makers should prioritize dough performance and a stable, larger machine.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 5-Quart (KSM150PS)
Food Network chose the Artisan as its best everyday mixer, and Tom’s Guide also recommends it for most people. It handled cookies, cakes, and whipped cream well, while its 5-quart bowl and broad attachment compatibility suit a range of home baking. Food Network tested it against three other KitchenAid models and found it worked seamlessly on cookie dough, egg whites, and whipped cream. Tom’s Guide kneaded bread dough for 10 minutes at speed 2 and timed heavy cream reaching a thick set in 1 minute 23 seconds. Its tilt-head makes changing attachments and accessing the bowl straightforward. Skip it if you mostly make large batches of stiff bread dough; reviewers noted it can jump or move under heavier work.
Good to know: It can move on the counter when kneading heavier dough.
See on AmazonBest value: Cuisinart Precision Master Stand Mixer, 5.5-Quart (SM-50TQ)
Good Housekeeping names this Cuisinart its best value, with 12 speeds, a larger bowl than the KitchenAid, and strong results in cookie and whipping tests. It costs noticeably less than the overall pick at the cited Amazon price. Its 500-watt motor, stainless-steel bowl, and included paddle, whisk, dough hook, and splash guard cover common baking jobs. Good Housekeeping found it handled a large cookie recipe and produced fluffy egg whites and cream. The 23-pound mixer is easier to move than heavier models. Skip it if stiff bread dough is a frequent task: testers said the tilt head can move while kneading.
Good to know: The head may move when kneading stiff dough.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: COSTWAY 6-Speed Electric Stand Mixer, 6-Quart
Food Network names this COSTWAY its budget pick and lists it at about $110 on Amazon. Testers found it mixed cookie dough and other recipes capably, making it the lowest-priced Amazon-linked option here that reviewers still recommend. Food Network’s testers creamed butter and sugar in 45 seconds and said the mixer handled their other tests, including bread. Its 6-quart bowl offers room for everyday batches, and the price is far below the KitchenAid and Cuisinart. This is a reasonable choice for occasional baking rather than an investment in a premium mixer. Skip it if you want a particularly sturdy-feeling appliance or bake frequently.
Good to know: It feels light and less sturdy than pricier mixers.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Food Network bought and tested 13 mixers, making cookie dough and brioche, creaming butter and sugar, and whipping cream and egg whites; it also checked controls, assembly, and cleanup. Good Housekeeping tested cakes, cookies, bread, egg whites, and cream, while Tom’s Guide timed whipping and measur Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
Not sure which one is for you?
Ask Danilli anything about these, free. Tell it what you need and your budget and it says which one fits you.
Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.