Cooking and baking have become one of the most desirable ways of releasing the pressure that busy career life burdens us with. The art of baking requires proper equipment that reduces the inconveniences and therefore increases chances of making a perfectly delicious cake. Stand mixers and hand mixers especially make the process of baking much easier and quicker.
With such electrical machinery at the hand, one can easily embrace the life of multitasking. The modern market offers a vast range of brands that produce stand mixers with different capabilities and in different designs. The prices of the products vary as well. Here in this article, you will find the reviews of best stand mixer under $200 as well as a bit pricier ones.
What makes a good stand mixer?
The modern mass production gives birth to the countless kitchen products and their vast range can be quite overwhelming. Knowing the characteristics that distinguish a good stand mixer from a bad one is essential when wanting to enrich your household with lifelong equipment.
Here is a quick list of things you should keep in mind and look out for when purchasing a stand mixer.
The mixing technique
The stand mixers are divided into two major groups that differ in the mixing techniques. The first model has a central style of rotation and the attached paddle moves in one direction. Some center stand mixers also have a rotating bowl to increase the mixing ability.
The second type of this kitchen equipment has a planetary style of rotation in both ways. Such technical ability contributes to thorough mixing of ingredients. In conclusion, both mixing techniques are efficient and the overall quality and versatility truly depend on the motor power and attachments.
Performance
Performance as the number one priority has to be smooth and efficient. When choosing a suitable stand mixer a person has to take into consideration the bread kneading as well as the meringue mixing. For the dough kneading, the mixer has to have enough power and strength to execute the spinning without any unpleasant noises and disturbed motions.
The power of the motor, for home purposes, usually extends from 250 to 300 Watts. Another important characteristic that elevates the performance is the ability of broad paddle motion that incorporates all ingredients, even bits that are stuck to the sides of the bowl. The stand mixer that is capable of mixing large amounts of batter from the bottom to the top surely reduces the risk of having a lumpy batter consistency.
Convenience and attachments
Having a convenient stand mixer is just as important as having a powerful motor. To avoid the flour or confectionary sugar cloud when starting up the machine, one has to make sure the stand has gradual speed stops. A slow start that can be speeded will spare you of the unnecessary cleaning.
When purchasing a stand mixer a person also has to take into the consideration the very size of the machine and the bowl. The prior asking of yourself, if the specific model will fit on your kitchen counter and if the bowl is big enough for the future baking project, will help you dodge any irrational decisions. The expected attachments a stand mixer comes with are paddle, whisk and dough hook. Some models may also include other gadgets such as splash guard, pouring shield, meat grinder, pasta maker and much more.
Price
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing any kind of stand mixer. Generally, stand mixers are priced from $100 to $200, and of course, this ultimately depends on the quality of the mixer, what features it has and what kind of capacity it contains.
Warranty and support
The warranty and customer support not only reflect the professionalism and dedication of the brand you have chosen but also help a person secure the purchase. One-year or a 3-year warranty gives every customer needed comfort when product defects occur.
5 Best Stand Mixer Under 200 – Reviews
If you are in need of best mixer that is currently on the market you are in the right place. Here is a quick and simple description of five products that pride themselves on high quality as well as the affordability.
1. KitchenAid K45SSOB 4.5-Quart Classic Series Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid is a number one leader and producer of stand mixers. The KitchenAid K45SSOB 4.5-Quart Classic is the best stand mixer under 200$that merges the high-quality and efficiency into the one unity. This series belong in a group with 59-point planetary mixing action.
The classic series has a 4.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl and tilt head for easy paddle attachment. The 10-speed settings allow a user to experience the control over the rotation and avoid the mess when dealing with powdery ingredients. The 10-stage speeds are excellent for dough kneading as well as the cream whipping.
The K45SSOB model includes three attachments: coated flat beater, coated dough hook, and the 6-wire whisk. The machinery has 250 Watt motor that can easily sustain the Power Hob. Power Hob is a little station on the front side of the machine that can give your stand mixer multipurpose use when installing the 15 optional attachments, such as pasta maker, cheese shredder, and meat grinder.
| Pros | Cons |
| + 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl | – Only onyx black and white color available |
| + 250 Watt motor and 10 speed settings | – 6-wire whisk attachment is not dishwasher safe |
| + 1 year warranty | – Not appropriate for frequent dough kneading, especially whole wheat flour |
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2. Hamilton Beach 64650 6-Speed Classic Stand Mixer
Hamilton Beach 64650 is one of the best stand mixers under 100$ that combines quality and affordability together into one wholesome marriage. The model is enriched with a 4-quart stainless steel bowl and 6 speeds setting with the additional QuickBurts Button. This kitchen gadget has a 290 Watt motor that provides enough power for long dough kneading.
The 64650 model also has multipurpose usage because the construction includes a hand mixer. By simply detaching the upper part you can instantly give the best hand held mixer a try. The Hamilton Beach 64650 comes with 2 beaters, 2 dough hooks, and a whisk.
| Pros | Cons |
| + 290 Watts motor | – Is partly made of plastic |
| + Can be used as a hand mixer | – Doesn’t mix the batter thoroughly when in standing position |
| + The light weight of only 5 pounds | – The motor can burn up when mixing tough cookie dough. |
| + 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl | |
| + 1 year warranty |
3. Hamilton Beach 63325 6-Speed Stand Mixer
If you are looking for best stand mixer under 100$ a Hamilton Beach 63325 is an excellent choice for you. This Hamilton Beach 63325 resembles the KitchenAid planetary rotation ability that ensures efficient mixing and gives complete bowl coverage.
The planetary motion is better than the traditional 2 beater stand mixer rotation. This stand mixer is driven by a 300 Watt motor that is great for frequent bread kneading and mixing even the toughest cookie dough.
This Hamilton Beach product has 6 speeds and a special fold setting that gives enough control and precision when baking.
The head of the stand mixer can be easily tilted back for easier and cleaner attachment changing. The 63325 model comes with three basic attachments that are a non-stick flat beater, dough hook, and a whisk.
| Pros | Cons |
| + 300 Watt motor | – Although the company claims the attachments are dishwasher safe the experience show different. |
| + 1 year warranty | – Is too small for making bigger batches |
| + Planetary rotation | – Makes loud noises |
| + Small and light weight |
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4. KitchenAid KSM75WH Classic Plus Series
Another amazing product Of the KitchenAid Company is a KSM75WH stand mixer that guarantees high-quality and efficiency. The KSM75WH model is multipurpose kitchen equipment that has attachment hub appropriate for over 15 different gadgets that add additional functionality, such as making homemade pasta, grinding meat and much more.
The Classic Plus model has a 275 Watt motor that is capable of powering all the additional as well as the complementary attachments. The coated flat beater, dough hook, and 6-wire whip are included in the package. This stand mixer also comes with a 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl and 10-speed settings that provide every individual a full control of the mixing.
The tilt head design comes in handy when attaching and detaching a bowl and a paddle without making any mess. The most recognizable feature of them all is the planetary rotation that incorporates all the ingredients thoroughly.
| Pros | Cons |
| + 275 Watt motor and 10 speed settings | – 6-wire whisk attachment is not dishwasher safe |
| + 1 year warranty | – The bowl is narrow and can represent a difficulty to add the ingredients while the machine is still running. |
| + Planetary rotation | – Comes only in white color |
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5. KitchenAid KP26M1XER 6 Qt. Professional 600 Series
The KitchenAid KP26M1XER is a stand mixer that belongs in the Professional 600 series. The machine itself has a multipurpose attachment hub that adds the functionality with the help of 15 optional attachments.
This model defers from the previously mentioned ones in the bowl placement. The 6-quart stainless steel bowl is lifted and therefore much easier to detach. This model has a 575 Watt motor and 10 speedssetting that is excellent for home baking as well as business use.
The strength of the motor easily powers all the attachments and can mix even toughest dough consistencies. Simply said, even the world’s best hand held mixer cannot meet such power efficiency. The included attachments of KitchenAid KP26M1XER model are Powerknead spiral dough hook, burnished flat beater, wire whip, and a pouring shield.
| Pros | Cons |
| + 575 Watt motor and 10 speed settings | – Not suitable for bakeries where the dough kneading is a constant. |
| + 1 year warranty | – Not completely made of metal. |
| + Planetary rotation | |
| + Attachments and bowl are dishwasher safe | |
| + 10 colors available |
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Conclusion
It is safe to say that the range of stand mixers that the modern world offers is quite impressive. For every individual that is looking forward to enriching the kitchen with efficient kitchen equipment, it is best to choose a model that has a planetary rotation as well as the 6-10 speed settings.
These two characteristics are essential for general usefulness. The other capabilities you should look out for truly depend on your usage intentions. KitchenAid K45SSOB and Hamilton Beach 64650 are suitable for making light cake batters and creams while the KitchenAid KP26M1XER is excellent for mixing tough cookie and bread dough as well as everything else.
If you will be using your stand mixer on a regular basis it is best to purchase one with higher motor power. All five stand mixers are excellent for home purposes. For professional and business use it is best to invest in a machine driven by at least 700 Watt motor.