Best stand mixer for baking up a storm in the kitchen

Iconic. That's just one word to describe the KitchenAid Mixer Tilt-Head and the array of rainbow colours it comes in. Thanks to this powerful and durable mixer, every baking task becomes a breeze. Whether you're making meringue, pastry or frosting, you name it, and this mixer can do it. It features KitchenAid's original planetary action, so the shaft of the mixer rotates in one direction while the whisk, flat beater or dough hook rotates in the other, so everything is incorporated in a fast, thorough mix.

Customer review: "We bought this for backing cakes and pastries. It’s every bit as good as we hoped it to be. We bake all our own bread and thought we’d continue to knead by hand, but once we made a dough with it, we haven’t looked back. The quality of the machine is exceptional and you know it’s a piece for life. A sound investment for any keen kitchen enthusiast."

With a five-litre capacity, the Kenwood kMix Stand Mixer can make a mixture for up to 44 cupcakes at once so you'll be able to bake more than enough for the whole family and more. Available in a choice of stylish colours, a retro design and a 1000-watt motor, it combines style and power. As well as having six-speed settings for control, the kMix also has a fold function which helps you to create more delicate mixes for goods such as brioche.

Customer review: "I have had a Kmix for three years now and have just bought this newer model for my sister. They are just the best machine I have ever owned. I make bread about 3 - 4 times a week and do not have the strength or stamina required for all of that kneading. The Kmix with it's dough hook does it all for you in 10 minutes. All the ingredients in, ten minutes on just under number 1 then straight into a bowl for proving. It is so easy, the machine doesn't move across the work top like some cheaper lighter mixers do and it mixes every bit effortlessly. I make pastry and sometimes cakes with the k beater attachment and using these is a pleasure. Easy to clean or goes into the dishwasher. It has a 5 year guarantee so Kenwood are sure of their product"

For those new to baking and unsure whether a stand mixer would make a big difference to their bakes, the Dunelm Grey Stand Mixer is a good budget option to see how you get on with one. It’s supplied with a stainless steel bowl, beaters and dough hooks, so the attachments are nice and sturdy. When it comes to performance, there are five-speed settings as well as a turbo switch for when you need to get mixing in a hurry. Finished in a grey colour with chrome detailing, it’ll fit in perfectly with a modern kitchen.

Customer review: "Straight-forward, no fuss mixer, works efficiently, and an amazing price! Thoroughly recommend"

Whether you're making cakes, breads, cookies, pastries, muffins or waffles, the Aucma Stand Mixer is more than capable of helping you to produce large quantities with its seven-litre bowl. Despite its larger capacity, it's actually quite light compared to others on our list, weighing in at 4.7kg so you'd easily be able to move this about in your kitchen if needed. When you're mixing on one of the six speeds or using the pulse function, the six anti-slip feet help keep the mixer steady even during heavy mixing operations.

Customer review: "I must admit i was not expecting much of this sadly - but it had exceeded my expectations. ok it light weight, but the suckers on the bottom hold it great on my work surface. The bowl, it has handles and it is so easy to clean, the bottom of the bowl is enclosed so you don't have to mess drying it, one wipe and its done (I will try and post a pic) bowl locks into the unit with a twist. First thing i made was bread, it handled the kneading well and did not struggle, the bread turned out great. Chocolate cookies was my next make and they also went well. The plastic splash guard is great, fits well and has a handy hole to put the ingredients through, it has silicone tabs so that it holds well on the mixer and easy to remove if not needed. I thought it would be so noisy, but surprisingly its not bad. I would buy this again if needed."

Add some retro style to your kitchen with the Swan Retro Stand Mixer. It has a vintage look to it, reminiscent of kitchen appliances from the 50s and 60s, coming in eight different hues to add a splash of colour to your cooking areas. It's not all about style though, with a powerful 800-watt output, eight variable speeds and a pulse function, this mixer makes light work of beating, whipping folding and mixing. The rotary switch control also allows you to change the direction easily and quickly, ideal for when your hands are messy.

Customer review: "Bought for my daughter and so glad I did because she has not stopped baking since and I'm loving all the cakes and treats. Fabulous colour which she loves, easy to clean."

With 10 speed settings, so you can go from a gentle stir to a powerful blitz, and four attachments, including flat and edge beaters, a wire whisk and a dough tool, the Smeg 50's Retro SMF03CRUK Stand Mixer always ensures excellent results as you can adapt to whatever you want to make. Its star feature is its Smooth Start system which helps make sure your ingredients don't go flying everywhere on the first stir while also ensuring perfect blending efficiency.

Customer review: "I have wanted one for so long and it hasn’t disappointed. Made bread, cinnamon buns, cakes and whipped cream. I have found my happy place again and it is all thanks to my new Smeg Mixer"

The Bosch Series 4 MUM59340GB Stand Mixer is more than just a stand mixer. Thanks to its 10 attachments, it transforms into a blender, food processor, mincer, citrus press and juicer, making it a great multifunctional appliance for your kitchen. The easy lift arm allows you to seamlessly switch between mixing batters and bread to the blender and food processor attachments with the simple press of a button so it’s super easy to use. It offers seven speed settings as well as a pulse function.

Customer review: "Well I'm very impressed and so many attachments. The mixer works well and I like the way the mixer blade moves around the bowl so the contents is well mixed rather than just round in a circle like similar models. The moving arm is excellent allowing you to use it for various attachments. The blender attachment is good, it comes with the plastic jug and blades cut and mix well."