A good food mixer can turn baking from a chore into something you genuinely look forward to. Whether you’re whipping up midweek cakes, kneading bread or tackling elaborate desserts, the right stand mixer saves effort and gives beautifully consistent results.
We’ve picked out the best food mixers to buy in 2026, focusing on trusted brands and models that real owners rate highly. From iconic KitchenAid Artisan stand mixers to excellent-value Kenwood options, each choice has its own strengths, price point and style.
Rather than overwhelming you with dozens of similar machines, we’ve narrowed it down to a small set of standout mixers. Each one is a strong pick, but the best option for you will depend on how often you bake, how much space you have and how much you want to spend.
These recommendations are based on real-world owner ratings, clear specifications and long-standing brand reputations, not just shiny marketing claims. We look closely at review scores and the number of reviews to understand how a mixer performs once it’s in real kitchens, week after week.
Value, usability and reliability all matter. A premium mixer has to justify its higher price with build quality and ease of use, while budget-friendly options still need to be powerful, stable and pleasant to live with. We compare models within the wider market to avoid tunnel vision on just one or two ranges.
The end result is a focused list of food mixers that stand out for all the right reasons – so you can buy with confidence, knowing you’re choosing from proven, well-liked machines.
To select the best food mixers, we started with models that have consistently high customer ratings and a strong number of reviews, as this gives a much clearer picture than one or two early opinions. We then compared prices to see which mixers genuinely earn their place, whether as premium icons or standout value buys.
We paid attention to bowl sizes around the 4.8–5 litre mark, as these are versatile for most UK households, and focused on established stand mixer ranges from KitchenAid and Kenwood. These brands have long track records in food prep appliances and are popular with keen home bakers.
Each mixer in this shortlist offers something slightly different, from classic styling and long-term investment appeal to excellent performance at a more accessible price. The aim is to make choosing easier by highlighting only the models we believe are worth your money.
Below you’ll find our top food mixer picks, led by the models we’d be happiest to have on our own worktops. They’re all capable machines, but they suit slightly different homes, habits and budgets.
Use the summaries, pros and cons, and price and rating snapshots to decide which stand mixer best matches the way you cook and bake.
A classic KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer that combines robust build quality, timeless styling and superb owner satisfaction, making it an excellent all-round choice for frequent bakers.
The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BAC Stand Mixer has an outstanding 4.9 out of 5 rating from 1,177 reviews, which speaks volumes about how well it performs for real owners. The iconic metal body and tilt-head design are built to last and look smart enough to live permanently on the worktop. Its bowl size is well suited to everything from everyday sponge cakes to heavier bread doughs, so it can easily become your main baking workhorse. KitchenAid’s long-established mixer ecosystem also means you can expand it with extra bowls and attachments over time, making it a long-term investment rather than a short-lived gadget.
This Artisan model sits firmly in the premium price bracket, so it won’t suit smaller budgets. It’s also quite weighty, which is great for stability but less convenient if you need to move it in and out of a cupboard. You don’t tend to get as many bundled accessories as with some higher-priced Artisan packages, so adding extras later can increase the overall cost.
This KitchenAid Artisan is ideal for keen home bakers who want a reliable, long-lasting mixer that will happily live on the worktop and be used several times a week. It suits households that bake a mix of cakes, loaves and occasional larger batches, and who value classic styling as much as performance. If you want a premium feel without needing the very top accessory bundles, it’s a particularly strong choice.
This KitchenAid Artisan model adds a generous 4.8 litre bowl and typically extra accessories, making it ideal if you want a premium, do‑it‑all mixer that’s ready for serious baking sessions.
The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBAC Stand Mixer shares the same excellent 4.9 out of 5 score from 1,177 reviews, underlining just how strong this range is. The 4.8 litre bowl offers ample space for larger batches, ideal for families, batch bakers or anyone who entertains regularly. This version of the Artisan typically comes with a more generous accessory bundle than the basic models, so you can tackle more recipes straight out of the box. The sturdy construction and smooth, reliable action of the mixer make it feel reassuringly premium every time you use it.
The 5KSM175PSBAC is one of the more expensive mixers in this round-up, especially once you factor in its premium branding and accessory bundle. Its solid build also means it’s not the most compact or lightweight option, so it’s best suited to staying put on the worktop. If you bake only occasionally, you may struggle to justify the extra spend over a simpler model.
Choose the 5KSM175PSBAC if you bake frequently, host big family gatherings or like to batch cook doughs and cake mixes. It’s especially well suited to serious home bakers who want a premium stand mixer with a generous bowl and a useful accessory set from day one. If you see your mixer as a long-term investment and centrepiece of the kitchen, this is a compelling option.
Functionally similar to the 5KSM175PSBAC but in a striking colourway, this Artisan mixer delivers the same highly rated performance with a look that stands out proudly on your worktop.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 1,177 reviews, the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER delivers the same tried-and-tested performance as other Artisan models in the line-up. Its generous 4.8 litre bowl gives plenty of headroom for doughs and large cake mixes, so you’re not constantly brushing ingredients over the edge. The bold finish makes it a genuine design piece in the kitchen, and that can be a real plus if you want your stand mixer to stay out and be used often. Like its siblings, it benefits from KitchenAid’s reputation for long-term reliability and access to a wide range of optional attachments.
You are largely paying for a different colourway and bundle rather than a big leap in core performance over other Artisan models. As a premium KitchenAid, it still commands a high price compared with strong mid-range alternatives. The bold styling may also be too strong a statement for very small or traditional kitchens.
The 5KSM175PSBER is perfect if you want all the proven performance of a KitchenAid Artisan but also care deeply about how your mixer looks on the counter. It suits style-conscious bakers who bake regularly and don’t mind paying a little extra for a standout colour. If your mixer will live out on display and you want it to match or contrast with your kitchen decor, this one fits the bill.
Offering the much-loved Artisan performance at a slightly lower price point than some colour and accessory combinations, this model hits a sweet spot between KitchenAid quality and better value.
The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBOB Stand Mixer combines a premium 4.9 out of 5 rating from 517 reviews with a more competitive price than some other Artisan variants. You still get the solid metal build, dependable motor and practical 4.8 litre bowl that make the range so popular with keen bakers. Owners rate this mixer highly for tackling everything from meringues to bread doughs, handling regular use without feeling strained. Its slightly keener pricing makes it an attractive entry point into the KitchenAid Artisan world if you’ve been eyeing one up for a while.
Although it’s better value than some Artisan versions, this is still a premium-priced mixer compared with non-KitchenAid rivals. The review count, while healthy, is lower than the main Artisan models, so there’s a little less long-term owner feedback to lean on. As with other Artisans, accessories and add-ons can be quite pricey if you build up a collection.
This version of the Artisan is a great match for bakers who want the KitchenAid experience but are trying to keep a slightly closer eye on price. It’s well suited to regular family baking, from weekly loaves to birthday cakes and desserts, without venturing into the very top end of the price scale. If you like the idea of buying once and keeping a mixer for many years, it’s an attractive middle-ground option.
A well-priced Kenwood kMix stand mixer with a roomy 5 litre bowl and superb customer feedback, perfect if you want serious baking power without paying premium-brand money.
The Kenwood kMix KMX754BK Stand Mixer offers impressive value, especially at around £165, while still earning an excellent 4.8 out of 5 rating from 3,162 reviews. Its 5 litre bowl is one of the most generous capacities in this group, giving you plenty of space for big batches of dough, batter or frosting. Kenwood has a long track record with food mixers, and the kMix range is known for offering sturdy performance and simple, straightforward controls. For the price, the balance of capacity, power and owner satisfaction makes it a very strong choice for home bakers who don’t want to overspend.
The kMix doesn’t have the same iconic status or styling cachet as a KitchenAid Artisan, which may matter if you want a statement piece on display. At this price point, you may miss out on some of the extra accessories and colour options available with more premium mixers. It’s still a solid, weighty appliance, so you’ll need enough space to leave it out or store it conveniently.
The Kenwood kMix KMX754BK is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a powerful, well-reviewed stand mixer from a trusted brand. It’s a strong fit for families and enthusiastic bakers who need that 5 litre capacity for bigger batches, but who don’t feel the need to pay extra for a luxury badge. If you want serious mixing performance at a sensible price, this is the one to look at first.
