Smeg Stand Mixers

What can you use a stand mixer for?

Whether you’re baking a decadent chocolate cake or making soft sandwich bread, a stand mixer can help you create a wide range of sweet and savoury recipes. The ultimate companion in the kitchen, they save time and effort by effortlessly tackling tasks that are typically done by hand like mixing, whisking, and kneading. Here are some different ways you can use your electric stand mixer:

• Mixing – Perfect for blending cake batter, cookie dough, and more, a cake mixer ensures consistent results every time.
• Kneading – Ideal for making bread, pizza, and pasta, a dough hook takes the hard work out of kneading.
• Whipping – Great for cream, egg whites, and meringues, a whisk attachment creates light and fluffy mixtures with ease.
• Beating – Excellent for making mashed potatoes, frosting, and other creamy concoctions.

Made for so much more than just baking, the right mixer attachments can turn your stand mixer into a small appliance that can make fresh pasta, grind meat, or even churn homemade ice cream!

What type of stand mixer is best?

Whether you're a beginner or an expert home baker, stand mixers are a must-have tool in every kitchen. Let’s compare the main types:

• Tilt-Head Mixers – These mixers have a head that tilts back to allow easy access to the bowl and attachments. Tilt head mixers are generally more compact, making them ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. However, they might be less stable when mixing heavy dough.
• Bowl-Lift Mixers – Have a lever that raises and lowers the bowl. Bowl lift mixers are more stable and powerful, making them better suited for large batches and heavy mixing tasks.
• Planetary Mixers – This design features a unique mixing action that rotates your attachment around the bowl while spinning on its own axis, ensuring thorough and even mixing of ingredients.

What should I look for when buying a stand mixer?

When it comes to choosing the best stand mixer, it all depends on your specific needs and preferences. From capacity to extra attachments, here’s what to look for in your new culinary sidekick:

• Capacity – Choose a bowl that matches your typical batch sizes. Larger capacities are great for big families or frequent bakers.
• Speed Settings – Look for a mixer with multiple speed settings so you can handle any mixing task with precision.
• Power – Higher wattage means more power, which is important for handling heavy doughs and thick batters.
• Attachments & Accessories – Most stand mixers come with a whisk, a flat beater blade, and a dough hook. Consider additional accessories like pasta rollers, meat grinders, and ice cream bowls for added functionality.
• Design – Available in a range of finishes that add a pop of colour to your benchtop.