Best overall
Cuisinart SM-50CRM Precision Master 5.5-Qt. 12-Speed Stand Mixer
Cuisinart
5-quart stainless bowl, tilt-head design. Keep in mind that attachment ecosystem is much smaller than KitchenAid's, cannot use KitchenAid pasta rollers or grinders.
- 500W motor with 12-speed control
- 5.5-quart stainless bowl, tilt-head design
- Die-cast zinc body with lever-lock tilt-head
- Flat beater, dough hook, and wire whisk included
- $200 to $280 retail, frequently discounted to $160 to $200
Pros
- 500W motor outmuscles the KitchenAid Artisan's 325W on stiff dough and double batches
- 5.5-quart bowl handles double cookie batches and single bread loaves without strain
- 12 speeds give finer low-end control than the Artisan's 10
Cons
- Attachment ecosystem is much smaller than KitchenAid's, cannot use KitchenAid pasta rollers or grinders
- Tilt-head design has less overhead clearance on some counter setups
- Fewer color options than KitchenAid (5 to 8 vs.
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