TEST HOUSE:

We test stand mixers

BUYER’S GUIDE

• Make sure the stand mixer has all the tools for the tasks you need doing. It should come with a dough hook (kneading), a balloon whisk (whisking and whipping) and a beater tool (mixing).

• Make sure you have enough kitchen counter space. Think about the height of cabinets above that might obstruct the lever-operated arm of the mixer. Also consider weight if you plan to store it away.

• Stand mixers generally come with larger bowls than food processors. Go for a big bowl if you regularly make large batches (like dough).

• Useful features include a range of speeds, a locking tilt head, timer, splash guard, overload protection and a handle on the bowl for pouring.

• Look for a mixer with robust, dishwasher-safe accessories.

• Higher wattage and various speeds don’t necessarily imply quality and better performance.

TIPS

• Read the instructions first: washing parts incorrectly in a dishwasher can cause the plastic to split. Even parts listed as dishwasher-safe can be damaged if the washing cycle is too hot. Some manufacturers warn against washing parts in temperatures above 40°C, and to avoid the drying cycle as this can also cause the plastic to split.

• If dough causes the motor to become sluggish or to stall, your mixer wasn’t designed to handle that capacity or denseness of dough. It’s not unusual to finish kneading bread dough by hand. To prevent motor burnout, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines as to how long to operate the mixer during a session. Not all mixers have built-in overload protection, and aren’t meant to run continually for long periods.