When you are shopping for a stand mixer, you would want a model that fits your needs and budget. Because there are many mixers with a range of accessories, capacity, functions and power available in the market these days, it can be confusing when shopping for a unit. Therefore, try to narrow down your choices by assessing what your needs are first.

Firstly, think of how you will be using the stand mixer. Consider also the number of people in your family. For instance, ask yourself how often do you bake bread in a week and how many loaves do you need to bake each time. If you have a big family, you might require a larger capacity mixer that can handle sticky dough in big quantities. This means a mixer with a large bowl and powerful motor is a must to be able to process your ingredients without putting a strain on the appliance. Conversely, if all you have is just two adults and one kid in your family, you will need a smaller capacity mixer. A large one meant for a bigger family will not only cost you more, but might be less efficient when used to process only a small quantity of ingredients.

Based on your needs, you should also consider the type of accessories that come with the mixer. Most mixers that are offered for sale will have the whisk, beater and dough hook as part of the package. But some mixers can also perform a variety of other tasks although they require the right attachments that are usually sold separately by the manufacturers. From grating cheese to grinding meat, the options are there with certain stand mixer models.

To prevent the heater from overheating, it is also good to have a mixer with an in-built overload function. This feature shuts off the mixer when it overheats, preventing severe damage to the appliance. As you may use the mixer heavily near Christmas and other celebrations, it pays to have this function as part of the overall features.

When it comes to mixing action, you should try to get a mixer that can cover as wide an area as possible. Some mixers are not able to mix the ingredients properly because they do not get close enough to the side of the bowl. Usually, a mixer with the beater moving in one direction and the shaft moving in the opposite direction will result in the ingredients being more evenly mixed.

Next, it is also better to have a mixer which is more on the heavy side. A weight of about 25 pounds is a good start. This is because if you are going to mix large quantities or dense dough, you need the mixer to be heavy enough so that it will not bounce and move around your kitchen counter top.

Finally, consider the construction of the mixer. An all-metal mixer, including its gears, may be more expensive but should be able to last you much longer. Generally, the higher-priced mixers would be more durable and powerful compared to the cheaper models.

Discover more about the Kitchenaid Artisan Series Stand Mixer, why you should have it and the various Kitchen Aid Dough Hook models. Learn a little more before you buy if you don't want to end up regretting your purchase!