Shopping for a stand mixer can be very confusing given the various capacity, power, functions and accessories available in the market from all the different models. If you are looking to buy a stand mixer, you need to be aware of your needs first because that will help you to narrow down your choices. Once you know what you are looking for in a mixer, then you can start shopping around for one that fits your needs and budget.

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.

As with all electrical appliances, it is also nice to have a safety feature included. This means the mixer will shut off automatically when it overheats. Since we tend to use the mixer a lot during the festive seasons, it is advisable to have an overload function available so that we can cut down on the risk of it overheating and malfunctioning just when we need to use it the most.

Next, consider the mixing action of the mixer. Some mixers now have the shaft and beater moving clockwise and anti-clockwise respectively to ensure the ingredients are more evenly mixed. If the mixer does not get close enough to the side of the bowl or unable to pull in the ingredients from the sides, you won't be able to get a perfect blend without using your hands to complete the job.

As for the weight of the mixer, try to get one that weighs at least 25 pounds. A light mixer tends to crawl and bounce around the counter top whenever you are mixing dense dough in large quantities. If you don't want to contend with such a problem, get a heavier mixer instead.

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!