Now, nearly 35 years later, her KitchenAid stand mixer is still going strong as she makes goodies for her great-nieces and -nephews, and I have a mixer of my own. It was a proud day 17 years ago when I was finally able to afford my beloved tilt-head stand mixer. And I very much intend to use it to make wedding cakes, macarons and more until I’m Aunt Carol’s age.

What is a KitchenAid stand mixer?

The colorful KitchenAid stand mixer has been a venerated appliance for more than 100 years, as have so many of the company’s other products. They’re heavy-duty, hands-free mixers that allow home cooks more freedom and control during the mixing process—while sparing them some strain too. With both hands available, bakers can employ more precise preparation methods (e.g., alternating the addition of dry and wet ingredients to a cake batter or slowly adding hot sugar syrup to egg whites when making Italian meringue).

Currently, there are three styles of KitchenAid stand mixers from which to choose: tilt-head, bowl-lift and mini. Selecting which model will work the hardest in your kitchen is key.

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KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer Features

All three types of KitchenAid stand mixers come with a stainless steel mixer bowl (the capacity of which depends on the model), dough hook, wire whip, flat beater and pouring shield. So, it’s safe to say these mixers can do a heck of a lot more than your hand-held beaters. Plus, there’s increased precision. Each KitchenAid stand mixer has 10 speeds so you can whip, mix or knead your ingredients just so.

The stand mixers don’t stop at sweets. Each model features a multi-purpose attachment hub fit for apparatuses that can process vegetables, form fresh pasta or grind meat. There are 10 of these smart attachments, sold separately, and KitchenAid is always developing and launching more awesome options.

Beyond the working capabilities of the mixers, KitchenAid boasts an impressive selection of colors (the tilt-head line includes the most hues), so home cooks can select the best color for their space and personal style.

Finally, KitchenAid backs up its products with a respectable warranty, so you can purchase with assurance. Now let’s explore the differences among the models.

Tilt-Head

The iconic tilt-head model is the most popular—and for a reason. This model, with a top portion that hinges backward, allows users to change the mixer’s accessories (i.e., the whip, beater and hook) and remove the bowl easily. The tilt-head model has a slightly smaller footprint than the bowl-lift model but is still powerful enough to knead bread dough.

Bowl-Lift

The bowl-lift model costs the same as the tilt-head one but is best for hardcore bakers and cooks because the mixer’s powerful motor readily handles dense batters and thick bread doughs. Plus, it technically has an eleventh half-speed for folding. The bowl-lift mixer boasts the largest capacity of up to seven quarts, and it’s fitted with arms that raise the stainless steel bowl into the air.

Mini

The newest addition to the KitchenAid family is the mini stand mixer. This bite-sized stand mixer, which also has the tilt-head feature, is perfect for those with a compact kitchen. The mini model is smaller and weighs less, yet it still offers the benefits and functionality of its larger counterparts. Its size would certainly complement KitchenAid’s cordless appliances.

How We Tested It

Over the past few years, the Test Kitchen has performed two stand mixer tests, including brands such as Breville, Wolf Gourmet, Beautiful by Drew Barrymore and, of course, KitchenAid. The stand mixers came in a variety of price points and degrees of quality. The least-expensive models cost around $100, and the top-dollar ones were more than $1000.

When personally testing, I utilized each brand’s machine for several days and performed a controlled set of functions, including whisking egg whites and kneading bread dough. I used only the attachments included with the purchase of each mixer.

Pros

• Brand recognition
• Three models, including tilt-head, bowl-lift and mini
• Included whip, beater, bread hook and pouring shield
• Versatile attachments (sold separately)
• Fun color choices
• Solid warranty
• Large capacity
• 10 mixing speeds

Cons

• Heavy and hard to move, particularly bowl-lift and tilt-head models
• Large footprint for a countertop appliance
• High price point

FAQ

Is it worth getting a KitchenAid mixer?

KitchenAid’s tilt-head model consistently received top grades. The familiar adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is certainly true in this case; several of the less-expensive brands simply could not keep up with the outstanding performance and versatility of the KitchenAid brand. Shop KitchenAid sales!

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Home cooks like you love the KitchenAid stand mixer just as much as the professionals in our Test Kitchen. See for yourself!

Pmedic, one of the more than 28,000 five-star reviewers, says, “This is my second stand mixer. My first lasted 20+ years and literally changed how I make everything! I will continue purchasing KitchenAid products. The attachments are well worth it also.”

Like me, user Lucy L. has been baking with a KitchenAid stand mixer, which she received as a wedding gift, for decades and with no complaints. “I’ve had my tilt-head KitchenAid for 37 years, and it works great!” she says. “I also have a bowl-lift (only for 20 years). As a home baker, they’re essential!”

Mable23, on the other hand, is a new customer, and she’s loving discovering all the baking (and cooking) burdens that her KitchenAid stand mixer alleviates. “My husband got me this almost a month ago now,” she says. “Homemade brownies [are] done and in the pan within 10 minutes. I make bread super easily without hurting my hands from kneading. Shredding chicken is done in a few minutes and [doesn’t hurt] my arthritic-like wrists.”

Product Comparison

Although there are several worthwhile stand mixers on the market, KitchenAid consistently remains among the best, with thousands of consumer reviews to support this claim. Other brands’ stand mixers often perform a number of functions as well as KitchenAid’s does, but they rarely perform all of KitchenAid’s functions or with the same competency. When you combine the history, performance, longevity, functionality and consumer satisfaction of KitchenAid stand mixers, the winner is clear.

Final Verdict

Because I have decades of experience using the KitchenAid stand mixer, I can confidently say that this brand stands up to the test of time. Not only that but there’s the benefit of additional functions and accessories too. (Psst! Organize your KitchenAid attachments with this Amazon product.)

I’ve even put the warranty to the test when I once had my tilt-head model repaired at no cost to me. For those of us who love to create food at home, despite the price, the KitchenAid stand mixer is a must-have.

Where to Buy a KitchenAid Stand Mixer

The KitchenAid site offers the most options when it comes to the brand’s stand mixers, including up-to-date color choices and personalized features. There, you’ll find the standard 5-quart tilt-head and 5.5-quart bowl-lift models for $450 and the mini 3.5-quart model for $380.

However, for roughly the same price, you can also find the baking staple at Amazon, Williams Sonoma and Costco. Say goodbye to the elbow grease of hand-mixing and hello to your new workhorse of a KitchenAid!

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The post KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer Review: This Is the Only Stand Mixer You’ll Ever Need appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Best Splurgy Electric Griddle

BroilKing Professional Griddle

If pancakes, scrambled eggs and scratch-made breakfasts are on regular rotation at your house, you may want to splurge on the BroilKing Professional Griddle.

“While it is expensive, this griddle cooks food beautifully!” says Josh. “You do get what you pay for in this case.”

When you plug in this griddle, you can control the temperature anywhere between 200 and 400ºF. Like all griddle models, the temperature can vary in spots, but Josh explains that this is minimal with the BroilKing electric griddle—just about 10º. This even cooking allows you to make all your griddled favorites with ease.

This model performed well in all our tests, from fried eggs to cheese crisps, but Josh says that making pancakes on this griddle is a joy. A variety of pancake recipes bubbled up and browned so nicely.

And while the surface is slightly textured, rest assured that it is nonstick. Josh explains that this slightly pebbled finish actually makes it easy to slide a spatula under griddled foods without having them slide all the way across the pan. If they do, however, the removable backsplash will stop any flapjacks from skittering away. Smart!

After you’re done cooking, cleanup is easy. Josh suggests wiping down the surface with a paper towel. This model does have a grease trap, but Josh says that a quick clean with a damp towel is often all this electric griddle requires.

Pros:

• Detachable backsplash
• The surface heats very evenly
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Spendy pricetag; not for casual cooks

Price: $220

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Best Budget Electric Griddle

Dash Everyday Griddle

If you’re just getting into the griddle game, try a more budget-friendly option like the Dash Everyday Griddle.

For less than $50, you get a sturdy, easy-to-use griddle. Just plug the cord into the flat top and turn the dial to your desired setting. That’s all there is to it!

Once plugged in, the Dash griddle begins to heat immediately. Josh explains that, overall, the Dash keeps a pretty consistent heat (about 15º of variance between the hottest and coolest parts of the surface). Consistent heating is exactly what you need for frying up bacon and eggs. You’ll find that this griddle doesn’t get extremely hot (use your cast-iron pan for a good, hard sear), so give yourself an extra minute or two to finish up your griddle cakes.

This option is a bit smaller than other griddles, but it still has plenty of room to fit eight medium-sized pancakes or 12 strips of bacon.

Pros:

• Great price for anyone between beginner French toast flippers and expert egg makers
• Sturdy frame
• Available in a variety of colors including aqua and red

Cons:

• Heats slowly and gently; this is great if you’re prone to overcooking your flapjacks but can be a drawback if you’re trying to wrestle up breakfast on a tighter schedule (though, you can save time by using our Test Kitchen’s favorite pancake mix)
• The ridge around the griddle can be challenging to clean

Price: $45

$49.99 at Amazon

Most Stylish Electric Griddle

Beautiful Extra Large Griddle

When looks are just as important as performance when flipping grilled cheese sandwiches, opt for the Beautiful Extra Large Griddle from Drew Barrymore’s Walmart-exclusive kitchenware line.

This griddle option has a sleek and elegant appearance. The griddle itself is a light gray which is different than the black nonstick options you’ll find on other models. It also has a gold-tone trim and comes in a variety of subtle colors (Josh likes the cornflower blue).

But it’s not all looks! This is one of the best electric griddles because it performs extremely well in the kitchen. If you’re making bacon, breakfast sausage or other recipes that are prone to a bit of spatter, click the detachable backsplash into place. This will keep your counters a bit tidier. And once those links are done cooking, Josh explains that funneling any excess grease into the included trap is super easy.

For fluffy pancakes, just plug in the griddle and get ready to flip. The outermost corners of this griddle tend to be a little cooler, but scooting your pancakes a bit toward the center solves the problem. Josh explains that despite a slightly cooler edge, his test pancakes had the perfect color and texture.

This isn’t the first time Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful kitchenware line has landed a top spot in our product tests. “This brand consistently delivers good looks and good function,” says Josh. Beautiful also got top ranking in our best blender test and best air fryer test. In fact, the Beautiful air fryer is a holiday essential for Executive Culinary Director Sarah Farmer.

Pros:

• Sleek and modern style
• Very easy to clean
• Includes a detachable backsplash
• Available in pretty colors like sage and cornflower blue, in addition to basics like black

Cons:

• The corners of the griddle were notably cooler than the center

Price: $59

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Best Extra-Large Electric Griddle

Presto Tilt ‘N’ Drain Big Griddle

If you need all the space you can get to prep breakfast for your crew, look no further than the Presto Tilt ‘N’ Drain Big Griddle. This was the largest griddle that our Test Kitchen tried and it hit all the marks.

The size of this griddle is impressive—270+ square inches (that’s about 50 square inches more than the typical griddle). It can easily fit 12 medium-sized pancakes with plenty of room to flip. For being such a large griddle, this Presto model reaches the right temperature for cooking in about five minutes. That big batch of French toast is closer than you think!

When it comes to flipping your favorite griddled foods, you’ll find the process fuss-free. The nonstick finish of the cooktop meant that no tidbit of egg or stray berry from those blueberry pancakes was left behind.

Pros:

• 270+ square inches of griddle space
• Effective nonstick surface
• Very easy to use

Cons:

• Large size may be difficult to store in smaller kitchens
• Plastic legs do not feel as durable as other models

Price: $65

59.995% OFF$56.84 at Amazon

Electric Griddle with All the Bells and Whistles

Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle

Our Test Kitchen is impressed with all the useful features the Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle has to offer.

This model was different than any other electric griddle in this test. To start, the entire appliance can be disassembled. The griddle itself clicks into place when you’re ready to make grilled cheese sandwiches. When you’re done, remove the pan and wash it in the sink. This allows you to go beyond just wiping clean. Josh says this is one of his favorite features.

When it’s time to cook, the Zojirushi electric griddle does its job well. This gadget reaches 425º—most other electric griddles top out at about 400º. This little bit of extra heat makes getting a crispy exterior on your favorite griddled goodies easy. Lower the temp a bit and Josh says pancakes, eggs and bacon all cook evenly on the nonstick surface.

Pros:

• Griddle heats very evenly (only about a 10º temperature variance)
• Included lid is great for steaming sunny-side-up eggs
• Keep warm setting is great for when you want your flapjacks to stay toasty as you heat up your maple syrup
• Can be disassembled for easy cleaning

Cons:

• Textured nonstick surface isn’t as easy to clean as smooth griddles

Price: $153

$152.62 at Amazon

How We Tested Griddles in the Taste Recipes Kitchen

For this test, pancake flipper extraordinaire and Test Kitchen pro Josh Rink led the charge. Our team gathered up the most popular electric griddles on the market—10 in all.  Over the course of weeks, our squad of expert cooks made everything from bacon to pancakes to frico (those are delicious cheese crisps).

The Test Kitchen took careful notes on the performance of each of these models. Each was judged according to these criteria:

• Performance: The best electric griddles should heat evenly for perfectly golden French toast and more. The surface should be nonstick and easy to clean. Overall, an electric griddle should make your weekend breakfasts easier than ever.
• Clean-up: No one likes scrubbing leftover scrambled eggs from a cooktop or cleaning up an overflowing grease trap. Easy-to-clean electric griddles are a must in the Test Kitchen.
• Size: Depending on how many flapjacks you want to flip, you may want a larger or smaller electric griddle. Our Test Kitchen made note of the size of each cooking surface as well as the overall size of the appliance.
• Price: Every appliance should be worth the money spent on it. Models with higher price tags should perform flawlessly and/or have plenty of features.

So what did our team think? Check out our five Test-Kitchen Preferred electric griddles.

Check Out More Test Kitchen-Preferred Products

Electric griddles are just the tip of the testing iceberg! Our Test Kitchen is constantly testing kitchen gadgets, cleaning gear and delicious food, looking for brands that deserve the right to be called Test-Kitchen Preferred.

If you’re looking to outfit your kitchen with a few new items, be sure to check out these tests:

• The best electric kettles
• The best coffee makers
• The best popcorn makers

The post The Best Electric Griddle Brands, According to Pro Pancake Flippers appeared first on Taste Recipes.