Once the kneading process was finished after 10 minutes, we ended up with dough that was reasonably smooth and elastic, and ready to make great bread. However, it did feel considerably stickier than dough kneaded by some other mixers we tested. If you make bread often and use a mixer on a regular basis for other foods, you might consider the more expensive but bigger and more versatile KitchenAid Classic Plus (opens in new tab).
However, you get what you pay for with many of these bargain mixers. They are not as sturdy and come with smaller work bowls. In general, they also can’t handle the same types of dough that heavy-duty workhorses can. In fact, sometimes they can hamilton beach toaster oven move along the counter if the beaters encounter dough that is too tough for the motor. All you have to do is unpack it, plug it into an outlet and it’s ready to go — although you should wash the bowl and mixer attachments before you use them.
All of the non-combo models come with a dough hook, whisk, and flat beater. Several models also have a tilt-up head to make food removal simple and easy. If you’re ready to start baking, grab one of these stylish mixers and get to work. This stand mixer comes with six speeds as well as an extra “fold” setting that you turn the control knob to and hold when you want to gently add delicate ingredients such as whipped cream. The 3.5-quart stainless steel bowl is one of the smaller ones we reviewed, but it functioned well in our tests and is durable; we just had to make smaller batches. With the Hamilton Beach mixer, you get the standard beater, whisk and dough hook, and the attachments and bowl are dishwasher safe.
This test made use of the wire whisk (if provided) and high speeds. The score also considers if all the ingredients were properly whipped. Considering its 6.5-quart capacity and highly durable all-metal construction, this mixer offers exceptional value for the money.
The alternative is a hand beater, which is less powerful and can be used to mix in a variety of different bowls. But they are no match for heavier substances, like bread dough. Once you understand the full capabilities of a stand mixer, you’ll realize the incredible value they actually bring to any kitchen.
Most stand mixers feature a tilt-head on a hinge that tips up to lift the beaters out of the stationary bowl. KitchenAid offers this as well as models in which the bowl lifts to meet the beaters. This was incorporated in higher-end models and primarily used in commercial and professional kitchens. The tilt-head design offers a bit more access to the bowl. However, it can be difficult to fit under cabinets, and the bowl is generally a bit smaller than the bowl-lift version. The main advantage of the stand mixer is a powerful motor.
We attempted to make two-loaves if appropriate for the mixer, and list those that handled the task with little or no difficulty. Weight of mixer, bowl, beater/s, and cord, to the nearest one-half pound. Weight may be important if you plan to move the mixer in and out of a cabinet for storage.
This feature sets stand mixers apart from electric hand mixers, which you have to hold onto while you mix your ingredients. Like most stand mixers, the Hamilton Beach model has a single interchangeable mixing attachment rather than two beaters, which lets it mix evenly and effectively. For maximum versatility, Hamilton Beach® also offers hand/stand hamilton beach toaster models, so you can use the hand mixer for quick mixing jobs or place it in the stand for hands-free mixing. Whatever stand mixer you choose, a variety of attachments are included from traditional and wire beaters to dough hooks. The Hamilton Beach stand mixer can whip cream, knead dough, and mix batter with the push of a button.