Stand mixer guide: types & sizes
What is a stand mixer?
A stand mixer is a heavy-duty electric mixer built into a stationary stand with a bowl. Most have multiple speeds, can handle dense ingredients and offer hands-free operation. Stand mixers can usually mix, whip and knead with various accessories but also shred meat, mash potatoes, churn out fresh guacamole and more.
Some stand mixers are compatible with attachments that expand the mixer’s capabilities. KitchenAid® stand mixers feature over 10 different attachments that let you roll and cut pasta noodles, grind meat, spiralize vegetables, make ice cream and much more. With attachments, a stand mixer can become one of the most versatile appliances you’ll ever use in your kitchen.
Types of stand mixers
When buying a stand mixer, no matter the brand, you’ll typically need to decide between two basic types: tilt-head and bowl-lift. The main difference between tilt-head and bowl lift designs is the way bowls are attached and accessed, along with the types of mixtures they handle best:
Tilt-Head
Bowls usually attach to the base of the mixer. The head tilts back to provide easy access to the bowl and beater, which makes adding ingredients or swapping out accessories a snap. Most tilt-head models can easily handle everyday mixtures, and offer small to mid-range capacities. This style mixer tends to have a lower profile for countertop storage and can usually tuck nicely under most kitchen cabinets.
Bowl-Lift
Bowls usually attach to two sturdy arms that provide stability and support for heavy mixtures. A lever smoothly lifts the bowl into position under the beaters, providing extra stability when mixing large batches. Most bowl-lift models are equipped to handle dense mixtures and offer larger capacities. The solid build also keeps this mixer firmly on your countertop for heavy-duty ingredients and batches.
How to choose a mixer
Which stand mixer is best depends on what’s most important to you. Consider these factors and more to make sure you choose the right stand mixer.
Size & Capacity
Explore everything from compact, apartment-friendly mixers to bigger models that easily handle large, dense mixtures.
Color, Finish and Bowls
If the perfect mixer means matching your décor, discover the variety of colors, finishes and bowl options available.
Attachments & Accessories
Make more with your mixer and discover the endless possibilities with attachments and accessories.
Top 5 things to consider when buying a new stand mixer
Unlock your potential in the kitchen by exploring which KitchenAid® stand mixer best fits your culinary style with this helpful video.
Bowl-Lift vs Tilt-Head Stand Mixer: what's the difference?
The main difference between the Stand Mixers is how bowls are attached. The Tilt-head hinges back while the Bowl-lift has a lever to raise and lower the bowl. Learn more about Tilt-head vs Bowl-lift Stand Mixers to find the right one for you.
Best stand mixer for you
Discover the best KitchenAid® mixer for your home including the best KitchenAid® mixers for bread, home bakers, creative cooks and everything in between.
WHAT ARE THE STAND MIXER SIZES?
Stand mixers come in a wide variety of sizes including different dimensions, weights and bowl capacities. Factors such as overall design, the bowl and beater setup or the type of stand mixer may affect the bowl capacity vs the stand mixer body size. In general, the larger the stand mixer body, the larger the mixer bowl size and capacity. While exact dimensions and capacities vary by brand, you can think of stand mixer sizes as small, medium and large.
STAND MIXER CAPACITIES
Smaller-sized stand mixers will usually offer somewhere between 2 and 3.5 qts of capacity, while larger stand mixers can offer around 5–8 qts. In the middle, you’ll find medium-sized stand mixers with around 4–5 qts of capacity—a great size for everyday recipes and meals.
STAND MIXER DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Stand mixer dimensions and weights will depend on their design and construction and can vary widely. In general, a stand mixer can weigh anywhere from around 10–35 lbs so think about how and where you’ll store it when choosing a stand mixer size.
KITCHENAID® STAND MIXER SIZES
KitchenAid offers a full lineup of small, medium and large stand mixers built to elevate everything from weeknight dinners to full-on feasts. Each mixer offers the power to deliver optimal performance for the size of the stand mixer. When deciding what KitchenAid® mixer to buy, consider these factors to narrow down which size is best for you:
Stand mixer colors and design options
Stand mixers are often displayed on the countertop, making their appearance an important factor. The look of stand mixers can vary widely from brand to brand as can the number of color options and customizable features. Get help deciding which options will work best for your style.
Neutral Colors
Choose a neutral hue like black, white or silver if you want a stand mixer that will always match your kitchen, no matter how you change it—or if you prefer a contemporary, minimal palette.
Pastel or Light Colors
Add a bit of lightness to your countertop with a pastel tone. This palette can help soften the look of stainless steel appliances and is light enough to blend in with a range of wood cabinet tones and paint colors.
Cool Colors
Shades on the cooler side blend well with both contemporary aesthetics and traditional styles. These hues can be refreshing and bright or calming and tranquil, depending on which one you choose.
Bold Colors
You don’t need to be fearless to bring vibrant hues into your kitchen. Bold colors can add a pop of color to otherwise neutral kitchens, or blend in with an eclectic collection. Choose one with similar warm or cool undertones as your kitchen cabinets to create a cohesive look.
KitchenAid® Mixer Options
KitchenAid offers over 40 stand mixer colors and a variety of bowl options to choose from. In addition, you can add a free engraving to select models when you shop with the KitchenAid Customization Tool. Here are some KitchenAid® stand mixers with the most color or bowl options available:
Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
This model is available in over 40 colors and compatible with the largest variety of bowls in various colors, patterns and finishes—making it the most customizable option.
Professional 600™ Series 6 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid® bowl-lift model features a taller profile, wider base and sturdy arms. This model comes in 15 colors so you’re sure to find one that matches your style.
KitchenAid® Custom Metallic® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Clad in real metal, this tilt-head model represents power and beauty on the counter. Choose from 3 ultra sleek metal finishes for a unique and premium look.
STAND MIXER ATTACHMENTS AND ACCESSORIES
Several brands now offer attachments that help expand the mixer’s versatility beyond the bowl. You’ll find everything from blenders and food processors to juicers and food grinders. Many brands also offer additional beaters such as mixing accessories with a silicone edge that helps scrape the bowl.
WHICH STAND MIXER ATTACHMENTS DO I NEED?
When choosing attachments, think about the kinds of recipes you want to create and how a stand mixer can make it possible. All KitchenAid® stand mixers are compatible with all power hub attachments.1 Here is the lineup of KitchenAid brand attachments:
Fresh Prep
Introduce more fresh and healthy ingredients into your recipes and update old favorites with vegetable noodles and more.
Vegetable Sheet Cutter
Spiralizer with Peel, Core and Slice
Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder
Juicer Sauce Attachment
Food Processor
Grinders
Create custom meat blends for burgers, kebabs and sausage, or grind up healthy fruit and nut bars, fresh chutneys and more.
Metal Food Grinder
Sausage Stuffer Kit
Slicer/Shredder + Grinder/Strainer Pack
Fuit & Vegetable Strainer
Large Food Train
Pasta & Grain
Discover the taste of authenticity with fresh, made-from-scratch pasta and breads—from fettuccini to biscotti and beyond.
Sifter and Scale
3 Piece Pasta Roller & Cutter
5 Piece Pasta Deluxe Set
Gourmet Pasta Press
All-Metal Grain Mill
Ravioli Maker
Sweets & Desserts
Churn up your own unique ice cream blends at home. Control every ingredient for a range of dietary needs and custom flavors.
Ice Cream Maker
KITCHENAID® MIXER DIFFERENCES
Compare KitchenAid® stand mixer details with our Stand Mixer Comparison Guide. Understand the difference between capacities and sizes in side-by-side match-ups to find your exact model match.
Did you know?
The iconic shape of the KitchenAid® stand mixer is a registered trademark in the United States and elsewhere around the world.
STAND MIXER FAQ
What size stand mixer should I get?
That depends on the size of your kitchen, what you want to make, and how many people you want to feed. Watch a video recap on how to choose the right KitchenAid® stand mixer size.
Do I have room for a stand mixer? How big are stand mixers?
Stand mixers range in size from the compact to larger professional-style models. Mini and full-sized tilt-head KitchenAid® stand mixers can tuck underneath cabinets on your countertop or store away in a cabinet. Larger KitchenAid® bowl-lift models can be around 16–17 inches tall, so you'll need a little extra space on your countertop.
How many stand mixer attachments are there?
Number of attachments range depending on the brand of your stand mixer. KitchenAid® offers over 10 power-hub attachments compatible with every stand mixer, and an ice cream maker attachment compatible with full-size and bowl-lift mixers. Learn more about KitchenAid® stand mixer attachments.
What kind of accessories do stand mixers have?
Specialized beaters in a variety of materials, bowl lids, guards, and pouring shields are just some of the accessories available.
Which KitchenAid® stand mixer has the most colors?
The KitchenAid® stand mixer with the most color options is the Artisan® Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer.
Can I get a replacement bowl for my KitchenAid® stand mixer?
KitchenAid® offers a wide range of bowl designs in stainless steel, glass or ceramic so you can find the perfect bowl for your mixer and your recipes. Find out which bowls are compatible with your model.