Mixing dough used to be hard work. These days, electric mixers make it easy. You’ll find two main types in NZ stores: benchtop mixers and handheld mixers.
🏋️♂️ Heavy or Light?
Benchtop mixers sit on the bench and do the heavy lifting. They’re great for kneading bread dough, mixing cake batter, and whipping cream. Some come with extras for making pasta, ice cream, or even sausages. Because they’re heavy, they usually stay in one spot.
Handheld mixers are smaller and lighter. They’re good for quick jobs like beating eggs or whipping cream. Not ideal for thick dough.
Lots of Kiwi cooks use both, depending on what they’re making.
🔄 Multi-Function Mixers
Some benchtop mixers can do more than just mix. They come with attachments for slicing, grating, blending, and more. These all-in-one machines save space and cut down on clutter. Just check what’s included — not all models come with the same gear.
🧠 Head Design
Most mixers either:
- Tilt-head: The top lifts back so you can access the bowl
- Bowl-lift: The bowl moves up to meet the beaters
Tilt-heads are more common in NZ homes, while bowl-lift models are often used in commercial kitchens.
📏 Bowl Size
Most home mixers come with a 4.5 to 5 litre bowl, which is sweet for everyday baking. If you’re baking big batches or running a small business, you might want something larger — commercial models go up to 50 litres.
Pick a mixer that suits your kitchen space and baking habits. Some brands like Kenwood and KitchenAid offer colour options to match your kitchen too.
🔁 Mixing Action
There are two main types:
- Spiral mixers: The bowl spins while a spiral hook kneads the dough. Great for bread — mixes evenly without heating the dough. Not good for whipping or light mixing.
- Planetary mixers: The bowl stays still while the beater moves around. More flexible — good for dough, cake batter, eggs, and cream. Not as strong for heavy dough, and you may need to swap bowls for bigger batches.
⚙️ Key Features to Look For
- Power: Go for at least 250 watts if you’re mixing dough. Some top models go up to 1000 watts or more.
- Speed settings: More speeds give you better control. Most mixers offer 3 to 12 speeds.
- Splash guard: Stops flour flying everywhere and lets you add ingredients while mixing.
- Timer: Handy for hands-free mixing.
- Slow start: Helps avoid mess when you first turn it on.
- Attachments: Most benchtop mixers come with a hook, beater, and whisk. Some include extras like pasta rollers or meat grinders.
- Replaceable parts: Good brands offer cheap replacement parts if something breaks.
🍰 Handheld Mixers
Sunbeam JMP1000WH
🧁 Key Features
- 250W motor – surprisingly powerful for its size
- 6 speed settings – plus a burst button for extra oomph
👍 What People Like
- Strong performance for whipping and mixing
- Easy to clean and store
- Good value for money (often under $50 NZD)
- Long-lasting — many users say their older Sunbeam mixers lasted 20+ years
👎 What to Watch Out For
- Not suitable for heavy-duty mixing like large bread batches
- Noisy at higher speeds
- Basic design — no digital controls or timer
KitchenAid 5KHM926A
📦 Key Features
- 9 speed settings — from slow stir to high whip
- DC motor — quieter and smoother than standard mixers
🌟 What Stands Out
- Super quiet and smooth operation
- Great control for delicate mixing or heavy batters
- Easy to clean and store
- Long-lasting build — many users report 10+ years of use
- Ideal for serious bakers or anyone upgrading from a basic mixer
⚠️ What to Keep in Mind
- Premium price — not the cheapest option
- No self-cleaning (obviously)
- Not ideal for huge dough batches — better suited to everyday baking
🧁 Benchtop Mixers
Kenwood KVC3100
📦 Key Features
- 1,000W motor — powerful enough for heavy doughs and big batches
- 4.6L stainless steel bowl — roomy for cakes, bread, and meringues
- Planetary mixing action — ensures even mixing across the bowl
🌟 What Stands Out
- Strong motor handles tough jobs like bread and pizza dough
- Versatile — can expand with attachments for other kitchen tasks
- Easy to clean and use
- Reliable performance — many users report using it 3–4 times a week for years
- Great for beginners and experienced bakers alike
⚠️ What to Keep in Mind
- No timer or digital controls — it’s manual
- Takes up bench space — not ideal for small kitchens
- Can be noisy at higher speeds
- Attachments sold separately — adds to cost if you want extras
KitchenAid KSM195
📦 Key Features
- 4.8L stainless steel bowl + free ceramic bowl — roomy and stylish
- 10 speed settings — from slow stir to fast whip
- Tilt-head design — easy access to the bowl
🌟 What Stands Out
- Quiet and smooth operation
- Built to last — many users report 10+ years of use
- Stylish design — looks great on the bench
- Versatile — can handle cakes, bread, meringues, and more
- Great for serious bakers or anyone upgrading from a hand mixer
⚠️ What to Keep in Mind
- Premium price — not for casual use
- Heavy — not ideal if you need to move it often
- Takes up bench space
- Ceramic bowl is breakable — handle with care
