Stand Mixers
The most notable name in stand mixers  is the KitchenAid, which controls about 50 percent of the stand mixer market. This large market share is not because of clever marketing or bargain prices, but due to years as a superior product. Not everyone needs a heavy duty Kitchen Aid mixer, but if you are a serious baker or mashed potato eater, it is the best machine on the market for you.
| Types of Stand Mixers |
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Rotating Disc Stand Mixers - The technology that distinguishes KitchenAid.
- Beaters are mounted on a rotating disc.
- The "planetary movement" of the beaters keeps ingredients from getting stuck on the side of the bowl.
- Shorter mixing time.
- Set it and go -- no need to watch this mixer, it will be fine on its own.
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Fixed-Beater Stand Mixers- The technology often found in professional models and by Sunbeam and Hamilton Beach.
- Beaters are fixed.
- Rotating bowl.
- Takes as much as twice the time as rotating disc model.
- Must watch mixer and stop frequently to clean unmixed ingredients on the sides of bowl.
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Features To Consider- Bowl Size
- Bowls come in different sizes, ranging from 4-7 quarts. For extra convenience opt for a model in which the bowls have handles.
- Mixing Attachments
- Depending on your baking and cooking needs, you may simply prefer to have more options when it comes to add-on attachments.
- Dough hooks, wire whisks, and blending rods are just some of the options that will typically come with a Kitchen Aid mixer.
- Look for attachments that are non-stick or stainless steel.
- Power
- The wattage of a stand mixer is more important when it comes to speed than the number of speed settings. So if that's a feature that you are particularly concerned about, do not compare models by speed, but by watt capacity.
- Typical power ranges from 300-900 watts.
- Speeds
- 3-15 speed models are available.
- Remember that a model with 15 speeds isn't "one faster" than a model with 14 speeds. More speeds just allow for smoother transitions between speeds.
- In fact, having the variety of 15 speeds is nice because the lowest speeds will really be very low. That means mixing flour or other dry mixtures will not cause a cloud of powder because the speed is too high.
- Warranty: The longer the warranty, the better the chances are that the mixer will last
- Weight: The heavier the stand mixer, the less chance of it moving during operation
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