Since The Great British Bake Off has graced our TV screens, owning one of the best stand mixers has become a dream for many. There's no denying they look wonderful on a kitchen countertop, but they also come with a hefty price tag, making the decision to invest in one a big consideration.
If that’s why you’re here, get ready to discover a model that might just be worth your time. I’ve been reviewing the Kenwood Go Stand Mixer for the past few weeks, and whilst it resembles many top-tier models, it's notably more compact than perhaps anything you've seen before.
Read on to find out my thoughts on this streamlined stand mixer, and whether its size compromises its performance.
Kenwood Go Stand Mixer review: price and availability
The Kenwood Go Stand Mixer is a part of the brand's recent Go collection, also featuring the QuickMix Go Hand Mixer and MultiPro Go Food Processor.
The Go Stand Mixer will set you back £249.99/$250 and is available in Red Clay and Storm Blue. It can be purchased from the Kenwood online store or John Lewis.
Kenwood Go Stand Mixer review: unboxing and set up
Unboxing the Kenwood Go Stand Mixer was refreshingly straightforward. Inside the box, I found the mixer itself, four-litre mixing bowl, balloon whisk, dough hook and beater, all of which had a solid high-quality feel. The mixer’s compact design, along with its convenient handle, also made it easy to lift out.
Whilst there was a bit of excess packaging, it seemed necessary to prevent any scuffs or damage during transit, ensuring the mixer and attachments arrived in perfect condition.
Assembly is also simple and hassle-free, guided by clear and easy-to-follow instructions. I was initially unsure about attaching the optional splash guard (pictured below), but a quick glance at the user guide helped me figure it out easily.
Kenwood Go Stand Mixer review: design and features
Design wise, the Kenwood Go is significantly more compact than many other stand mixers, making it a perfect choice for kitchens with limited counter space or storage. This follows a recent trend of leading kitchen brands scaling down their appliances, including the likes Ninja’s Double Stack Air Fryer and Panasonic’s compact bread maker.
The Kenwood Go’s sleek, metallic finish also adds to its appeal. Whilst it’s only available in two colours, both shades are versatile enough to complement a variety of kitchen styles. I especially love the cool, icy blue shade on the model I’ve been reviewing, but the Red Clay is also a stunning option.
The mixer’s tilt-head design is also user-friendly, with an easy-to-reach switch at the back that allows the head to tilt smoothly. This function not only provides quick access to the bowl and attachments but also simplifies adding ingredients mid-mix – no risk of batter flying out unexpectedly!
Despite its compact form, the Kenwood Go packs impressive power, making it ideal for a wide range of tasks, from whipping cream to kneading bread dough. It offers six adjustable speed settings, with slower speeds perfect for gentle folding, and higher speeds suited for thorough mixing.
For added control, the Kenwood Go includes a convenient Pulse Function, which provides short bursts of power for quickly incorporating ingredients without overmixing. It's also equipped with an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating, powering down if the mixer runs at a single setting for an extended period.
The Kenwood Go can be used with or without the splash guard, but it's particularly handy if you'd like to avoid covering your kitchen in whatever you're mixing. It's common for ingredients to fly out of the bowl when using a stand mixer, especially at higher speeds, so the splash guard helps contain the mess by covering the top of the mixing bowl and preventing spills.
The entrance hole cover can also be easily lifted off and doubles as a measuring spoon. This thoughtful feature is a unique touch that I haven't encountered before, so it's great to see.
Kenwood Go Stand Mixer review: performance
I’ve really enjoyed testing out the Kenwood Go and have been using it for all kinds of tasks. I continue to be impressed by its diverse speed settings and attachments, especially considering its compact design. Each attachment slides in really easily, as does the mixing bowl, making the whole experience smooth and intuitive.
There's no denying it's a powerful machine, and I particularly love its pulse function and the clever built-in measuring spoon on the splash guard. It’s these thoughtful details that truly set it apart from other stand mixers on the market.
If I had to mention one thing, it would be the auto shut-off feature. Whilst it’s undoubtedly great for extending the machine's lifespan and conserving energy, I did find it a bit too sensitive. For instance, if I stepped away to grab something from another room, the mixer would turn off before I could get back. It’s a minor frustration, but more of a personal preference – some people might actually appreciate it.
Another point to consider is the bowl's 4-litre capacity. This makes it more suited for small to medium batches, but if you’re looking for a stand mixer to handle large baking projects, the Kenwood Go may not be the best choice. However, its compact design is ideal for those who want to avoid bulky appliances, making it a great option for those with limited counter space.
Kenwood Go Stand Mixer review: verdict
I've thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the Kenwood Go Stand Mixer and have used it for a variety of cooking and baking tasks. Despite its compact design, it boasts a range of thoughtful features that truly set it apart from other options on the market. It also has a robust, high-quality feel, making it a premium addition to any kitchen. Whilst the auto shut-off feature was a bit of a nuisance, and it's worth noting that it's not ideal for batch baking, the Kenwood Go is still an excellent stand mixer that’s definitely worth considering.
Kenwood Go Stand Mixer review: alternative to consider
If you're keen to stay within the Kenwood lineup, the Kenwood Titanium Chef KVC7300S is probably the best option you can buy. It's more expensive than the Kenwood Go, but it comes with even more standout features that explain the jump in price. These include an LED light to illuminate the mixing bowl, and two accessory outlets. It also lets you choose from eight speeds, with an extra low speed for folding ingredients and a high-speed pulse for blitzing.
