Whilst the series hasn't started just yet, I'm already prepping ahead for my Great British Bake Off viewing: I've bulk ordered tea and biscuits, ready for my weekly dose of Hollywood handshakes and soggy bottoms. And whilst I can't wait to see what Nigella is like and who will be making show-stoppers this year, I'm also curious to see what they're cooking with. Because the question everyone always asks is, which stand mixers do they use on the Great British Bake Off.
Over the last sixteen seasons, we've seen various types of stand mixers on the counter in the tent. Most of the time, it looks like the team has opted for the most famous choice, a KitchenAid stand mixer. However, in the historic move across to Channel 4, there was a waver where the brand switched over to the Kenwood kMix.
As your resident appliance expert (and Bake Off superfan), I'll be keeping a close eye on the tent this season to find out which stand mixer will help us to pull off a show stopper or two of our own. And, importantly, whether the unexpected stand mixer accessory, is still in the mix.
Which stand mixers do they use on the Great British Bake Off?
I won't leave you in suspense with a Waitrose ad break (GBBO, I am thinking of you). There are two stand mixers that have historically, consistently been placed in the tent: the Kenwood kMix and the KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. I've baked with both and I can confirm that they whip in ways that other mixers don't stand a chance against. But this year, things are a little different.
Whilst there has been a mix of brands over the years (hence the fiery KitchenAid vs Kenwood debate), last year year, it was all KitchenAid. Channel 4 are clever with their camera angles, but there are some signature features and accessories that I'd bet a batch of gingerbread on. Now you know, you'll see that the tent is being used to showcase the beautiful array of pastel colours on offer from the brand.
So, which one should you take from the tent and onto your worktop? Here's a little bit about the main stand mixers that The Great British Bake Off use now (as well as the ones that they have used in the past).
KitchenAid Artisan
It's no surprise that the KitchenAid Artisan is the one favoured by the Bake Off tent. It's colourful (you can choose between 20 different hues); speedy; powerful; and premium. These have been used by celebrity chefs (including Mr Hollywood) for years, so it's not just the tent that loves them. It's a brand you can truly trust.
You can find out more in my full KitchenAid Artisan review.
Kenwood kMix
Mary Berry has actually since collaborated with Kenwood on a special edition model of the kMix and if it's good enough for her, it should be for you. I love the springy tilt back head and smooth speed controls. It feels more modern than a KitchenAid, but is that enough to tip the balance?
You can find out more in my full Kenwood kMix review.
What's the special KitchenAid accessory that I should know about?
If there's one thing that I can't stop thinking about (aside from those caramel hobnobs they made last year) it's the stand mixer accessory that everyone is using. It's often overlooked and surprisingly controversial, but let me tell you: it's worthy of a Hollywood Handshake.
So, what's the stand mixer accessory in question? The humble glass stand mixer bowl. It's not brand new (Kenwood has used one on some of their kMix models for years), but it's rarer to see on a KitchenAid. After falling in love with the Kenwood glass mixing bowl in my stand mixer tests, I sought out the KitchenAid one. I have to say, it's one of my favourite KitchenAid accessories of all time.
If you're on the fence about a glass mixing bowl, hear me out. It has measurements on the side, so you can pour straight in. Which means less faff, fewer spills, and a lot less to wash up at the end. You can also see whether all your mix is incorporated, as well as taking a look for air bubbles or streaks of unmixed batter whilst the machine is whirring, whisking, and mixing. That means you can make tweaks before it's too late. It's earned a spot in my kitchen and the Bake Off tent, which surely means it's the best of the best.
Glass mixing bowls are controversial, but I find them to be really helpful. Not only does this have measurements on the side (great for free-pouring), you'll be able to keep an eye on the bottom and sides of the bowl, avoiding any unmixed ingredients.
Why is the KitchenAid stand mixer so special?
KitchenAid carries some serious clout for bakers, casual and professional, but why? I call them an heirloom brand, because these are made to the kind of quality that means you're passing down your stand mixer from generation to generation. KitchenAid doesn't change the accessory compatibility either, so even older models can be used with their latest and greatest KitchenAid attachments and accessories.
Whilst it's true that these are some of the most expensive stand mixers, when it comes to performance, I've found KitchenAids offer the most power, consistency, and stability of all models. Even with a bowl full of bread dough, I know mine won't topple. Where other brands mixers miss the sides and bottoms of the bowl, the KitchenAid cleans up.
You won't be fiddling with hand mixing or scooping out dusty flour that didn't get mixed in, because KitchenAids cover all bases. You've also got over 20 colour options and all the beautiful extras that KitchenAid release each year. The only downside is that these are so good that you can't blame one of these for your soggy bottoms or a sunken cakes.
Is the Kenwood kMix as good as the KitchenAid?
I'll admit that I was a little surprised when I found out that the GBBO producers had moved away from complete KitchenAid supremacy across the tent. However, I wasn't surprised either. Kenwood has shot up in the baking community as the most popular alternative stand mixer to the KitchenAid.
It has all the same features of a KitchenAid: a powerful motor (though I don't find it as strong as the KA), durable build quality, and nice design. Often, Kenwood adds integrated scales and a timer underneath the bowl, which is a godsend for busy bakers. So, if you're not dead set on having the Bake Off stand mixer, you can save even more money with £220 off the kMix.
Alternative stand mixers that are still great
KitchenAid and Kenwood dominate the world of stand mixers, but they're not your only route to becoming star baker at home. Here are three other models that I've tested and loved in my kitchen.
Most stylish Smeg Retro 50s Stand Mixer
The Smeg aesthetic is irresistible. Everyone recognises it for the chic, Italian flair that it adds to your counters. Whilst this is an expensive stand mixer, you reap the rewards just by looking at it. It's a little louder than KitchenAids and Kenwoods, but you get some gorgeous colour options.
Find out more in my full Smeg review.
Best value ProCook Stand Mixer
This fulfilled the seemingly impossible task of delivering professional results on a budget. Available in a range of classic colours, it's speedy and powerful. You might need a helping hand scraping the bottom of the bowl, but for half the price of a KitchenAid, it's impressive.
Find out more in my full ProCook review.
Best hybrid Bosch Series 6 Stand Mixer
I didn't expect Bosch to make its way into my list of the best stand mixers, but it's impossible not to love this model. It has integrated weighing scales and timers as well as lots of clever extra functions. If you want a stand mixer that's smarter than all the others, this is the gadget that gives back.
You can find out more in my full Bosch review.
FAQs
What stand mixer do they use on The Great British Bake Off?
Traditionally, The Great British Bake Off has used KitchenAid stand mixers, namely the Artisan. There have been sightings of the Kenwood kMix stand mixer in previous years, but it seems that the tent is all KitchenAid again this last year.
What's the difference between a KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer and a KitchenAid Artisan?
I've dedicated a full, detailed article to the KitchenAid Artisan vs Classic debate, but if you want the headlines, here you go. The Classic has a 250 watt motor, whereas the Artisan has 325 watts. This makes the Artisan more suitable for bakers and big homes, but they're both pretty powerful. ANother difference is the bowl size. You'll always have options with each model, but generally, the Classic bowl is smaller and doesn't have the handle, which can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on what your kitchen layout is like. You'll get more colour options with the Artisan (there are over 20 options, compared to just two with the classic) and, apart from some minor details, such as weight, these two are very similar.
Are Kenwood stand mixers as good as KitchenAid's?
Yes. Some people even say that Kenwood stand mixers are better, because they incorporate special extra features, such as a timer and weighing scales. I've always been in camp KitchenAid, because I like traditional stand mixers. Plus, the weight and build of the KitchenAid feels more stable to me. In context of all stand mixers though, these two are the leading ladies.
A stand mixer could be the kitchen appliance that helps us to pull off a showstopper or two of our own. A biscuit cottage replica of grandma's cottage without a problem. A fondant fancy like it's a piece of cake. Because, whilst skills are essential, there's something about the power, speed, and consistency of your stand mixer that can make the difference.
