Which stand mixers do they use on Bake Off? It's the question we're all thinking when we settle in for our weekly dose of tea and cake. I've done some research and you might be surprised by the answers.
Every year, when The Great British Bake Off graces our screens, millions of people come close to tasting their baking potential. Battenburg cakes? I could probably do that. A Viennese sandwich? Given one of the best stand mixers, I reckon I could whip one up. Remember that bread lion from Paul years ago? You could give it a whirl.
The power behind some of the best bakes in the tent undoubtedly are baked into the stand mixers. They're iconic. Back in the Mary Berry days, Bake Off were obviously supplying their contenstantes KitchenAid stand mixers. However, since swapping to Channel 4, I've spotted the Kenwood kMix in the background of Paul brooding over the bakes. So, which stand mixer fo they use on Bake Off now?
Which stand mixers do they use on Bake Off?
I won't make you wait for the answers. There are two stand mixers that they use in the Bake Off tent: the Kenwood kMix and the KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. I've baked with both and I can confirm that they sprinkle a little something special into the mix. The sheer weight of the stand mixer head and the way that the attachments whizz around the world made me feel like a professional. Here's the two up next to each other.
It's no surprise that the KitchenAid Artisan is in the Bake Off tent. It's colourful (you can choose between 20 different hues); speedy; powerful; and premium. If you buy one of these, it'll last you for a lifetime. Or, at least, that's how I justify the price to myself.
I tested this when I worked for one of our sister sites and it was love at first bake. The springy tilt back head, neat features, and integrated scales make this a step up from the more basic models out there. It doesn't quite reach the bottom of the bowl as well as KitchenAid stand mixers, but it's nonetheless great.
Why is the KitchenAid stand mixer so special?
KitchenAid carries some serious cloud for bakers, casual and professional, but why? Having tested all of the models that they have on offer, as well as their competitors, I find it easy to justify KitchenAid's price tags. The design is beautiful, they offer a range of colour options that look at home in any kitchen.
When it comes to performance, the KitchenAids are all much more powerful, speedy, and smooth to use than all the other models on the market. Even if I fill the bowl with thick dough, I know that a KitchenAid won't rock around and topple.
I often find that other brands mixers miss the sides and bottom of the bowl, which feels wasteful. It becomes fiddly too, because you'll have to do some mixing by hand to cover up where the stand mixer missed. Not with KitchenAids. They sides are always clean, the bottom is never dusty, and my bakes always turn out well. If they don't, it's because I've been experimenting with the recipe. As we've all seen on Bake Off, that can lead to a soggy bottom or a sunken cake.
Most stand mixers will come with a mixer, whisk, and dough hook attachment. KitchenAid's look fairly typical, except that they're weighty and durable. These are the kinds of extras that will last for a lifetime, rather than just a baking season. What's even more impressive is the sheer range of accessories that KitchenAid offers for their stand mixers. I have the ice cream maker (which is also reduced in Amazon's Prime Day Sales), but you can buy a pasta maker, food processor, meat grinder, and anything else you could possibly think of to pair with your stand mixer.
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
Whilst researching the best stand mixer deals around on Amazon Prime Day, I came across some sensational discounts. There are deals on Smeg, Tower, and Instant stand mixers, as well as on the celebrity duo, Kenwood and KitchenAid. I've selected the best three alternative deals that you might want to shop and featured them below. Just so you know, I've tested them all, so I can vouch for their quality.
The Smeg aesthetic is irresistable. Everyone recognises it for the chic, Italian flair that it adds to your counters. Whilst this discount isn't as sensational as the others, it's still worth having.
It's not always easy to splurge on a hobby that you're not yet sold on. If that's the case, the Tower Stand Mixer is a great place to start.
This is different from the Bake Off one, because it's the Classic rather than the Artisan. All this means is that the classic is a little smaller, with less colour options, and more power.
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. However, in more recent episodes, there have been sightings of the Kenwood kMix stand mixer.
What's the difference between a KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer and a KitchenAid Artisan?
You'll see deals on both the KitchenAid Classic and the Artisan stand mixer and, truthfully, there isn't much difference between the two. 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.
