10 Best Planetary Mixers for Home & Restaurant: My Honest Reviews
When it comes to finding the best planetary mixers, I know firsthand how transformative these machines can be in the kitchen.
As a culinary enthusiast and someone who has tested numerous models, I can confidently say that a quality planetary mixer is a game-changer for home bakers and professional chefs alike. Unlike traditional stand mixers, planetary mixers boast a unique design where the mixing attachment moves around the bowl in a planetary motion, ensuring every ingredient is evenly incorporated — no scraping down the sides required.
Whether you’re whipping up a silky buttercream, kneading dense dough for artisan bread, or blending large batches of cookie batter, a planetary mixer delivers consistent results. These versatile machines are a must-have for anyone serious about baking or cooking on a larger scale.
In this guide, I’ll break down the top planetary mixers on the market, comparing features like power, capacity, durability, and ease of use. I’ll also share tips on how to choose a model that fits your needs, whether you’re an avid home cook or managing a commercial kitchen. From trusted brands like KitchenAid and Hobart to newer contenders, I’ve thoroughly researched and tested these machines to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the world of the best planetary mixers and elevate your culinary game.
Best Planetary Mixers I Found and Tested, for Home and Restaurant: My Honest Reviews
1. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer — Versatile and Reliable
2. Hobart N50 — A Commercial-Grade Powerhouse
3. Bosch Universal Plus Mixer — Compact Yet Mighty
4. Cuisinart SM-50 — Affordable and Efficient
5. Ankarsrum Original Mixer — A Scandinavian Classic
6. Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer — Best for Beginners
7. Kenwood Chef XL Titanium — Professional Results at Home4
8. 3 other best-selling Planetary Stand Mixers to consider
1. KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer — Versatile and Reliable
The KitchenAid Artisan is a household favorite known for its durability and versatility.
Key Features:
- 5-quart stainless steel bowl.
- 10-speed settings for precision control.
- Tilt-head design for easy access.
- Over 15 optional attachments, from pasta makers to food processors.
Why Choose It: The Artisan mixer is perfect for small to medium-sized batches. It handles bread dough, cookie batter, and even delicate meringues effortlessly. With its robust motor and classic design, it’s built to last.
Best For: Home bakers who need a multifunctional and stylish mixer.
MY REVIEW
I’m happy that I chose the Artisan Design Series mixer. I had a Classic Series, and it was heartbreaking when it gave out.
I received it as a Wedding Shower gift in 1996, and it died in February 2024–28 years of birthday cakes, cupcakes, and everything else. I had recently started making macarons to send to friends and families. It is challenging to make macarons because mixing has to be exact.
Too much or too little mixing and the batch is no good. That is how I knew my Classic Series wasn’t working anymore. Once I got this new mixer, the macaron shells were perfect. The filling mixed smoothly, which made it easy to put the macarons together precisely. I provided pictures to show just how well they turned out.
Regarding the price, yes, I paid more for my favorite color. I was willing to do that because my Classic Series lasted 28 years, making it worth it. I hope this new mixer is made with the same excellence as the older series. I will be beyond disappointed if it isn’t, and it is just like everything else that breaks, and we always hear, “They just don’t make things like they used to.”
I’m going to be optimistic and go for 30 years this time. 🤣 that means I’ll be 80 and don’t need a new one.
This Mixer is exactly as advertised, well-made, and works well. The PRICE is in the usual range.
2. Hobart N50 — A Commercial-Grade Powerhouse
Hobart mixers are iconic in commercial kitchens, and the N50 model brings that quality to smaller spaces.
Key Features:
- 5-quart bowl capacity.
- Three fixed speeds for heavy-duty performance.
- All-metal construction for durability.
- Planetary action ensures even mixing.
Why Choose It:
The Hobart N50 is ideal for professional chefs and serious home bakers. Its heavy-duty motor can handle dense doughs like brioche and bagels without faltering.
Best For: Commercial use or heavy-duty home baking needs.
MY REVIEW
When I got my hands on the Hobart N50–60 5 Quart Commercial Countertop Planetary Stand Mixer, I quickly understood that it will be a game changer in my kitchen.
The large on/off switch is super convenient, making it easy to operate without fumbling around. I love the three-speed settings; they allow me to mix everything from light batters to heavy doughs with perfect consistency every time. Plus, its compact size means it fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space, which is a huge plus for me.
The attachment hub is a nice touch, letting me use various #10 attachments, and the 5-quart stainless steel bowl is both spacious and easy to clean. Overall, this mixer has really elevated my baking game!
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3. Bosch Universal Plus Mixer — Compact Yet Mighty
This innovative mixer combines versatility with compact design, making it perfect for multifunctional kitchens.
Key Features:
- 6.5-quart mixing bowl.
- Dual wire whisks for lighter mixtures.
- Continuous planetary action for thorough results.
- Optional attachments for juicing, grinding, and more.
Why Choose It:
Bosch Universal Plus stands out with its high-performance motor and space-saving design. It’s a great choice for home bakers with limited space but high expectations.
Best For: Home cooks needing a powerful, all-in-one mixer.
MY REVIEW
I ordered this mixer to compare to my vintage Bosch (the original version of this mixer) from the 70s.
This is pretty similar to that old Bosch with the following improvements:
- suction cup feet so the mixer doesn’t walk around (or off) the counter while kneading dough
- a bowl with a lip to surround the lid ring (this prevents the lid from popping off on large batches)
- the bowl edge is turned down like a little umbrella which gives improved gripping for transport
The motor of both the old and new is of similar power. I find it to bog down more than I prefer with large batches (above 7 lbs) of dough. I’ve made up to 5200g (11.2 lbs) of dough in this mixer and it will do it but it’s a strain on the motor.
One other drawback (or advantage depending on how you prefer to proof your dough) is that this mixer really heats up the dough. It’ll go from 65 or 70F up to 110F in 7 minutes of kneading. I personally prefer to keep the dough at room temp. A work around is to add ice to the water to knock the temp down before hand. So, although I don’t like the heating, it’s something that can be dealt with.
Additionally, it does away with the center column for a little more space for dough (about 200 additional grams). I ordered this mainly to compare and see if it was worth upgrading. I think the refinements are probably worth the price difference. But I instead am going to put that cost difference toward a stainless bowl and the drive/dough hook to match ($350 new just for this bowl and accessories!).
I’d used a 1981 Kitchenaid by Hobart for years and although an excellent mixer, the Bosch is also good product with a proven long lifespan. The Bosch can make 2x the amount of dough and the lid system is a lot cleaner than the open bown of the Kitchenaid.
4. Cuisinart SM-50 — Affordable and Efficient
$The Cuisinart SM-50 offers excellent performance without breaking the bank.
Key Features:
- 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl.
- 12-speed control for precision.
- Die-cast metal construction ensures durability.
- Includes a chef’s whisk, dough hook, and flat mixing paddle.
Why Choose It:
It’s an affordable option for those who need a reliable mixer for light to medium baking tasks. Its simple controls make it user-friendly for beginners.
Best For: Budget-conscious bakers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
5. Ankarsrum Original Mixer — A Scandinavian Classic
The Ankarsrum Original stands out with its unique design and robust performance.
Key Features:
- 7.4-quart stainless steel bowl.
- 600-watt motor handles heavy doughs.
- Unique rotating bowl mechanism for efficient mixing.
- Includes multiple attachments for various kitchen tasks.
Why Choose It:
Its unconventional design and power make it a favorite for experienced bakers. It’s particularly excellent for kneading large batches of dough.
Best For: Experienced bakers looking for a heavy-duty and innovative mixer.
6. Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer — Best for Beginners
Hamilton Beach’s 7-speed mixer is a great entry-level option for casual bakers.
Key Features:
- 4-quart stainless steel bowl.
- Planetary mixing action ensures even results.
- 7-speed control for versatility.
- Affordable yet durable design.
Why Choose It:
With its straightforward features and reliable performance, it’s perfect for occasional baking needs. It’s also one of the most affordable options on the market.
Best For: Beginners or those with light baking requirements.
7. Kenwood Chef XL Titanium — Professional Results at Home
The Kenwood Chef XL Titanium combines power with advanced features for professional-level results.
Key Features:
- 7-quart stainless steel mixing bowl.
- 1500-watt motor for heavy-duty tasks.
- Built-in lights for better visibility.
- Multiple attachments, including a blender and food processor.
Why Choose It:
This mixer is ideal for bakers who need a versatile, high-capacity machine. Its sleek design and advanced features make it a top choice for serious bakers.
Best For: Home chefs who want professional-grade equipment.
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Other Top Planetary Mixers I would recommend for home
8. Winco Commercial-Grade Planetary Mixer with Hub, 20 Liter
9. Chronos 20 QT Commercial Planetary Food Mixer
10. Waring Commercial Planetary 7 Quart Large Stand Mixer
Key Considerations When Buying a Planetary Mixer
- Capacity: Choose a bowl size that matches your typical batch size.
- Motor Power: Higher wattage is better for heavy doughs like bread or pizza.
- Attachments: Check for included and optional accessories.
- Durability: Opt for all-metal construction for longer-lasting performance.
- Ease of Use: Features like tilt-head designs and intuitive controls improve convenience.
What is your favorite Planetary Mixer ? Final Thoughts
Investing in the right planetary mixer can elevate your baking game, whether you’re a beginner or a professional. Each of the mixers listed above excels in quality and performance, ensuring you get the best value for your money. Choose one based on your needs, and enjoy the convenience of effortless mixing.
Best planetary Mixers — Honest Reviews
