CuisinartStand Mixer, 12 Speeds, 5.5-Quart Mixing Bowl, Chef's Whisk, Flat Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, and Splash Guard with Pour Spout, Silver Lining, SM-50BC, Silver Lining

I got my first Kitchenaid from my dad for my 16th birthday. I am a serious baker with culinary training. It was well loved for over 20 years but the locking mechanism in the head finally gave out and I needed a replacement. I’d been hearing that the newer Kitchenaids aren’t as reliable as they used to be and I just couldn’t stomach the price tag, so I decided to take a chance on this one and I’m so glad I did! I waited a couple months to write a review because it is different and took a little getting used to.My favorite thing is how quiet it is! I tend to bake while my family is watching TV at night, and I can easily mix without bothering them now. The bowl is also bigger than the standard Kitchenaid. Last night I mixed a double batch of cheesecake - 8 blocks of cream cheese and 8 eggs - and it handled it just fine.Some reviewers mentioned the whisk doesn’t reach the bottom of the bowl, and technically that’s true if you only have like 1 or 2 egg whites in the bowl. But to be fair that’s not what it’s meant for. If you’re whipping 1 egg white you should use a hand mixer or a whisk. When mixing a normal size recipe I find it incorporates the ingredients very well. You will have to scrape the sides of the bowl sometimes but that is true of all mixers.I have found the dough hook to be more effective than the Kitchenaid. It incorporates flour more effectively and the dough doesn’t creep up the hook as much.It is lighter weight and easier to move, but heavy enough for stability.The head bounces a little bit when mixing and it concerned me at first, but now I’m wondering if it’s by design to keep from putting undue pressure on the motor when it meets resistance, like a chunk of cold butter. It’s hasn’t caused any problems.I like the smooth operation of the dial, and the slow start feature that helps prevent flour from flying when you turn it on. The splash guard is also really well designed. This did take some getting used to because you can’t lift the beater in and out without taking the guard off, but it’s very easy to remove & replace and it’s worth using because the ingredient chute works really well.The head locks in the upright position so you don’t have to worry about it accidentally slamming down.I really hope this mixer lasts a long time. I am very pleased with the quality!

Great machine - easy to use, store, and to clean! I've made my gluten free sugar cookies with this mixer and I make gluten free sourdough bread dough (a couple loaf sets) weekly in this. It's been wonderful! I bought this at the November 2024 holiday season as a gift to myself and I am glad that I did, given that it has not just aided me in weekly baking, but saves me time with it. This is really easy to clean and wipe after each use and to clean the bowl, too.The machine was packed really well and arrived on time after ordering it. It comes with everything I needed, all the paddles and hooks, and a nice splash guard too. The settings and maneuverability of this machine are really easy to work with. I love the size of the bowl for all the things I need to make with it. My husband has used it for his mashed potatoes as well. It stores easily on our counter. I did buy a cover and a case for it and do recommend that if you have dust or pets. I do think having a mixer slide on the counter would make it even better to store and use.This unit is hearty and will last years to come. I am glad I bought this brand, it is really worth the decent price.

Super durable, quiet, and does its job. I love making desserts for my family.

Impressive quality. I had a kitchen aid mixer and thought this might not impress...totally love it. Slightly lighter weight, it fits better in my lower cabinet due to the profile. I've used it quite a bit now. I make a lot of egg white bread and though I've owned every option out there, this makes stiff egg white better then anything else, quite a feat. Plenty of power. I no longer make traditional breads so have not used the dough hook but what counts is the motor and build quality which are top notch in my book.

The media could not be loaded. In search of a new mixer that would handle bread dough, I read reviews, articles, and watched videos for weeks and hours. In the end I chose to compare the Instant (Instapot) mixer and this Cuisinart. Although I eventually chose the Cuisinart, here are the pros and cons of this mixer:PROS...1. I love how the housing lifts. It has weight, and it doesn't kick up. It is nice and smooth.2. A feature not all mixers have is for the beaters to be able to continue rotating while the housing is lifted so that extra batter can be released. This one has that ability!3. The attachments connect smoothly and are ALL metal!4. The dial for speed is easy to use and even has a helpful attachment and speed key near it. However, that should be imprinted, not a sticker.5. I love the magnetic cover that easily hides the front opening for add-on attachments.CONS...1. The motor size is only 500W, which is not typically good for heavy doughs. However, this Cuisinart is supposed to handle them, and it has a 3-year warranty, so I am hopeful the company knows the appliance.2. The bowl size is only 5.5 qts, and bread mixing usually requires 6.5. Again, we'll see how well that works in the long run. I would have liked to see the bowl slightly offset on the stand so it is easier to add ingredients.3. Finally I do not like this style of splatter guard. It is in two pieces and must be removed when changing out the beaters. I prefer the style that connects to the lifting head.Overall, I am happy with my choice, and I look forward to decades with this mixer.