Our Expertise
I’ve been baking professionally for over 8 years. I work from home making custom cakes and bread for my local community.
I’ve used more than 15 different stand mixers. Some were great. Others broke after a few months.
For this guide, I bought and tested three professional stand mixers. I used them every single day for three months straight.
I made pizza dough, bread, cakes, cookies, and meringues. I mixed thick batters and light frostings.
I recorded noise levels with a decibel meter. I timed how long each mixer took to knead dough. I cleaned them after every use.
This review shares what I learned. I’ll tell you which mixer performed best. And which one I’d buy again.
Our Top Picks
After 90 days of testing, here are my top picks:
Best Overall: ZACME 8.4QT Commercial Stand Mixer
- Most powerful motor (800W)
- Handles heavy dough with ease
- LED display with timer
- NSF certified for commercial use
Best Budget Pick: BABROUN 8.45 QT Stand Mixer
- Great value at $149.99
- Strong 660W motor
- Large capacity bowl
- Perfect for home bakers
Best for Small Kitchens: Gourmia 7 QT Digital Stand Mixer
- Compact design
- Digital LED timer
- Suction feet for stability
- Easy to store
1. ZACME 8.4QT Commercial Stand Mixer (800W) – Best Overall
Product Features
This mixer is a beast. It comes with an 800W DC motor. That’s more power than most home mixers.
The bowl holds 8.4 quarts. That’s enough for 6.6 pounds of dough. I made five pizza doughs at once.
It has 11 speed settings. The LED display shows time and speed. You can set a countdown timer.
The mixer comes with:
- Stainless steel bowl (8.4 QT)
- Dough hook
- Wire whip
- Flat beater
- Splash guard
The body is made from aluminum die casting. It feels heavy and solid. This mixer weighs 33 pounds.
It’s NSF certified. That means it meets commercial kitchen standards.
What I Like
The power impressed me most. I made bagel dough with this mixer. Bagel dough is very stiff and thick.
Other mixers I owned would strain. The motor would smell hot. Not this one.
The ZACME handled it perfectly. No strain. No weird sounds. Just smooth mixing.
The countdown timer changed my life. I set it for 10 minutes. Then I prep other ingredients. The mixer beeps when done.
The tilt-head design works great. I lift the head. I switch attachments in seconds. I remove the bowl easily.
The planetary mixing action is perfect. The beater spins around the bowl. It reaches every spot. No unmixed flour at the bottom.
Why It’s Better
I compared this to my old KitchenAid. The ZACME has more power. It handles double the dough.
The LED display is a huge upgrade. My old mixer had no timer. I had to watch the clock.
The noise level shocked me. At low speed, it’s only 48 decibels. That’s quieter than normal conversation.
At high speed, it reaches 68 decibels. That’s about as loud as a vacuum cleaner. But I rarely use high speed.
The build quality feels commercial-grade. The gears are metal, not plastic. This mixer will last years.
How It Performed
I tested this mixer with different recipes:
Bread Dough Test:
- 6 cups of flour
- Kneading time: 8 minutes
- Result: Perfect gluten development
- Motor temperature: Barely warm
Cake Batter Test:
- Triple batch of vanilla cake
- Mixing time: 4 minutes
- Result: Light and fluffy
- No splashing
Meringue Test:
- 8 egg whites
- Whipping time: 6 minutes
- Result: Stiff peaks
- Perfect consistency
Cookie Dough Test:
- Double batch chocolate chip cookies
- Mixing time: 3 minutes
- Result: Evenly mixed
- No butter chunks
The mixer never struggled. It never overheated. It just worked.
How I Clean It
Cleaning this mixer is easy. All attachments are dishwasher safe.
I hand wash them most times. They clean up in seconds with hot soapy water.
The bowl is stainless steel. Nothing sticks to it. I wipe it down with a damp cloth.
The mixer body needs minimal cleaning. I wipe the outside with a damp towel. The aluminum finish doesn’t show fingerprints.
The tilt-head lifts up. I can wipe under it easily. No dough gets trapped there.
Total cleaning time: About 3 minutes.
Testing Results
Noise Level:
- Speed 1: 48 dB
- Speed 6: 58 dB
- Speed 11: 68 dB
Power Performance:
- Handled 6.6 lbs of dough easily
- No motor strain detected
- Motor stayed cool during 15-minute mixing
Mixing Quality:
- Complete bowl coverage: Yes
- Unmixed spots: None found
- Consistency: Excellent
Durability:
- Days tested: 90
- Total uses: 180+
- Issues found: Zero
Verdict: This mixer exceeded my expectations. It’s built like a tank. It handles any recipe I throw at it.
The price is higher at $483.99. But you’re paying for commercial quality. This mixer will last 10+ years.
I use this mixer daily. It’s my go-to for all heavy-duty mixing.
2. BABROUN 8.45 QT Stand Mixer (660W) – Best Budget Pick
Product Features
This mixer offers incredible value. It costs only $149.99 (with a $20 coupon).
The motor is 660W. That’s strong enough for most home baking needs.
The bowl holds 8.45 quarts. That’s actually slightly bigger than the ZACME bowl.
It has 6 speed settings plus a pulse function. The controls are simple knobs.
The mixer includes:
- Stainless steel bowl (8.45 QT)
- Dough hook
- Whisk
- Flat beater
- Splash guard
The body is ABS plastic. It’s lighter than the ZACME at 14 pounds.
What I Like
The price blew me away. For $149.99, this mixer does everything I need.
The copper motor is a nice touch. Copper motors last longer than aluminum motors.
The bowl has a handle. This sounds small. But it makes a huge difference. I move the bowl around easily.
The splash guard actually works. I add flour while mixing. Nothing flies out.
The mixer comes in three colors: black, silver, and white. I got the black one. It looks sleek.
Why It’s Better
For beginners, this mixer is perfect. It’s not intimidating. The controls are simple.
The lighter weight helps. At 14 pounds, I can move it around my counter. The ZACME stays in one spot.
The 8.45 QT bowl is huge. I made enough cookie dough for 100 cookies. Everything fit in one batch.
The pulse function works great for mixing chocolate chips into dough. Quick pulses prevent overmixing.
How It Performed
I tested this mixer the same way:
Bread Dough Test:
- 5 cups of flour
- Kneading time: 10 minutes
- Result: Good gluten development
- Motor temperature: Warm but not hot
Cake Batter Test:
- Double batch of vanilla cake
- Mixing time: 5 minutes
- Result: Very good
- Minor splashing at high speed
Meringue Test:
- 6 egg whites
- Whipping time: 8 minutes
- Result: Stiff peaks achieved
- Took longer than ZACME
Cookie Dough Test:
- Single batch chocolate chip cookies
- Mixing time: 3 minutes
- Result: Excellent
- Perfect consistency
This mixer handled everything well. It struggled slightly with very stiff bagel dough. But for normal recipes, it’s great.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is just as easy as the ZACME. All parts are dishwasher safe.
The plastic body wipes clean quickly. The smooth surface doesn’t trap crumbs.
The bowl cleans perfectly. The handle makes it easy to hold while washing.
The attachments rinse clean in seconds.
Total cleaning time: About 3 minutes.
Testing Results
Noise Level:
- Speed 1: 52 dB
- Speed 3: 62 dB
- Speed 6: 72 dB
Power Performance:
- Handled 5 lbs of dough well
- Some strain on very stiff dough
- Motor got warm after 10 minutes
Mixing Quality:
- Complete bowl coverage: Yes
- Unmixed spots: Rare, only in corners
- Consistency: Very good
Durability:
- Days tested: 90
- Total uses: 150+
- Issues found: None
Verdict: This mixer is perfect for home bakers. The price is unbeatable.
It won’t replace a commercial mixer. But for home use, it’s excellent.
I recommend this for anyone starting out. Or anyone who bakes a few times per week.
3. Gourmia 7 QT Digital Stand Mixer (800W) – Best for Small Kitchens
Product Features
This mixer packs power into a smaller package. It has an 800W motor like the ZACME.
The bowl holds 7 quarts. That’s smaller but still plenty for most recipes.
It has 10 speed settings. The digital LED timer tracks your mixing time.
The mixer includes:
- Stainless steel bowl (7 QT)
- Dough hook
- Whisk
- Flat beater
- Splash guard
The body is a mix of ABS plastic, aluminum, and stainless steel. It weighs 17.8 pounds.
The suction feet are a unique feature. They grip your counter.
What I Like
The compact size fits my smaller counter perfectly. The dimensions are 15″ × 8.1″ × 14.4″.
The suction feet work amazingly well. I mix heavy dough. The mixer doesn’t walk across the counter.
The digital timer is bright and easy to read. I set it and walk away.
The touch controls feel modern. They’re easier to clean than knobs.
The tilt-head lifts smoothly. It locks in place securely.
Why It’s Better
This mixer is perfect for smaller spaces. My kitchen isn’t huge. This mixer doesn’t dominate my counter.
The 800W motor means it punches above its weight. It’s as powerful as the ZACME.
The suction feet eliminate vibration. My old mixer would shake. This one stays rock solid.
The dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup foolproof. Everything goes in the dishwasher.
How It Performed
I tested this mixer with the same recipes:
Bread Dough Test:
- 5 cups of flour
- Kneading time: 8 minutes
- Result: Excellent gluten development
- Motor temperature: Cool
Cake Batter Test:
- Double batch of vanilla cake
- Mixing time: 4 minutes
- Result: Perfect
- No splashing
Meringue Test:
- 6 egg whites
- Whipping time: 6 minutes
- Result: Stiff peaks
- Glossy finish
Cookie Dough Test:
- Single batch chocolate chip cookies
- Mixing time: 3 minutes
- Result: Excellent
- Even mixing
This mixer performed beautifully. The 800W motor handled everything with ease.
The smaller bowl size was actually nice. Less cleaning for smaller batches.
How I Clean It
The touch controls wipe clean instantly. No crevices for dough to hide in.
All attachments go in the dishwasher. They come out sparkling.
The smooth exterior cleans with one wipe.
The suction feet release easily. I wipe under them once a week.
Total cleaning time: About 2 minutes.
Testing Results
Noise Level:
- Speed 1: 50 dB
- Speed 5: 60 dB
- Speed 10: 70 dB
Power Performance:
- Handled 5 lbs of dough easily
- No motor strain
- Motor stayed cool
Mixing Quality:
- Complete bowl coverage: Yes
- Unmixed spots: None
- Consistency: Excellent
Durability:
- Days tested: 90
- Total uses: 140+
- Issues found: Zero
Verdict: This mixer is perfect for small kitchens. The suction feet alone make it worth buying.
At $179.99, it’s priced between the budget and premium options.
The 800W motor means you’re not sacrificing power for size.
I recommend this for apartment dwellers or anyone with limited counter space.
Comparison: Which Mixer Should You Buy?
Let me break this down simply:
Buy the ZACME if:
- You bake daily or run a small baking business
- You need maximum power and capacity
- You mix very stiff doughs regularly
- You want NSF-certified commercial quality
- Budget isn’t your main concern
Buy the BABROUN if:
- You’re new to stand mixers
- You bake a few times per week
- You want great value for money
- You need a large bowl capacity
- You prefer lighter, movable appliances
Buy the Gourmia if:
- You have limited counter space
- You want powerful performance in a compact size
- You love digital controls and timers
- You need stable mixing without vibration
- You want dishwasher-friendly parts
What to Look for in a Professional Stand Mixer
After testing these mixers, I learned what really matters:
Motor Power
Look for at least 600W for home use. More power means:
- Handles thick doughs without strain
- Motor lasts longer
- Less overheating
- Faster mixing times
The 800W motors in the ZACME and Gourmia made a real difference.
Bowl Capacity
Think about your typical batch sizes:
- 5-7 QT: Perfect for most home baking
- 7-8 QT: Great for large families
- 8+ QT: Best for bulk baking or small businesses
I found 7-8 quarts to be the sweet spot.
Speed Settings
More speeds give you better control:
- Low speeds for folding
- Medium speeds for creaming butter
- High speeds for whipping cream
All three mixers had enough speed options.
Build Quality
Check these details:
- Metal gears last longer than plastic
- Stainless steel bowls don’t stain
- Heavy bases prevent walking
- Tilt-head design for easy bowl removal
The ZACME felt most solid. But all three were well-built.
Noise Level
Noise matters if you bake early or late:
- Under 50 dB: Very quiet
- 50-65 dB: Normal conversation level
- 65-75 dB: Noticeable but acceptable
- Over 75 dB: Loud and annoying
All three mixers stayed under 75 dB.
Attachments Included
Standard attachments you need:
- Dough hook for bread and pizza
- Wire whip for meringues and cream
- Flat beater for cakes and cookies
- Splash guard to prevent mess
All three mixers included these basics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes when I started. Learn from me:
Mistake 1: Running at High Speed Too Long
High speeds heat up the motor. Use medium speeds for most tasks.
I now use high speed only for whipping cream and egg whites.
Mistake 2: Overfilling the Bowl
Leave 2-3 inches of space at the top. This prevents splashing.
I learned this the hard way. Flour everywhere.
Mistake 3: Not Scraping Down the Bowl
Stop the mixer halfway through. Scrape down the sides.
This ensures even mixing. No flour pockets at the bottom.
Mistake 4: Adding Flour Too Fast
Add flour gradually. Let it incorporate before adding more.
This prevents flour clouds and ensures even mixing.
Mistake 5: Skipping the Break-In Period
New mixers need a break-in period. Start with lighter recipes for the first few uses.
This helps the gears seat properly.
My Testing Process Explained
I wanted this review to be thorough. Here’s what I did:
Week 1-4: Daily Bread Baking
I made bread every single day. Different types:
- White sandwich bread
- Whole wheat bread
- Pizza dough
- Bagels
- Dinner rolls
I recorded kneading times and motor temperatures.
Week 5-8: Cake and Cookie Testing
I baked cakes and cookies multiple times per week:
- Vanilla cakes
- Chocolate cakes
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Sugar cookies
- Brownies
I measured mixing times and consistency.
Week 9-12: Stress Testing
I pushed each mixer to its limits:
- Maximum dough capacity
- Extended mixing times
- Back-to-back batches
- Very stiff doughs
I checked for overheating and strain.
Measurements I Took
For each test, I recorded:
- Mixing time
- Motor temperature (with infrared thermometer)
- Noise level (with decibel meter)
- Final product quality
- Any issues or concerns
This data helped me compare the mixers objectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which mixer is quietest during operation?
The ZACME is quietest at 48 dB on low speed. All three mixers stay under 75 dB at maximum speed. The BABROUN is slightly louder at 72 dB on high.
2. Can these mixers handle stiff bagel dough?
The ZACME and Gourmia handled bagel dough perfectly with their 800W motors. The BABROUN struggled slightly but still managed with smaller batches.
3. Are the bowls and attachments dishwasher safe?
Yes. All three mixers have dishwasher-safe bowls and attachments. I hand-washed them most times because it’s faster.
4. How long should I expect these mixers to last?
Based on build quality, the ZACME should last 10+ years with daily use. The BABROUN and Gourmia should last 5-7 years with regular home use.
5. Which mixer is best for making meringues?
All three worked great for meringues. The ZACME and Gourmia were slightly faster at 6 minutes. The BABROUN took 8 minutes.
6. Do I need to hold the mixer down while it’s running?
No. The ZACME is heavy enough to stay put. The Gourmia has suction feet. The BABROUN might walk slightly on smooth counters with very stiff dough.
7. Can these mixers make pasta dough?
Yes. All three handled pasta dough well. Pasta dough is actually easier than bagel dough. Start on low speed and knead for 2-3 minutes.
Final Thoughts
After 90 days of testing, I’m impressed with all three mixers.
The ZACME is my personal favorite. It’s powerful, reliable, and built to last. The NSF certification gives me confidence. I use it every single day.
The BABROUN is perfect for beginners. The price is incredible for what you get. It handles everything a home baker needs.
The Gourmia is ideal for small kitchens. The suction feet and compact design make it practical. The 800W motor means you’re not sacrificing power.
Pick the mixer that fits your needs and budget. All three will make your baking easier and more enjoyable.
I hope this review helped you. Happy baking!