KitchenAid mixers have been a kitchen staple for decades.
These American-made appliances have it all: they’re multi-functional, easy to use, ultra-durable, and feature an iconic, retro look that everyone loves.
But there’s one major downside — they’re expensive.
If a KitchenAid mixer isn’t in your budget and you’re looking for the next best thing, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, I share with you the six best KitchenAid mixer alternatives.
You’ll learn how each alternative mixer compares to KitchenAid in terms of price, performance, versatility, size, design, warranty, and much more.
By the end, you’ll understand how much you can save and what you’ll be sacrificing (if anything) by choosing one of the alternatives.
Use the links below to navigate this guide:
- Best Overall Alternative: Cuisinart Stand Mixer
- Most Affordable Alternative: Hamilton Beach Classic Stand Mixer
- Most Functional Alternative: Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
- Most Powerful Alternative: Nurxiovo 3-in-1 Stand Mixer
- Most Popular Alternative: Aucma Stand Mixer
- Look-Alike Alternative: Frigidaire Retro Stand Mixer
- Honorable Mention Alternatives
- Another Way to Save: KitchenAid Certified Refurbished Program
- Bottom Line: What Is the Best KitchenAid Mixer Alternative?
Best Overall Alternative: Cuisinart Stand Mixer
The Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is the most expensive alternative to KitchenAid. However, its quality, versatility, and performance are the closest you can get to KitchenAid while still saving money.
This stand mixer offers 12 speeds and a 500-watt motor, packing enough power to handle heavy-duty jobs without looking industrial. It’s thoughtfully styled with clean lines combining equal parts of modern and retro.
The Cuisinart has the style of KitchenAid’s bowl-lift stand mixers but features the functionality of the tilt-head models. It also has a handle similar to KitchenAid.
This model features automatic shut-off to prevent the motor from overheating, a lighted speed control dial, and is equipped with a splash guard. The splash guard has a pour spout for adding ingredients while eliminating splatter.
The Cuisinart stand mixer boasts a die-cast metal body for a sturdy design, much like KitchenAid’s metal housing. It comes in vibrant color options, and the dough hook and flat beater are non-stick for easy cleanup.
KitchenAid vs. Cuisinart
| KitchenAid * | Cuisinart | |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl Size | 4.5 to 7-qt. | 5.5-qt. |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 14.1 x 8.7 inches – 16.5 x 14.63 x 11.31 | 16.5 x 11.2 x 15.9 inches |
| Weight | 23 – 25 lbs | 17 lbs |
| Materials | Metal/stainless steel | Die-cast metal/stainless steel |
| Price | $$$$$ (view on Amazon) | $$$$ (view on Amazon) |
| Wattage | 275 watts – 1.3 HP | 500 watts |
| Speeds | 10 | 12 |
| Attachment options | 10+ | 7 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Colors | 40+ | 6 |
| Most Unique Feature | More attachments than comparable stand mixers | More speed options that most compare stand mixers |
Why It’s a Great Alternative to KitchenAid
- Respected, established brand (Cuisinart was founded in 1971)
- 500-watt motor (within the range of KitchenAid’s offerings)
- Polished stainless steel mixing bowl with handle
- Available in multiple colors (6 options)
- Non-slip base
- Tilt-head construction
- Comparable bowl size to KitchenAid Classic and Artisan
- Comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk
- Power hub for additional attachments
- Additional attachments for non-mixing functions
One of the shining gems about this model is the three-year manufacturer’s warranty (vs. KitchenAid’s 1-year warranty).
Though this is one of the pricier KitchenAid mixer alternatives, it’s still a bargain considering its versatility. It has the most options for non-mixer attachments, including a grinder, spiralizer, ice cream maker, and pasta maker, all of which can be purchased separately.
Overall, this is an excellent option if you have a little extra to spend and want to take your baking up a notch. To learn more, check out my comparison of Cuisinart vs. KitchenAid mixers or my in-depth review of Cuisinart mixers.
The Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer is available on Amazon and Walmart.com.
Most Affordable Alternative: Hamilton Beach Classic Stand Mixer
The Hamilton Beach Classic 6-speed Stand Mixer is one of the best and cheapest alternatives to KitchenAid.
This stand mixer doubles as a hand mixer, affording you more control for smaller food prep jobs like beating eggs. Its pulse feature comes in handy for intricate blends.
This mixer is a viable choice for home cooks with occasional baking needs. It’s also an excellent choice for those who have limited counter space or want to provide a low-cost appliance in an Airbnb or Vrbo kitchen.
However, the Hamilton Beach Classic is not a heavy-duty mixer. This isn’t your dense bread dough champion — it’s your cookie dough and fresh whipped cream sidekick.
KitchenAid vs. Hamilton Beach Classic
| KitchenAid * | Hamilton Beach Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl Size | 4.5 to 7-qt. | 4-qt. |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 14.1 x 8.7 inches – 16.5 x 14.63 x 11.31 | 9.7 x 5.9 x 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 23 – 25 lbs | 6.98 lbs |
| Materials | Metal/stainless steel | Stainless steel/plastic |
| Price | $$$$$ (view on Amazon) | $$ (view on Amazon) |
| Wattage | 275 watts – 1.3 HP | 290 watts (peak) |
| Speeds | 10 | 6 |
| Attachment options | 10+ | 5 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year (US)5 Years(Canada) |
| Colors | 40+ | 1 |
| Most Unique Feature | More attachments than comparable stand mixers | Shift and stir lever to rotate bowl while mixing |
Why It’s a Great Alternative to KitchenAid
- Hamilton Beach has been around for 100+ years
- 290-watt motor (within the range of KitchenAid’s offerings)
- 1-year limited warranty
- Brushed stainless steel mixing bowl
- Near-comparable bowl size to KitchenAid Classic
- Comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk
Not all KitchenAid models come with an included splatter shield, so bravo for this thoughtful addition. It also has a shift-and-stir feature, allowing you to rotate the bowl for better mixing.
The low price tag is certainly attractive, but remember that you get what you pay for, so have the right expectations.
If you plan to knead bread or make large amounts of dough for a crowd, you’ll need a model with more gusto. If you have advanced baking needs, consider the other alternatives in this guide.
The Hamilton Beach Classic 6-speed Stand Mixer is available on Amazon and Walmart.com.
Most Functional Alternative: Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is the next level up from the Hamilton Beach Classic Stand Mixer and another excellent low-cost alternative to KitchenAid.
Here is why it’s a winner. It features a powerful motor, a helpful mixing guide on the top of the unit, and utilizes the same orbital mixing style action of KitchenAid.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is a 7-speed mixer with a smaller profile than most KitchenAid models. It comes in a choice of matte or metallic finishes and features a professional look.
This is a good option for home cooks with standard baking needs looking to buy their first stand mixer without breaking the bank.
It can handle thick batters, cookie dough, or pizza dough with ease. Keep in mind; it’s not the top choice for dense bread dough or high-volume recipes.
KitchenAid vs. Hamilton Beach Electric
| KitchenAid * | Hamilton Beach Electric | |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl Size | 4.5 to 7-qt. | 4-qt. |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 14.1 x 8.7 inches – 16.5 x 14.63 x 11.31 | 10.4 x 15.55 x 16.3 inches |
| Weight | 23 – 25 lbs | 12.48 lbs |
| Materials | Metal/stainless steel | Stainless steel/plastic |
| Price | $$$$$ (view on Amazon) | $$ (view on Amazon) |
| Wattage | 275 watts – 1.3 HP | 300 watts |
| Speeds | 10 | 7 |
| Attachment options | 10+ | 4 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year (US)5 Years(Canada) |
| Colors | 40+ | 4 |
| Most Unique Feature | More attachments than comparable stand mixers | Carrying handle on top of the mixer |
Why It’s a Great Alternative to KitchenAid
- Brand longevity (Hamilton Beach was founded in 1910, KitchenAid in 1919)
- 300-watt motor (within the range of KitchenAid’s offerings)
- 1-year limited warranty
- Brushed stainless steel mixing bowl with handles
- Available in multiple colors (4 options)
- Suction cups create a non-slip base
- Tilt-head construction
- Near-comparable bowl size to KitchenAid Classic
- Comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk
- Easy to use, simple straightforward functions
This stand mixer weighs less than all of KitchenAid’s stand mixer models, making it easier to move. Its smaller footprint and the handle on top of the unit make it easy to move.
In terms of functionality, KitchenAid includes a handle on most of its bowls but this model has handles on either side for easy maneuvering. Plus, all Hamilton Beach attachments dishwasher-safe (only some KitchenAid attachments are).
This is an affordably-priced alternative to a Classic KitchenAid stand mixer, but if you’re in the market for a larger mixer capable of making several batches at once, then keep reading.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer is available on Amazon and Walmart.com.
Most Powerful Alternative: Nurxiovo 3-in-1 Stand Mixer
Nurxiovo is a newcomer to the kitchenware market, offering its wares on Amazon since 2015. The company is based in China and focuses on creating high-end products for lower prices than comparable, well-established brands.
The Nurxiovo 3-in-1 is a powerful 850-watt, 6-speed mixer and an excellent low-cost alternative to KitchenAid, especially if you’re looking for one that can do much more than mix dough.
It’s one of a growing number of stand mixer brands that feature a built-in 1.5-liter capacity blender and meat grinder in addition to its mixing capabilities and attachments.
If you disassemble the grinder and blender, you’ll find that it has a similar footprint to KitchenAid’s tilt-head models. It’s also the heaviest of the KitchenAid mixer alternatives in this comparison. So, if you like the heft of KitchenAid, this is a good option.
I especially like the suction cups on the base that provide exceptional stability. The backlit knob is another design feature that makes the unit look tech-savvy and expensive (and is also a visual reminder that the unit is plugged in).
KitchenAid vs. Nurxiovo
| KitchenAid * | Nurxiovo | |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl Size | 4.5 to 7-qt. | 6.5-qt. |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 14.1 x 8.7 inches – 16.5 x 14.63 x 11.31 | 22.79 x 11 x 14.54 inches |
| Weight | 23 – 25 lbs | 19.86 lbs |
| Materials | Metal/stainless steel | Stainless steel/plastic |
| Price | $$$$$ (view on Amazon) | $$$ (view on Amazon) |
| Wattage | 275 watts – 1.3 HP | 850 watts |
| Speeds | 10 | 6 |
| Attachment options | 10+ | 6 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 90 days |
| Colors | 40+ | 8 |
| Most Unique Feature | More attachments than comparable stand mixers | Suction feet under unit for stability |
Why It’s a Great Alternative to KitchenAid
- 850-watt motor (within the range of KitchenAid’s offerings)
- Polished stainless steel mixing bowl (similar to KitchenAid Artisan)
- Good heft (almost 20 pounds)
- Available in multiple colors (8 options)
- Tilt-head construction
- Non-slip base
- Comparable bowl size to KitchenAid Pro models
- Comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk
- Power hub for additional attachments
- Additional attachments for non-mixing functions
Overall, the Nurxiovo mixer is a solid pick, but the warranty could be better (only 90 days).
Its high-power motor and multiple attachments make it versatile enough to handle many tasks other stand mixers can’t even begin to tackle. And, just in case you overdo it, the unit has a built-in automatic shut-off to prevent overheating.
If you’re the type of home cook who loves to do it all, you can make homemade pasta sauce in the blender, grind meat, and use the mixer to whip up a batch of meatballs.
The Nurxiovo has the power to handle dough for nine dozen cookies or four loaves of bread in one session due to the large capacity bowl, allowing you to serve more people your delicious creations.
If you have multiple kitchen needs, it’s an excellent choice for the price.
The Nurxiovo 3-in1 Stand Mixer is available on Amazon.
Most Popular Alternative: Aucma Stand Mixer
The Aucma 6.5-Quart Stand Mixer is an affordable and highly-praised KitchenAid alternative (check out the thousands of 5-star reviews).
Its body design is similar to KitchenAid, complete with the stainless steel belt adorning the perimeter of the tilt-up mixing head.
It features sturdy construction (ABS, a durable thermoplastic), unlike similar stand mixers made with basic, plastic materials.
The slick appearance is helped by a dual layer of paint coupled with a shiny stainless steel bowl. It’s sleek with a retro feel.
Plus, the 660-watt motor makes it one of the most powerful KitchenAid alternatives.
The Aucma stand mixer features six speeds and a pulse function, giving you precise control when adding ingredients a little at a time. It’s also helpful when adding delicate ingredients.
Another winning feature is the included splash guard. It makes adding ingredients easy and cuts down on cleanup due to spatter.
The Aucma stand mixer has a similar look and footprint to KitchenAid but is lightweight (less than half the weight of KitchenAid mixers) and has suction cup feet made of silicone to keep it stable while you work.
KitchenAid vs. Aucma
| KitchenAid * | Aucma | |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl Size | 4.5 to 7-qt. | 6-qt. |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 14.1 x 8.7 inches – 16.5 x 14.63 x 11.31 | 15.24 x 9.37 x 12.36 |
| Weight | 23 – 25 lbs | 10.36 lbs |
| Materials | Metal/stainless steel | ABS/stainless steel |
| Price | $$$$$ (view on Amazon) | $$$$ (view on Amazon) |
| Wattage | 275 watts – 1.3 HP | 660 watts |
| Speeds | 10 | 6 |
| Attachment options | 10+ | 4 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Colors | 40+ | 7 |
| Most Unique Feature | More attachments than comparable stand mixers | LED-lit speed control dial |
Why It’s a Great Alternative to KitchenAid
- 660-watt motor (within the range of KitchenAid’s offerings)
- 1-year limited warranty
- Retro, J-style design
- Polished stainless steel mixing bowl with handles (similar to KitchenAid Artisan)
- Available in multiple colors (7 options)
- Non-slip base
- Tilt-head construction
- Comparable bowl size to KitchenAid Pro
- Comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk
The LED speed control dial is a bonus element making it look high-end and serving as a reminder that the unit is powered on.
The Aucma mixer is perfect for the baking needs of a large family or avid baker. It might not have fancy options, but it has a reputation for getting the job done, from whipping egg whites to kneading bread dough.
The Aucma 6.5-Quart Stand Mixer is available on Amazon.
Look-Alike Alternative: Frigidaire Retro Stand Mixer
The Frigidaire Retro is an impressive 300-watt stand mixer, especially for the price.
It’s one of the cheapest KitchenAid alternatives in this guide, and it boasts the respected name of Frigidaire.
Like the Aucma mixer, the Frigidaire Retro Stand Mixer features a stainless steel belt on the mixing head, a nod to the signature KitchenAid design. The contrast of the shiny band against the matte-finish paint is eye-catching.
This model boasts a backlit speed control dial with eight speeds and a pulse function for precise control.
The copper motor is built to last and is resistant to overheating. Even with all its power, it’s a low-noise model emitting 75 Db at the highest speed.
The lock-in-place mixing bowl is on the small side, between the sizes of Classic and Artisan by Kitchenaid for perspective.
The head can be tilted back 33 degrees to add large ingredients, and the Frigidaire Retro comes with a splash guard to cut down on cleanup time.
KitchenAid vs. Frigidaire Retro
| KitchenAid * | Frigidaire | |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl Size | 4.5 to 7-qt. | 4.75-qt. |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 14.1 x 8.7 inches – 16.5 x 14.63 x 11.31 | 15.2 x 12.6 x 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 23 – 25 lbs | 9.03 lbs |
| Materials | Metal/stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Price | $$$$$ (view on Amazon) | $ (view on Amazon) |
| Wattage | 275 watts – 1.3 HP | 300 watts |
| Speeds | 10 | 8 |
| Attachment options | 10+ | 4 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Colors | 40+ | 4 |
| Most Unique Feature | More attachments than comparable stand mixers | Sturdy bowl lock |
Why It’s a Great Alternative to KitchenAid
- Brand longevity (Frigidaire was founded in 1918, KitchenAid in 1919)
- Retro, J-style design
- 300-watt motor (within the range of KitchenAid’s offerings)
- 1-year limited warranty
- Polished stainless steel mixing bowl
- Available in multiple colors (4 options)
- Non-slip base
- Tilt-head construction
- Near-comparable bowl size to KitchenAid Classic and Artisan
- Comes with a dough hook, flat beater, and whisk
Like KitchenAid, this stand mixer is designed to eliminate the need for scraping the sides as you go. It’s a simple yet effective mixer for occasional use. It’s not a workhorse, but it can easily handle the needs of the weekend baker.
Plus, it looks very similar to KitchenAid. So if you are looking for a more affordable option without bells and whistles, this could be your best bet.
Check out the Frigidaire Retro Stand Mixer on Amazon.
Honorable Mention KitchenAid Mixer Alternatives
If my top picks for KitchenAid mixer alternatives don’t meet your needs, be sure to consider these honorable mentions:
Sunbeam Mixmaster
The Sunbeam Mixmaster is a 350-watt stand mixer with glass bowls in two sizes (2-quart and 4-quart). It features 12 speeds and a power boost button.
Though it doesn’t have a KitchenAid stand mixer’s elegant look, the Sunbeam boasts similar features, such as tilt-head construction. It also is produced by a 100+-year-old brand.
This is not an orbital blender, so you’ll have to scrape the sides as you go. Think of this model as a hand mixer turned into a stand mixer. I like the slow start feature that gradually begins the mixing process to avoid messes from splatter or poofs of flour dust.
Sunbeam is a classic brand and has made a product that is ideal for small mixing jobs.
Additional Details:
- Brand longevity (founded in 1897)
- Weighs 17.5 lbs
- Measures at 14.8 x 13.6 x 12.05 inches
- Non-skid feet keep the unit steady
- Chrome beaters, dough hooks, and whisks included
- 1-year warranty
- Available on Amazon
Dash Stand Mixer
At 250 watts, the Dash Stand Mixer is not the most powerful six-speed mixer, but it’s still a good amount of power for the price.
Like KitchenAid, Dash is a U.S.-based company and offers stand mixers in various colors with a retro design style. It reminds you of something you might see at a 1950s diner.
Since it’s not an orbital mixer, you’ll like the fact that it has a rotating bowl to help the process as well as a lever to slide the bowl back and forth for better coverage.
It’s not a heavy-duty mixer, but it’s an excellent value for small mixing jobs.
Additional details:
- Lightweight (weighs 2.65 lbs)
- Measures at 13.2 x 9.4 x 6.7 inches
- Beaters and dough hooks included
- Comes in multiple colors (8 options)
- 1-year warranty with an additional year upon product registration
- Available on Amazon
KUPPET Stand Mixer
The KUPPET Stand Mixer boasts eight speeds, pulse action, a tilt-head construction, and a look that resembles KitchenAid.
It features 380 watts of power and a 4.7-quart polished stainless steel bowl. I like the LED power indicator to remind you to unplug the unit after use.
KUPPET is an orbital mixer with anti-slip silicone suction cups to keep it steady as it works.
It’s an affordable option that can handle various mixing jobs, from beating eggs to kneading pizza dough.
Additional Details:
- Weighs 9.03 lbs
- Measures at 16 x 12.5 x 10 inches
- Beaters, dough hooks, and whisks included
- Splash guard included
- 90-day warranty
- Available on Amazon
Another Way to Save: KitchenAid Certified Refurbished Program
The alternatives in this guide are all high-quality and viable, but there’s nothing like an actual KitchenAid mixer.
If you really want a KitchenAid mixer, but the cost is the only thing holding you back, consider purchasing a Certified Refurbished model.
Here’s how the KitchenAid Certified Refurbished Program works.
- Mixers that are returned or lightly used are carefully inspected, repaired, and tested by a dedicated technician.
- Blemishes and minor imperfections on the surface are buffed, and the mixer is cleaned thoroughly, restoring its original condition.
- The restored mixer is then packaged along with parts, accessories, and product manuals.
- All refurbished KitchenAid mixers come with a free 30-day return and a 6-month limited warranty (vs. 1-year for new models).
The best part — Certified Refurbished KitchenAid mixers are significantly less expensive than new models, and they perform exactly the same.
You can shop these models on KitchenAid.com or Amazon.
Bottom Line: What Is the Best KitchenAid Mixer Alternative?
KitchenAid tops the “best mixer” lists year after year. There’s no doubt it’s an excellent product, and I believe it’s worth the investment.
But if you only bake occasionally, don’t need all the functionality that comes with KitchenAid, or simply don’t want to spend hundreds on a mixer, the options in this guide are excellent alternatives.
Let’s quickly recap my top picks:
- Cuisinart Stand Mixer (Amazon): Retro feel. Resembles bowl-lift style of KitchenAid, but is a tilt-head model. Automatic shut-off feature. This alternative isn’t cheap, but it’s the closest you can get to KitchenAid without paying KitchenAid prices.
- Hamilton Beach Classic Stand Mixer (Amazon): Great budget-buy option with a shift and stir lever for better mixing. Doubles as a hand mixer.
- Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer (Amazon): Helpful mixing guide on the unit. Lightweight orbital mixer. Smaller footprint than KitchenAid.
- Nurxiovo 3-in-1 Stand Mixer (Amazon): Powerful motor. Built-in meat grinder and blender. Multiple color options. Heavy like KitchenAid. Automatic shut-off feature.
- Aucma Stand Mixer (Amazon): Sturdy housing. Splash guard with a chute to add ingredients. Suction feet keep it steady.
- Frigidaire Retro Stand Mixer (Amazon): Resembles the retro KitchenAid style. Quieter than comparable mixers. Simple design.
Which KitchenAid alternative are you considering? Or, are you more interested in a Certified Refurbished KitchenAid mixer? Let us know in the comments below.
Related Topics
- The Ultimate KitchenAid Mixer Review: Is It Worth the High Price?
- KitchenAid Mixer Comparison: Which Is the Best?
- KitchenAid Tilt-Head vs. Bowl-Lift: Which Mixer Is Right for You?
- KitchenAid Classic vs. Artisan: What’s the Difference?
- KitchenAid Artisan vs. Professional Stand Mixers: What’s the Difference?
- KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Artisan Mixers: What’s the Difference?
- KitchenAid Classic vs. Artisan Mini: Which Mixer Is Right for You?
- KitchenAid Artisan vs. Artisan Mini: 10 Major Differences
- Cuisinart vs. KitchenAid: Which Stand Mixers Are Better?
- KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Classic Mixers: 9 Key Differences
- KitchenAid vs. Bosch Refrigerators: What’s the Difference?
- Are Cuisinart Stand Mixers Any Good? An In-Depth Review
