A classic KitchenAid stand mixer is often considered the standard but is expensive, with a 4.5-quart model priced around $400. More affordable brands can be risky, so testing from Consumer Reports is used to identify reliable options. In 2026 evaluations, the top two highest-scoring stand mixers are also among the lowest priced. The top “smart buy” model is The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore, sold exclusively through Walmart, launched in 2021 under her Beautiful label. It is priced around $125 and delivers performance comparable to higher-end brands. The second recommendation is Hamilton Beach Professional All-Metal 63240, priced around $280, and it also performed strongly. Both models scored 78 overall on a zero-to-100 scale, the highest among tested stand mixers.
"A classic KitchenAid mixer (the 4.5-quart size) comes in at a tough $400 right now, which is tough to justify for something that is incredibly helpful, but not essential. Yet the quality of stand mixer brands that are more affordable, often at half that or less, is far from guaranteed. That's why we need to turn to Consumer Reports and its diligent testing."
"According to Consumer Reports' evaluation of the best stand mixers in 2026, there are not only two options that are affordable and good quality, but the two highest-scoring models are actually among the lowest priced. The top choice, which Consumer Reports gave its "smart buy" label, actually comes from Drew Barrymore, while the other recommended mixer is from the classic kitchenware brand Hamilton Beach."
"If you didn't know that Barrymore has her own line of stand mixers, that might be because they are relatively new and exclusive to Walmart. The actor and talk-show host launched them back in 2021 under her Beautiful label, and since then, they have been getting rave reviews for offering performance that can compete with brands like KitchenAid, but at a shockingly low $125 price point. The Hamilton Beach model, the Professional All-Metal 63240, also performed great, but comes in at a higher $280 price."
"According to Consumer Reports' zero to 100 scale, The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore and Hamilton Beach stand mixers scored 78 overall, which is the highest of any available stand mixers it tested. There was actually one more high-scoring affordable mixer from the Pioneer Woman Ree Drummo"
Read at Tasting Table
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]