There’s something about owning a stand mixer that makes me feel like I’ve upgraded to the next level of “home baker.”
Up until recently, I’ve always just had a separate mixing bowl and hand-mixer that I use when I bake. After all, I figured, do I really bake enough to need a stand mixer? Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t benefit from having one. Now that I have one, I realize what all the hype has been about.
If you’re thinking about investing your first stand mixer, this review is for you. The Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer makes baking so much easier. Even if you only bake a few times of year, this kitchen appliance will pay for itself around holiday baking time.
While you might not need to splurge on a KitchenAid, this mid-range option is a great option that will last you many years of baking. Let’s dive into it.
Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer
General Thoughts and Impressions
The Cuisinart 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer is a great choice for the casual baker who likes to make multiple things at once. If you’re anything like me and your arms get tired fast, you’ll love how this mixer does the work for you. Truly that’s enough reason to upgrade to a stand mixer in itself.
While this is the first stand mixer I’ve used (so I don’t have as much basis for comparison), I was very impressed with it right after my first time using it. It’s pretty straightforward to learn to use and the attachments give you a lot of flexibility to whisk, knead, etc. as your recipe requires.
I was also impressed that it was fairly quiet. (I expected it to be way louder.)
Pros
- Sleek, modern design.
- Strong motor.
- Optional attachments.
- 12 speed settings.
- 3 year warranty included.
- Several finishes.
- Large bowl good for big batches.
Cons
- Bowl scraping could be better.
- Not for professional baking.
- Requires ample counter space.
In My Expert Opinion
If you can snag a deal and get this Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5 QT mixer under $300, it’s a smart investment in making baking easy. Come holiday time, you’ll find yourself taking out this useful kitchen appliance when baking holiday cookies. The consistent, smooth mix yields more consistent baked goods (no lumps or weird clumps). To me, that’s worth it alone.
If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty, professional mixer to get you through regular baking, you might find yourself disappointed with this product. Cuisinart’s home products are made for the everyday home cook and not for professionals. I wouldn’t be able to run a bakery or anything using a mixer like this.
Specifications
- Motor: 500 watt.
- Colors: Ruby Red, White, Onyx, Silver.
- Voltage: 110 volts.
- Capacity: 5.5 Qt.
- Weight: 17 pounds.
After baking cookies, bread, and muffins using this Cuisinart stand mixer, I’m pretty impressed. Everything turned out excellent. It’s a little more work to lug this thing out than my hand mixer, but it makes a huge difference in the final product. No one wants lumpy baked goods. You can certainly find stand mixers cheaper, but you’re paying for the Cuisinart name and quality (and a three year warranty, which is nice for peace of mind).
