Best Pizza Dough Mixers To Jumpstart Your Baking Career

I watched several YouTube videos on “how to knead the dough by hand for pizza” and began experimenting with small portions. I quickly mastered the art of kneading (I’m a fast learner, lol) and produced delicious Neapolitan pizzas and cookies.

Not a one-time wonder . . .

However, the process was exhausting and time-consuming, and cleaning up afterward was a chore. Eventually, I invested in a dough mixer to save my body and time.

The results were outstanding, and the mixer helped me achieve artisan-quality dough with zero stress. While my first mixer had annoying quirks like splashing flour and rocking on the counter, I eventually found the versatile Artisan Series from KitchenAid, perfect for my needs.

However, several other dough mixers on the market can also help you achieve culinary success. In this article, I will share my top five picks for the best pizza dough mixers that have personally helped me in my baking career.

🥇Best Pizza Dough Mixer

1. KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan Series 5-Qt (Best Overall Stand Mixer)
2. Cuisinart Stand Mixer (Best Value Stand Mixer)
3. Ankarsrum 7 Liter Stand Mixer (Best Stand Mixer for Large Batches)
4. Smeg 50’s Retro Black Stand Mixer (Best Stand Mixer for Ease of Use)
5. Aucma Stand Mixer (Best Ultra-Budget Pizza Dough Mixer)

⚖️Kneading Pizza dough with Hands VS Mixer: Is there any difference?

In the past, kneading the pizza dough had to be done by hand. Lucky us, there are now machines (a lot of them) that take away the hassle and stress of doing this. They save time and are friendly to your wrist and shoulders.

However, some Italian pizzaiolos still prefer to do this by hand for a creative and authentic artisan pizza. The tactile experience of hand-kneading makes it easier to control the texture and elasticity of the dough perfectly. Usually, it yields much better results than you would get from mixers.

In short, mixers offer a speedy kneading process with decent results to bake mouth-watering pizzas at home or commercially. Hand-kneading, on the other hand, is time-consuming and exhausting. Still, it’s the best bet for creating authentic, irresistible pizzas.

You can cut corners with a mixer if you don’t know how to properly knead the dough by hand.

💡Types of Pizza Dough Mixers

The world of baking is flooded with different types of pizza dough mixers, which can be confusing, especially if you have little to zero knowledge about these time-saving machines.

However, there are three common types of at-home or commercial baking. What are they, and who are they for?

Stand Mixers

Stand mixers are the most affordable options for home baking. These appliances have the widest price range, primarily based on the features, build quality and brand. Simply put, there’s a stand mixer for you, regardless of your budget. They are perfect for making almost any type of dough except high-hydration dough.

Stand mixers are the go-to for a multipurpose kitchen gadget to do more than knead the dough for pizza. It usually has several attachments like a flat beater, dough hook, pasta maker, etc. To me, this is more value for my money 一 blend, knead, whip, mix, you name the rest.

Spiral Mixers

This is another popular less-complex baking tool sought-after for its numerous settings and surprising flexibility.

Unlike the stand mixer, this device has a spiral-shaped agitator with the bowl rotating around it with almost no friction. Thus, it’s gentler on the ingredients and delivers excellent dough consistency.

It’s best suited for pizzerias handling medium to large-duty mixing tasks or professional bakers working with high-hydration dough. The major drawback of this baking workhorse is its limited versatility due to the lack of an accessory hub for multipurpose attachments.

Fork Mixers

This is a special dough mixer that does its job without heat. Its main working principle is based on a free-spinning bowl and two agitators looking like giant forks.

This appliance has a slower speed option, which mixes thoroughly for proper gluten development without heating the dough.

While this mixing machine boasts finer results without heating it, it takes longer and consumes more power than the others. So, lots of patience is needed with this gentle beast if you want its high-quality dough yield. Plus, they are impressive for large batches and higher-hydration dough.

⭐Reviews – Top Pizza Dough Mixers of 2023

1. KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Stand Mixer

KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan 一 boasts a durable and timeless stainless steel construction that exudes elegance and class on any counter.

It offers exceptional versatility with its wide range of accessories. With the revolutionary 59-Point Planetary Mixing Action, this premium appliance ensures a thorough ingredient amalgamation, eliminating the need to scrape down the sides.

Suppose you enjoy trying out new recipes almost every weekend like me. In that case, the KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan is an absolute must-have. This model is the best pizza dough mixer for at-home baking I’ve ever come across. It is solidly built, sleek, and packs a powerful punch to whip up the finest cake batter and knead even the stickiest and most challenging pizza doughs – ZERO issues.

First, let’s start with its build quality: I’m impressed straight out of the box. Everything about the KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan, from the tilt-head to the bowl, screams premium, including the price.

Thanks to its brilliant combination of durable zinc and stainless steel construction, the KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan is a one-time investment built to last a lifetime. In fact, despite the near-daily abuse it receives in my kitchen, it still looks and functions like it’s brand new.

In addition to that, the bowl, made of polished stainless steel with super comfortable handles, has a practical 5-quart capacity. Although it’s slightly smaller than the Professional 600 Series, it is more suitable for my everyday tasks, particularly those that I would typically use hand mixers for, which tires my shoulders out.

But how well does it perform?

Equipped with a powerful 325-Watt motor, this beast is unbelievably versatile and strong enough to waltz through pizza and cookie dough batches without bogging down.

With 10-speed modes, it stands out from most competitors, which is a big advantage for me. This feature allows me to mix and beat slowly or quickly, depending on whether I’m making delicate recipes or more rustic and robust dinner dishes.

Another remarkable thing I love about the KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan is its unwavering stability no matter what I’m making. However, I noticed it struggles to make two-loaf recipes but still does the job with decent results.

What’s interesting?

The manufacturer boasts a revolutionary 59-Point Planetary Mixing Action and 12 useful attachments that deliver well-incorporated results.

This KitchenAid’s best seller rocks a tilt-head design, which makes food processing a breeze. You no longer have to remove the bowl to add more ingredients, examine the dough, or scrape the leftovers down the bowl’s edges. Oh, and I forgot to mention, you can easily switch out the attachment as well.

Now, let’s talk about the irritating nuances;

This device tends to get slightly hot when I use it for a prolonged period. Plus, the bowl’s rim has a dent, making it nearly impossible for the pouring shield to stay secure. A few customers have similar complaints, including the bowl falling out sometimes (which I never experienced).

Who should buy the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer?

I recommend this high-end product for any home baking enthusiasts seeking a robust yet elegant stand mixer capable of effortlessly handling various tasks, from whipping cream to kneading dough. With a wide range of attachments, adjustable speed settings, and an array of color options, this stand mixer is genuinely unparalleled and a must-have for you!

2. Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer

In my opinion: Cuisinart 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer 一 is a more affordable option with exceptional kneading capabilities. Despite its lightweight design, this mixer is powered by a 500W motor that can handle everything from whipping to mixing. Its quiet operation and secure stability set it apart, which means you won’t have to hold it down during use.

The next item is the Cuisinart Stand Mixer, which brags a more powerful motor and half the price of the top-selling KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer. It has a sturdy construction, more speed settings, a slightly larger mixing bowl, and comes in a range of beautiful colors. This stand mixer is highly recommended for beginner home bakers who want to elevate their culinary skills with an excellent dough-mixing machine.

Better than KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan?

Regarding stand mixers, these two appliances are often matched up and evaluated against each other. The Cuisinart Precision Master Stand Mixers feature cutting-edge die-cast aluminum construction, making it corrosion-resistant, lighter, and less durable than the zinc-made KitchenAid Artisan.

Furthermore, both come with a durable mixing bowl. However, the model has a larger bowl, which in my opinion, does not make any difference.

On top of that, this model comes with two more handy speed options and a more robust motor rated 500W. I must admit, it handles tough jobs like mashed potatoes, bread dough, etc., better than the KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan. Plus, it leaves nothing on the bowl sides and bottom, so there’s no need for a scrapper or my scraping skill.

Although this phenomenal appliance is supplied with standard accessories, its optional attachments are fewer than KitchenAid’s best seller. So, in terms of versatility, I recommend the latter. However, the formal is still a fantastic choice for a regular home chef.

Any minor drawbacks?

It’s no news that the Cuisinart Stand Mixer is highly in-demand for its ability to deliver perfect results. However, it’s worth noting that the dough mixer requires calibration upon arrival, and the manual does not provide instructions on how to do this. Like other customers, I had to figure out how to calibrate it myself.

Who would find the Cuisinart Stand Mixer most advantageous?

This best pizza dough-making machine is ideal for bakers seeking a professional-grade appliance without breaking the bank for it. You’d be hard-pressed to find another mixer packing as many practical features and power at this ridiculously low price point.

3. Ankarsrum AKM 6230 Stand Mixer

Ankarsrum Original 7 Liter Stand Mixer 一 features the most durable construction, heavy-duty 600W motor, and the largest bowl capacity, allowing you to make up to three batches of any recipe at once. It is perfect for folding and kneading multiple batches of dough for pizza and bread without creeping or bogging down.

I’m not surprised by the performance of the Ankarsrum Stainless Steel Original Stand Mixer, considering it has a heavy-duty 600W motor, a large 7-liter, and a hefty price tag. This high-powered appliance folds bread dough, cream butter, whisk meringue, or cream into stiff peaks and can contain about 18 egg whites.

What’s different: for starters, this behemoth appliance comes with self-adjusting speed control with 8 options and a 12-minutes auto shut-off function, which prevents the machine from stalling or overheating. So I barely have to monitor the mixing or kneading process.

The best part is it is equipped with a deeply fluted roller and scraper; this model delivers hand-like kneaded dough effortlessly. 

Additionally, the mixer has a sturdy construction that combines carbon steel and stainless steel, which gives me confidence in its durability and long-lasting performance.

Why I had it: Isn’t it obvious? I bought the Ankarsrum Stainless Steel Original Stand Mixer for its large 7-liter capacity and ability to make big batches of everything, from pizza dough to cookies, without me having to constantly add ingredients and scrape them off the sides of the bowl.

Despite being a superior beast to the KA Artisan, I found it intuitive and straightforward. On top of that, it does not creep on my counter when handling these demanding jobs.

The downside: This product might disappoint if it’s not for making bread and pizza dough. The plastic mixing bowl has a horrible design. It tends to trap some ingredients, making it challenging to achieve a well-incorporated result.

Also, I find the need to melt the butter before adding it to the dough in this product’s main stainless steel bowl extremely inconvenient. Additionally, this machine struggles to grab and mix small amounts properly with the main bowl, which can be frustrating. However, this is where I am grateful for owning a KA Artisan, which excels in these areas.

Any regrets? As an experienced baker who regularly needs large batches of pizza dough, loaves of bread, or double cookie recipes, I have no regrets about investing in this machine. While it was a high cost that required me to rearrange my kitchen cabinet for storage, it has been well worth it for the increased capacity and efficiency it provides.

Though moving this semi-industrial mixer from storage to the countertop can be a hassle, it remains one of my best and proudest investments.

 

4. Smeg 50’s Retro Black Stand Mixer

The Smeg 50’s Retro Stand Mixer is stylish, powerful, and versatile with 600W output, a 5-QT bowl, and 10 speeds. Its unique design and ease of use make it great for everyday baking. However, it’s pricey and has limited accessories.

The Smeg 50’s Retro Black Stand Mixer is in a class of its own. Its unique blend of black and white accents, complemented by a bold “S M E G” lettering on the tilt-head, makes it stand out beautifully on my kitchen counter.

What I like: With a combination of the best features from Ankarsrum and KA Artisan, this stand mixer model truly stands out. Its powerful direct drive motor delivers a commercial-needed 600-watt output. At the same time, its 5-QT stainless steel bowl makes it an ideal choice for everyday baking.

This mixture sports a control panel I find simple and intuitive to use. And, of course, the smooth rotary dial makes adjusting the speed a breeze.

One feature that contributes to its ease of use is the Smooth Start system, which helps to minimize splattering. With 10 speed options and 5 different attachments, this appliance is incredibly versatile and valuable at every stage of my food preparation.

What’s else to love? This workhorse comes with a genius steel bowl lock that keeps my countertop mess-free and less cleaning to do. This unit works well with small to medium mixtures. It has the much-needed power for kneading to develop the gluten and create a stretchy, elastic dough with a great texture.

What I don’t like: at almost thrice the price of the Cuisinart Stand Mixer, this powerful mixer has limited accessories to help get the most out of it. Also, its 5-QT bowl capacity makes this unit less practical for occasional family events between regular baking sessions.

Is Smeg 50’s Retro Black Stand Mixer worth it? If you hate struggling with a pizza dough mixer, this top performer will satisfy you. It’s a decent choice if you want a model more powerful than a KA Artisan mixer.

5. Aucma PCSTD-702 Tilt-Head Stand Mixer

The Aucma Stand Mixer is an affordable, high-performing mixer perfect for those starting their baking journey. Its aluminum construction with a stainless steel layer ensures durability and easy cleaning.

The 660W motor and included attachments (whisk, dough hook, splash guard, and mixing beater) make it versatile. The 6.5QT stainless steel bowl and well-designed splash guard allow for mess-free baking. However, the lever may be fragile, and the 660W power may be overstated. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious pastry chefs.

The Aucma Stand Mixer is this list’s most affordable yet phenomenal kitchen workhorse. This model can nearly go head-to-head with any of the products I’ve reviewed. If you are starting your baking career and not looking to splurge on these expensive machines, then the Aucma Stand Mixer is the way to go.

What does it offer? Despite its lower price point, I’m amazed at this machine’s aluminum construction coated with one layer of stainless steel to preserve its clean, pristine appearance. Also, it is handy for a quick clean when I mistake splash flour or mix on it.

Next, this ultra-budget model has a durable ABS casing enclosing the robust 660W pure copper motor to the attachment at varying speeds, depending on the recipe.

Talking of attachments, you won’t be missing much. This mixer comes with a whisk, dough hook, splash guard, and mixing beater alone. However, thanks to their tilt-head and outside design, I was fine with installing and uninstalling them. The dough hook is the most impressive; it picks and mixes evenly for an amalgamated result – nothing left on the side or bottom of the bowl to scrape.

The stainless steel bowl is spacious. Measuring 6.5QT, I could easily make two recipes. Also, I love the smart design of the splash guard, which ensures whipping and mixing your ingredients produces zero mess.

What about the shortcomings? One of my main concerns is the cheaply-made lever. If you are not careful, it might break when lowering or lifting the head. Additionally, the advertised power of 660W is overstated, as it barely outperforms my 350W KA Artisan mixer.

Who is this product for? The Aucma Stand Mixer is an excellent choice for pastry chefs seeking a mixer to help make the dough, whipped cream, or biscuit batter without emptying your wallet.

📊Comparison of the Best Pizza Dough Mixer

	KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan Stand Mixer	Cuisinart 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer	Ankarsrum Original 7 Liter Stand Mixer	Smeg 50’s Retro Black Stand Mixer	Aucma Stand Mixer
Power	325 watts	500 watts	600 watts	600 watts	660 watts
Build Material	Stainless Steel	Aluminum	Stainless Steel	Alloy Steel	Aluminum, Stainless Steel,
Bowl Capacity	5 Quarts	5.5 Quarts	7.5 Quarts	5 Quarts	6.5 Quarts
Number of Speed Options	10	12	8	10	6
Number of accessories	15	8	9	5	4
Weight	22 pounds	15 pounds	‎28.2 pounds	19.42 pounds	13.77 pounds
Warranty		3 years	7 years	5 years	1 year

🧾Buying Guide: How I Picked the Best Pizza Dough Mixer?

Purchasing a pizza dough mixer can be a considerable investment. In truth, this baking essential should be a “buy once, cry once” device. They can be expensive, which means you might not be able to afford to make too many wrong choices.

Read on if you want to learn how to shop for the best mixer for pizza dough and save money at the same time. 

Type of mixer

As mentioned earlier, there are different mixers to meet commercial and home baking needs, from traditional whisks to modern spiral mixers.

However, I’ll be talking about two excellent types of mixers: stand mixers and spiral mixers. Over my long years of baking, they have become a must-have cooking utensil in my kitchens.

Stand mixers are perfect for your home baking or food preparation. They are remarkably versatile for many tasks, from beating eggs to whipping cream and mixing dough.

These baking devices are multifunctional workhorses capable of handling most recipe needs and at-home kitchen tasks.

So, what about spiral mixers?

Spiral mixers are designed with commercial baking needs in mind. You’ll likely find these appliances in large pizzerias beside their full-fledged pizza ovens. They can mix larger qualities of dough, which stand mixers are not fit for.

In addition to that, they lack versatility, which means you are limited to kneading alone with the spiral mixers. Why would you want an expensive single-purpose dough mixing machine as a home baker or a small pizzeria?

Size & Quart Capacity

Dough mixers are one of those large kitchen appliances that can make a bold statement on our countertop. So, it’s only reasonable to ensure this baking essential has a place atop your kitchen counter. I strongly recommend a small-sized pizza dough-mixing machine for home chefs with small apartments.

Another important consideration is the weight of the appliance. Some homeowners prefer keeping this bulky device out of sight. This means you’ll be moving the device in and out of the cabinet, so purchasing a lightweight model is the smart way.

Additionally, the size of your dough batches should have a say in this matter. If you barely make small sets of things, spring for models with a large mixing bowl. But it’s best to purchase a large spiral mixer for commercial purposes.

Typically, I recommend at least a 5-quart stand mixer for home chefs with a large family with a strong appetite. If not, it’s best to choose a smaller model.

ttachments

Attachments allow you to convert your mixer into other kitchen tools to perform various tasks that would otherwise cost you money and counter space. The more attachments a stand mixer has, the more functionality it brings to your workspace.

While many attachments are available, most stand mixers come with three standard accessories: a flat beater, whisk, and dough hook.

• The dough hook is a spiral-shaped or C-shaped attachment perfect for kneading pizza and bread dough with the proper gluten mesh structure and shape.
• A whisk is suitable for mixing and whipping various ingredients, from eggs to butter.
• A flat beater is another versatile attachment I regularly use for either mixing and folding cookie dough, mashed potatoes, and cake batter or creaming butter and sugar.

High Wattage

Pizza dough mixers are not created equal. Some models are more powerful than others. This does not mean you should spring to the next high-wattage device that catches your attention unless you also enjoy paying high monthly electric bills.

I’m a big fan of stand mixers rated at about 300W. They are so perfect for handling small batches of dough for morning cookies.

However, most professional bakers are better off with dough-making machines with higher wattage, from 500 to 1000W, to handle demanding baking projects.

Speed

Speed matters. It is directly related to the versatility and flexibility a mixing machine can offer.

Most stand mixers feature different speed options, depending on the manufacturer. Usually, it’s anywhere between 4 – 12 speed modes. Anything less than four settings is a terrible deal breaker to me.

Why?

The more control of the speed I have, the more I can work on different food depending on the recipe. I need to be able to whip, beat or mix various ingredients at low, medium, medium-high, or high speed without getting another device for the job.

And more importantly, machines with more speed options offer the smoothest transition when changing the speed mode. Besides, you won’t have to clean up annoying spills all over your kitchen counter.

Build Materials

The dough-mixing machine cost a ton. Therefore, you should ensure it’s worth every penny, particularly its build quality. Most mixers are cheaply made with plastic and get thrown out after a couple of months, and understandably so.

The best dough mixers are mostly made of stainless steel to ensure they can withstand the rigors of everyday baking.

In particular, the mixing bowl should feature stainless steel construction. This ensures when (if) dropped accidentally, of course, you can easily pick it up like it never did. Plus, metal components are more durable and easier to clean.

However, not all folks want every part of their mixers in steel. I, for one, prefer the knobs and handles constructed with rubberized plastic. It feels much more comfortable and easier to grip compared to metal ones.

Warranties

Either for home or commercial baking needs, pizza dough mixers might require you to break the bank. So, the smart gameplay is to protect your investment in any way necessary.

Most high-quality dough mixers come with a manufacturer’s warranty lasting 1 to 3 years, covering any faults the machine may develop within that period. This gives you peace of mind and reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product.

However, the generosity of the warranty can vary depending on the mixer’s price, build quality, and brand. I prefer brands that offer extended warranty periods as they provide the highest level of protection for my investment.

🍞How to Knead Pizza Dough in a Stand Mixer?

If you haven’t mastered kneading the dough by hand or are short on time, using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment will save the day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the stand mixer to knead your dough for professional-quality pizzas properly:

1. Depending on the recipe, add your ingredients to the stand mixing bowl. Usually, it’s flour, warm water, yeast, salt, etc.
2. Mix the variety of mix-ins slowly using the dough hook attachment until it becomes a shaggy ball. This step should take less than 2 minutes.
3. Crank up the mixer to medium-high speed and mix for another 5 – 10 minutes. You can add some water if it’s dry or a pinch of flour to stop the dough from sticking to the bowl.

Allow the mixer to keep doing its job while you check periodically for doneness – smooth and spongy. Once the dough has been properly kneaded, remove it from the bowl and shape it into a ball before allowing it to rest and proof.

🙋Pizza Dough Mixer Related FAQ

🍕How to Make pizza dough Without a Mixer?

I often still find myself kneading without my gorgeous mixer and its fancy dough hook attachment. It’s really nice to know how to do this manually for an improved gluten mesh and enjoy the tactile century-old hand-kneading experience. Here’s how I do it in FOUR simple steps:

Step 1 – pour the flour and yeast into a large mixing bowl. Add about 20 – 50% of water and mix well with a wooden spoon until the flour is fully absorbed.

Step 2 – remove the shaggy mass from the mixing bowl and place it on a floured surface where you would push and fold with the heels of your hands. Depending on your preferred gluten mesh formation, this process takes about 10 – 15 minutes.

Step 3 – sometimes, the dough might feel too dry; add some water (in tiny amounts). If it’s too sticky, sprinkle some flour for smooth kneading.

Step 4 – once the dough has developed the perfect gluten mesh, it passes the windowpane test ー it’s smooth, springy, and spongy.

Step 5 – proof the dough!

Voila la! That’s how I make the perfect dough by hand that yields the proper structure and strength to ensure it rises for great homemade artisan pizzas.

Conclusion

I’m glad you made it all the way down here!

Now, it’s time to make a decision. Please do not feel pressured; you cannot go wrong with any of the products listed. They are all ideal for home chefs who want to create delicious professional-quality pizzas that will leave everyone raving.

But here’s a cheat code: if you want a mixer to support your small-scale bakery, consider investing in the semi-industrial Ankarsrum Original 7 Liter Stand Mixer, which is more expensive.

For home use, you will love the iconic and versatile KitchenAid KSM150PSOB Artisan Stand Mixer. If you want to save money while still getting a high-end device, the Cuisinart 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer is the best choice.

So go ahead and make your decision and join me on this beautiful pizza-baking adventure!

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