Some mixers, such as KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer, come with a splashguard that can easily be removed during mixing, without even needing to stop the machine and raise the mixer head. However, the Artisan mixer’s splashguard’s pouring chute doesn’t close – and is less splashproof. Nevertheless, the overall mixing performance, as well as the gentle folding setting and the “soft start” function make the KMX760 a pleasure to use. Kenwood kMix Chrome Collection Stand Mixer KMX760 – What you need to know

If you're wondering whether you should be spending more and splashing out on a KitchenAid model, you're not alone. But is the higher price justified? The gold version of the kMix stand mixer I tested isn’t for shrinking violets; it’s a statement. In its shininess, it’s reminiscent of Daft Punk’s famous helmets – only with more gold and with some stainless steel thrown in for good measure, too.The Kenwood kMix Chrome Collection Stand Mixer KMX760 – It comes with three sturdy and durable accessories

A handle on the side of the (relatively heavy) 5L stainless steel mixing bowl is much appreciated, as is the impressive Soft Start feature that prevents the mixer whisking or beating the mixture wildly if you turn it up to a high speed. Instead, the smart speed control keeps our ingredients firmly in the bowl by building up the speed gradually. Beating – All-in-one cake ingredients were mixed in less than a minute with no residue at the bottom. It took just 20 seconds to fold berries into cake batter. Look for dishwasher safe attachments, as washing them manually could be an enormous headache. Make sure you look at the clothes instructions, although, placing accessories in over a warm wash can possibly split the plastic. You have to be certain you have received ample room on your own kitchen counter to support a stand mixer, particularly in case it is over the big side.

I particularly liked the stainless steel beater and dough hook; the KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer beater and dough hook have a white enamel coating that can chip away over time. Most well-established stand mixer brands, such as Kenwood and KitchenAid, will have a wide range of spare parts available. Kenwood's newest kMix is a high-end, 1000W stand mixer that offers excellent performance and impressive style to match. The new kMix features nine mixing speeds and a 5-litre mixing bowl. It also includes a stainless steel beater, dough hook and balloon whisk - as well as a spatula and splash guard with a pouring chute so you can add ingredients without stopping the kMix. The resulting batter was fluffy, appearing to have incorporated plenty of air. However, the glass bowl proved heavy to lift and hold when scraping the contents out into tins. Once baked, the sponges had a good airy texture and there were no lumps of unmixed flour or sugar.