I Finally Got Rid of My KitchenAid Stand Mixer After Decades — Why I Don’t Regret It

Quincy Bulin
Quincy Bulin
Quincy Bulin is a writer focused on home, fashion, and lifestyle. She's contributed to Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Reader's Digest, and more. A naturally curious person, she enjoys teaching as much as learning.
published Jan 26, 2025
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

When I got engaged, one of the first things I put on my wedding registry was the iconic KitchenAid stand mixer. It was — and still is — the thing to do. I imagined I’d become the Mary Berry of Austin, Texas, baking cookies, cakes, and croissants with abandon. And while my vision never quite became reality, my stand mixer still got a lot of use. It sat out on the counter at all times, ready to be put to work at a moment’s notice.

It’s been with me through so many moves (and made it through so many ruthless declutters). Last year, however, my husband and I separated, which meant someone had to give up custody of the stand mixer. Spoiler: It was me. And call me controversial, but I don’t regret it at all.

Instead, I’ve enlisted the help of a hand mixer I still don’t even remember buying, but have come to love even more than the stand mixer. If you’re a professional chef or run a bakery out of your home, obviously this tale isn’t for you. But for the average home cook or baker, I promise you the hand mixer is where it’s at — here’s why.

Cost

First, a quality hand mixer with all the necessary attachments doesn’t have to cost you any more than a tenth of the price of a KitchenAid stand mixer (which starts around $400 on the lowest end). Living in a shaky economy with rising costs and dwindling job security, this matters a lot. Save your money here and you’ll be able to spend (or save!) it elsewhere. If you’re thinking of getting rid of yours, it’s worth a good chunk of change.

Weight

Starting at 10 pounds and ranging up to 35 pounds depending on style, size, and attachments, half the reason stand mixers are usually found on the counter is because they’re simply too heavy to pick up and move in and out of a cabinet or pantry. This is especially relevant for families with kids or limited physical abilities — if it falls, you’ll be dealing with at least some damaged flooring, if not a damaged foot. At 2 to 3 pounds max, hand mixers are easier to handle, and light enough to detach and put away in a pinch.

Size

This is the other reason why stand mixers typically live on the counter: They’re so big, where else are you going to put them? If you also have a small kitchen, functional storage is likely at a premium. I love that the hand mixer can be easily tucked away in a cabinet alongside other kitchen gadgets, leaving me with some extra (much needed) counter space.

Maneuverability

Something I’ve found frustrating about stand mixers in the past is having to scrape the edges or push the batter around just to make sure it’s all properly mixed. With the hand mixer, I have more control and can give a few seconds to a patch of egg or flour that needs to blend.

If you don’t already have a stand mixer but it’s on your wish list, pick up a hand mixer instead and just try it out — I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Have you gotten rid of your KitchenAid stand mixer? Let us know in the comments below!