The newly introduced Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer SM-55 offers more power than any other mixer its size. True to the Cuisinart name, this mixer has enhanced features and elegant styling that you won't want to hide away in a cupboard or pantry. This unit comes with a sturdy die-cast metal mixer body, as well as a 5.5-quart stainless-steel mixing bowl, a chef's whisk, a flat mixing paddle, a dough hook and a clear plastic splash guard/pouring shield. The bowl has two ring-style side handles for easy grasping and twist-locks onto the base for stability during mixing. This unit also offers three extra power outlets (at the top and front) where you can plug in any of five optional attachments, including a blender, food processor, citrus juicer, meat grinder or pasta maker. The outlets operate at different speed levels (high, medium, and low) to match the needs of the attachments.

The Cuisinart SM-55 uses a rotational mixing pattern, which spirals a spinning beater around a stationary bowl. The mixer has a rectangular shape that is flat on the top to help it fit comfortably under low hanging cabinets. The dimensions are 12.5 inches (height) by 15.5 inches (width) by 10 inches (length). The unit weighs about 20 pounds. The unit also comes with an instructional DVD that shows you the best techniques for working with the mixer. The controls include a dial, with a separate on/off button, as well as a countdown digital timer. There are 12 speeds to satisfy a wide range of mixing chores.

We put this mixer through its paces, first with a relatively easy muffin recipe. We liked the fact that we could set the timer for the exact amount of time specified in the recipe, and then watch it count down and shut itself off. The button is extremely sensitive so it's easy to go past your desired setting when holding the button down. Since you cannot erase minutes, you have to scroll all the way up to 15 minutes and begin again. Alternatively, you can press and hold the on/off button for two seconds to clear the timer.

The lowest speeds on this mixer are suitable for quick blending of dry ingredients or to slowly start and then gradually increase the mixing speed with batters and doughs. The highest speeds are as fast, if not faster than any we've seen, and can whip or aerate in just seconds. The speeds are so fast, in fact, that you need to be careful not to over mix, since most recipes will be done in about half the stated time. This mixer has another innovative feature in its "Fold" button. The Fold function acts as an intermittent slow mixing button; it operates on the lowest speed and only for about 3-4 seconds at a time. You can hold the button for continuous folding or press the button multiple times to achieve the desired effect.

The Cuisinart 5-quart stand mixer has a tilt release head, which locks in both the lifted (up) and lowered (down) positions. With the weight of the mixer and its locked bowl and head, we did not notice any shaking while mixing. The combination of rotational mixing and the deep, narrow bowl provide thorough bowl coverage. With 800 watts of power, you'll never run short on muscle to power through even the heaviest dough recipes. The large mixing bowl can accommodate up to 12 cups of flour or enough dough for 10 dozen cookies.


Pros: 800-watt motor, digital countdown timer, 12 speeds plus Fold speed, die-cast metal construction, three accessory ports for optional attachments
Cons: Wide base occupies extra counter space

Warranty
3 years, limited