The Cuisinart 7-Quart Stand Mixer SM-70 is the largest capacity, most powerful mixer on the market. Its 1000-watt motor is nearly twice that of the leading competitor.

As expected, the unit is quite large, measuring approximately 14.5 inches tall, 15.5 inches wide and 11 inches deep (with the mixing bowl in place). It comes with a deep 7-quart stainless-steel mixing bowl, an oversize balloon whisk, a flat beater, a sturdy dough hook, and a clear plastic splash guard/pouring shield. An electronic dial controls the mixer's 12 variable speed settings, each of which hesitates and then slowly engages to avoid splattering. We were thoroughly impressed with the Cuisinart SM-70's performance. It did a fantastic job with all the tasks we put to it, from whipping heavy cream to blending stiff cookie dough. The deep oversize mixing bowl accommodates up to 15 cups of flour -- enough to make four standard loaves of bread or about 15 dozen cookies.

One of this model's more innovative features is its countdown timer, which lets you set the precise mixing time (up to 15 minutes) and begin mixing. The timer counts down for you and stops the motor automatically when the set time has elapsed. Setting the timer is a simple matter of pressing the Min(ute) and Sec(ond) buttons. Hold the buttons to scroll quickly or press-and-release to advance in one-digit increments. If you go past your setting, you need to keep scrolling to the end and begin again.

Another feature unique to the Cuisinart brand is the addition of a "Fold" speed, which acts very much like the pulse option on a food processor. It activates mixing on the slowest speed for a few seconds and then stops -- just long enough to slowly stir ingredients. You can hold the Fold button to achieve a continuous stirring or press and release for short stirring pulses.

Available in black or grey, the Cuisinart SM-70 stand mixer has a tilt-back head that is spring-loaded for easy use. The head lifts and locks in the upright position, allowing you to access or remove the mixing bowl. The mixer utilizes a rotational spiral mixing pattern. The beater is mounted on a disc that turns in one direction while the beater spins in the opposite direction for thorough bowl coverage. For all its power, the unit isn't as noisy or as heavy as we expected. It weighed in at about 25 pounds, which gives it ample stability even during strenuous mixing chores.

We liked the extra-deep narrow mixing bowl, which is tapered to conform to the path of the mixing attachments. The added depth keeps splatters within the bowl so cleanup is a lot easier. This mixer also has three extra power outlets to accommodate a variety of add-on attachments, including a Cuisinart blender, food processor, citrus juicer, meat grinder and pasta maker. The outlets operate at different speeds (high, medium and slow) to allow you to choose the best speed for the task.

You'll pay a bit more for this mixer but its quality die-cast metal construction, combined with added power, and versatility are sure to impress. Little extras, such as the two-side handles on the mixing bowl, the bowl's twist-lock design, and a pause feature on the count-down timer, give this mixer added appeal.


Pros: 1000-watt motor, digital count-down timer, 12 speeds plus Fold speed, die-cast metal construction, three accessory ports for optional attachments
Cons: Large body takes up extra counter space

Warranty
3 years, mixer and attachments; 5 years, motor