Now I’ve used it, I understand why Smeg changed their stand mixer - the improvements rival KitchenAid
Smeg has ramped up the power, amped up the retro, and the results are impressive
The improvements on the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer make all the difference: it's powerful, reliable, and a truly remarkable rival for KitchenAid, Kenwood, and the likes.
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More powerful than other models
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Pastel colour options
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Improved stability
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Quieter running
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Still relatively expensive
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Smeg first stepped into the stand mixer space in 2010 with an undeniably attractive, retro design. It looked the part and our experts rated it for lighter tasks, but when it came to the great debate over the best stand mixer, it rarely made the final cut. Conversations were dominated by Kenwood vs KitchenAid, and Smeg struggled to compete on performance.
Now, more than a decade later, Smeg has gone back to the drawing board. This isn’t just a cosmetic refresh: the brand has reworked key elements of the original Smeg Stand Mixer design, from power to stability, with the aim of competing with the biggest names in baking.
I’ve been putting the new model through its paces to see whether these updates translate into real-world improvements and I’m impressed, with a cherry on top.
Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer review
- Dimensions: 24.5D x 40.5W x 44.5H centimetres
- Weight: 9.77 kgs
- Power: 1000W motor (previously 800W)
- Speed settings: 10 speeds with smooth start system
- Capacity: 4.8L
- Accessories: whisk, flat beater, dough hook
- Auto shut-off for safety
What is the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer like to use?
Whether you've used the older iteration of the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer and you want to know about the updates, or you're brand new to the shiny, sleek Smeg stand mixer, you're in for a treat.
I'll be honest, whilst I loved the old Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer, I didn't include it in our roundup of the best stand mixers. It was, of course, one of the prettiest, but I found it didn't have the mixing power or thoroughness to compete with the likes of KitchenAid. However, the new finishes have put it firmly in my top collection of the best stand mixers, because Smeg addressed any shortcomings and fixed ones I didn't even know about, resulting in a stand mixer that's a delight to use.
I whipped through my usual tasks with the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer: a kneaded dough (a good test for higher power and stability), whipped cream (the test for speed), and made cakes and cookies (the perfect test for reaching all parts of the bowl). I can assure you the results were quicker, more finessed, and subsequently more delicious than ever before. Do you need to spend this much money on a stand mixer? Probably not. Am I still envious of anyone who owns one. Absolutey.
Who would the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer suit?
The Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer has always won awards for its style and that's something that hasn't changed, if anything, it's even better than before. Available in classy pastels and classic colours, the curved edges and shine make it look even more premium and stylish than ever before.
It's also a great all-round baker now. The stand mixer easily whisks cream, creams butter, and kneads bread. I have no qualms recommending it to expereinced bakers and would happily hand it over to beginners as well.
What are the updates on the new Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer?
At a glance, you might not notice a dramatic difference, but the design tweaks are thoughtful. The signature retro style remains, but softer curves and rounded edges give the mixer a gentler, more refined look.
The colour palette has also evolved. Where Smeg once leaned into bold, high-gloss shades, the new range introduces softer pastels that are easier to style in modern kitchens. Classic black and white options are still available, so you haven’t lost that timeless appeal.
Performance upgrades on the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer
How do the changes on the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer play out in practice> Smeg has reworked the weight distribution and stability, so the mixer feels more grounded on the worktop. I tested this with a low-hydration bread dough, a task that would typically expose any wobble, and it stayed steady throughout.
The power has also been increased from 800 watts to 1000 watts, bringing it closer to key competitors. That boost isn’t working alone, either: paired with improved stability and a smooth-start function, the result is a more controlled, quieter, and noticeably more refined mixing experience.
To test speed, I whipped double cream, one of my go-to benchmarks. The results were strikingly quick, outperforming the previous model by a clear margin. Even better, it did so with far less noise. The older Smeg mixer was noticeably loud (and one of the reasons I didn’t recommend it in buying guides), but this updated version feels far more in line with the premium positioning.
The extra power also comes into its own when kneading dough. Heavier mixes that would previously push the motor now feel well within its comfort zone, with smooth, consistent rotation and no strain.
New attachments on the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer
Alongside the power upgrade, Smeg has redesigned the flex beater for better (or should I say batter?). It’s engineered to scrape the sides and base of the bowl more effectively, mimicking the natural movement of hand mixing.
In practice, it works really really well. It might sound like a small tweak, but even some of the best stand mixers struggle to properly reach every part of the bowl, so this level of consistency stands out.
I tested it on cake batter, creaming butter and sugar before incorporating wet and dry ingredients, and it delivered an even, smooth mix with minimal need to scrape down the sides. It handled cookie dough just as well, a tougher test that often exposes weaker designs, producing a cohesive, well-integrated mixture with ease.
Should you buy the Smeg SM05 Stand Mixer?
If you want my honest take, this is the stand mixer Smeg should have made all along. It’s just as beautiful, but now it’s powerful, stable, and satisfying to use.
