This is the exact stand mixer they use on Bake Off - and the controversial accessory I can't stop thinking about

KitchenAid Artisan: was £599 now £438 at Appliances Direct

It's a bit of a spoiler putting this deal here, because you can see early on that GBBO use KitchenAids in the tent. The reason I have this at the top is because there's currently £161 off this iconic stand mixer at Appliances Direct. That's an exceptional discount that's made even more rare by the time of year. You don't often get deals this good.

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Which stand mixers do they use on The Great British Bake Off? It's the question we're all asking as we brew a cuppa and settle in for our weekly dose of soggy bottoms, Hollywood handshakes, and cake-induced ency. Sixteen seasons in, the tent is as much about the kit as it is the contestants and those gleaming mixers are the focus of our attention. But which is the one that's powering this year's start bakes.

Every year, Bake Off has us thinking we could pull off a showstopper or two of our own. A biscuit cottage replica of grandma's cottage? No problem. A fondant fancy? Piece of cake, especially with one of the best stand mixers on the counter. Because, whilst skills are essential, there's something about the power, speed, and consistency of your stand mixer that can make the difference.

As your resident appliance expert (and Bake Off superfan), I've been keeping a close eye on those stand mixers over the years. It all started out with some of the best KitchenAids in the BBC and Mary Berry era, then the show swapped to the Kenwood kMix with Channel 4, and now? Well, let's just say there's another layer to the Bake Off set-up. Thanks to an unexpected stand mixer accessory, there's a new perspective on the expert's bakes. So, which stand mixer do they use on Bake Off now? Grab your tea. I'm about to spill.

Which stand mixers do they use on the Great British Bake Off?

I won't leave you in suspense with a Waitrose ad break (GBBO, I am thinking of you). There are two stand mixers that have historically, consistently been placed in the tent: the Kenwood kMix and the KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. I've baked with both and I can confirm that they whip in ways that other mixers don't stand a chance against. But this year, things are a little different.

Whilst there has been a mix of brands over the years (hence the fiery KitchenAid vs Kenwood debate), this year, it's all KitchenAid. Channel 4 are clever with their camera angles, but there are some signature features and accessories that I'd bet a batch of gingerbread on. Now you know, you'll see that the tent is being used to showcase the beautiful array of pastel colours on offer from the brand. I'm yet to spot the butter yellow colour of the year KitchenAid, but I have seen some very attractive mixers on the benches.

So, which one should you take from the tent and onto your worktop? Here's a little bit about the main stand mixers that The Great British Bake Off use now (as well as the ones that they have used in the past).

What's the special KitchenAid accessory that I should know about?

If there's one thing that I can't stop thinking about this year (aside from those caramel hobnobs) is the stand mixer accessory that everyone is using. It's often overlooked and surprisingly controversial, but let me tell you: it's worthy of a Hollywood Handshake.

So, what's the stand mixer accessory in question? The humble glass stand mixer bowl. It's not brand new (Kenwood has used one on some of their kMix models for years), but it's rarer to see on a KitchenAid. After falling in love with the Kenwood glass mixing bowl in my stand mixer tests, I sought out the KitchenAid one. I have to say, it's one of my favourite KitchenAid accessories of all time.

If you're on the fence about a glass mixing bowl, hear me out. It has measurements on the side, so you can pour straight in. Which means less faff, fewer spills, and a lot less to wash up at the end. You can also see whether all your mix is incorporated, as well as taking a look for air bubbles or streaks of unmixed batter whilst the machine is whirring, whisking, and mixing. That means you can make tweaks before it's too late. It's earned a spot in my kitchen and the Bake Off tent, which surely means it's the best of the best.

Why is the KitchenAid stand mixer so special?

KitchenAid carries some serious clout for bakers, casual and professional, but why? I call them an heirloom brand, because these are made to the kind of quality that means you're passing down your stand mixer from generation to generation. KitchenAid doesn't change the accessory compatibility either, so even older models can be used with their latest and greatest KitchenAid attachments and accessories.

Whilst it's true that these are some of the most expensive stand mixers, when it comes to performance, I've found KitchenAids offer the most power, consistency, and stability of all models. Even with a bowl full of bread dough, I know mine won't topple. Where other brands mixers miss the sides and bottoms of the bowl, the KitchenAid cleans up.

You won't be fiddling with hand mixing or scooping out dusty flour that didn't get mixed in, because KitchenAids cover all bases. You've also got over 20 colour options and all the beautiful extras that KitchenAid release each year. The only downside is that these are so good that you can't blame one of these for your soggy bottoms or a sunken cakes.

Is the Kenwood kMix as good as the KitchenAid?

I'll admit that I was a little surprised when I found out that the GBBO producers had moved away from complete KitchenAid supremacy across the tent. However, I wasn't surprised either. Kenwood has shot up in the baking community as the most popular alternative stand mixer to the KitchenAid.

It has all the same features of a KitchenAid: a powerful motor (though I don't find it as strong as the KA), durable build quality, and nice design. Often, Kenwood adds integrated scales and a timer underneath the bowl, which is a godsend for busy bakers. So, if you're not dead set on having the Bake Off stand mixer, you can save even more money with £220 off the kMix.

Alternative stand mixers that are still great

KitchenAid and Kenwood dominate the world of stand mixers, but they're not your only route to becoming star baker at home. Here are three other models that I've tested and loved in my kitchen.

FAQs

What stand mixer do they use on The Great British Bake Off?

Traditionally, The Great British Bake Off has used KitchenAid stand mixers, namely the Artisan. There have been sightings of the Kenwood kMix stand mixer in previous years, but it seems that the tent is all KitchenAid again this year.

What's the difference between a KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer and a KitchenAid Artisan?

I've dedicated a full, detailed article to the KitchenAid Artisan vs Classic debate, but if you want the headlines, here you go. The Classic has a 250 watt motor, whereas the Artisan has 325 watts. This makes the Artisan more suitable for bakers and big homes, but they're both pretty powerful. ANother difference is the bowl size. You'll always have options with each model, but generally, the Classic bowl is smaller and doesn't have the handle, which can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on what your kitchen layout is like. You'll get more colour options with the Artisan (there are over 20 options, compared to just two with the classic) and, apart from some minor details, such as weight, these two are very similar.

Are Kenwood stand mixers as good as KitchenAid's?

Yes. Some people even say that Kenwood stand mixers are better, because they incorporate special extra features, such as a timer and weighing scales. I've always been in camp KitchenAid, because I like traditional stand mixers. Plus, the weight and build of the KitchenAid feels more stable to me. In context of all stand mixers though, these two are the leading ladies.