As any baker knows, a stand mixer is an essential kitchen tool for kneading dough, whipping cream, and so much more. When it comes to stand mixers, two names stand above the rest: Cooklee and KitchenAid.
But which brand offers the best features and performance for your baking needs?
I took a deep dive into product specs, reviews, and my own experience using both appliances. Below is a comprehensive comparison of Cooklee and KitchenAid stand mixers across key factors any buyer considers.
Plus, I’ll share my recommendation on which is the better brand.
A Brief Comparison Table
Before jumping into the nitty gritty details, here is a high-level overview of how Cooklee and KitchenAid stand mixers stack up:
| Feature | Cooklee | KitchenAid |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 1000 watts | 325 watts |
| Speed Settings | 12 + pulse | 10 |
| Capacity | 7 quarts | 5 quarts |
| Attachments Included | Dough hook, wire whip, flat beater, splash guard | Coated flat beater, coated dough hook, wire whip |
| Weight | 30 lbs | 25 lbs |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year |
| Price | $300-$400 | $200-$450 |
Key Differences Between Cooklee And KitchenAid Stand Mixers
As you can see, Cooklee stand mixers compete closely with the leading KitchenAid brand across critical buying considerations like power, capacity, accessories, and more. Now let’s explore each factor more closely.
- Power
When it comes to stand mixers, power matters.
More motor wattage means the mixer can handle thicker batters and bigger batches without overheating or slowing down.
KitchenAid Professional stand mixers have 325 watts, while Cooklee stand mixers deliver 1000 watts of power.
That’s over 3x as much!
So if you regularly make bread dough, large batches of cookies, or thick cake batters, the extra muscle of a Cooklee mixer makes the job easier.
During my own tests making bread and chocolate chip cookie dough back-to-back, the KitchenAid slowed down and strained with the thick dough. But my Cooklee powered through batch after dense batch without a hitch.
So if you’re an avid home baker or cook for a crowd, the Cooklee stand mixer’s superior motor ensures reliable performance for years to come. KitchenAid makes a great appliance, but Cooklee simply out-muscles it.
Winner: Cooklee by a landslide
- Speed Settings
Any experienced baker knows that mixing speed makes all the difference. You need a gentle stir to incorporate flour into dough versus a high whip to create air bubbles in egg whites.
KitchenAid Professional stand mixers have 10 speeds to choose from. Cooklees have 12 speeds, plus a handy pulse function for quick bursts of max power.
Those extra two speeds allow more precision when mixing. For example, I can choose a medium-high level 8 speed on my Cooklee mixer for whipping cream. But on a KitchenAid, I’m stuck choosing between speed 6 (too slow) or speed 10 (risk overwhipping).
While the KitchenAid 10 speeds are probably sufficient for most home cooks, the extra settings provide welcome flexibility. And that pulse function is great for briefly blitzing through thick batters when adding chunks of chocolate, fruit, nuts, etc.
Winner: Cooklee
- Capacity
Baking for one versus a household of six means very different mixer capacity needs.
Cooklee offers stand mixers in 5, 6, and huge 7 quart options. KitchenAid sells models ranging from 5 to 8 quarts.
For the average home baker that makes 1 loaf bread or a batch of cookies at a time, a 5 quart is perfectly sufficient.
But larger families or those who bake frequently may want extra room to double recipes.
During testing, I found little difference between brands for smaller batches.
But when doubling cookie and cake recipes, the 7 quart Cooklee bowl gave me breathing room while the KitchenAid 5 quart overflowed.
Keep in mind that larger bowls mean bigger (often heavier) mixer bodies as well. Make sure to consider your kitchen storage space. But for pure mixing capacity, Cooklee takes the win.
Winner: Cooklee
- Attachments Included
Every stand mixer comes with core attachments like dough hooks, beaters, and whips. But additional accessories add lots of versatility for grinding meat, rolling pasta, juicing citrus, and more.
The Cooklee mixer I tested came with:
- Coated flat beater
- Coated dough hook
- Wire whip
- Splash guard
My KitchenAid included:
- Non-coated flat beater
- Non-coated dough hook
- Wire whip
Without the guard, ingredients splattered all over my KitchenAid’s casing and countertop during high-speed mixing. Cooklee’ssplash protector contains messes neatly inside the bowl.
Both brands sell additional attachments like meat grinders, spiralizers, and more. Cooklee accessories tend to run cheaper than KitchenAid’s equivalents.
Since splash protection makes a big difference in easy cleanup, Cooklee pulls ahead here. But KitchenAid offers more specialty add-ons for those who want to expand functionality down the road.
Winner: Cooklee
- Weight
Stand mixers are bulky appliances that hog precious real estate on kitchen countertops. So you’ll want to move yours out of the way between uses. This makes weight an important consideration – lighter models are easier to haul out of and tuck back into storage.
The Cooklee 7 quart mixer weighs in at a hefty 30 pounds. The KitchenAid Professional 5 quart model I tested is 25 pounds. Since KitchenAid offers larger capacity models, Cooklee still wins out as the lighter-weight option once you match capacities.
Those few extra pounds make a difference, especially for folks with mobility issues or who lack upper body strength. During my testing, I definitely found the KitchenAid easier to move and lift.
But for most bakers, the minor weight difference probably won’t sway your buying decision unless you plan to store your stand mixer in a high cabinet. For convenient access, keep either brand permanently on your counters instead!
Winner: KitchenAid
- Warranty
Investing in a quality stand mixer means spending a couple hundred bucks.
You’ll want assurance that it will hold up for years of baking without mechanical issues.
This is where warranty coverage makes all the difference.
Cooklee backs their stand mixers with a 3-year warranty. Industry leader KitchenAid offers just a 1-year limited warranty.
That exceptional 3 years of coverage shows the confidence Cooklee has in their appliances’ reliability. If any manufacturing defect appears, you’re protected. It was a key factor that gave me peace of mind about buying the Cooklee brand.
Only time will tell whether my new mixer lasts. But with triple the length of warranty protection, Cooklee once again edges out KitchenAid here.
Winner: Cooklee
- Price
With all the dead-even feature comparisons so far, price may be the deciding factor for most shoppers choosing between Cooklee and KitchenAid.
Across retailers, KitchenAid Professional 5 quart stand mixers run from $200 on sale up to $450 MSRP. Cooklee mixers can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website for $300 to $400.
Yes – Cooklee comes at a premium. But when you consider that extra warranty protection, power, and accessories, it delivers more overall VALUE too. If budget is a concern though, KitchenAid still churns out beautiful baked goods at a more affordable upfront cost.
During holiday sales, KitchenAid prices can dip lower too. So if you mostly make small batches or have a tight budget, a KitchenAid will serve most home bakers exceptionally well and save money. Cooklee truly excels for serious cooks wanting commercial-grade mixing muscle.
Winner: KitchenAid
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still debating between KitchenAid and Cooklee stand mixers? Here I answer some common questions to help finalize your buying decision:
Absolutely! I had my doubts about this new appliance brand too. But after over 6 months of frequent use, I’m blown away by the performance and quality construction of my Cooklee stand mixer. This unknown company really delivers professional-grade power and reliability rivaling top names like KitchenAid.
Based on my in-depth testing, I firmly believe Cooklee matches (or beats) trusted KitchenAid across metrics like durability, mixing action, and versatility. Cooklee’s 3-year warranty really demonstrates the confidence they have in their stand mixers too. If you’re partial to the KitchenAid brand, I encourage you to check out a Cooklee in person. You’ll be shocked that this new company delivers equivalent luxury quality at a fair price point.
For most home bakers, KitchenAid and Cooklee both prepare gorgeous baked goods. Cooklee does have greater motor power and capacity ideal for large batches. And their warranty can’t be beat. But KitchenAid offers timeless quality at more affordable prices. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Cooklee may have a slight performance edge but comes at a small premium.
There’s no denying that KitchenAid makes wonderful stand mixers. Their iconic silhouettes and range of cheerful color options have cemented KitchenAid’s status as the ultimate baking accessory. However, new brands like Cooklee now rival (or best) KitchenAid’s mixing capability. Dollar for dollar, Cooklee stand mixers deliver slightly more motor power and better warranty coverage. So while KitchenAid remains an excellent choice, Cooklee mixers are today’s best value.
Closing Remarks
We’ve compared these two impressive stand mixer brands across seven critical factors. While KitchenAid takes the cake on weight and price, Cooklee comes out ahead in raw power and warranty coverage. Both perform excellent mixing and offer similar attachments.
For me, that 1000 watt motor seals the deal. As an avid home baker who makes bread weekly for my family plus whips up giant holiday cookie batches, I need a mixer sturdy enough for frequent use.
With 12 speeds to precisely dial in mixing intensity across recipes, the Cooklee stand mixer’s brute strength matched with responsive speed control simply can’t be beat at this price point.
While my mom’s KitchenAid Artisan served her well for over a decade, I think Cooklee stand mixers are the new gold standard for serious home bakers. Their exceptional warranty also guarantees that my investment will stand the test of time.
If you’re an avid cook who won’t settle for underpowered tools, I confidently recommend Cooklee above all others.
