The key to unlocking your creativity in the kitchen starts with the basics, like mastering KitchenAid® stand mixer speeds. Not only will you be making the most of your mixer in no time, you’ll also get more out of your accessories and attachments. Precision is key with many recipes, and the unique 10 speed models by KitchenAid brand give Makers plenty of room for fine tuning results. Read on to learn how stand mixer speeds can help elevate your recipes.
Stand mixer speed control guide
KitchenAid® stand mixer speed control chart
Making the most of your stand mixer means getting to know just what each of those stand mixer speeds does best. This handy chart gives you the scoop on how to use each level to create your next recipe, from buttery baked goods to fluffy homemade whipped cream.
Speed | Action | Accessory | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Stir | Flat Beater; Flex Edge Beater | For starting all mixing procedures, slow stirring, and combining. |
2 | Stir | Pastry Beater | Cut butter into flour to make pastry dough; Mash fruits and vegetables. |
2 | Slow mixing | Flat Beater; Flex Edge Beater | For slow mixing, mashing, and faster stirring. |
2 | Slow mixing | Dough Hook | To mix and knead yeast doughs, heavy batters, and candies; mix thin or splashy batters. |
4 | Mixing, beating | Flat Beater; Flex Edge Beater | For mixing semi-heavy batters, such as cookies, or to combine sugar and shortening. Medium speed for cake mixes. |
4 | Mixing, beating | Pastry Beater | For shredding meats. |
4 | Mixing, beating | Wire Whip | For adding sugar to egg whites for meringues. |
6 | Beating, creaming | Flat Beater; Flex Edge Beater | For medium-fast beating (creaming), or whipping. Use to finish mixing cake, doughnut, and other batters. High speed for cake mixes. |
6 | Beating, creaming | Wire Whip | For medium-fast whipping of ingredients requiring incorporation of air, such as egg whites. |
8 | Fast beating, whipping | Wire Whip | For whipping cream, egg whites, and boiled frostings. |
Note: The Speed Control Lever can be set to obtain speeds 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 if a finer adjustment is required. To move the Speed Control Lever with ease, lift up slightly as you move it across the settings in either direction.
Important: Do not exceed Speed 2 when preparing yeast doughs as this may cause damage to the Stand Mixer.
Stand mixer speed tip
Getting familiar with stand mixer speeds also gives you more precision when using any of your KitchenAid® stand mixer attachments and accessories.
What are the speeds on a KitchenAid® stand mixer?
KitchenAid® stand mixers have 10 speeds, giving you maximum flexibility to achieve exactly the result you envisioned. Speeds 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 will be your core speeds, but think of the in-between speeds as fine tuning for your technique. Read on to find out how stand mixer speeds correlate to recipe directions.
1. Stir
It all starts with Stir. The key to ideal results is to always begin with Stir–gradually ramping up the speed on your mixer from the start will ensure consistent results as well as prevent puffs of flour from wafting into the air.
2. Low speed
Speeds 2 and 3 generally are considered low speed, so use these if your recipe calls for low or medium-low speed. These speeds are perfect for jobs like slow mixing splashy batters, mashing, pulling meat or kneading doughs.
3. Medium speed
Speeds 4 and 5 are best for recipes calling for mixing or beating on medium. These speeds are ideal for mixing cake batters, cookie doughs, or the first stages of making a meringue.
4. Medium-high speed
When your recipe calls for medium high speed, use speeds 6 and 7. This is the best speed for beating and creaming, as well as whipping ingredients to create batters.
5. High speed
When whipping cream or eggs to create perfect peaks, you’ll want to use speeds 8 to 10 for the dreamiest cloud-like results. For a meringue or boiled frosting with stunning swoops and peaks, be sure to use the whisk attachment.
Which stand mixer speed is best for kneading bread?
When whipping up a batch of bread dough, kneading is best done on speed 2 while using the dough hook. Exceeding speed 2 while mixing yeast doughs could damage your mixer. Mix until your dough is smooth and elastic and not clinging to the bowl. Get more tips on how to make bread in a stand mixer.
Which stand mixer speed is best for whipped cream?
For beautiful billows of whipped cream, speeds 8 and 10 are ideal for aerating heavy cream. Always use the whisk attachment for this task to achieve the best results. Learn more about how to make whipped cream in a stand mixer.
Which stand mixer speed is best for creaming butter?
When creaming butter, use your KitchenAid® Flat Beater and start at speed 3 to combine the sugar and butter without causing a mess. Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, you can bump up to speed 4 or 6 to achieve light, fluffy results.
Which stand mixer speed should I use for attachments?
In general, you’ll want to refer to your attachments’ user manuals for specific usage instructions, including the right speed level. Here are some tips for a few popular attachments:
Roller attachments tend to work best at lower speeds like 1 or 2, whereas cutting attachments produce perfect pasta with speeds between 5 and 8, depending on the shape of the pasta.
Grinder attachments are best used at speed 4 for the most consistent grind. Always be sure to use partially frozen meat for the best results.
Spiralizer and slicing attachments work well anywhere between speeds 2 and 6 depending on how large or hard the ingredients you’re cutting are or how thin you’re slicing ingredients.
Turn it all the way up to speed 10 for the Shave Ice Attachment to get light and fluffy snow-like results in seconds.
How do I choose the right mixer speed for other tasks?
Your stand mixer is likely the workhorse of your kitchen, and for good reason. Baked goods are a natural fit for a stand mixer, but the possibilities are endless. For tender meats or splashy batters, stick with low and slow. If you’re looking to aerate ingredients, high speed will get you the fluffy texture you need.
Your owner’s manual will always be a great resource when trying out something new, like shredding chicken in your stand mixer.
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