Smeg Stand Mixer SMF03CRUS review is it the best retro kitchen appliance?

Description

Bold Design and Build Quality

I have to say, the Smeg 50’s Retro Stand Mixer (Cream) immediately caught my eye with its vintage-inspired aesthetic. The die-cast aluminum body feels incredibly robust, and the zinc-alloy base adds a sense of reliability. Its stainless steel bowl lock is a nice touch, ensuring everything stays in place during use. The overall build screams premium craftsmanship, and the cream color adds a sophisticated charm to any kitchen. While it looks fantastic sitting on my counter, I did notice the 19.38-pound weight makes it less portable, so you’ll probably want to give it a permanent spot.

The dimensions of 16″ x 9″ x 15″ mean it’s not overly bulky, but it does take up a bit of space. For anyone with a smaller kitchen, this might be something to think about. Still, I appreciate that its weight and materials don’t feel flimsy like some other mixers I’ve tried in the past.

Performance That Packs a Punch

This mixer doesn’t just look good; it performs exceptionally well. Equipped with an 800 W motor and 10-speed settings, it handles everything from whipping cream to kneading dough with ease. The planetary mixing action is a standout feature, ensuring thorough mixing by having the attachments move around the bowl while the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction. It’s honestly fascinating to watch and delivers consistent results every time.

I tested it with various recipes—think cake batters, pizza dough, and even a heavy chocolate frosting—and it powered through without a hitch. The adjustable speed control allowed me to fine-tune the settings depending on the task, which gave me a lot more control than I expected. However, I did notice that at higher speeds, it gets a bit noisier than I would’ve liked.

Key Benefits

• 800 W motor ensures powerful and consistent performance.
• Planetary mixing action thoroughly mixes ingredients without any pockets of flour or batter left behind.
• 10-speed control provides versatility for different recipes.
• Sturdy construction with a die-cast aluminum body for durability.

Limitations

• The 19.38-pound weight makes it cumbersome to move around.
• Can get noisy at higher speeds, which might be an issue if you have sleeping toddlers or sensitive ears nearby.

Attachments and Features Galore

One of the highlights for me was the range of attachments and features that come with this mixer. There’s an aluminum flat beater for dense mixtures like cake batters and purees, a stainless steel beater with silicone edges for soft batters, a wire whisk for whipping creams and custards, and a dough hook for leavened doughs like pizza and pasta. I tried them all and was impressed by how well they performed their respective tasks.

The 5-quart capacity stainless steel bowl is large enough to handle big batches, which is a lifesaver during holiday baking marathons. Plus, the pouring shield is a small but significant addition that prevents splashing and makes it easier to add ingredients mid-mix. Cleaning up is also a breeze since the attachments are dishwasher safe, which saved me a ton of time.

That said, switching between attachments wasn’t as smooth as I’d hoped. The locking mechanism felt a bit stiff initially, but it got easier after a few uses.

Areas for Improvement

• The attachment locking mechanism can feel a bit rigid at first.
• Lack of storage for attachments means you’ll need to find a separate spot to keep them organized.

Competing Products

I’ve owned and tested similar mixers like the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer and the Cuisinart Precision Master, so I feel confident comparing them. While the Smeg’s retro design completely outshines its competitors, the KitchenAid offers a wider range of attachments, and the Cuisinart tends to be slightly quieter during operation.

On the flip side, the Smeg’s planetary mixing action is just as efficient as KitchenAid’s, and its build quality feels more premium than the Cuisinart. If aesthetics and durability are high on your priority list, this mixer definitely has the edge. However, if you’re looking for something quieter or with additional attachment options, you might lean towards the alternatives.

Bang for the Buck

Let’s talk about whether this mixer is worth its price tag. While it’s definitely an investment, the combination of vintage design, powerful performance, and premium materials makes it feel like a solid choice for serious home bakers. Compared to other mixers in its range, it offers a unique blend of style and substance that’s hard to find elsewhere.

That said, I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re only an occasional baker or if you’re on a tight budget. This is more of a luxury appliance for someone who values both function and form in their kitchen gadgets. If you’re someone who bakes frequently and wants your appliances to double as decor, you’ll likely feel it’s worth every penny.

Final Thoughts? Nope, I don’t do those!

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