Any stand mixer will take up bench space. So, it’s ideal to pick a stand mixer model that works with the best compatible attachments. That way, you have a mixing appliance for kitchen tasks other than baking.
The question is, which one should you invest in?
In this guide, I’m sharing some of my favourite attachments that can turn your stand mixer into one versatile machine. Read on to learn which ones match your cooking needs and meal preferences.
1. Pasta Roller and Cutter
Standalone pasta machines are good to have if you are serious about making fresh pasta. However, a pasta attachment for stand mixers is worth considering if you are a well-rounded cook who prefers multipurpose kitchen appliances.
With this combo, you can use the mixer to make the fresh pasta dough and then switch to the attachment to roll it out.
Compared with hand-crank pasta rollers, pasta attachments can significantly reduce the effort of rolling and cutting pasta by hand.
Also, aside from the dough roller, attachments for shaping your fresh pasta are available for stand mixers. You can make fettuccine, macaroni, spaghetti, and even ravioli with the right pasta shaper.
- Best for homemade pasta lovers, skilled cooks and chefs
2. Citrus or Slow Juicer
Various kinds of juicers work with stand mixers. One example is the citrus juicer for making fresh orange juice or homemade salad dressings. It’s also great for making desserts, baked goods, and frozen treats.
The other is a slow juicer attachment that can separate the peel and pulp from the juice. This one is excellent for boosting fruit and vegetable intake or saving money from buying store-bought juices.
Either citrus or slow juicer attachment will encourage you to work with fresh ingredients more and get the most nutrients from the fresh produce you buy.
- Best for fitness enthusiasts, people into the juicing habit, versatile home cooks
3. Ice Cream Bowl
If you love sorbet, frozen yoghurt, and similar summer treats, an ice cream maker attachment is the perfect add-on to your stand mixer.
There is no need for ice and rock salt to make these work. Just freeze the bowl for several hours and then prep your ice cream recipe.
It’s a fun attachment, especially when you have kids at home. You can play with it during weekends and try all sorts of fruit or flavour combinations you can imagine.
The best part is you have absolute control of the sugar or type of milk that goes into your frozen dessert – perfect for those with diet restrictions or food intolerances.
Check out my ice-cream-making tips to make the best-tasting frozen treat at home.
- Best for homemade ice cream lovers, DIYers, people with a sweet tooth
4. Grain Mill
Using freshly made flour is one way to step up your baking recipes. While you can buy any flour from the store, nothing beats the taste, aroma, and texture of grains ground at home.
Home-milled grains also keep the fibre and nutrients intact, which is excellent for those on a gluten-free diet.
Aside from baked products, you can use the grain mill attachment to make pasta, rice cake, pancake, or polenta flour.
Also, grain mill attachments usually have an adjustable dial or knob for selecting your coarseness settings.
- Best for skilled bakers and pasta makers, people with special dietary needs
5. Food Processor, Slicer, and Shredder
A knife and cutting board are all you need for chopping, slicing, or dicing any food.
However, when cooking in volume for meal prep or a holiday party, a stand mixer attachment to process your ingredients can save valuable time.
Food processor attachments for stand mixers usually come with interchangeable discs, so you can slice vegetables or shred cheese. Aside from reducing the workload, these give you uniform cuts for better cooking results and presentation.
Just-shredded salad vegetables or cheeses also taste better and are cheaper than store-bought.
People who want a quick dinner after a busy day in the office can also benefit from these helpful attachments. These detachable parts are also typically dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze.
- Best for meal prep champs, busy people, frequent house party hosts
6. Food or Meat Grinder
It’s easy to buy minced meat from the market to make burgers, sausages, or meatballs. However, you can effortlessly achieve your ideal meat-and-fat ratio with a food grinder attachment for stand mixers.
Plus, you can season the meat any way you like or add your preferred flavourings.
Also, this attachment usually comes with coarse and fine grinding plates for more control.
If you like, upgrade your food grinder and get a sausage stuffer kit to make homemade bratwurst or kielbasa.
The food grinder is not limited to meat lovers, though. Vegans and vegetarians can also use it for grinding lentils, mushrooms, and vegetables to make delicious veggie burgers or falafel.
This versatile attachment can also work with a strainer kit to process fruit for homemade jams, sauces, or baby food.
- Best for meat lovers, barbecue and grill fanatics, jam and sauce experts
Final Thoughts
Stand mixer attachments optimise your mixing appliance at home. These can widen your kitchen skills and recipe options, too.
I particularly like how these attachments encourage users to use fresh ingredients and be creative and cost-efficient.
Still, buying all types of stand mixer attachments is a hefty investment and takes up a lot of space.
So, start with the ones you like the most or use often, then gradually expand your collection.
Check out my stand mixer reviews to see which versatile model is best suited for your kitchen.
