Brentwood Stand Mixer SM-1152 Review 5-Speed Turbo Features and Performance

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Brentwood Stand Mixer, SM-1152, is a compact and lightweight appliance that surprised me with its sleek white finish and ergonomic design. It fits snugly on my kitchen counter without taking up too much space—especially appreciated in my already cluttered cooking area. The stainless steel bowl feels durable and has a 3-quart capacity, which is perfect for small to medium batches. Its anti-slip feet work wonders, keeping the mixer stable during use, even when tackling heavier mixtures. The tilting head design is a small but thoughtful addition, making it easier to attach or remove the beaters and bowl without hassle. However, the overall plastic construction of the mixer does make it feel less premium compared to some higher-end models.

Performance and Ease of Use

Using this mixer in my kitchen was a breeze, thanks to its 200-watt motor and 5-speed settings plus a turbo option. I tested it on various tasks—whipping cream, mixing cookie dough, and even beating eggs for a soufflé. For lighter tasks, the lower speed settings worked like a charm, while the turbo mode handled thicker mixtures like cookie dough without much strain. The one-hand operation feature was a pleasant surprise, especially when my other hand was busy holding a measuring cup or stabilizing the bowl.

The most unique aspect is how it converts into a hand mixer with just a push of a button. This dual functionality truly sets it apart, as I found myself switching between stand and hand modes depending on the recipe. However, during prolonged use, the motor did produce a slight burning smell, which left me a bit concerned about its longevity.

Key Benefits

• Versatile 2-in-1 functionality: Easily converts between a stand mixer and hand mixer.
• Compact and lightweight: Ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
• 5-speed settings with turbo: Handles both light and heavy mixing tasks effectively.
• Convenient tilt-back design: Simplifies attachment and removal of beaters and bowl.
• Anti-slip feet: Provides stability during mixing.

Limitations

• The plastic construction feels less durable compared to more premium mixers.
• The motor emits a slight burning smell during longer use, raising durability concerns.
• Dishwasher safety is limited, as some parts require handwashing.
• The 3-quart bowl size may not suffice for larger baking projects.

Accessories and Features

The mixer includes chrome-plated whisk beaters and dough hooks, which I found sturdy and effective. These accessories worked well for most of my baking needs, though I wish there were additional attachments for more versatility. Cleaning these parts was fairly simple since they’re dishwasher-safe, but the mixer itself requires a bit more care during cleanup. The plastic control knobs felt a bit flimsy, so I handled them cautiously to avoid breaking anything.

Another feature I appreciated was the removable bowl, which made it easier to pour batter straight into my baking pans. However, the bowl doesn’t lock into place as securely as I’d like, causing it to wobble slightly with heavier mixtures. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Competing Products

Compared to more premium brands like KitchenAid or Cuisinart, this stand mixer is undeniably more budget-friendly. While KitchenAid mixers offer superior durability and larger capacities, they also come with a hefty price tag. The Brentwood model, in contrast, provides dual functionality without breaking the bank, making it an excellent choice for occasional bakers or those just starting out. However, for heavy-duty tasks or frequent use, a more robust competitor might be worth the extra investment.

Other affordable options, like the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Mixer, offer similar features but lack the 2-in-1 versatility of the Brentwood. The Hamilton Beach model feels more durable overall, but it doesn’t provide the same level of convenience when switching between stand and hand mixer modes.

Price Worthiness

Considering its affordable price point, this mixer offers a lot of value for the casual home baker. The dual-function design and 5-speed versatility make it a solid option for everyday tasks like whipping cream or mixing cake batter. However, if you’re planning to tackle more complex recipes or use it frequently, you may find its durability limitations a bit frustrating. For its cost, though, it’s hard to argue against the convenience and functionality it brings to the table.

In summary, while the Brentwood Stand Mixer, SM-1152, isn’t perfect, it strikes a good balance between functionality and affordability. Its compact design, useful features, and 2-in-1 versatility make it a practical choice for light to moderate kitchen use. At the same time, its durability concerns and smaller capacity might steer heavy-duty bakers toward more robust alternatives.

Additional information