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Pros
Timer function is useful, sleek design, large 6.5L bowl has a big capacity
Cons
Digital controls are difficult to use if you have sticky fingers, no handle on the bowl, large footprint

It’s a shame this mixer doesn’t score more highly, and this is partly due to its poor sustainability credentials. Each element of the mixer arrived in a separate non-recyclable plastic bag which seemed excessive, and you’re unable to buy replacement elements separately – if you need a new balloon whisk there’s no way to replace it without buying an entirely new machine.

Read our full review of the best stand mixers

How easy is the Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer to use?

The digital controls are intuitive after a couple of uses, which is helped by a clear and informative instruction manual. First select your speed, then choose a time after which the machine automatically stops so you don’t have to worry about over-mixing. However, if you’ve got anything on your hands — particularly butter or oil — the digital panel becomes very unresponsive and it can take several tries to get the machine to stop.

The attachments each fit easily onto the machine and are similarly quick to remove after use with long enough necks that your hands don’t get covered in batter. The large-capacity bowl is easy to fit, with instructions on the machine showing where it locks into place. However, since it doesn’t have a handle it’s very tricky to remove when you’ve finished mixing. Luckily, the body of the mixer is secured by very strong suction pads at the base, otherwise the whole thing might go flying when you try to remove the bowl.

Results

We tested a recipe requiring each of the attachments to put the Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer through its paces. The dough hook brought together the enriched dough for the cardamom custard buns well, producing a bouncy dough with good gluten structure. The timer meant that even though the dough mixed for seven minutes, we didn’t have to worry about forgetting about it which could easily result in over-mixing.

The balloon whisk took slightly longer than expected to whisk the egg whites for the pavlova to the correct consistency of stiff glossy peaks. The recipes we used only required four egg whites, but this bowl has capacity for three times that amount which would be useful if you’re baking for a crowd. The final meringue was crisp on the outside with a gooey centre, if slightly less tall than we’d expect.

The scraper beater hugs just shy of the edge of the bowl which did mean we had to scrape down the sides manually while creaming the butter and sugar. The final cake was spongy and moist.

olive’s take: should you buy the Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer?

For the price, this stand mixer has an impressive capacity. If you’re someone who regularly bakes for a crowd and often multi-tasking in the kitchen, this could be a good option. There’s no denying that there are some quirks when it comes to the functionality, but it would be a good workhorse for the kitchen, especially if you’re on a budget.

Aesthetically, the sleek design would look elegant in any style of kitchen with the digital elements cleverly incorporated into the classic stand mixer silhouette.

Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer specifications

Wattage: 1800W
Product weight: 6.5kg
Speed settings/pulse functions: 10
Dimensions: 39 x 25 x 33.5cm
Functions: Includes whisk, dough hook, beater, splatter guard
Capacity of bowl: 6.5L

Imogen Hope

Lakeland 6.5L digital stand mixer review

Pros

Cons

Vegetarian recipe ideas

Easy baking ideas

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