Cuisinart Precision Master 5.5-Quart Stand Mixer (SM-50)

Key Specifications

• Tilt-head design
• 12-Speed selection
• 500-watt motor
• 5.5-Quart Stainless Steel Bowl
• Accessories – Flat Mixing Paddle, Dough Hook, Chef’s Whisk, Splash Guard with Pour Spout

Design & Build Quality

Tilt-Head Design with Smart Engineering

The convenient tilt-head design provides excellent access to the bowl for adding ingredients or changing attachments. The head locks securely in place during mixing, preventing unwanted movement while maintaining easy accessibility.

Powerful 500-Watt Motor

The SM-50’s standout feature is its robust 500-watt motor, which significantly outpowers many competing models in its price range. This motor delivers 54% more power than KitchenAid’s 5-quart Artisan model (325 watts), enabling it to handle thick bread doughs and heavy batters with confidence.

Generous 5.5-Quart Stainless Steel Bowl

The extra-large stainless steel bowl accommodates substantial batches—enough for 5 dozen cookies or 6 cups of cream for whipped cream (approximately 12 cups when whipped). The bowl features a sturdy, ergonomic handle that makes lifting and pouring effortless, even when full.

12-Speed Variable Control System

From gentle stirring at speed 1 to aggressive whipping at speed 12, the precise speed control allows for nuanced mixing. The illuminated blue LED speed dial provides clear visual feedback and produces an audible click when changing speeds, ensuring accurate control during operation.

Complete Attachment Set

The SM-50 includes everything needed to start mixing immediately:

• Flat Mixing Paddle: Features a unique rounded end that mimics the bowl’s contour for superior ingredient incorporation.
• Dough Hook: Coated for easy cleanup and effective kneading.
• Chef’s Whisk: Wire whisk with movable wires for maximum aeration.
• Splash Guard with Pour Spout: Magnetic attachment prevents messes while allowing ingredient addition.

Attachment Hub Expandability

Optional attachments, available separately, include a pasta roller and cutter, pasta extruder, meat grinder, and other accessories, transforming the mixer into a multi-functional kitchen appliance.

User Experience: Real-World Performance

Design and Build Quality

The mixer features die-cast metal construction with a timeless design that closely resembles more expensive models. Available in 12 different colors, including brushed chrome, red, white, agave green, and other attractive finishes, the SM-50 fits seamlessly into various kitchen aesthetics.

Mixing Performance

Users consistently praise the mixer’s ability to handle a wide range of tasks. One user noted: “This stand mixer has a more powerful motor and powers through tough tasks like bread dough with ease. It has great mixing ability for cake batter, doughs, and whipping cream effortlessly.” The rounded paddle design proves particularly effective, requiring less bowl scraping than traditional pointed attachments.

Weight and Portability

At 16.5 pounds, the SM-50 weighs significantly less than comparable KitchenAid models, making it easier to move and store. However, this lighter weight comes with trade-offs: “On all of our tests, the mixer started to shake and bounce on the counter at speed 6 and above – this is because there isn’t much weight to keep it grounded as the powerful 500W motor started to turn faster.”

Ease of Cleaning

Users appreciate the cleaning convenience: “This is really easy to clean and wipe after each use and to clean the bowl, too.” The dishwasher-safe bowl and attachments (except the whisk, which requires hand washing) simplify post-baking cleanup

Notable Limitations

Some users report that the included attachments don’t reach all areas of the bowl perfectly, occasionally requiring manual intervention to ensure complete mixing. Additionally, the round speed dial can be challenging to operate with sticky hands compared to lever-style controls.

Value for Money: Investment-Worthy?

Pricing Context

The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 currently retails for approximately $220 on Amazon, making it slightly cheaper than a KitchenAid 5-quart Artisan Stand Mixer, while offering more power (500 watts vs. 325 watts) and a larger capacity (5.5 quarts vs. 5 quarts).

Performance-to-Price Ratio

When evaluating cost against capabilities, the SM-50 delivers exceptional value. You receive professional-grade motor power, generous capacity, a comprehensive attachment set, and an attractive design at roughly 60-70% the cost of premium alternatives.

Long-Term Value Considerations

Cuisinart’s customer service receives high marks from users, with one reviewer noting a bowl replacement was handled efficiently in just 7 minutes on the phone, suggesting strong post-purchase support that enhances long-term value.

Market Position

For budget-conscious bakers who don’t want to compromise on power or capacity, the SM-50 occupies a sweet spot between basic mixers and premium models. As one user put it: “The reviews all say KitchenAid is the best, right? It’s also double the cost of this mixer from Cuisinart.”

Pros and Cons

Who Should Buy The SM-50?

The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 is highly recommended for:

• Budget-conscious bakers seeking professional features without premium pricing.
• Occasional to regular bakers who want reliable performance for standard recipes.
• First-time stand mixer buyers looking for excellent value and comprehensive features.
• Kitchen space optimizers who appreciate the lighter weight for easier storage.
• Gift buyers wanting to provide quality without overspending.
• Bakers focused on cakes, cookies, and lighter doughs rather than heavy bread making.

Consider Alternatives If:

• You frequently make very heavy bread doughs requiring maximum stability.
• Consistent high-speed mixing is a primary need.
• You prefer the extensive attachment ecosystem of premium brands.
• Counter stability during operation is a top priority.
• You require the ultimate in build quality regardless of cost.

The Bottom Line

The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 earns our strong recommendation as an outstanding value proposition in the stand mixer market. With consistent user ratings around 4.3-4.5 out of 5 stars across major retailers, it successfully delivers professional-grade performance at an accessible price point.

This mixer excels at bridging the gap between basic appliances and premium models, offering genuine capability improvements over budget options while remaining significantly more affordable than top-tier alternatives. The powerful motor, generous capacity, and thoughtful design features create a compelling package for most home baking needs.

While the lighter construction introduces some stability challenges at higher speeds, and the attachment coverage isn’t perfect, these limitations are relatively minor compared to the substantial value delivered. For bakers seeking reliable performance, attractive design, and excellent features without premium pricing, the SM-50 represents one of the best choices available today.

Video Review

Credit – Cuisinart