Introduction
Whether you’re whipping up a batch of cookies for the family, kneading dough for homemade bread, or mixing a delicate meringue, having the right stand mixer can make or break the process. If you’re tired of struggling with underpowered mixers that leave you with lumpy dough or a mess of spilled ingredients, the Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 might be the solution you’ve been waiting for. With its balanced mix of power, capacity, and sleek design, this stand mixer promises to meet the needs of both amateur and seasoned bakers. But does it really deliver? Let’s take a closer look.
Retails around $300 – 370, depending on options
Whipping
5/5
Kneading
4/5
Beating
5/5
Ease of usE
5/5
price/valUE
4/5
Key Specs at a Glance
- Motor Power: 500 watts
- Speed Settings: 12 speed settings with a “slow start” feature
- Bowl Capacity: 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl
- Body Material: Metal body with a sleek finish, heavy-duty plastic components
- Attachments Included: Flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk
- Weight and Dimensions: Weighs 20 pounds, dimensions of 14.5 x 8.25 x 14 inches
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 Build Quality
The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 has a robust, industrial appearance that feels high-quality without being overly bulky. The body is mainly metal with a matte finish, giving it a sturdy and durable feel. Its weight (20 pounds) ensures stability during mixing, yet it remains easy to move when necessary. While most of the construction is solid metal, some smaller parts, like the controls and bowl lift, are made from durable plastic, adding to the weight but not diminishing the overall quality.
The Cuisinart 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.
The 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl is large enough for most recipes and offers ample space for mixing larger batches of dough or batter – enough for five dozen cookies or 6 cups of cream for whipped cream (approximately 12 cups when whipped). The bowl has a polished surface that resists scratches and features a sturdy, ergonomic handle that makes lifting and pouring effortless, even when full.
The mixer’s footprint is relatively compact compared to other models in its class, meaning it won’t occupy a large space on your countertop. 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.
Power and Mixing Ability
At 500 watts, the motor on the Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 is quite powerful, providing sufficient torque for most common baking tasks. The 12-speed settings provide a wide range of mixing options, from slow stirring to high-speed whipping, enabling you to adjust the speed for various ingredients and tasks. The illuminated blue LED speed dial provides precise visual feedback and produces an audible click when changing speeds, ensuring accurate control during operation. The “slow start” feature helps prevent splattering when you first begin mixing, providing a neater process.
In our tests, the mixer performed well across all tasks, from beating eggs for meringue to kneading bread dough. I tried making a batch of pizza dough, and the motor managed it with ease, even when the dough thickened. For heavier jobs, such as thick bread or pizza dough, the motor had sufficient power to maintain consistency without slowing down. However, when compared to some higher-end stand mixers, it may take slightly longer to mix heavy, dense doughs like sourdough. Nevertheless, for most home bakers, it’s more than sufficient.
The Cuisinart Precision Master 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
The optional Cuisinart SPI-50 Spiralizer/Slicer Attachment, available separately, allows you to transform your stand mixer into a versatile tool for preparing a variety of fresh, healthy ingredients with ease. It’s particularly useful for creating:
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles) as a low-carb pasta alternative.
- Crinkle-cut or ribbon-style vegetables for salads and garnishes.
- Shredded vegetables for slaws, tacos, or stir-fries.
- Spaghetti-style vegetable strands for healthy dishes.
Ease of Use
The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 is easy to use, with a large, clear dial for adjusting speed and a straightforward bowl lift mechanism. The control layout is intuitive, and the “slow start” feature helps prevent flour clouds or ingredients from flying out when you first begin mixing.
During our tests, we made whipped cream, cookies, and bread dough. For whipped cream, it whipped up soft peaks quickly and smoothly. The flat beater worked wonderfully with cookie dough, ensuring that all ingredients were evenly incorporated. Kneading dough with the dough hook was easy — the mixer did a great job handling both soft and medium-consistency dough without any staling.
The bowl locks into place securely, and the head tilts back easily to facilitate straightforward ingredient additions. The noise level is moderate but not excessively loud — it’s quieter than some other mixers but still audible when running at full speed.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 Cleanup
Cleaning the Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 is simple. The bowl and attachments are all dishwasher-safe, making cleaning after a baking session easier. The mixer’s base can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove any leftover batter or dough, and its minimal crevices make it easy to keep clean. Its sturdy build ensures it remains resistant to scratches even with frequent use.
Maintenance Tips
To extend the life of your Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50, here are some maintenance tips:
- Clean regularly: Always wipe down the mixer after use to prevent food residue from building up. Keep the bowl and attachments clean to avoid residue accumulation.
- Lubricate the gears: After extended use, it’s advisable to lubricate the gear mechanism occasionally to ensure everything operates smoothly.
- Inspect the motor: If you regularly use the mixer, look for any debris or food particles that may have entered the motor housing, as this can impair its performance over time.
- Avoid overloading: Although the motor is powerful, do not push it to the limit with very dense or heavy doughs for long periods.
Pros & Cons
PROS
500-watt motor provides excellent power for a variety of tasks,
Large 5.5-quart bowl for both small and medium batch baking.
12 precise speed settings provide excellent control
Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe components
Sleek, metal construction with durable plastic components.
Comprehensive attachment set included for immediate productivity
CONS
Stability issues at higher speeds due to lighter weight construction
Round speed dial can be difficult to operate with messy hands
Motor noise during heavy-duty tasks
Who It’s Best For?
The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 is perfect for:
- Home bakers who want a powerful stand mixer with versatility.
- Intermediate bakers who bake regularly and need a reliable, durable mixer.
- Those looking for a good balance of power and size: It’s not too large, making it suitable for most kitchen sizes, but it still packs a punch for tough baking jobs.
Who Should Avoid It:
- Professional bakers who need a stand mixer capable of handling large batches of heavy dough consistently.
- Bakers with limited kitchen space who need a smaller, more compact mixer.
Comparison With Other Mixers
Compared to the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Mixer, the Cuisinart SM-50 has a larger motor (500 watts versus 325 watts) and is available at a lower price, making it a better choice for those seeking more power without a hefty cost. However, the KitchenAid Artisan offers a wider range of attachments and a slightly more refined finish.
Compared to the Hamilton Beach 63391, the Cuisinart SM-50 excels with a more powerful motor and larger capacity. The Hamilton Beach model may be more affordable, but it doesn’t quite match the Cuisinart’s overall power and versatility.
Final Verdict
The Cuisinart Precision Master SM-50 Stand Mixer strikes a good balance between power, capacity, and value. It’s a dependable and versatile tool for home bakers, capable of handling a wide range of baking tasks from gentle mixing to medium-duty kneading. While it might not have the raw power for professional-level baking, it’s ideal for most home baking needs. If you’re looking for a stand mixer that combines strength, style, and ease of use at a reasonable price, the SM-50 is an excellent choice.
Check out our Ultimate Stand Mixer Buyer’s Guide to discover key features that enhance your baking results.
Video Review
Credit – Cuisinart
FAQs
