Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer Review 2026: Worth Your Money?
Are you searching for a stand mixer that gets the job done without draining your wallet? The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer has been on the radar of budget bakers and home cooks for a while now.
It promises to mix, beat, whip, and knead at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. But does it actually deliver?
In this review, we break down everything about the Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer. We cover its motor power, build quality, attachments, bowl capacity, and real world performance.
Key Takeaways:
- The Brentwood SM-1162 stand mixer runs on a 250 watt motor and offers five speed settings. This gives you enough control for light to medium mixing tasks like whipping cream, beating eggs, and mixing cake batter.
- It comes with a 3.5 quart stainless steel mixing bowl that locks into the base. The bowl is dishwasher safe, and its size works best for small to medium recipes. Large batch cooking may require multiple rounds.
- Two types of attachments are included in the box: chrome plated whisk beaters and dough hooks. You can switch between them based on your recipe. No extra purchase is needed for basic baking tasks.
- The compact and lightweight design makes storage simple. It does not take up much counter space. This is a big plus for anyone with a small kitchen or limited cabinet room.
- The price point sits well below most competitors. You can expect to pay a fraction of what brands like KitchenAid or Cuisinart charge. This makes it a strong pick for first time bakers, college students, or anyone on a tight budget.
- It does have limits. The 250 watt motor may struggle with heavy bread dough or thick cookie batter over long mixing sessions. It is best suited for light to moderate use.
Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer: Overview and First Impressions
The Brentwood SM-1162 5 Speed Stand Mixer arrives in a clean, simple box. Inside, you find the mixer base, a 3.5 quart stainless steel bowl, two whisk beaters, and two dough hooks. The setup is quick. You place the bowl on the base, lock it in, attach your beaters, and you are ready to go.
The overall design has a classic, no frills look. It does not try to be flashy. The body is made from plastic, and it feels light in your hands. That lightness is both a benefit and a small concern. It is easy to move and store, but it may shift slightly during heavy mixing.
The tilt head design makes it easy to swap attachments and remove the bowl. You press the head back, drop in your ingredients, and tilt it forward to start mixing. The control dial sits on the top and clicks through five speed settings with a satisfying feel.
First impressions? It looks and feels like a budget mixer. But it also feels functional and well organized. Every piece fits where it should. The bowl locks firmly into the base. The beaters click into place without fuss.
For the price, the Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer gives a solid first impression. It does not pretend to be a high end machine. It simply promises to do the basics well. That honest approach earns it respect right from the unboxing stage.
Motor Power and Speed Settings
The Brentwood SM-1162 packs a 250 watt motor. This is a decent amount of power for a budget stand mixer. It handles tasks like whipping cream, mixing pancake batter, and beating eggs with ease.
The five speed settings give you enough flexibility for most home recipes. Speed one starts slow and is perfect for combining dry ingredients without sending flour everywhere. Speed five is the fastest and works well for whipping cream or egg whites to stiff peaks.
You control everything with a simple dial on the top of the mixer. It feels smooth when you rotate it. There are no digital displays or fancy buttons. Just a straightforward dial that does what it promises.
However, the 250 watt motor does have limits. If you plan to mix thick bread dough or heavy cookie batter for more than a few minutes, the motor can strain. You may notice the mixer slowing down or the body getting warm. This is common for mixers in this price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer uses a plastic body with a stainless steel bowl. The plastic keeps the overall weight low. The entire unit weighs just a few pounds, which makes it one of the lightest stand mixers on the market.
The tilt head design is a nice touch. You press the head back to access the bowl and attachments. This works well for adding ingredients mid mix. The hinge feels sturdy and holds the head in both the upright and tilted positions without wobbling.
The stainless steel bowl has a polished finish and a comfortable capacity of 3.5 quarts. It locks into the base using a twist mechanism. Once locked, it stays in place during normal mixing. The bowl is also dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup fast and simple.
The chrome plated beaters and dough hooks look and feel durable. They attach to the mixer head with a push and click system. Removing them is just as easy. These attachments are also dishwasher safe.
One area of concern is stability. Because the mixer is so light, it can move around on the counter during higher speeds. Placing a damp towel under the base helps. But heavier mixers simply stay put better.
Top 3 Alternatives for Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer
1. Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, 7 Speed
2. Cuisinart SM-50 Precision Master 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer
3. DASH Stand Mixer 6 Speed with 3 Qt Stainless Steel Bowl
Bowl Capacity and Usability
The Brentwood stand mixer features a 3.5 quart stainless steel mixing bowl. This size is ideal for small to medium recipes. Think single batch cookies, one cake layer, or enough frosting for a dozen cupcakes.
If you cook for one or two people, this capacity is perfect. You can whip up breakfast pancakes, mix a quick dip, or prepare a small batch of muffin batter without any issues. The bowl fills up just right for recipes that serve four to six people.
For larger families or anyone who likes to batch cook, the 3.5 quart size may feel small. Double recipes will require you to mix in two rounds. This is a trade off you accept with a compact, budget friendly mixer.
The bowl locks into the base using a simple twist system. It stays firm during mixing. You can also remove it quickly for pouring. The wide opening makes it easy to scrape the sides with a spatula.
One practical benefit is that the stainless steel bowl is lightweight and tough. It will not crack if you accidentally drop it. It resists stains and odors too. You can toss it in the dishwasher after every use without worry.
Attachments and Accessories Included
The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer ships with two sets of attachments. You get a pair of chrome plated whisk beaters and a pair of dough hooks. These cover the two most common mixing tasks in any kitchen.
The whisk beaters work well for light to medium tasks. They handle cake batter, pancake mix, whipped cream, and egg whites. The chrome plating gives them a smooth finish that resists buildup. They clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher.
The dough hooks are shaped to pull and fold dough. They work for softer doughs like pizza dough, dinner rolls, and quick bread. They may struggle with very stiff or dense bread dough due to the motor’s 250 watt limit. But for everyday dough mixing, they do a fine job.
Switching between attachments takes just a few seconds. You press a release button, pull out the old attachment, and push in the new one. No tools are needed. This makes it easy to change tasks mid recipe.
One thing to note is that the Brentwood mixer does not include a flat beater or a wire whip. These are common extras on more expensive mixers. The whisk beaters serve a similar purpose, but they do not provide the same level of control as a true flat beater.
Performance with Different Recipes
How does the Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer handle real recipes? Let’s break it down by common kitchen tasks.
Whipped Cream: The mixer whips heavy cream into soft or stiff peaks within two to three minutes on speed five. The beaters incorporate air well. This is one of the mixer’s strongest tasks.
Cake Batter: Combining butter, sugar, eggs, and flour goes smoothly. Speed two or three works best for creaming butter and sugar. Speed four blends everything into a uniform batter. Results are consistent with no lumps.
Cookie Dough: Standard cookie dough recipes mix without trouble. The motor handles butter, sugar, and flour with ease. Thick dough with add ins like chocolate chips or nuts may slow the mixer down. Adding these by hand at the end is a smart move.
Pizza Dough: The dough hooks pull and fold pizza dough well on speed two. The mixer can handle a small batch of pizza dough for one or two pizzas. Larger batches will push the motor too hard.
Mashed Potatoes: Cooked potatoes break down quickly with the whisk beaters. Add butter and milk on a low speed, then increase to get a smooth, creamy result.
Noise Level During Operation
Nobody wants a mixer that sounds like a jet engine. The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer produces a moderate level of noise during operation. It is not the quietest mixer available, but it is far from the loudest.
On speeds one and two, the sound stays low. You can hold a conversation in the same room without raising your voice. These lower speeds are suitable for most mixing tasks and keep the noise manageable.
On speeds four and five, the noise increases noticeably. The motor works harder at higher speeds, and you can hear it. If you are mixing late at night in a small apartment, the higher speeds may be a concern.
The noise also depends on what you are mixing. Whipping cream or eggs produces less noise than mixing thick batter or dough. Heavier loads make the motor work harder, which results in more sound.
Compared to higher end stand mixers with larger motors, the Brentwood is about average in noise output. It does not have any vibration dampening features. The lightweight body can amplify sound slightly because it resonates more than a heavy metal mixer.
If noise is a top priority for you, consider placing a thick kitchen towel under the base. This absorbs some vibration and reduces the sound that transfers to the countertop.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Keeping the Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer clean is straightforward. The stainless steel bowl and all attachments are dishwasher safe. This saves time and effort after every baking session.
If you prefer hand washing, warm soapy water does the trick. The chrome plated beaters and dough hooks have smooth surfaces. Food does not stick to them easily. A quick rinse right after use prevents any buildup.
The mixer body requires a simple wipe down. Use a damp cloth to remove any splashes or spills from the plastic surface. Do not submerge the base in water. The motor and electrical parts inside are not waterproof.
For the speed dial and tilt head hinge, use a dry cloth to remove dust or crumbs. These areas can collect small particles over time if left uncleaned.
To keep the motor running well, avoid overloading the mixer. Running it for extended periods with heavy loads can cause the motor to overheat. Give it breaks during long mixing sessions. This simple habit extends the life of the motor significantly.
Store the mixer in a dry, cool place. The compact size makes it easy to fit in a cabinet or on a shelf. Keep the attachments inside the bowl for organized storage. This way, everything stays together and is ready for the next use.
Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer vs the Competition
How does the Brentwood stack up against other popular budget stand mixers? Let’s compare it to three key competitors.
Brentwood SM-1162 vs Hamilton Beach 63391: The Hamilton Beach offers a 300 watt motor and a 4 quart bowl. It has seven speed settings compared to five on the Brentwood. The Hamilton Beach costs slightly more but gives you more power and a bigger bowl. If you need extra performance, the Hamilton Beach is a solid step up.
Brentwood SM-1162 vs DASH Stand Mixer: The DASH mixer has a 250 watt motor and a 3 quart bowl with six speeds. It is very similar to the Brentwood in specs and price. The main difference is style. The DASH comes in more color options and has a slightly more modern look. Performance wise, they are close.
Brentwood SM-1162 vs Cuisinart SM-50: This is not a fair fight. The Cuisinart has a 500 watt motor, a 5.5 quart bowl, and 12 speed settings. It costs several times more than the Brentwood. But if you want a premium mixer, the Cuisinart is the clear winner. The Brentwood wins on price alone.
In the budget category, the Brentwood holds its own. It offers a good balance of price, size, and basic features. For anyone spending under $50, it competes well with similar options from DASH and other budget brands.
Pros and Cons of the Brentwood Stand Mixer
Every product has strengths and weaknesses. Here is an honest look at what the Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer gets right and where it falls short.
The biggest pro is the price. You get a functional stand mixer with a stainless steel bowl and two sets of attachments for less than many hand mixers cost. This is outstanding value for anyone on a tight budget.
The compact design is another strong point. It fits in small kitchens, tiny apartments, and crowded cabinets. You can pull it out, use it, and put it away without rearranging your entire kitchen.
The attachments are dishwasher safe. This is a simple feature, but it makes a real difference in daily use. Nobody wants to spend extra time scrubbing beaters and dough hooks by hand.
The five speed settings provide enough range for most home recipes. You can go from gentle folding to fast whipping with a turn of the dial.
On the downside, the 250 watt motor limits what you can do. Heavy doughs and large batches push the motor to its limits. You need to respect those limits to avoid burnout.
The lightweight body can move during high speed mixing. This is a minor annoyance, but it matters if you walk away while the mixer runs.
No splash guard is included. You will deal with some splatter if you are not careful with speed settings and bowl fill levels.
The 3.5 quart bowl is small for larger recipes. Double batches require two mixing sessions.
Value for Money: Is It Worth the Purchase?
The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer sits in a rare price bracket for stand mixers. Most stand mixers start around $100 and go up to $500 or more. The Brentwood often costs less than $40. That alone makes it remarkable.
For that price, you get a working stand mixer with a stainless steel bowl, two types of attachments, five speeds, and a tilt head design. You do not get premium features. But you get the core functionality that most home cooks need.
The value equation is simple. If you bake occasionally and want a hands free mixing experience, this mixer pays for itself after just a few uses. You save time. You save effort. And you free up your hands for other prep work.
Compare that to buying a hand mixer at a similar price point. A hand mixer requires you to hold it the entire time. A stand mixer lets you step away. That convenience is worth a lot, especially during busy cooking sessions.
The Brentwood also works as a great gift option. It is affordable enough for a housewarming present, a holiday gift, or a birthday surprise for someone who loves to cook. The recipient gets a practical, functional appliance without the gift giver spending a fortune.
Is it the best stand mixer you can buy? No. Is it the best stand mixer at its price point? Absolutely. The Brentwood SM-1162 delivers honest, dependable performance for the money.
Final Verdict on the Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer
The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer is a budget friendly kitchen tool that does exactly what it promises. It mixes, beats, whips, and kneads at a price that almost anyone can afford.
It is not a powerhouse. It will not replace a KitchenAid Artisan in a busy baker’s kitchen. But it was never meant to. This mixer fills a gap for people who want stand mixer convenience without the stand mixer price tag.
The 250 watt motor handles light to medium tasks well. The 3.5 quart stainless steel bowl is the right size for small recipes. The included beaters and dough hooks cover basic baking needs. And the compact design makes storage a breeze.
If you keep your expectations realistic, the Brentwood SM-1162 will serve you well. Use it for weekend pancakes, birthday cakes, holiday cookies, and quick bread recipes. Treat it as the entry level mixer it is, and it will reward you with reliable performance every time.
For budget shoppers, first time bakers, students, and casual cooks, this mixer earns a solid recommendation in 2026. It proves that you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to enjoy the benefits of a stand mixer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer good for bread dough?
The Brentwood stand mixer can handle light bread doughs like dinner rolls and pizza dough. It includes dough hooks for this purpose. However, the 250 watt motor may struggle with stiff or heavy bread dough. For serious bread baking, a more powerful mixer is a better choice.
How loud is the Brentwood stand mixer?
The mixer produces moderate noise on lower speeds and gets louder at speeds four and five. It is comparable to most budget stand mixers. Placing a towel under the base can help reduce vibration noise on your countertop.
Can you put the Brentwood mixer bowl in the dishwasher?
Yes. The stainless steel bowl and all included attachments are dishwasher safe. This makes cleanup quick and convenient after every use.
What colors does the Brentwood SM-1162 come in?
The Brentwood SM-1162 is available in white, black, and blue. All three colors share the same specs and features. Choose the one that matches your kitchen style.
Does the Brentwood stand mixer come with a splash guard?
No. The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer does not include a splash guard. To avoid splatter, start mixing on a low speed and increase gradually. You can also look for a universal splash guard that fits 3.5 quart bowls.
How does the Brentwood mixer compare to the DASH stand mixer?
Both mixers are similar in price and specs. The Brentwood has a 250 watt motor and 3.5 quart bowl, while the DASH has a 250 watt motor and a 3 quart bowl with six speeds. The Brentwood offers a slightly larger bowl, and the DASH offers one extra speed and more color choices. Performance is very close between the two.
Is the Brentwood stand mixer worth buying in 2026?
For its price, yes. The Brentwood 5 Speed Stand Mixer remains one of the most affordable stand mixers available. It handles everyday baking tasks well and offers great value for budget conscious buyers. If you need a basic, reliable stand mixer without spending a lot, it is a smart purchase.
