Deciding which home mixer to buy can send you spiralling around the internet. But because no two home bakers are alike, the battle for the best machine won’t be decided in any comment section. It all depends on your own kitchen counter.

If you’re tossing up between a planetary or spiral mixer, or comparing whether Ooni Halo Core or Ooni Halo Pro is right for you, here are the three most important questions to ask yourself:

A mixer with every attachment under the sun might sound like a good investment, but too often, machines that promise ‘all functions’ are masters of none, usually compromising on more complex mixing styles, like dough kneading. Properly prioritising/prioritizing your mixing needs ahead of time will help you avoid subpar results, and cluttered cupboards. 

The Goldilocks question. Getting batch capacity just right will save you time (and freezer space), while guaranteeing you the best results from your mixer — so, it’s worth ensuring your bowl size won't be too big or too small for the amounts you’re likely to make.

You might have an excess of free countertop space, or you might be planning to store your mixer away when not in use. These factors will play a key role in finding a machine that fits your lifestyle.