AEG KM5520 UltraMix Food Processor Red 1200W

The AEG UltraMix KM5520 has a 1200W motor and 10 speeds. It handles heavy dough without stalling – from whipping cream to kneading bread dough. The 10 speeds plus pulse function give you control over the mixing process. The included SoftEdgeBeater with silicone scraper runs along the bowl wall, so you stop less often to scrape down the sides. An LED light illuminates the bowl while mixing.

The housing is metal, not plastic. You notice it in the weight – 9 kg – and the stability during mixing. Even on the highest setting, the machine stays put, helped by the non-slip base. The bowls are stainless steel, both the 4.8L and 2.9L versions. Stainless steel resists scratches and stains better than glass or plastic. The stand is also stainless steel. The accessories – dough hook, whisk, flat beater, SoftEdgeBeater and lid – are all dishwasher-safe. That saves time after baking. The machine has no cord storage; the cord is 1.25 metres long. The LED light on the underside of the arm illuminates the bowl. Not a bright spotlight, but enough to see if the dough is well mixed. At the back there's a cut-out for the cord, but it's not for storage – the cord stays loose.

For everyday use, this machine is best suited for dough and batter. Bread dough, pizza dough, cake batter, cookie dough – the 1200W motor handles it without trouble. The 4.8L bowl is big enough for a loaf using 1 kg of flour; the 2.9L bowl is for smaller batches. The PerfectRiseLid lets dough rise in the same bowl, saving an extra dish. The machine has no turbo setting and no automatic shut-off. That means you need to stay nearby – don't walk away while the mixer is running. The splash-proof lid is a useful addition, especially with wet batters. The included accessories cover the basics: dough hook for dough, whisk for egg whites and cream, flat beater for batter. The SoftEdgeBeater replaces the standard flat beater for mixing jobs that need scraping. If you want more – like a meat grinder, pasta cutter or salad maker – you can buy those accessories separately. The machine is compatible, though the specifications don't list exactly which accessories fit. The machine is red, a striking addition to the kitchen. The button controls are simple, but lack the finesse of a continuous regulator. It takes getting used to: finding the right speed for a specific recipe takes one or two tries. The soft start function lets the motor ramp up slowly, so dry ingredients don't fly out when you start.

The machine weighs 9 kg and has a 1.25-metre cord.