This comprehensive review dives deep into the AUCMA Oakmont SM1518 6.2-liter stand mixer, a budget-friendly option perfect for beginner bakers. We put this plastic-bodied mixer to the test, tackling various baking tasks from delicate lemon cake to challenging pizza dough. Our evaluation focuses on its performance, ease of use, and overall value, comparing it to higher-end models to determine if its plastic construction compromises its capabilities. We explore the included attachments, the mixer's power and speed settings, and its stability during operation.This review provides a detailed account of the mixer's performance across a range of recipes, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. Discover whether the Oakmont SM1518 lives up to its promises as a reliable and efficient stand mixer for beginners. We analyze its effectiveness with different dough consistencies and explore its limitations when faced with heavier, stiffer mixtures. Find out if this affordable stand mixer is the right choice for your baking needs and budget.
Pros And Cons
- Affordable (initially £89.99)
- Beginner-friendly
- Includes bowl, whisk, beater, dough hook, and splash guard
- Easy bowl fixing and attachment screwing
- Suction cups provide stability
- Effective for creaming (lemon cake batter)
- Efficient whisking (Swiss meringue buttercream)
- High speed capability (speed 6)
- Raised point in the bowl for even mixing
- Plastic shell and lightweight
- Tilt head snaps back vigorously if not handled carefully
- Dough hook less effective for mixing traditional pizza dough
- Speeds 1-3 too slow for some tasks
- Output shaft ring appears prone to springing out (but remained intact after 18 months of use)
- No included spatula
Read more: Hamilton Beach 7-Speed Stand Mixer Review: Best Stand Mixer for 2024?
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Oakmont sm1518 6.2-liter stand mixer, the first thing I noticed was its lightweight plastic shell. This contrasts with my more expensive Kenwood mixers, but it's important to remember the price point.
The mixer includes the essential attachments: a bowl, whisk, beater, dough hook, and a splash guard. The advertised four suction cups were actually five, a pleasant surprise.
The tilt-head design offers convenient bowl access, but it snaps back forcefully, so caution is advised. While initially lightweight and plastic, it's important to assess its actual performance in use.
Lemon Cake Baking Test
The first baking test involved a simple lemon cake, using the beater attachment. The recipe and ingredient quantities are available in the description below and on screen.
The mixer performed smoothly during the creaming process; speeds one through three were a bit slow, but speed four was ideal for creaming. The suction cups kept the mixer firmly in place.
The entire cake batter preparation took about 15-17 minutes, with the mixer running for approximately 40 minutes, demonstrating its consistency and reliable performance.
Swiss Meringue Buttercream Test
Next, I made Swiss meringue buttercream using the whisk attachment. The recipe is linked in an older video (link provided).
Whipping the egg white syrup to stiff peaks took approximately 10 minutes at speed 6. The high speed was handled well and didn't overheat the mixer.
The entire buttercream process (excluding cooling time) took about 25 minutes. The mixer’s performance at high speed for extended periods proved satisfactory.
Pizza Dough Test
Finally, I attempted pizza dough, a traditionally hand-mixed recipe. Lower speeds proved ineffective in mixing the dough completely.
Speed 6, without the bowl cover, resulted in flour powdering the air rather than incorporating into the liquid. The mixer's power was insufficient for fully mixing stiff dough from scratch.
I pre-mixed the dough partially by hand, then used the mixer for kneading. Even with this approach, the mixer shook my work surface considerably.
Overall Assessment and Conclusion
Overall, I give the Oakmont sm1518 an 8 out of 10. It excelled at tasks like creaming and whipping, matching the performance of higher-end mixers in these areas. The five suction cups and overall stability were a real positive.
Its limitations became apparent with stiff doughs. While not a complete failure with pizza dough (aided by pre-mixing), it highlights a need for user adjustment and understanding of mixing processes.
For beginner bakers on a budget seeking a mixer for cakes, frostings, and lighter doughs, the Oakmont offers excellent value. However, those frequently making heavy doughs should consider a more powerful model. While the plastic construction might seem less durable than metal, the performance and affordability for beginner baking is impressive.
