Battle of the Stand Mixers

A comparison of the KitchenAid Artisan, Ankarsrum Assistent Original, and Wilfa ProBaker stand mixers. 

Which stand mixer is right for you and your kitchen?  

Whether you are a home cook or a professional baker, stand mixers help you with the hard work. By handling repetitive mixing tasks such as kneading dough, mixing cake batter, or whipping cream, stand mixers let you make beautiful recipes with minimal effort. Whether you bake occasionally or make fresh goods every week, the right stand mixer can become a kitchen companion you reach for again and again. The KitchenAid Artisan, Ankarsrum Assistent Original, and Wilfa ProBaker each offer a different approach to mixing. Here, we explore their features and help you decide which suits your recipes, kitchen, and baking routine. 

KitchenAid vs Ankarsrum vs Wilfa: At a Glance

Mid-Range Price: The KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer  

The KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer has a robust 300W motor, making it a reliable stand mixer that offers versatility and iconic design. Its abundance of colour choices makes it the perfect addition to any home and an appealing option if you want a beautiful stand mixer to keep on your worktop. One of its standout features is its unique power hub, allowing you to easily attach a variety of optional accessories. From pasta makers to food grinders and vegetable spiralizers, this mixer transforms into a multifunctional culinary tool. With a 4.8L mixing bowl, it provides ample space for most recipes, and the included attachments cover a wide range of cooking tasks. 

The KitchenAid stand mixer ensures durability, ease of use, and iconic design. With prices starting at £458, it is the most affordable stand mixer of the three discussed here and will serve you for years to come. So if you’re new to cooking, love home baking, or are looking for a mixer to perfectly fit your kitchen, this stand mixer is perfect for you. 

Not a fan of reading? Watch our YouTube Video for a full review of the KitchenAid Stand Mixers! KitchenAid 5KSM125 Stand Mixer | Stand Mixer Review 

Mid-High Price Range: The Ankarsrum Assistent Original 

The Ankarsrum Stand Mixer is a true testament to craftsmanship and innovation and takes a distinctive approach to mixing. With over 17 colours to choose from, it really is a beautiful mixer, made to fit in with both your kitchen and your personality. This exceptional kitchen appliance also has a 1500W motor and a 7-litre bowl, making it worth considering for more professional chefs or when handling larger batches or recipes. 

Unlike conventional mixers, it features a rotating stainless steel bowl. This groundbreaking approach to mixing guarantees a more efficient and thorough blend of your ingredients. The Ankarsrum Assistent has an extensive array of baking tools, so it is highly adaptable. Expect precise mixing that consistently delivers impressive results time and time again. At £695, the Ankarsrum stand mixer sits in a mid-to-high price range, and for this price you are getting a stand mixer that is high in strength and in skill. 

Prefer to see it in action? Watch our Ankarsrum stand mixer review on YouTube to take a closer look at its design. Ankarsrum Assistent Original Stand Mixer | Mixer Review 

High Price Range: The Wilfa ProBaker Stand Mixer 

The Wilfa ProBaker is a high-end stand mixer that showcases quality craftsmanship, with a 700W motor, 7L bowl, double kneading action, and 20 speed settings. This stand mixer is a good option if you are looking to take the effort out of the most ambitious recipes, due to its unique operation and design. 

What makes the Wilfa ProBaker stand out from other stand mixers, such as the KitchenAid and Ankarsrum mixers, is its dedicated innovation. The Wilfa Pro Baker is one of the only domestic stand mixers with a dual-action kneading system, with both the bowl and dough hook rotating during kneading. Double kneading makes the mixer twice as efficient and mixes ingredients more evenly, leaving you with a perfectly kneaded end result. 

This high-end stand mixer includes a kneading hook, double whisk, and beater, providing you with the right tools to make it not only the best dough mixer, but also for cake mixtures, whipped cream, meringues, and much more. So, if you are looking for the best stand mixer for your weekly sourdough batches, or are in need of a hand when trying out a more advanced recipe, the Wilfa ProBaker could be the right mixer for you.

Not a fan of reading? Watch our YouTube Video for a fully in-depth review of the Wilfa ProBaker Mixer! Wilfa ProBaker Stand Mixer | Mixer Review 

What Should You Consider Before Buying?

What Do You Bake Most? Start with the recipes you make regularly. Cakes, cookies, and occasional bread call for different priorities from frequent batches of sourdough or pizza dough. KitchenAid is worth exploring for varied everyday baking, while Ankarsrum and Wilfa offer distinctive systems that may appeal particularly to bread bakers.

How Much Do You Make? Bowl size and batch capacity are important to consider. 

Which Tools Will You Use? Look at what comes in the box and which accessories cost extra. A mixer’s value depends partly on whether its tools match the tasks you actually do.

Will Your Stand Mixer Fit Your Kitchen? Consider the machine’s dimensions, weight, and the space needed to access the bowl. Colour and design may matter too.

Conclusion - KitchenAid vs Ankarsrum vs Wilfa:

Each of these stand mixers offers its own set of advantages, making them popular choices among kitchen enthusiasts. The KitchenAid stand mixer is an appealing choice for varied everyday baking. The Ankarsrum Assistent stand mixer’s versatile accessories and powerful mixing performance offers itself as another compelling option. If you are looking to expand your cooking and baking repertoire, the Wilfa ProBaker is one of the most advanced, quality options. Whether you want a stand mixer for personal or professional use, for batch baking or building confidence, each of these stand mixers will make your kitchen experience all the more enjoyable. 

If you’re researching KitchenAid mixer alternatives, or comparing Ankarsrum vs Wilfa ProBaker, consider how you’ll be using it; explore how each machine’s mixing method, included accessories, and batch capacity fit into your baking routine to find the best stand mixer for you. Choose around the recipes you love making, the quantities you need, and the features you’ll use most often.

Related Readings - 

• KitchenAid Attachments | Juicers.co.uk 
• How to Get the Most Out of Your Ankarsrum Stand Mixer | Juicers.co.uk
• Getting to Know Your Ankarsrum Stand Mixer | Juicers.co.uk
• KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer Comparison: KSM125 vs KSM175 vs KSM185 | Juicers.co.uk

What is the Difference Between Centrifugal and Masticating Juicers? 

Centrifugal juicers extract juice by high-speed, spinning blades, while masticating juicers slowly crush and press. Compare both to find the right juicer for you.

Confused by juicing jargon? This article will discuss the two main types of juicers, how they work, and what sets them apart. 

What to choose? Deciding on a juicer should feel exciting; let this information help you choose what best fits your everyday routine. 

Some Definitions to Know - 

• Centrifugal - this is the most common type of juicer. Centrifugal juicers utilise fast processes of high-speed, spinning blades to extract juice by cutting ingredients and separating pulp with centrifugal force. 
• Masticating - also known as cold press or slow juicers. Masticating juicers operate by crushing and squeezing the juice out of ingredients at a slow speed, using a strong augur/screw. This then separates the pulp by pushing ingredients at a high pressure against a fine screen/sieve. 
• Juice Yield - this is the amount of juice extracted from a given amount of produce. The higher the yield, the better. 

A quick answer to what the difference between a masticating and a centrifugal juicer is: centrifugal juicers prioritise speed; masticating juicers prioritise slow processes and quality. 

This means it is important to consider your ingredients, budget, and routine to find your best choice. To help you, here is a breakdown of how each aspect of a juicer plays into your decision-making.

Comparison - Centrifugal vs Masticating: At a glance…

Comparison: Some more detail…

Understanding Centrifugal Juicers -

Key words - 

• Spin
• Speed
• Grate
• Separate

As previously mentioned, how centrifugal juicers work is by using a fast, disc-shaped grater to shred ingredients apart in order to release and extract juices. This high-speed operation is what generally defines a centrifugal juicer, with speeds varying from 10,000 to 25,000 rotations per minute (RPM). As juice is released, the centrifugal force produced by the high speed pulls juice to the edge of the disc, where a mesh wrap separates the juice from the pulp as it passes through. Filtered juice then trickles down below the cutting disc and is funnelled out of the juicer through a spout and into a receptacle of your choice. 

Fast extraction and more accessible prices make this a practical style of juicer. If an affordable juicer that is easy to use is at the forefront of your juicing priorities, centrifugal juicers have some notable positives. However, it is important to consider the difference in quality and cheaper construction, which can lead to reliability issues. However, some models are far less susceptible to these problems than others. 

Understanding Masticating Juicers - 

Key Words:

• Squeeze 
• Slow 
• Cold Press 
• Quality 

Masticating juicers use a slowly rotating auger/screw to crush and squeeze ingredients at a high pressure, pressing and masticating them until juice is extracted and funneled out while the pulp is separated by a finely perforated screen. Masticating juicers are split into further sub-categories such as ‘Vertical’ or ‘Twin Gear’, depending on their design and method. If you would like to learn more about these, you can see the different types of slow juicers. 

“Masticating vs Centrifugal -

So the big question is, are masticating juicers better? In contrast to centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers allow higher levels of juice that is full of vitamins and minerals to be extracted. If high-quality juice that is rich in nutritional value is something you want to prioritise in your juicing experience, masticating juicers might be a better fit for you! Along with this, other notable positives of masticating juicers include quieter operation, higher juice yield with leafy greens, and also often a longer shelf life! This is all thanks to the slower juicing process of the masticating juicer, operating between 40 and 150 RPM! This is much slower than their centrifugal counterparts, ensuring less oxidisation and heating whilst juicing and therefore improving shelf life and quality!

Despite all of these benefits of masticating juicers, the best juicer is ultimately the one that will best fit you! Masticating juicers are generally more expensive and may require more time and effort to use. However, all comparisons like these are ultimately a generalisation, as even some masticating juicers would be even easier to use than centrifugal juicers! For example, Hurom juicers benefit from ‘Self-Feeding’ technologies. 

Conclusion - 

After establishing what the differences between a masticating and a centrifugal juicer are, which is better for you? This depends on your personal lifestyle and criteria! Depending on what you are juicing the most, how you like to spend your mornings, and how you like to invest your money, will determine which juicer is best for you. Your routine, your budget, your juicer. 

Our Juicer Recommendations - 

For Centrifugal Juicers - 

Vidia CJ-001 Centrifugal Juicer in Chrome 

Magimix Juice Expert 3 Juicer 18082 in Satin 

For Masticating Juicers - 

Hurom H400 Self-Feeding Slow Juicer in Black

Hurom H200 Self-Feeding Slow Juicer in Red 

Aside from these, there are plenty of types of juicers available, all with reliable and innovative designs. To find more, check out our Centrifugal Juicers or Masticating Juicers. 

Related Reading - 

• 10 Things To Consider Before Buying A Juicer
• Hurom H400 Vs Nutribullet | Juicers.co.uk 
• A Week of Juicing: What Happened When We Tried It | Juicers.co.uk
• Quietest Juicers for Home Use (No More Morning Noise) 
• What Are Slow Juicers?
• Which is the Best Juicer for You?

Healthy Alternatives to Energy Drinks: 7 Natural Swaps + 2 Recipes

The best healthy alternatives to energy drinks are green tea, matcha, fresh vegetable juice, fruit and protein smoothies, coconut water, water with a pinch of salt and citrus, and herbal teas. They give you a slower, steadier release of energy without the sugar spike and crash, and most take under five minutes to make at home. 

Whether you need a lift before the gym, something to get you through a long workday, or a boost on a busy morning with the kids, reaching for a can is easy. But most energy drinks rely on a large hit of caffeine and sugar, and the energy rarely lasts. Below, we compare the most popular energy drink alternatives and share two recipes we recommend.

In this guide - 

• Are energy drinks bad for you?
• What can I drink instead of energy drinks? 
• Energy juice and smoothie recipes
• How to build a routine that keeps your energy up
• FAQs 

Are Energy Drinks Bad for You? 

An occasional energy drink is unlikely to harm a healthy adult, but regular use adds up quickly. The main issues are the amount of caffeine and sugar in a single can. 

• Caffeine: the NHS lists a 250ml can of energy drink at about 80mg of caffeine, so a typical 500ml can has around 160mg. That is more than a cup of instant coffee (about 100mg) (NHS). 
• Sugar: full-sugar energy drinks contain up to 20 teaspoons of sugar (78g) per 500ml serving (HealthLine). 

The fast hit of high levels of both caffeine and sugar is often followed by a dip in energy, which makes it tempting to reach for another can. Cravings and dependency are a side effect of energy drink consumption - drinking too much caffeine can lead to headaches, jitters, anxiety, a racing heart, and poor sleep. Poor sleep then leaves you more tired the next day, which keeps the cycle going. Natural energy is always better. 

What Can I Drink Instead of Energy Drinks? 

These seven swaps are alternatives to energy drinks that can give you energy in a steadier way, and most add nutrients rather than just sugar!

1. Green tea: a gentler dose of caffeine than coffee, plus L-theanine, which many people find gives a calmer, more focused feel.
2. Matcha: powdered whole green tea leaf, so you get more of the leaf in each cup. A good choice if you want something closer to a coffee-strength lift without the sugar. 
3. Fresh vegetable juice: beetroot, carrot, apple, and ginger give natural sugars alongside vitamins and minerals. Vegetable-led juices keep the sugar lower than fruit-only juice. 
4. Smoothies: blending keeps the fibre, and adding protein, oats, or seeds slows the release of energy so it lasts longer.
5. Coconut water: naturally contains potassium and electrolytes. This is a great alternative that is useful after exercise or on a hot day. 
6. Water with lemon and a pinch of salt: mild dehydration is a common cause of tiredness. Sometimes a large glass of water is all you need. 
7. Herbal teas: caffeine-free options like ginger or peppermint can wake you up without affecting your sleep, ideal for the afternoon. 

Healthy Alternatives to Energy Drinks Comparison - 

Caffeine figures for energy drinks, coffee and tea are from the NHS. Amounts vary by brand and how strong you make your drink. 

Healthy Energy Drink Recipes To Make At Home - 

Homemade Energy Juice - 

Approximate details and nutrition: * Prep time: 5 minutes. Calories: 150kcal. Sugar: 25g. 

*Nutrition information is approximate and provided as a guide only. Actual values may vary.

Ingredients:  

• 1 medium beetroot
• 1 carrot
• 1 green apple
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger 
• ½ lemon, peeled 

Method:

1. Wash everything well. There is no need to peel the apple, beetroot, or carrots.
2. Cut the beetroot and apple into pieces that fit your juicer's feed chute. 
3. Juice the ginger and lemon first, then alternate the harder beetroot and carrot with the softer apple to keep things moving. 
4. Stir and drink straight away for the best flavour and nutrients. 

To make this homemade energy juice, the Hurom Self-Feeding Slow Juicer is a great place to start! Why we use a slow juicer for this one: beetroot and carrot are hard, dense vegetables. A slow juicer like the Hurom H80ST Pure Press Self-Feeding Slow Juicer presses them at low speed, so you get more juice and less foam than with a fast centrifugal juicer. 

Made with the Hurom H80ST Self-Feeding Slow Juicer, this recipe is estimated to yield around 330 ml of juice, based on our previous tests with similar ingredients in slow juicers. Actual yield will vary with ingredient size and preparation.

At an estimated £1 per batch for ingredients, it offers an affordable homemade alternative. Compared with a similarly sized energy drink, that’s approximately half the price. 

All-Day Energy Smoothie - 

Approximate details and nutrition: * Prep time: 3 minutes. Calories: 250 kcal. Sugar: 15g. 

Fibre: 5g. Protein: 25 g.

*Nutritional information is approximate and provided as a guide only. Actual values may vary.

Ingredients:  

• 1/2 banana (frozen for a thicker smoothie) 
• 1 pitted date
• 1 scoop protein powder
• ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon flaxseeds
• ½ teaspoon chia seeds
• 300ml milk or plant milk 

Method:

1. Add the milk to the blender first, then the remaining ingredients.
2. Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth.
3. Add a few ice cubes or a splash of more milk to adjust the thickness. 

The protein, fibre, and healthy fats from the seeds slow down how quickly the natural sugars from the banana and dates are absorbed. This means that this smoothie reduces caffeine and blood sugar spikes and provides you with energy that lasts longer than a can of energy drink. We would recommend a powerful blender such as the Magimix Power Blender 5XL,  due to its capability in breaking down whole seeds and frozen fruit fully, which is what gives a smooth texture. The Magimix Power Blender 5XL also helps blend the protein and cocoa powders evenly into the smoothie for a consistent texture, making it a versatile choice as you explore new recipes.

How to Build a Routine That Keeps Your Energy Up - 

Swapping your energy drink for a healthier alternative is a good first step, but steady energy comes from your whole day. 

• Eat regular, balanced meals. Starchy foods like oats, potatoes, wholegrain rice and wholemeal bread release energy slowly and keep you going for longer. 
• Drink water throughout the day. Keep a bottle on your desk or in your gym bag. 
• Time your caffeine. Have tea, matcha or coffee in the morning and switch to caffeine-free drinks after lunch so it does not affect your sleep. 
• Prep ahead. Chop juice ingredients the night before, or freeze smoothie packs so breakfast takes two minutes. 
• Cut down gradually. If you drink energy drinks daily, swap one at a time to avoid caffeine withdrawal headaches. 

Frequently Asked Questions -

What is the healthiest alternative to an energy drink? 

Green tea and matcha are the closest swaps if you still want some caffeine, as they have less caffeine than most energy drinks and no added sugar. For a caffeine-free option, a vegetable-based juice or a protein smoothie gives natural energy plus vitamins, minerals, and fibre. 

What drink gives you energy without caffeine? 

Beetroot juice, smoothies with oats or protein, coconut water, and plain water all help. Many people who feel tired are mildly dehydrated, so water is often the quickest fix.

Is matcha better than an energy drink?

For most people, yes. Matcha has no added sugar, contains antioxidants and L-theanine, and tends to give a smoother lift without the sharp crash.

Is fresh juice healthier than an energy drink? 

Yes, especially vegetable-led juices. They have no added sugar or caffeine and provide vitamins and minerals. Fruit-only juice is still high in natural sugar, so mix in vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, celery, or spinach. 

Do I need a slow juicer to make energy juice? 

You can use any juicer, but a slow (masticating) juicer handles hard vegetables like beetroot and carrot better and gets more juice from them. Browse our slow juicer range to compare models. 

The Bottom Line - 

Energy drinks give a quick fix, but the sugar and caffeine often leave you more tired later. Green tea, matcha, fresh juice and smoothies give steadier energy release and add real nutrients. Start by swapping one can a day for the beetroot juice or smoothie above and see how you feel. 

While getting the energy you are looking for within these energy drink alternatives, you have not only removed possible consequences to your health, but you have actually added health benefits, such as fiber, healthy fats and carbohydrates, antioxidants, and micronutrients. Swapping out energy drinks for healthier alternatives could be the first step to a better routine for you. 

Regular, balanced meals are also part of the process of replacing the need for energy drinks; starchy foods such as potatoes, rice, and oats all provide energy that is longer-lasting and better for your body. Simple replacements like this can build a healthier lifestyle. 

Related Reading - 

• The Pre-Kickoff Energy Boost Juice Recipe | Juicers.co.uk 
• The Best Pre Workout Juice Recipe | Juicers.co.uk 
• How Long Does Fresh Juice Last? Storage Tips That Work | Juicers.co.uk
• Which Juicer Suits Your Shopping Basket?
• Quietest Juicers for Home Use (No More Morning Noise)
• Juicing Vs Blending | Juicers.co.uk 
• What Is the Difference Between a Masticating Juicer and a Cold Press Juicer? 
• Best Blender for Smoothies in the UK: Top Picks for 2026 | Juicers.co.uk 

What is a Masticating Juicer? How It Works and Why Choose One

A masticating juicer uses a slow-turning auger to crush and press fruit and vegetables to extract juice. They are sometimes known as slow or cold press juicers. Explore its benefits and how it compares with centrifugal juicers. 

Making juice at home gives you the freedom to explore flavours and choose your own ingredients. But with several types of juicer available, how do you find one that suits your ingredients, budget and daily routine? 

What makes masticating juicers stand out from the rest? A masticating juicer is often favoured by health-conscious consumers and experts for its ability to maximise nutrient retention and juice yield. They are also known to perform better at effectively handling heavily fibrous materials and leafy greens, producing a thicker, smoother juice. Not only this, but the slow speeds of the masticating juicer help to reduce waste and improve the shelf life of the juice, compared to other kinds of juicers.

What Does a Masticating Juicer Mean? And How Do They Work?

The word “masticating” means chewing, which describes how these juicers break down ingredients.

What a masticating juicer is and how it typically works is through a rotating screw called an auger. As you feed ingredients into the machine, the auger crushes them and presses them against a fine filter. The extracted juice flows into one container, while the remaining pulp exits through a separate outlet. 

This squeezing action differs from a centrifugal juicer, which uses a fast-spinning grating disc and basket to extract juice.

What Are the Benefits of a Masticating Juicer? 

Get More Juice From Your Ingredients 

Wanting more from your favourite ingredients? Choosing a masticating model over other juicer types can ensure the most effective extraction of juice and nutrients from ingredients. Masticating juicers can extract a high proportion of juice from produce, often leaving relatively dry pulp. As well as helping you make more from the ingredients that you buy, this process of separating the pulp has advantages in itself. You can make a range of nutritious recipes that use up leftover pulp and turn it into treats that are packed with goodness. You can find these healthy ideas here: The Best Ways to Use Up Pulp After Juicing | Juicers.co.uk 

Make the Most of Leafy Greens 

Wanting more flexibility and diversity with your ingredients? Masticating juicers are particularly useful if kale, spinach and other leafy greens often feature in your recipes, as they are exceptionally effective in extracting liquid. Its crushing and pressing action is well suited to leafy ingredients, giving you more flexibility to experiment with green juices alongside your favourite fruit and vegetable combinations.

Explore More Than Juice

Some masticating juicers can also prepare sorbets, ice creams, nut milks and nut butters, giving you more ways to use the machine.

Enjoy a Quieter Juicing Routine

Wanting a calmer and quieter morning routine? Preparing your morning juice doesn’t have to be a noisy and stressful start to the day. Masticating juicers generally operate more quietly than centrifugal models. If you like making juice early in the morning, this can make preparation a more enjoyable part of your routine.

Looking for a masticating juicer that fits easily into your morning routine? The Hurom H400 Self-Feeding Slow Juicer in Black is a great option if you are looking for all the benefits listed above. Its self-feeding hopper reduces the need to feed ingredients individually, making everyday juicing more convenient. 

Centrifugal or Masticating Juices: What Other Juicers Are Available, Which Should You Choose and Why Does it Matter?

When choosing a juicer, the choice comes down to what matters most in your kitchen. If time or money is more important than the quality of the juice, a centrifugal model could be a better option for you. Centrifugal juicers work differently from masticating juicers; they instead function at very high speeds, making the juicing process faster, which is useful if you are someone with a busy routine. Equally, they are generally a more affordable option than masticating juicers, making them a more budget-friendly juicing option. 

Both types have advantages. The right choice depends on what you want to juice and how you prefer to use your kitchen.

A centrifugal juicer may suit you if speed and a lower purchase price are your priorities, particularly if you mainly juice firm fruit and vegetables. To explore centrifugal juicers, click here. 

A masticating juicer may be a better fit if you regularly juice leafy greens, value efficient extraction or prefer a quieter machine. To browse masticating juicers, click here.

Is a Masticating Juicer Right for You?

A masticating juicer can be a useful addition to your kitchen if you enjoy experimenting with ingredients and want a machine that handles leafy greens well.

Before buying, consider what you’ll juice most often, how much space and time you have, and your budget. The best juicer is one that makes homemade juice an enjoyable part of your routine.

Related Reading - 

• The Best Beginner Green Juice Recipe | Juicers.co.uk
• Coriander Green Juice | Juicers.co.uk
• Circulatory Wellness Juice Recipe | Juicers.co.uk
• 10 Things To Consider Before Buying A Juicer
• Hurom H400 Vs Nutribullet | Juicers.co.uk
• Quietest Juicers for Home Use (No More Morning Noise)
• What Is the Difference Between a Masticating Juicer and a Cold Press Juicer?