Alright, let’s talk about the Kenmore Elite Ovation 5 Qt Stand Mixer. You know how some kitchen appliances just sit on the counter collecting dust? That’s not going to happen with this one. Whether you’re a beginner baker or you’ve been whipping up cakes and bread for years, this mixer is built to impress. I’ve put it through its paces, and there’s a lot to love about it, but also a few things to keep in mind.

Kenmore Elite Ovation 5 Qt Stand Mixer, 500 Watt 10-Speed Motor, Revolutionary Pour-In Top, Tilt Head, Beater, Whisk, Dough Hook, Planetary Mixing, 360-Degree Splash Guard, Glass Bowl with Lid

4.5

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Design That Catches Your Eye

Let’s start with how it looks. This mixer isn’t just functional; it’s a beauty on the countertop. The sleek design and modern finish are a definite upgrade if you care about aesthetics in your kitchen. The 5-quart glass bowl with a lid adds a touch of elegance, and honestly, it’s nice to be able to see your ingredients mixing in real-time.

But it’s not just about looks. The glass bowl is solid and sturdy, and the lid is perfect for when you want to store batter or dough in the fridge without transferring it to another container. The fact that it’s glass also means it’s dishwasher safe, which makes clean-up a breeze.

Now, I will say that the glass bowl is a bit heavy, especially when it’s full. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth mentioning. If you’re someone who prefers lighter mixing bowls, this could be a bit of an adjustment.

Revolutionary Pour-In Top

One of the most interesting features of the Kenmore Elite Ovation is the Pour-In Top. I’ve used quite a few stand mixers over the years, and this is the first time I’ve seen a design like this. Instead of having to tilt the head back to add ingredients while the mixer is running, you can just pour them in through the top. This makes a huge difference, especially when you’re working with a recipe that requires gradual additions—like when you’re making dough and need to add flour slowly.

I tried it with cake batter and bread dough, and it worked like a charm. No more stopping and starting the mixer just to get ingredients in. Plus, there’s less mess since you’re not removing the bowl or attachments mid-mix.

That said, if you’re someone who’s used to traditional mixers, it might take a few uses to get used to this new feature. It’s definitely convenient, but there’s a bit of a learning curve in figuring out how much you can pour in at once.

500 Watt Motor and 10-Speed Control

Let’s get into performance because that’s what really matters, right? The 500-watt motor is strong. You’ll notice this especially if you’re working with heavier doughs or thick batters. It powers through like a champ, and you won’t hear it straining like some lower-wattage mixers.

I tested it on everything from meringue to pizza dough, and I was impressed by how well it handled each task. The mixer has 10-speed settings, so you can easily switch from a slow stir to a high whip. Whether you’re gently folding in ingredients or whipping up egg whites for meringue, there’s a speed for everything.

I did notice, though, that the motor gets a little warm when you’re mixing something heavy for an extended period. It didn’t overheat or cause any issues, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on long mixing sessions.

Planetary Mixing for Even Results

One of the standout features for me is the planetary mixing action. If you’ve used mixers without this, you know how frustrating it can be when ingredients get stuck to the sides of the bowl, and you’re constantly scraping it down. With the planetary mixing, the attachment rotates around the bowl while spinning on its own axis, ensuring that every part of the bowl gets scraped and mixed evenly.

I’ve made dough, batter, and frosting with this, and I never had to stop and scrape the sides. The result? Smooth, consistent mixes every time. This is one of those features that might seem small, but once you experience it, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

Versatile Attachments

The Kenmore Elite Ovation comes with three main attachments: the beater, whisk, and dough hook. Each one is easy to attach and remove, and they work well with different textures and consistencies.

• The beater is great for cake batters, cookies, and general mixing.
• The whisk attachment whips up egg whites and cream in no time. I tried it with meringue, and the peaks were stiff and perfect.
• The dough hook handled bread dough like a pro. I made a batch of pizza dough, and the mixer kneaded it for a good 10 minutes without any hiccups.

What I also love is that these attachments are sturdy. They feel like they’ll last for a long time, and they’re dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about cleanup.

360-Degree Splash Guard: A Cleaner Kitchen

The 360-degree splash guard is another highlight. I’ve used mixers where I end up with flour or powdered sugar all over the counter, but that’s not an issue here. The splash guard completely surrounds the bowl, so even when you’re mixing on a higher speed, you won’t get ingredients flying everywhere.

It’s especially handy when you’re adding dry ingredients to wet ones and need to mix them at a higher speed. No mess, no stress.

Tilt-Head for Easy Access

Lastly, the tilt-head design is super convenient. It allows you to easily access the bowl and change out attachments without hassle. Whether you’re adding ingredients manually or removing the bowl, the tilt-head gives you more flexibility. It locks in place securely, so there’s no worry about it slipping while the mixer’s running.

Now, I will say that the tilt-head design combined with the glass bowl makes the unit feel a little top-heavy when the bowl is removed. It’s not unmanageable, but something to keep in mind if you’re working quickly in the kitchen.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Pour-In Top makes adding ingredients easy and reduces mess.
• 500-watt motor powers through heavy doughs and thick batters.
• 10-speed control allows for precise mixing, from slow stir to high whip.
• Planetary mixing ensures even results with no need to scrape the bowl.
• 360-degree splash guard keeps the kitchen cleaner.
• Tilt-head design offers easy access for changing attachments and adding ingredients.
• Glass bowl adds a stylish touch and is easy to clean.

Cons:

• Glass bowl is heavy, especially when full.
• Motor gets warm during extended mixing of heavier doughs.
• Tilt-head design can feel slightly top-heavy when the bowl is removed.
  

  Kenmore Elite Ovation 5 Qt Stand Mixer, 500 Watt 10-Speed Motor, Revolutionary Pour-In Top, Tilt Head, Beater, Whisk, Dough Hook, Planetary Mixing, 360-Degree Splash Guard, Glass Bowl with Lid

  4.5

  View Price on Amazon

  We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts

The Kenmore Elite Ovation 5 Qt Stand Mixer brings a lot to the table—both in terms of design and functionality. It’s got power, versatility, and some unique features that really make it stand out from other mixers. If you bake regularly or need a machine that can handle heavy-duty tasks, this one’s worth considering. The few minor downsides (like the weight of the glass bowl) are easy to overlook when you consider how well it performs across the board.4o