KitchenAid Stand Mixer Speeds: Complete Chart + Tips for Perfect Results

When I got my first KitchenAid stand mixer, I remember staring at those speed settings, recipe in hand, completely confused. It said “mix on medium speed,” but the mixer only had numbers. Which one was medium? Back then, there wasn’t a clear, easy-to-use guide that explained it all.

That’s why I created this guide to KitchenAid stand mixer speeds. The one I wish I had. Because understanding speed settings isn’t just about avoiding messes. It’s the secret to kneading perfect bread dough, whipping cream that doesn’t turn into butter, and baking cakes with the light, fluffy texture we all want.

We’ll even share quick reference charts for you to refer to conveniently.

But, let’s understand the big picture first. Before we talk about low, medium, or high, let’s see how all the KitchenAid speeds are set up.

Understanding All the KitchenAid Stand Mixer Speeds

One thing that confuses people when they first use a KitchenAid mixer is the way the speed control system is labeled. Your mixer technically has 10 speed settings, but only six of them are marked.

• Marked Speeds: Stir, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 appear on the speed control system and are the ones most recipes refer to.
  
• Unmarked Speeds: The odd-numbered speeds (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) sit between the marked settings and give you finer control if you want more gradual changes.

Most of the time, you’ll use the even-numbered settings because they align with recipe instructions and KitchenAid’s official recommendations. But when you need to tweak things, like slowly increasing speed for meringue or whipping cream, the odd-numbered speeds are there for smoother transitions.

Think of the even speeds as your main guideposts and the odd speeds as bridge speeds for more precision. 

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Speed Settings – Quick Reference

If you’ve ever wished for a simple cheat sheet to keep all the speed settings straight, this is it. Below you’ll find every marked and in-between speed, what it’s called, and when to use it, all in one easy-to-scan chart. Bookmark it or keep it open on your phone the next time you bake.

Now that you’ve seen how all the settings fit together, let’s start at low speed. The setting you’ll probably use more than any other.

What Is Low Speed on a KitchenAid Mixer?

On a KitchenAid stand mixer, Stir (or Speed 1) and Speed 2 make up the low-speed settings. These are your gentle, controlled speeds designed to start mixing without splashing, overworking ingredients, or straining the motor.

Here’s how to use each one:

• Speed 1 (Stir):
  Use this as your starting speed whenever you’re adding dry ingredients like flour, cocoa, or powdered sugar to wet mixtures. It gently incorporates everything without sending a dust cloud across your kitchen. Speed 1 is also perfect when you’re adding liquids slowly to avoid splatter or folding in delicate ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or whipped cream.
  
• Speed 2 (Low):
  Once your ingredients are lightly combined, move up to Speed 2 for continuous mixing of heavier batters like cookie dough or quick breads. KitchenAid specifically recommends Speed 2 for kneading bread or pizza dough—it has enough power to develop the dough without damaging the motor or over-kneading.
  

Pro Tip: Start on Speed 1 for about 30 seconds to bring ingredients together, then move up to Speed 2 if the mixture needs more thorough blending or if you’re working with thicker doughs.

If you’re looking for a mixer that handles bread dough like a pro, check out our guide to the Best Stand Mixers for Bread Dough for top picks and tips

Not sure whether to stay on Stir (Speed 1) or move up to Speed 2? This quick chart explains exactly when to use each low-speed setting so you can start every recipe with confidence.

What Is Medium Speed on a KitchenAid Mixer?

If low speed is your careful, steady stroll through the park, medium speed is like a relaxed bike ride—it gets you there faster, but you’re still in control. On most KitchenAid mixers, medium speed falls around 4–6 on the speed control system, right in that sweet spot between too slow and too fast.

Here’s when medium speed really comes into play:

• Speed 4 – For gentle mixing: Use Speed 4 when creaming butter and sugar or starting cake batters. It gives you the aeration you need without splashing ingredients or overmixing at the start.
  
• Speed 6 – For a little more power: Switch up to Speed 6 when you need extra volume or want a smooth, lump-free batter—think frostings, fillings, or finishing off cake batters.
  

Pro Tip: Start at Speed 4 to combine ingredients, then move up to Speed 6 if the recipe calls for more aeration or a lighter texture. Think of it as moving from a casual ride to a steady pedal—controlled, but with more momentum.

Not sure which stand mixer is right for you? Our How to Choose a Stand Mixer: Ultimate Guide breaks it all down so you can find the perfect match for your baking needs.

Not sure whether to stay at Speed 4 or bump it up to Speed 6? This quick chart takes out the guesswork. Use it as your rule of thumb whenever a recipe calls for medium speed but doesn’t give more detail.

Next up: kneading. It’s the setting that can make or break your bread, so let’s see which speed works best.

KitchenAid Mixer Speed for Kneading Dough

When it comes to bread and pizza dough, Speed 2 is your ideal setting for the job. KitchenAid specifically recommends it for kneading because it gives the dough enough movement to develop gluten properly without straining the motor or overworking the ingredients.

Here’s how to approach kneading with your KitchenAid mixer:

• Start on Speed 1:
  Use Stir or Speed 1 for the first 30 seconds to bring the flour, water, and yeast together. This keeps dry ingredients from flying out of the bowl before the real kneading begins.
  
• Move up to Speed 2 for Kneading:
  Once everything’s combined, switch to Speed 2 for the actual kneading process. This steady pace mimics hand-kneading but does the work faster and more evenly.
  
• Timing Guidelines:
  
  • Standard bread dough: 5–7 minutes on Speed 2
    
  • Pizza dough: 7–8 minutes on Speed 2
    
  • Brioche or enriched doughs: 6–8 minutes on Speed 2, sometimes with brief pauses to prevent overheating
    
• Why Not Higher Speeds?
  Speeds above 2 can overheat the motor and over-develop the gluten, leading to tough, dense bread. Higher speeds also increase friction heat in the dough, which can mess with yeast activity.
  

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the dough rather than the clock. It should form a smooth, elastic ball and pass the windowpane test (stretching a piece thin enough to see light through without tearing).

Not sure how long to knead each type of dough or which speed to use? This handy chart puts all the kneading recommendations in one place so you can stop guessing and start baking with confidence.

Bread dough is all about steady power, but whipped cream needs a lighter touch. Let’s look at the best speed for turning cream into soft, billowy peaks.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Whipped Cream Speed

I still remember the first time I tried whipping cream in my KitchenAid. I made two rookie mistakes: I cranked the speed up too high and I let it run too long. A few minutes later, instead of soft, billowy peaks, I had… butter.

Here’s how to avoid my mistakes and get perfect whipped cream every time:

• Start on Speed 2:
  Begin on low for 30–60 seconds to keep the cream from splashing up the sides of the bowl. It also helps incorporate a little air before things speed up.
  
• Move to Speed 6–8:
  Once the cream begins to thicken, increase to Speed 6 for soft peaks or Speed 8 for stiff peaks. For most desserts—like pies or trifles—soft peaks (Speed 6) are ideal. Go to stiff peaks (Speed 8) for decorating cakes or when you need a firmer texture for piping.
  
• Timing Guidelines:
  
  • Soft peaks: 2–3 minutes on Speed 6
    
  • Stiff peaks: 3–4 minutes on Speed 8
    

Pro Tip: Stop and check often. Cream can go from perfect to butter in seconds if the speed’s too high or the mixing goes on too long.

Not sure which speed or how long to whip your cream? This quick chart takes the guesswork out, showing you exactly when to stop for soft peaks or stiff peaks—so you never end up with butter by accident.

Whipped cream might need careful timing, but meringues require even more precision. Let’s see the best speed for turning egg whites into glossy, stable peaks.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Meringue Speed

Beating egg whites for meringue is like building a sandcastle—you need a solid base before you can reach those tall, glossy peaks. Rush it, and the structure collapses; take it step by step, and you’ll get perfect results every time.

Here’s the exact sequence:

• Start on Speed 2 (Foaming Stage):
  Begin on Speed 2 for the first 1 minute or until the egg whites look frothy and light, like soap bubbles. This step creates a stable base and keeps the foam from collapsing later.
  
• Move to Speed 4 (Soft Peaks Begin):
  After the first minute, increase to Speed 4. Keep mixing for another 2–3 minutes until the whites start to look white and creamy instead of clear. This is the stage to begin adding sugar—1 tablespoon at a time, giving it 20–30 seconds between each addition to fully dissolve.
  
• Increase to Speed 6 (Building Volume):
  Once all the sugar is added and the mixture is thick but not yet glossy, bump it up to Speed 6 for another 1–2 minutes. At this point, the whites will hold soft peaks that curl over gently when you lift the whisk.
  
• Finish on Speed 8–10 (Stiff Peaks):
  For meringues that need stiff peaks—like pavlovas or pie toppings—go to Speed 8 or even 10 for the final 1–2 minutes until the peaks stand straight up without drooping.
  

Timing Summary:

• Soft peaks: About 4–5 minutes total, ending at Speed 6
  
• Stiff peaks: About 6–7 minutes total, ending at Speed 8–10

Important: These times are only estimates. Egg size, freshness, room temperature, and even humidity can affect how fast peaks form. After a few tries, you’ll learn to rely on visual cues—like glossy whites that hold their shape—rather than the clock alone.

Whipping egg whites can feel tricky at first, but this quick chart gives you the basic speeds and approximate times for each stage. Remember—these are estimates. Always watch the appearance of the meringue rather than solely relying on the clock.

Now that we’ve nailed meringues step by step, let’s pull everything together with a master chart next.

Master Chart: KitchenAid Stand Mixer Speeds, Times, and Uses

Want everything in one place? This master chart pulls together the core KitchenAid speed guidelines—low, medium, kneading, whipped cream, and meringue. Times are estimates; always watch the visual cues (texture, gloss, peaks) and remember: for yeast doughs, don’t exceed Speed 2.

Mixer Speed Confusion? These FAQs Will Help

From Confusion to Mastery

When I first started baking with my KitchenAid, I had no idea what those speed numbers really meant. I made plenty of beginner mistakes: messy counters, tough bread, whipped cream that became butter. If this guide saves you from even one of those moments, then it’s done its job.

Now you know which speeds to use for kneading dough, whipping cream, making meringues, and everything in between. And you don’t have to memorize it all. Bookmark this page or keep our speed chart handy so you can mix with confidence every time.

If you’re still deciding which KitchenAid model is right for you, check out our KitchenAid Classic vs Artisan comparison for a detailed breakdown.

Here’s to fewer messes, better bakes, and finally feeling like you and your stand mixer speak the same language.