What is the Smeg 50's Retro mixer made of?
Smeg builds it with a die-cast aluminum body on a zinc-alloy base, with a stainless steel bowl and aluminum blades. That metal construction is why it weighs 9.81 kg and why it feels heavy duty and well built. The pink finish is wipe clean, which Smeg highlights as part of the design.
Is the 600-watt motor strong enough for bread dough and thick batters?
Smeg rates the motor at 600 watts with 10 speeds on a knob. It handles heavy bread dough with ease and feels powerful, and it can take years of constant use without problems. Effectiveness is mixed overall, though, so results are not universal. Knead on a low speed, keep batches within the bowl's capacity and let the motor rest between heavy batches, and it should serve most home bakers well.
Is the Smeg 50's Retro Stand Mixer worth the money?
Value for money is mixed: for some it is great, for others not worth the money. It comes down to what you want from it. If the retro design matters to you and you want a heavy, stable mixer that stays on display, it is a delight. If you only care about mixing performance, a plainer mixer will do the same work for less.
Can the bowl and attachments go in the dishwasher, or is it wipe-clean only?
Smeg describes the mixer as wipe clean, so the body and base should only ever be wiped with a damp cloth and never go near water. The bowl and accessories are easy to clean, and some put them in the dishwasher, but check Smeg's care guidance for each accessory first. Hand washing in warm soapy water is always safe.
How many speeds does it have, and what accessories come in the box?
It has 10 speeds on a knob control, and Smeg includes 5 accessories with the mixer, backed by a one year limited warranty. The stainless steel bowl holds 4.8 litres, which Smeg describes as 5 quarts: enough for a standard batch of bread dough or a big bowl of meringue without crowding at lower speeds.
How noisy and stable is it while mixing?
Both are strengths. It stays in place with no rocking or bouncing, a clear step up from many other mixers, which fits the die-cast aluminum body and zinc-alloy base giving it real weight at 9.81 kg. It is also quiet relative to many other mixers, even while working heavy dough.
