Mary Berry’s Victoria sandwich cake recipe is a classic for a reason: a delicate sponge cake filled with jam and cream, perfect for any occasion. While this sponge cake uses an all-in-one recipe, a stand mixer can make the process even simpler. Having previously tested the Kenwood Titanium Chef Baker XL stand mixer, I was eager to see how the Kenwood kMix stand mixer, a more budget-friendly option, compared.
The Kenwood kMix stand mixer is a classic, available in a range of colours, including red, blue, and metallic pastels. For a more understated look, it also comes in black and white. Like all stand mixers, the kMix includes a flat beater, a dough hook, and a whisk attachment. The box also contains a 5L bowl, a spatula, and a splashguard (a plastic lid that fixes to the top of the mixer, allowing you to mix in ingredients without mess). This appliance adds a pop of colour to any kitchen. Currently retailing at £259 down from £419.99 on the Kenwood website and £284.46 down from £479.99 on Amazon, it’s one of the cheapest stand mixers on the market, but it doesn’t compromise on power.
Setting up the stand mixer, I washed the two attachments needed for the recipe and began by placing the first one into the stand mixer. This was a bit fiddly as there are two holes on the tilted head, and you have to duck down to see which one fits the attachment.
One major difference between the kMix and Chef Baker XL stand mixer is that the kMix doesn’t come with built-in weighing scales, so I began by measuring out my ingredients. I preheated my oven to 160C Fan and lined two 20cm round sandwich tins with greaseproof paper and butter. Next, it was time to combine all of the cake ingredients in the mixer – the most important test of any good stand mixer is its ability to combine a cake mixture effectively, as this is where many fail.
I used the aluminium K-Beater attachment and as I turned the dial, the machine reacted quickly, getting to work mixing the ingredients for a smooth batter. While the mixer demonstrated impressive power, halfway through the mixing process, I did have to use a spatula to reach the flour around the top and bottom of the bowl that wasn’t reached. While the stainless steel bowl adds to the appliance’s aesthetic, a glass bowl would make it easier to see if all ingredients are combined well. However, Kenwood also offers another kMix stand mixer that retails for £224 down from £299.99, currently featuring a glass bowl instead of stainless steel.
With the mixture ready, it was easy to remove the bowl from the stand with a simple twist. I then divided the mixture evenly between the tins and used the spatula to remove all the mixture from the bowl, gently smoothing the surface of the cakes. I baked the cakes on the middle shelf of the oven for 30 minutes, checking them after 20 minutes as they may need less time. The cakes are done when they’re golden brown and coming away from the edge of the tins. I set them aside to cool in their tins for five minutes before running a palette knife around the inside edge of the tins and carefully turning the cakes out onto a cooling rack.
As the cakes were cooling completely, it was time to prepare the double cream. To do so, I used the stainless steel whisk attachment. The whisk needed no assistance in beating the double cream into stiff peaks, and the whole process was incredibly quick. With the cream whisked, it was time to assemble the cake with the jam and cream before topping it with a light dusting of icing sugar.
The cake tasted delicious, and I was able to make it quicker than usual with the help of this stand mixer. Although the kMix stand mixer is smaller and doesn’t come with as many attachments or features as the Chef Baker XL version, it certainly doesn’t compromise on power. Customers have noticed the same thing, with one review stating: “The machine works really well even when it is on low setting.”
So, is this Kenwood kMix stand mixer worth it? If you enjoy baking and are looking for a mixer that’s small but adds to your kitchen aesthetic, this is a great option. Alternatively, if households are after something a bit smaller, still simple to use and a little more wallet-friendly, Express.co.uk previously tested out the Morphy Richards MixStar, which retails for £189.99 currently on Amazon.
