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We put the Midea MKM30130BPB stand mixer through rigorous tests for everyday baking. With a 3.5-quart bowl and 300W motor, it's a lightweight champ for casual use—but how does it stack up against powerhouses like KitchenAid? Full pros, cons, and top alternatives inside.
Quick Pick
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS, Matte Black (Check current price)
For unmatched power and durability in serious baking, this 5-quart beast outperforms budget options. 325W motor, premium build—perfect upgrade from entry-level mixers.
Stand mixers are kitchen game-changers for bakers, handling everything from cookie dough to whipped frosting without arm fatigue. The Midea MKM30130BPB, a compact 3.5-quart model with a 300-watt motor, targets budget-conscious home cooks seeking an affordable entry point. Priced around $80-$100, it's lightweight at just 8.8 pounds and boasts a sleek black finish that fits small counters.
In our hands-on tests, it excelled in light tasks but showed limits on denser mixes. We'll dive into performance metrics, compare it head-to-head with premium rivals, and reveal if it's the right pick for your baking needs. Whether you're a weekend warrior or daily dough-kneader, this review delivers data-backed insights.
See our full guide to the best stand mixers for baking for more options.
We evaluated key specs and real-world scores (out of 10) across models. Here's how the Midea stacks up:
| Model | Capacity | Motor Power | Weight | Speeds | Accessories Included | Price Range | Our Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midea MKM30130BPB | 3.5 qt | 300W | 8.8 lbs | 10 + pulse | Dough hook, flat beater, wire whip | $80-$100 | 7.5/10 |
| KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Qt Pistachio | 5 qt | 325W | 22 lbs | 10 | Dough hook, beater, whip, pouring shield | $350-$450 | 9.5/10 |
| KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Qt Matte Black | 5 qt | 325W | 22 lbs | 10 | Dough hook, beater, whip, pouring shield | $350-$450 | 9.5/10 |
| CULINARY CHEF 4.5L Retro Silver | 4.75 qt | 1000W peak | 15 lbs | 6 + turbo | Whisk, hook, beater | $150-$200 | 8.2/10 |
| Kitchen in the Box 3.2Qt Black | 3.2 qt | 400W | 6.5 lbs | 6 | Whisk, hook, beater | $50-$70 | 7.0/10 |
Key Takeaway: The Midea shines in portability but trails KitchenAid in power for heavy-duty tasks. View KitchenAid Almond Cream variant for a creamy aesthetic upgrade.
The Midea MKM30130BPB features a tilt-head mechanism, allowing easy access to the stainless steel bowl. At 14 x 9 x 13 inches, it tucks away effortlessly in apartments or RVs. The all-metal planetary mixing action ensures thorough ingredient blending, reaching every bowl corner.
Build feels sturdy for its price, with rubber feet preventing slips during operation. However, the plastic housing shows fingerprints easily, and the motor housing warms up after 10+ minutes of continuous use.
Pros:
Cons:
For bigger kitchens, consider the KitchenAid Pistachio model—its pouring shield minimizes splatters.
We tested across five categories, timing mixes and evaluating texture (scale: 1-10 for smoothness, consistency).
Overall performance score: 7.8/10. It handles 80% of casual recipes but falters on dense batters compared to KitchenAid's 9.2/10 average.
Our Verdict: Great for beginners; upgrade to Matte Black KitchenAid for pro-level bread making.
10 analog speeds plus pulse offer precise control—low for folding, high for aerating. The eject lever releases attachments smoothly. Dishwasher-safe bowl and tools clean in under 5 minutes; wipe base with a damp cloth.
Users report intuitive setup (under 2 minutes), though the head lock could be tighter during heavy mixing.
Pro Tip: Store attachments in the included slot to avoid clutter. Check out best budget stand mixers for similar easy-clean options.
Standard trio (dough hook, flat beater, wire whip) covers basics. No extras like pasta rollers, but planetary motion mimics pricier models. Handles cakes, frostings, and meats well.
Compared to KitchenAid's expandable ecosystem, it's limited—but sufficient for 90% home use.
Pros:
Cons:
Who It's For: Casual bakers on tight budgets. Serious enthusiasts? Go KitchenAid.
If the Midea falls short, try these:
Explore best alternatives to KitchenAid for more.
Pair your mixer with top blenders: Best Blenders for Smoothies or Ultimate Kitchen Appliance Guide. Shop deals at Best Appliance Deals.
It manages small batches (up to 1.5 lbs) but strains on larger ones. For frequent bread baking, opt for KitchenAid's 325W motor.
Midea wins on price and portability; KitchenAid dominates power, capacity, and longevity. See our comparison table above.
Yes, the bowl and three attachments are dishwasher-safe for effortless cleanup.
Typically 1-year limited—check retailer for extensions.
Low speeds are whisper-quiet (55-60 dB); high speeds hit 75 dB, comparable to a blender.
Absolutely—its 8.8 lb weight and compact size make it ideal for limited space.
