OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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Scored using Stand Mixers Methodology v3.0
Stand Mixers Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Stand Mixers Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Stand Mixers Methodology v3.0

KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990 review: 41 specs compared

Avg. price:~£970Motor power:500 WBowl capacity:7.6 LNumber of speed levels:10Number of included attachments:3Weight:11.3 kg

KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990 Review: Compare 41 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Stand Mixers category and whether it is worth buying.

KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, ratings from across the web and expert reviews.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 60%, List score 15%, User score 15%, Reviews score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

60%

6.2

Technical score

15%

9.1

User score

15%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.7, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 51% of stand mixers
5.3

Value for money

Value for money
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the stand mixer's overall rating with its price.
When it matters
When you are looking for a stand mixer with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

1.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 97%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 60% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components

35%

6.3

Performance

15%

4.0

Functions

15%

8.9

Bowl

15%

3.1

Accessories

10%

5.9

Design

10%

10

Safety

â–¼Worse than 65%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.7 for now.
Share: Reviews count 10% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.7.
Ratings from across the web count in the User score, not in this score.
No expert tests yet
9.1

User score

User score
9.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
How we count it
Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.0, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
Share: User score counts 15% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 84% of models

70%

8.8

Rating

30%

9.9

Popularity

â–²Better than 84%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 15% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of stand mixer KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 60% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 65% of models
Score components:

35%

6.3

Performance

15%

4.0

Functions

15%

8.9

Bowl

15%

3.1

Accessories

10%

5.9

Design

10%

10

Safety

6.2
Reviews score
7.7
User score
9.1
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the stand mixer's overall rating with its price.
When it matters
When you are looking for a stand mixer with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

1.3

Price

5.3
Mixer type
planetary
Head design
bowl-lift
Motor power
500 W
Market range: <350 W – >1.5k W
This stand mixer delivers 500 W of motor power, which is lower than the rated power of 82.1% of stand mixers and equal to that of 3.6% of stand mixers.
Number of speed levels
10
Market range: <6 – >11
This stand mixer offers 10 speed levels, which is more speed settings than on 65.1% of stand mixers and equal to that on 22.8% of stand mixers.
Maximum speed
280 RPM
Market range: <180 RPM – >422 RPM
This stand mixer reaches a top planetary speed of 280 RPM, which is faster than the maximum speed of 70% of stand mixers.
Show more
Bowl capacity
7.6 L
Market range: <4 L – >7.6 L
This stand mixer features a bowl capacity of 7.6 L, which is larger than the mixing bowl of 90.2% of stand mixers.
Dough capacity
?
Bowl material
stainless steel
Splash guard included
no
This stand mixer does not have a splash guard, unlike 9.1%.
Dishwasher-safe parts
yes
This stand mixer has dishwasher-safe parts, unlike 85.1%.
Built-in scale
no
This stand mixer does not have built-in scale, unlike 89.5%.
Heating function
no
This stand mixer does not have heating function, unlike 96.6%.
Maximum timer
?
Display
no
This stand mixer does not have a display. 27.2% of stand mixers have a display.
Control type
lever
Show more
Number of included attachments
3
Market range: <3 – >6
This stand mixer comes with 3 included attachments, which is more accessories than with 2.8% of stand mixers and equal to that with 65.1% of stand mixers.
Dough hook included
yes
This stand mixer has a dough hook, unlike 100%.
Flat beater included
yes
This stand mixer has a flat beater, unlike 96.3%.
Wire whisk included
yes
This stand mixer has a wire whisk, unlike 99.5%.
Meat grinder included
no
This stand mixer does not include a meat grinder, unlike 90.5%.
Show more
Height
41.8 cm
Market range: <28.2 cm – >41.9 cm
This stand mixer has an overall height of 41.8 cm, which is taller than 87.7% of stand mixers.
Width
33.8 cm
Market range: <21 cm – >40.2 cm
This stand mixer measures 33.8 cm in width, which is wider than 67.6% of stand mixers and equal in width to 0.5% of stand mixers.
Depth
37.31 cm
Market range: <22 cm – >42 cm
This stand mixer has a depth of 37.31 cm, which is deeper than 75.1% of stand mixers.
Weight
11.3 kg
Market range: <3.98 kg – >13.2 kg
This stand mixer weighs 11.3 kg, which is heavier than 81.8% of stand mixers.
Body material
die-cast zinc
Show more
Overload protection
yes
This stand mixer has overload protection, unlike 99.3%.
Safety locking system
yes
This stand mixer has safety locking system, unlike 97.5%.
Automatic shut-off
yes
This stand mixer has automatic shut-off, unlike 57.4%.
Non-slip feet
yes
This stand mixer has non-slip feet, unlike 100%.

KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990 vs the average stand mixer

246810TotalPerformanceFunctionsDesignBowlAccessoriesSafety
  • 2.6 L larger bowl capacity
    This stand mixer accommodates larger batch baking, multiple bread loaves, and party-sized frostings than the average stand mixer (7.6 L vs 5 L).
    7.6 L vs 5 L
  • 3 more speed levels
    This stand mixer allows finer speed tuning from gentle folding to intense whipping than the average stand mixer (10 vs 7).
    10 vs 7
  • 0.13 m longer power cord
    This stand mixer reaches wall outlets across the countertop with greater freedom than the average stand mixer (1.2 m vs 1.09 m).
    1.22 m vs 1.09 m
  • 18.2% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.0, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 15% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 84% of models

    70%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    9.9

    Popularity

    9.1 vs 7.7
  • 60 RPM higher speed
    This stand mixer whips egg whites and heavy cream into voluminous, stiff peaks more rapidly than the average stand mixer (280 RPM vs 220 RPM).
    280 RPM vs 220 RPM
  • 18.2% higher user score
    User score
    9.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How happy buyers are with this model, based on ratings from across the web.
    How we count it
    Enough data: A model needs at least 1 rating from across the web. Without one, it counts as 8.0, the mark of a weaker rated model in this category.
    Share: User score counts 15% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 84% of models

    70%

    8.8

    Rating

    30%

    9.9

    Popularity

    9.1 vs 7.7
  • 3 more speed levels
    This stand mixer allows finer speed tuning from gentle folding to intense whipping than the average stand mixer (10 vs 7).
    10 vs 7
  • 60 RPM higher speed
    This stand mixer whips egg whites and heavy cream into voluminous, stiff peaks more rapidly than the average stand mixer (280 RPM vs 220 RPM).
    280 RPM vs 220 RPM
  • 0.13 m longer power cord
    This stand mixer reaches wall outlets across the countertop with greater freedom than the average stand mixer (1.2 m vs 1.09 m).
    1.22 m vs 1.09 m
  • 2.6 L larger bowl capacity
    This stand mixer accommodates larger batch baking, multiple bread loaves, and party-sized frostings than the average stand mixer (7.6 L vs 5 L).
    7.6 L vs 5 L
  • 500 W less motor power
    This stand mixer provides less motor torque and may strain on stiff, multi-pound dough batches compared to the average stand mixer (500 W vs 1,000 W).
    500 W vs 1,000 W
  • Does not have pulse function
    This stand mixer does not include a pulse function (no), while the average stand mixer does (yes).
  • 50.7% heavier
    This stand mixer is heavier than the average stand mixer (11.3 kg vs 7.5 kg). The average stand mixer weighs 7.5 kg.
    11.3 kg vs 7.5 kg
  • 6.8 cm taller height
    This stand mixer has a taller vertical build that may interfere with overhead cupboards when tilting the head compared to the average stand mixer (41.8 cm vs 35 cm).
    41.8 cm vs 35 cm
  • Does not include a splash guard
    This stand mixer does not include a splash guard (no), while the average stand mixer does (yes).
  • 5.99 cm deeper body
    This stand mixer extends further front-to-back and requires a deeper countertop area than the average stand mixer (37.3 cm vs 31.3 cm).
    37.31 cm vs 31.325 cm
  • 4.62x more expensive
    KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990 is more expensive than the average stand mixer (£970 vs £210).
    £970 vs £210
  • 5.8 cm wider body
    This stand mixer occupies wider countertop area and crowds adjacent baking tools compared to the average stand mixer (33.8 cm vs 28 cm).
    33.8 cm vs 28 cm
  • 4.62x more expensive
    KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990 is more expensive than the average stand mixer (£970 vs £210).
    £970 vs £210
  • 40.2% worse value for money
    KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990 has worse value for money than the average stand mixer (5.28 vs 7.4).
    5.28 vs 7.4
  • 500 W less motor power
    This stand mixer provides less motor torque and may strain on stiff, multi-pound dough batches compared to the average stand mixer (500 W vs 1,000 W).
    500 W vs 1,000 W
  • Does not have pulse function
    This stand mixer does not include a pulse function (no), while the average stand mixer does (yes).
  • 50.7% heavier
    This stand mixer is heavier than the average stand mixer (11.3 kg vs 7.5 kg). The average stand mixer weighs 7.5 kg.
    11.3 kg vs 7.5 kg
  • 6.8 cm taller height
    This stand mixer has a taller vertical build that may interfere with overhead cupboards when tilting the head compared to the average stand mixer (41.8 cm vs 35 cm).
    41.8 cm vs 35 cm
  • 5.99 cm deeper body
    This stand mixer extends further front-to-back and requires a deeper countertop area than the average stand mixer (37.3 cm vs 31.3 cm).
    37.31 cm vs 31.325 cm
  • 5.8 cm wider body
    This stand mixer occupies wider countertop area and crowds adjacent baking tools compared to the average stand mixer (33.8 cm vs 28 cm).
    33.8 cm vs 28 cm
  • Does not include a splash guard
    This stand mixer does not include a splash guard (no), while the average stand mixer does (yes).

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Hands-on video, no verdict

Third-party reviews

What customers like about KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990

  • High capacity 8-quart stainless steel bowl handles massive batches effortlessly.
  • Powerful 1.3 horsepower DC motor operates efficiently with minimal heat build-up.
  • Remarkably quiet operation compared to standard tilt-head and smaller bowl-lift mixers.
  • Commercial-grade construction with durable, dishwasher-safe stainless steel attachments.
  • Excellent stability on countertops during heavy tasks due to its solid weight and bowl-lift design.
  • Certified for commercial use (NSF rated), making it highly durable for heavy daily wear and tear.
  • Speed control protection prevents accidental startups when wiping the unit down.

What customers don't like about KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990

  • Extremely heavy (around 30 pounds), making it highly cumbersome to move or store frequently.
  • Not well-suited for very small batches as attachments may not adequately reach or mix tiny volumes.
  • The bowl-lift design can make changing out attachments feel cramped or messy compared to tilt-head options.
  • Expensive initial investment, making it less cost-effective for casual or occasional home bakers.
  • Very limited aesthetic choices, coming in only a small handful of basic commercial colors.

Verdict

The KitchenAid Commercial KSM8990 is an NSF-certified, bowl-lift stand mixer engineered for heavy-duty environments, featuring a powerful 1.3 horsepower high-efficiency DC motor and a large 8-quart stainless steel bowl capable of holding up to 16 cups of flour. Its main characteristics include a 100% gear-driven transmission, 10-speed electronic control slider, speed control protection for safer cleaning, and a heavy-duty commercial power cord. The primary pros of this model are its exceptional torque, quiet operation, reduced heat buildup during long mixing cycles, and durable dishwasher-safe stainless steel attachments (flat beater, spiral dough hook, and 11-wire elliptical whip). However, its main cons include a very heavy footprint that makes it difficult to move, an inability to efficiently process small ingredient batches, and the lack of a tilt-head feature which can make swapping attachments messy.

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