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Camilla Sharman
28 September 2025
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Tom’s Guide Verdict
Laura Ashley’s stand mixer isn’t for everyone. The design alone will put some off, while others will be drawn to the rose pattern. It’s a good performer if you’re not looking for a powerful stand mixer to mix through a pile of dough. It’s also super lightweight, which could be a real winner if you need to store your stand mixer away when not in use.
Lightweight
Smooth controls
Traditional design
No hub for extra attachments
Suction feet are annoying
Lacks power for heavy mixes
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Why you can trust Tom’s Guide
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Price and availability
Performance
Ease of use
The verdict
Laura Ashley Stand Mixer
Model: VQSBSMR55LACR
Bowl capacity: 4.8 quart (4.5 liter)
Dimensions:12.99 (D) x 13.85 (W) x 8.66 (H) inches
Weight:7.93 lbs
Speeds: 10 speeds
Material: Stainless steel bowl, die-cast aluminium housing
Finish: Decorative plastic casing
Cord length: 40 inches
I get excited every time I get to test and review one of the best stand mixers. And although I usually test stand mixers made by companies like KitchenAid and Smeg, and we have other premium appliances such as Ooni’s Halo Pro in our buying guide, this is the first time I’ve tested a stand mixer by a company where kitchen appliances aren’t its primary focus.
In fact, Laura Ashley is an established heritage textile brand, known for its fabrics, clothing and home furnishing. However, in 2024, it teamed up with VQ and launched a range of small appliances.
It would be unfair to compare Laura Ashley’s stand mixer with the Ooni Halo Pro or any of KitchenAid’s stand mixers; the price alone will give you an indication that they are not on a level playing field. However, if you’re not a serious baker and want a stand mixer to whip up some meringue for a vanilla cake for afternoon tea, it could be just the baking companion you need.
Laura Ashley stand mixer: Price and availability
(Image credit: Amazon/Laura Ashley)
Laura Ashley’s China Rose stand mixer is available in two sizes: 4.5 liters (4.8 quarts) or 6 liters (6.3 quarts).
The smaller version is available for $169 at Amazon(currently reduced by 15%), and the larger model is available for $300 at Amazon (currently reduced by 25%). Elsewhere, you can find the 4.5-liter version for $169 at Wayfair and Walmart, and the 6-liter version for $300 at Wayfair.
Laura Ashley’s larger stand mixer is more expensive than Cuisinart’s Precision Master in Linen White, which is currently on sale at Amazon for $239, a 25% reduction from its original price. Although, the price of the Cuisinart varies depending on the colorway you select. To compare a premium stand mixer, KitchenAid’s Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head stand mixer normally retails for $499 at Amazon, although you can currently pick up the Almond Cream colorway at a 30% discount.
Laura Ashley stand mixer: Design
(Image credit: Future)
There’s no mistaking that the design is floral, and it sits within Laura Ashley’s China Rose Collection, which includes other small kitchen appliances. It’s not for everyone, but if you fancy a floral flourish in your kitchen and favor a traditional look, it could be a good match. Although I can’t see it in a contemporary, cutting-edge kitchen.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
This stand mixer has a tilt-head design, which is a common theme for standard mixers. With premium mixers, you would expect to find a bowl-lift design, such as KitchenAid’s Bowl Lift stand mixer. The tilt head is locked and released by raising a lever, although when raised, you can’t help but notice the internal plastic casing.
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(Image credit: Future)
The stand mixer comes with three attachments: a beater, a whisk, and a dough hook, which are easy to attach. It also has a splash cover, although I was confused at first. I assumed it went on top of the bow, but instead it attaches to the underside of the head unit, and rubber pads help it stay in place.
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
It did make it awkward when I wanted to use a spatula to scrape around the bowl partway through a mix, as I had to remove the attachment before being able to detach and remove the splash cover out of the way.
Having said this, it was easy to position, and it has a good-sized gap to add ingredients during the mix.
(Image credit: Future)
One of the notable features of this stand mixer is its weight. At just over 7 pounds, it’s significantly lighter than any other mixer I’ve tested, which makes it stand out. While my first thought was, ‘Can it withstand a good beating?’, it did make me realise that it makes it super maneuverable.
If you don’t have space to leave your mixer on your countertop, it’s not an issue to lift it in and out of a cupboard. I store my KitchenAid on a utility shelf and literally have to brace myself to lift 24 pounds of appliance up onto a rack.
Being lightweight does result in one niggle. To keep it secure on your countertop, it’s designed with suction feet, which means you have to give it a slight tug to release the feet.
What’s more, there is one thing that you don’t get with this stand mixer, and that’s the option to add extra attachments. If you’re looking for a stand mixer that can also accommodate a pasta maker, chopper, or grinder, you’re best off buying a KitchenAid.
Laura Ashley stand mixer: Performance
I made a vanilla cake, meringue and bread dough to test the three attachments, using the flat beater, whisk and dough hook.
Making sponge cake
(Image credit: Future)
All eyes were on me when I started making a vanilla cake. Sponge cake is a top favorite in my household, especially if it’s filled with homemade jam.
I attached the flat beater to the mixer head and added 150g of soft butter and 150g of sugar to the bowl. I turned the speed dial to 2.5 and got mixing. I started to increase the speed gradually, but when I reached speed 6 I felt it was too high, even though the manual states the flat beater can be used for 3-10 minutes on levels 1-7.
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Once the butter and sugar had creamed, I started to add in some of the egg, but found it wasn’t incorporating. At this point, I stopped the machine and scraped the mixture from the side of the bowl. I then ramped the speed up to ‘4’. I usually find that I have to add a small amount of flour to prevent the mixture from curdling, but in this instance, I was able to add all the egg before adding any flour.
(Image credit: Future)
My next step was to add the flour, but to save it from spilling over my countertop, I wanted to attach the splash guard. Rather than simply placing it on top of the bowl, I had to detach the beater and place the cover around the mixer head. This later caused the issue of being unable to access the mixture to stir it. I had to remove the beater, which was messy at this stage, before I could remove the splash cover, allowing me enough space to stir the mixture.
However, this was my only gripe when making the cake batter, which incorporated well and produced a lovely light sponge.
(Image credit: Future)
Whisking egg whites
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
I normally whip up some heavy cream when I test a stand mixer, but I had plenty of spare eggs, so I decided to make meringue. It would also give me a chance to use the appliance for a little longer, as apart from incorporating air into the egg whites, I would need to add sugar.
I attached the whisk and then placed four egg whites into the bowl. You really need to make sure that the bowl is clean and that there’s no sign of yolk or shell within the egg white. I started the speed gradually and was soon able to turn it up to level 10 — the top speed.
It managed to incorporate plenty of air, and the machine felt comfortable and secure, even at the top speed, although it did register 82 dB. Once the egg whites were whipped and forming soft peaks, I lowered the speed and started to add in the brown sugar, which is my preferred choice of sugars when making meringue.
It formed a lovely, soft, and silky meringue texture, and the mixer handled the task with ease. And although I was only whisking four egg whites, it should be able to handle up to 15.
(Image credit: Future)
Making bread
Image 1 of 2
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
I started making some bread, although I was skeptical about how the mixer would perform, as it doesn’t have the power or capacity of a stand mixer like the Ooni Halo Pro, which comes into its own when confronted with dough.
I started to make a 500g loaf, adding oil rather than butter to the mix and turned the speed dial to 0.5. I like that you can twist the dial, so you are not restricted to whole-number settings, which gives you the option for gradual increases and decreases in speed.
The noise was noticeable, registering at 76dB on my sound monitor, and the head of the mixer was moving about, but thankfully, the base stayed put. Once the ingredients were mixed, I increased the speed to 2 and kneaded for 5 minutes.
During the mix, I also increased the speed dial to 6 — to test the machine when using the highest recommended speed when using the dough hook. At this point, the sound meter registered 84 dB, and I felt the speed was too high, so I reduced it back to level 2, which felt more comfortable.
I was overall happy with how the dough turned out, but I don’t think the mixer would handle a larger loaf as easily.
(Image credit: Future)
The dough was left to prove for an hour before I knocked it back and shaped it into a round for the final proof. It was then baked and left to cool before it was devoured. The final loaf had a pleasant shape, a good crumb, and tasted delicious.
Laura Ashley stand mixer: Ease of use
(Image credit: Future)
The Laura Ashley stand mixer is easy and intuitive to use. The only problem I had was knowing how to attach the splash guard, but once I referred to the instructions, I was away. The bowl fits nicely into the base, and the attachments are slotted and then twisted into position.
The speed control knob is also gradual, and I appreciated the flexibility it provided with small increments, offering precision when needed and a smooth transition between speeds. A light also appears and flashes once you turn the mixer on and then stays as a constant light once it is working.
I found the suction pads on the fit annoying, as every time I wanted to move the appliance, I had to give it an extra tug. However, this is likely due to the lightweight nature of the mixer, which could be a benefit for some.
Laura Ashley stand mixer: Cleaning
There’s really not much to say about the cleaning, apart from it’s easy. The mixing bowl, attachments, and splash guard can all be washed in warm soapy water, rinsed, and dried. The main body of the stand mixer can be wiped with a damp cloth. However, avoid using abrasive cleaning agents, scourers, acetone, or alcohol on the appliance.
Laura Ashley stand mixer: The verdict
(Image credit: Future)
Laura Ashley’s stand mixer is aimed at a particular market, and with its bold floral design, it’s not going to be everyone’s choice. But even putting my personal preferences aside, it didn’t blow me away.
However, it is a neat performer and it produced a tasty loaf, cake and meringues. But its lightweight nature, plastic casing, and suction feet felt disappointing. Having said that, if you’re a regular baker, I don’t think you’ll be rushing out to buy it, but for occasional bakers, with a love of florals, it could be a good fit. And the small version makes an affordable budget buy.
Nonetheless, there is one reason that makes this mixer more quirky than most, and might have you rushing out to buy one. It’s the control dial that lights up when it’s in use and gives off a blue glow.
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Camilla Sharman
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Staff Writer, Homes
Camilla is the Homes Staff Writer and covers everything to do with homes and gardens. She has a wealth of editorial experience, mounting over 30 years, and covers news and features, tests products for reviews and compiles buying guides.
Her work has appeared in business and consumer titles, including Ideal Home, Real Homes, House Beautiful, Homebuilding & Renovation, and Kitchen & Bathroom Business. She’s even appeared on the cover of Your Home, writing about her own house renovation.
Although she’s obsessed with decorating her home, she also enjoys baking and trying out the latest kitchen appliances. But when she’s not inside, you’ll find her pottering about in her yard, tending to her vegetable patch or taking in her prized hydrangeas.
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