Smeg’s Forte stand mixer combines a retro aesthetic with a 750-watt (1.1-horsepower) Direct Drive motor, but its performance is uneven. The mixer’s robust build and sleek design are offset by inconsistent mixing results, particularly with dense doughs and thick batters.
Overview
The Forte, available in up to seven colors depending on the retailer, offers 10 speeds and a smooth-start setting intended to gradually ramp up attachment speed. In practice, this setting felt more like a half-speed start than a true smooth ramp-up. The speed knob is located on top of the mixer rather than the side — a design choice that prioritizes looks over convenience.
What It Does
Like other tilt-head stand mixers, the Forte’s head bounces slightly with thicker batters. Smeg’s team told the reviewer this motion is intentional, mimicking hand-kneading. Most tilt-head mixers exhibit this behavior, so it’s not unique. The revamped bread hook attachment produced solid doughs consistently.
Tradeoffs
The most notable issue is the mixing bowl jiggling, even at lower speeds. The reviewer repeatedly checked that the bowl was locked and the tilt-head engaged, but the movement persisted — something not experienced with other stand mixers. The likely cause: the 750-watt motor may be too powerful for the 5-quart capacity. A larger bowl (e.g., the Ooni Halo Pro’s 7.3-quart capacity with a 650-watt motor) might better match the motor’s output.
The tilt-head mechanism uses a button at the back of the head rather than a latch (as on KitchenAid models). This button also engages a safety lock that shuts off the mixer and prevents the head from jostling. The 28-pound die-cast aluminum body and anti-slip feet provide stability. The Forte weighs roughly two to three pounds more than a KitchenAid Artisan series mixer or Artisan Plus.
Bottom Line
The Smeg Forte delivers serious power and a polished look, but its mixing bowl’s instability and the mismatch between motor output and bowl capacity undermine its performance. For bakers who frequently work with dense doughs, the Forte may not be the best choice. A larger bowl or a more balanced design would make this a more capable appliance.