This season of kitchen gadget revamps sees the Smeg Forte take center stage. As a former food blogger, I was excited by its 750-watt motor – twice that of the KitchenAid Artisan. The promise was clear: no more burnt out engines from overworked doughs.

But as with any performance upgrade, there’s a fine line between luxury and necessity. Smeg’s retro design is undeniably charming, but can its power really make a difference in everyday baking?

The test began with familiar recipes: meringues and rustic bread loaves. The Forte handled the dense doughs with ease, proving that its motor isn’t just for show. However, the real challenge came when I attempted to create light, fluffy pastries. Here, the Forte’s power seemed more hindrance than help.

Ultimately, while the Smeg Forte certainly has the muscle to handle any baking task, whether this extra power is worth the price tag depends on your needs. For those who enjoy pushing the limits of what their kitchen can do, it may well be a worthwhile investment.