KitchenAid’s biggest decision so far? The price. For $299, the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is the cheapest of their four models. But for just a few bucks more, you can get an extra bowl and some other cool features with the Professional model. So which KitchenAid mixer is best for you? We’re here to help!
Inside this guide, we’ll take a look at all four mixers to help you figure out which one is best for your needs:
-The KitchenAid Artisan vs. Professional stand mixers
-The KitchenAid 6qt Pro 600 vs. 5qt Classic Plus tilt-head spiralizer models
-The 3 quart Mini Plus vs. the 3 quart Plus models -The 4 quart Classic and the 5 quart Classic Plus vs. the 6 quart Artisan and Professional models
-The difference between tilt-head and spiralizer motorized mixers
-The differing thicknesses of KitchenAid’s bowls, as well as their speeds and other features
-Buying guides for all four models to help you determine which mixers are right for you
So now, let’s get started!
1. The KitchenAid Artisan vs. Professional stand mixer
It’s really no surprise that the KitchenAid Artisan is their cheapest model at $299 (available in silver or black). At that price point, a lot of people expect a really barebones machine. And with good reason—they just don’t come any cheaper than this.
But things change as you approach that $300 price point. For example, there’s the KitchenAid Professional, which starts at $499 (available in black or white) and has all the same features of the Artisan but with a few extra bells and whistles.
The Professional is still fabulously affordable, but it’s more than double the price of their next model up, which is their 5-quart Classic Plus. And while the Artisan is still a bargain compared to its look-alikes from competitors like Breville, Chef’n and Cuisinart, it’s not quite as attractive either. So, is the Artisan worth it for $300?
As much as we love this machine, we definitely think there are more attractive options at this price point. So if you’re on a budget and can’t quite shell out $400 for the Professional model, then the Artisan is worth a consideration. But let’s take a closer look to see what you’re getting or not getting in this machine.
UNDER THE HOOD
The KitchenAid Artisan features a 325-watt motor that cranks out 12 speeds (although it’s important to note that these are just settings and not gear ratios). This translates into 5, 10 and 20 percent increments in speed across three “paddles.
One of the things that our sister site, TheSweethome.com loved about this mixer was the silicone dough hook. This is something that KitchenAid has had on their low-priced models for years and it’s what sets them apart from the other brands in our opinion. And while most user reviews either rave about this particular feature or say nothing about it, those who like it, really like it.
There are two drawbacks to be aware of with the Artisan, however. The first is that the plastic splash guard isn’t very stiff and is easy to topple over. Some people have also had issues with the power cord being too short (only about six feet). But for the most part, most users are really happy with this budget mixer.
THE PROFESSIONAL MODEL
At $499, the Professional model is still priced well compared to the Breville BEM800XL and its other competitors. And while it’s a little over double the price of the Artisan, you do get a lot more bang for your buck! This model comes with a few extra features that you don’t find on all of KitchenAid’s models.
The biggest improvement over the Artisan is that the Professional model has a larger bowl. It’s 10 inches wide vs. 9 inches for the Artisan.
And while most users would probably appreciate a bigger bowl, some people with smaller kitchens are happy to have this extra space. Because of this, this model has become another hit for KitchenAid as more people are starting to understand that having more space in your bowl means that it won’t get as crowded with dry ingredients and other objects during use.
While most people would prefer a bigger bowl, KitchenAid has listened to the feedback from some of their more seasoned users who admitted that they had more success with the Artisan because of its smaller bowl. So while you do get a larger bowl with this model, there’s something to be said for the fact that KitchenAid has taken in all of your complaints and made adjustments accordingly. Now let’s take a look at this mixer!
UNDER THE HOOD
The biggest advantage that the Professional model has over the Artisan is its power. The Professional is powered by a 600-watt motor that cranks out 15 speeds (although it’s important to note that these are just settings and not gear ratios). This translates into 5, 10, 20 and 25 percent increments in speed across three “paddles.
While there are more speeds on the Professional model, it should be noted that some users have said that they rarely use the last few speeds. The most notable difference between these two models is the fact that the Professional has a dough hook with a flatter hook as well as a spiral hook for mixing and kneading.
Both the spiral and dough hooks are covered in silicone and are thicker than the ones on the Artisan. And both of these special features are something you don’t find on most other models in this price range. In fact, sometimes it takes a few days until you start to get used to them—but once you do, they’re pretty amazing!
THE 5-QT CLASSIC PLUS MODEL
The other model that is worth noting here is the 4-quart Classic Plus model which starts at $499. This is where you get to step up from the Artisan. It’s every bit as affordable as the Professional model, but features more than all of the bells and whistles of its competitors.
This machine really has all of the features that some people want in a stand mixer, although there are a few things that could be better. One notable issue with this model is that it has the same problem that all of the other machines at this price point have—a shorter power cord (only 6 feet). Most people should be able to find a power outlet somewhere close by or even use an extension cord if they don’t have a lot of room in their kitchen. So be aware of this before you buy.
But the fact that this machine has all of the same features as its $500+ competition makes it a perfect choice for those who want all of the convenience of a KitchenAid without having to break the bank. It’s hard to beat this machine for what you’re getting for just $499! If you’re interested in seeing more KitchenAid stand mixers, check out our review on their 5-quart Artisan 5-speed Stand Mixer which is available at a great price point on Amazon.com!
BEST OF THE BEST: By Breville The BEM800XL is our Editors’ Choice Award winner and the most expensive option in our list (for now). At over $700, it’s more than double the price of the Artisan and almost 3 times the price of our budget pick (the KitchenAid Artisan).
However, this machine has some features that we think are worth its weight in gold. First off, it has a 7-quart bowl that is identical to what you would find on their Professional model at a lower price point. All of the features on this machine are also found on their Professional model. But one of our favorite parts is that the BEM800XL includes an electric meat grinder attachment. This thing can make some seriously amazing burgers and hot dogs that are as good as they come. And while it doesn’t take very long to clean, it’s still pretty easy to use and handle.
Another big feature on this machine is its stainless steel plating. It really makes a big difference in how well you can manage your dough and batter. Other mixers by KitchenAid have used plastic plating which sometimes makes them a bit slippery and hard to hold. But the BEM800XL has brushed stainless steel, which is much easier for gripping when you’re mixing dough or batters.
Is the KitchenAid Pro worth it?
At $499, the KitchenAid Pro Mixer is our budget pick. While it’s not exactly powerful, it does have some good features and ease of use that sets it apart from other mixers in its price range. If you’re looking for something more powerful, you may want to consider our top pick—the Breville Bem800XL which can be found at our recommended price point on Amazon.com!
What if I already own a KitchenAid Stand Mixer?
If you already own a KitchenAid or another kitchen appliance like this one, you can still make money if you sell your stuff through sites like Offer Up. People are always looking for a bargain and they’ll happily buy your used mixer, especially if you have it in excellent condition. Even if you’re not looking to sell, you can still get in on this deal. Amazon has KitchenAid Mixers as low as $229! This would make for one hell of a gift for any baker whether they are for yourself or someone else!
What if I need to take my mixer on the go?
If you need something more portable but powerful enough to mix your cake batter on the road, check out this Cuisinart Handheld Mixer that comes equipped with two beaters, a whisk and a dough hook. While it lacks the power of other mixers, it is perfect for anyone who likes to prepare their meals on the road—or those who just like to have a little fun in the kitchen by themselves. And at only $30, you really can’t go wrong.
What is the best KitchenAid mixer for the price?
If you’re just looking for a mixer that can do the basics without costing an arm and a leg, the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer is your best bet. This is one of the least expensive mixers that KitchenAid makes and it’s best suited for basic tasks like making cakes, pancakes, and cinnamon rolls. If you’re interested in seeing more information on this model and other models that offer more powerful options by KitchenAid, check out our review here!
What is the best selling KitchenAid mixer?
The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer, as mentioned above, is one of the bestsellers and it’s a good budget pick. If you see this model listed on Amazon or at a local retail outlet, it’s definitely worth looking into. Check out our review here to learn more about this excellent mixer!
What are the best KitchenAid mixers for beginners?
This is actually a little confusing. Because all of the mixers that you see on the store shelves today are built by KitchenAid; however, each company has their own models so each one can have different attachments and brands.
CONCLUSION:
KitchenAid is a brand that knows their stuff. They have been in the business for over 100 years and their mixers are some of the best ones around. But when buying one, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Mixer should be stainless steel lined and have an easy to access lid— Once, you open up your mixer, you want it to be easy to use, so make sure that the parts and tool containers within it are easily accessible. Make sure that once you give the machine a good whirl, you can get at the center of whatever it’s beating without having to stop every five minutes from opening and shutting it down repeatedly.
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