KitchenAid Classic Vs. KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Review

*If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a KitchenAid mixer, but found the purchase price prohibitive, then we’re about to change that for you. In this post, we’re going to compare the KitchenAid Classic, which is the least expensive model at $269.99 (MSRP), with their top-of-the-line Artisan model, which retails for a whopping $389.99.*

*Among all of its features is a powerful 350 watt motor and 10 speeds that make whipping eggs or kneading dough easy as pie. And while it’s not dishwasher safe, it comes with a 5 year warranty. We recommend this mixer if you want good quality but are on a budget. *

*In this review, you’ll find out the pros and cons of owning a KitchenAid Classic. You’ll also learn:*

How to use the KitchenAid Classic model What accessories are available How to clean it What you should buy first Add-ons that can save you time and money What features are missing from this model How much noise it makes compared to its pricier counterpart Who is the KitchenAid Classic best for? What other mixers does KitchenAid make? * So whether you’re mixing up pancakes for breakfast or preparing ingredients for a huge holiday meal, read on to see if this mixer is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. *

KitchenAid Classic Vs. KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Review

The KitchenAid Classic Vs. KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Review is in.

KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer

The Classic model comes with a powerful 350 watt motor and 10 speeds that make whipping eggs or kneading dough easy as pie. And while it’s not dishwasher safe, it comes with a 5 year warranty. The classic model comes in 4 “pastel” colors: cream, aqua blue, pink and lime green. It also comes in 3 pastel colors with red accents: pink, aqua and lime green (but the red accents are not available for the lime green mixer). The Classic model has fewer features and accessories than the Artisan model, but you don’t need all that extra stuff if you’re on a budget.

Advantages of the KitchenAid Classic:

The Classic comes with a variety of attachments including a whisk, wire whisk, dough hook and balloon whip. It’s easy to clean with only two parts that are dishwasher safe. You can start out mixing with the smallest bowl attachment (which is also available in 2 sizes), then move up to the largest bowl starting at 3 1/2 cup capacity and working your way up to 6 cup capacity. The Classic not only mixes well, but also is quiet as it doesn’t vibrate and shake things up.

The Classic model has more power than the Artisan so it can be used in more applications. The motor is a bit louder but it’s not as loud as a Cuisinart, KitchenAid Professional or Bosch mixer. The Classic comes with a 5 year warranty.

Flaws of the KitchenAid Classic:

Doesn’t come with an instruction manual, even though the Classic comes with all of its attachments. The Classic model is not dishwasher safe.

In the KitchenAid Artisan vs. Classic mixer review, we compared two top-of-the-line models that are very similar in every aspect except how much they cost. The KitchenAid Artisan features a 3-blade stainless steel motor, which is even quieter than the 2-blade motor found in the Classic and a 6 speed control system that allows you to select from a selection of fine or course grinds depending on what type of food you’re making . A few other differences between the two models include:

KitchenAid Artisan Vs. KitchenAid Classic Mixer:

The Artisan is available in 4 colors (white, black, white with red accents and red with black accents) and 5 glass bowls (1 quart, 2 quart, 3 1/2 quart, 5 quart and 6 quart). The Artisan is more expensive than the Classic at $349.99 (MSRP) vs. $269.99 but it also comes with a 12 year warranty as opposed to the Standard’s 5 year warranty. It includes an electronic speed control system that automatically controls the speed motor torque based on what you’re doing in order to create the best experience possible for you. The Artisan also can get to a lower speed than the classic so you can grind more fragile products and processes like soft cheese, cakes and mousses.

The Artisan has a 3-blade stainless steel bowl that is stronger and more durable than the Classic’s 2-blade stainless steel bowl. The Artisan comes with an accessory storage case to keep your attachments safe after use. It’s easier to clean the Artisan because it is dishwasher safe. The Artisan has a 3-point lift system that allows you to raise or lower the bowl with one hand by holding onto the base handle, not like on the Classic where you have to hold onto both handles while raising or lowering it.

The Artisan doesn’t vibrate and shake like the Classic. The Artisan is quieter than the Classic when in use. The Artisan comes with a power cord that’s a bit longer than the Classic 12 ft (1.8 m) vs. 10 ft (3 m). On both models, some of you have complained about the noise levels; metallic scraping noises can be heard if you’re not careful when mixing and shaking things up, but it’s still much quieter than other popular mixers like Bosch, Cuisinart and KitchenAid Professional.

Who is the KitchenAid Classic Best For

If you have a small kitchen and don’t want to spend too much money on a mixer, the KitchenAid Classic model is for you because it’s more compact than the Artisan. If you’re making desserts and are on a budget, the Classic should work fine for your mixing needs. If you’re not sure which model to buy, we recommend getting something in between – save yourself some money and get the Deluxe instead of either of these two models. If the Deluxe model is one you decide to purchase, you’ll be getting a similar set of attachments for about $100 cheaper. If you get the KitchenAid Classic and don’t like it, it’s easy to return it and get a refund.

The Classic best fits in this category: Small kitchen or kitchen remodel – This is a solid mixer that comes with all of its attachments and isn’t too expensive either ($269.99 or $349.99 for the Artisan or Classic models). It’s good for a small kitchen or a budget-minded person who doesn’t want to spend too much money on a mixer. For couples or singles that want to share food preparation – If you and your partner share cooking responsibilities, one of you can use the Classic while the other uses an electric mixer.

The Artisan best fits in this category: Couples, marrieds and singles with different cooking styles – If both cooks in the kitchen have different cooking styles, but both want to participate in food preparation and enjoy making meals together, get the Artisan instead of both Classic and Artisan models. If your partner is always complaining about the noise levels of your KitchenAid, get the Artisan since it’s a little bit quieter than the Classic. Families with small kids – If you have young children, don’t want to spend money on a mixer, but also want to make meals together as a family, get the Artisan instead of both Classic and Artisan models.

Best Mixer Model Comparison Chart: (Note: All prices listed below are based on retailers’ current prices as of December 2016.)

KitchenAid Professional Series $849.99 to $1,199.99 (MSRP) Bosch $450 to $750 (MSRP) KitchenAid Standard Series $269.99 to $329.99 (MSRP) KitchenAid Artisan Series $349.99 to $429.99 (MSRP) KitchenAid Deluxe Series $299.95 (MSRP) KitchenAid Mixer Attachments $29.95-$59.95 (MSRP)

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 386 customer reviews. Click here to see the latest price for KitchenAid “Professional” series mixers (starting at $849.99). Click here to see the latest price for Bosch Mixer ( starting at $450 ). Click here to see the latest price for the KitchenAid Classic series models . Click here to see the latest price for the Professional 600 Series Stand Mixers .

What is the difference between KitchenAid Classic and Ultra Power?

The KitchenAid Classic is the most popular model and features a 325 watt motor, stainless steel body, glass bowl and 10 speed control system. The KitchenAid Ultra Power has a 625 watt motor (the strongest motor currently available), silver metallic body, metal bowl and 10 speed control system.

Why are so many KitchenAid mixers out of stock?

For as long as we’ve been reviewing electric mixers, the KitchenAid Classic model has always been the most popular one. It’s a powerful, durable and affordable mixer, so it’s no surprise that it’s sold out almost everywhere. However, you can always buy from Amazon .

On Amazon , (6/4/15) there are 853 reviews for the KitchenAid Classic series models; between 4-5 stars with almost 90% of reviewers giving 5 stars! Keep in mind that when you buy from Amazon , you’re also covered under their 30 day money back guarantee and other customer service policies.

Are KitchenAid mixers made in the USA?

Yes. The KitchenAid Artisan is made in the USA, but the Classic series models are made in China.

KitchenAid vs. Sunbeam Mixer

Sunbeam has been making mixers for over 40 years, but its mixer models have been in decline ever since KitchenAid came into the picture. If you’re looking for a Sunbeam mixer, your best bet is to search on Amazon and eBay . There are two models that we recommend: the Sunbeam KHM512AP Hand Mixer and the Sunbeam KHM920Z Pro Stand Mixer , at $69.99 and $129.95 respectively (prices as of March 2016). In contrast, the KitchenAid Classic has a higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon , and 4.2 on the Better Business Bureau website.

Who makes the KitchenAid Artisan and Classic models?

KitchenAid is a subsidiary of Electrolux, one of the world’s largest appliance makers. Their popular brands include Kenmore, Whirlpool , AEG, GE and Bosch . The KitchenAid brand dates back to 1922 (as The Artisan Manufacturing Company), but they’ve been known as KitchenAid since 1924. Today they’re a leading manufacturer of innovative kitchen products that also includes food processors, blenders, convertibles, espresso machines and rice cookers.

What’s the strongest KitchenAid stand mixer?

There are three mixers that come with a 625 watt motor – The Artisan , 5 Quart Capacity Stand Mixer and 7 Quart Capacity Stand Mixer . All three are top of the line models with a sturdier structure and stronger motors than most mixers. However, they’re also quite heavy (about 25 pounds/12 kg) so you’ll need to take your time when you’re moving it.

CONCLUSION:

The KitchenAid Classic model is a solid mixer that works well for most tasks. The Artisan and Ultra Power models are fantastic mixers with stronger motors and sturdier body, but they’re also heavier and more expensive. Overall, KitchenAid is an excellent brand and has great customer service if you need to contact them anytime after purchasing one of their products.