In this review we take a look at two of the most popular stand mixer models from KitchenAid: The Pro 600 and the Artisan. We will assess their similarities, as well as take a look at their key differences. This is an in depth review that makes you feel like you are actually wielding one of these seamlessly powerful workhorses in your own kitchen as you read along!
The KitchenAid Pro 600 is one of the more expensive stand mixers in the lineup, with a retail price of $449.99. The Artisan is the middle child, retailing for $329.99. You can save about $120 by opting for this slightly less feature laden version of the iconic stand mixer. Which one has what it takes to satisfy your mixing needs? Keep reading and we’ll take a look at how these two models compare side by side.
Design and Features
The Pro 600 comes in at a hefty 17lbs, while the Artisan weighs in at a much more manageable 10lbs. Not to be confused with the KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, the Artisan Series 6 Quart Bowl Lift Stand Mixer is now available in black and silver (pictured below).
The Pro 600’s chrome-plated bowl features the KitchenAid USA “K” logo, while the Artisan’s bowl comes with a baked enamel finish. The handles are a dark glossy black on both models.
With 2,000 watts of power, this is one of the most powerful mixers in its class. You can power through any task you throw at it with ease, whether it be mixing a batch of cookie dough or whipping egg whites for your next recipe. It makes all the difference when you’re working with heavy tools like this and can make the difference between success and failure – don’t be left scratching your head wondering what went wrong.
The Pro 600 comes with 14 different attachments, as opposed to the Artisan’s 6. The Pro 600’s attachments include a whip, flat beater, dough hook, sous-pateuse and more. This version also comes with a stainless steel pouring shield to protect your work surface from globs of flour or batter.
The Artisan has the same wide selection of 15 attachments as well as an additional 4 “specialty” tools: dough hooks with different diameters (the largest is 1/4″), paddle blade, whisk and sticker lifter.
As for the accessories, the Pro comes with a 3-piece pouring shield and mini head guard, while the Artisan features a splash guard and wire whip.
The Pro 600’s bowl is crafted from cast metal that is polished to a mirror finish (made in USA). It measures 6.5 quarts (6.1 liters) with a 1-quart capacity that makes it perfect for both everyday tasks and whipping up larger batches of batter. This bowl is also equipped with handles on each side, which you can use when transferring heavy batches of food. You will also find ¼ -cup markings marked inside the bowl as well as a tilt head lock knob on the backside of the motor base.
Is Artisan better than professional?
The Artisan is undeniably better in every way: it has a sleeker and more attractive design that also comes at a much lower price tag. The Pro 600’s features and styling may be more in line with the professional models, but there’s no denying that this model is still one of the most powerful stand mixers on the market.
Minor Differences
The Pro 600 comes with a stainless steel pouring shield, while the Artisan includes 3-piece pouring shield and mini head guard (wire whip, sticker lifter and whisk). Both bowls are equipped with non-skid rubber feet (only available on tilt heads). The Artisan’s bowl measures 6.5 quarts – 0.5qt larger than the Pro.
The Artisan also comes with a scaled bowl that measures 5 and 7/8 quarts (5.7 liters) and a 1-quart capacity to meet any recipe-related demand. It also has accurate markings inside the bowl along with a metal mixing blade that can be hand-washed.
The Pro 600 has a metal flat beater, while the Artisan features the same flat beater along with a dough hook and wire whip. The Pro 600’s mixer head features metal control buttons and control panel, while the Artisan’s is plastic (the “start/stop” button can only be activated when machine is plugged in).
Is KitchenAid discontinuing the Artisan series?
The truth is, neither of these models will be updated in the near future. The Pro 600’s digital display model will remain in production with a slightly updated motor plate. The Artisan’s bowl model, however, has been discontinued.
Who should get the Pro 600?
The Artisan is a great choice for beginners who want to start off with a model that includes all the bells and whistles: its 6-quart bowl can easily handle large batches of batter or cookie dough. The Artisan also has a 5-year limited warranty, which is standard for all stand mixers. See our KitchenAid Artisan vs Mini comparison for more details.
The Pro 600’s extra features aren’t necessary for everyone – but if you want something that is a bit more powerful and can handle heavy tasks with little to no stress, this mixer will be able to conquer any recipe you throw at it. Also, the Pro 600’s motor comes with a lifetime limited warranty (instead of 5 years). However, it is worth noting that KitchenAid has always stood behind its products – even when the company was sold to another company some time ago.
What is the difference between the KitchenAid models?
The Pro is the only model that comes with a compact tilt head, while all of the other KitchenAid stand mixers are bowl-lift models. The Pro also has extra features to make your job easier, including a touch control panel that is backlit with an “easy-to-read” LCD screen. There’s even an available digital display model for those who want to take things to the next level of convenience.
The Artisan includes a manual timer and three speeds – which is standard for all tilt head stand mixers. Each speed has a “glide” setting, which means you can change speeds without stopping between mixes. KitchenAid mixers come in many different shapes and sizes, as well as colors or graphics.
How do I use my KitchenAid Professional 600?
First, make sure your counter is adequate for the wheeled base of the Pro or the bowl lift stand. If that’s not the case, you’ll need to find a new countertop before moving forward.
Make sure your attachment is securely attached to the bowl lift hub before you begin. Each attachment has a knob on top that allows you to adjust how fast it spins. The speed should match the recipe instructions – start at a slower speed and increase it as necessary.
When blending, start with the flat beater and gradually increase speed until all ingredients are dispersed evenly throughout. If there are stubborn ingredients that won’t mix, add them in small increments while slowly increasing speed until they are fully mixed and smooth.
When using the wire whip to make meringue, place egg whites and sugar into a large bowl. If using vanilla extract, add this now as well. Place the wire whip on top of a large mixing bowl and place it on your mixer’s stand. Plug in the appliance and turn it on to “low.”
As you’re beating your whites, take note of how thick or thin they are becoming. When they reach a consistency that is firm but still “thick,” you will notice that the wire whip is clean when removed from the mixing bowl – at this point, turn off your mixer.
How do I adjust my KitchenAid Pro 600 mixer?
Use your finger to lift the head so you can see the metal drive shaft.
Use a wrench to tighten or loosen the metal drive shaft until it is fully inserted into the head of the mixer. You will know it’s secure when you cannot move it with your fingers.
Should I clean my attachment before using it?This is optional, but be sure to always clean your attachment after each use with warm soap and water, rinse thoroughly and towel dry before storing in a safe place for later use.
You should never allow attachments to air-dry as this dries out the rubber on the base of your attachment, which makes it more likely to break over time.
Final Thoughts:
If you want to try out a model before investing in the full-size KitchenAid stand mixer , you can buy this model and the smaller Artisan on their website.
Our KitchenAid professional 600 review team also wanted to add that this is a great quality stand mixer for all skill levels – from beginner to experienced chef. There are no bells and whistles that “break” easily, although we wouldn’t say it is for everyone. We would recommend this model for anyone who wants something that provides more power and larger bowl capacity than what’s offered in the Artisan series.
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