KitchenAid, and more specifically the KitchenAid 5-quart Artisan stand mixer, is a popular choice of kitchen appliances and tools. For some people it can be hard to make a choice as to which type of appliance they should purchase when many trade-offs are involved. This article will compare the two types of mixers in terms of their ease of use and durability, while also highlighting some trade-offs between them in order to help you make a decision that is right for your needs.
The Basics of KitchenAid vs Cuisinart
Both mixers are made by KitchenAid, and there is a lot we can learn from their respective styles. They both have a serious design that instantly conveys their value. The older models of the Artisan series have been discontinued and replaced with the Professional line which has polycarbonate base instead of cast iron. The main difference between the Artisan and Professional models is in the durability and ease of use. Both have stainless steel construction to help resist corrosion, but on the Artisan it is made entirely from stainless steel whereas on the Professional model small parts such as gears are made from aluminum instead. Over time, the Professional models are expected to be more resistant to corrosion and wear.
As for ease of use, the Artisan mixer has a tilt-back head and an attached power cord that makes it easier to move around while mixing. The Professional model requires you to detach the head from the stand and then reattach it after use because there is no tilt back feature. You will have to lift this extra weight when it’s time to move, which can be quite a hassle in closing quarters. You also have separate controls for speed on the Artisan model, making it much easier to transition between settings than on the Professional model where they are all controlled by one switch.
How heavy are Cuisinart and KitchenAid Stand Mixers?
Both mixers weigh about 32 pounds, and both have the same width and depth of about 13”. The Artisan model is a bit taller at almost 21” compared to 18.5” on the Professional series. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as we will see later in the next section.
How well do the Cuisinart and KitchenAid Stand Mixers operate?
The Professional model has a lower speed of 250 watts, but it also allows for a wide range of speeds between 50 and 350 watts which makes it much more versatile. There are also two speeds for beating, both of which can be used in conjunction with each other. We noticed that on the Professional model, there is a very small but noticeable “bump” in the middle of the speed range that makes it harder to switch speeds while mixing. The Artisan model has a higher speed of 450 watts on all its speeds and five different beating speeds. This lower range of low speed is used for kneading dough, other tasks where a slow start is preferred. These settings can also be used in conjunction with each other to make your mixing process more efficient.
What can you do with a Cuisinart stand mixer?
A Cuisinart mixer is designed for shorter mixing cycles, which are between two and eight minutes in duration. On the other hand, the Professional model can be used by itself without a stand or with the 17-quart model to mix up large batches of dough up to five times. There are enough speeds on this model that can achieve any type of dough you want, which is perfect for someone who wants to try recipes from various cookbooks and also use their machine to make bread dough.
Does Cuisinart stand mixer come with attachments?
The Cuisinart stand mixer comes with a flat beater, dough hook and wire whisk. They are the only three attachments that come with the unit, which may be a deal breaker for some people who want a mixer with more attachments.
How noisy is a Cuisinart stand mixer?
The Professional model is about 10% louder than the Artisan model, which is measured at 78 decibels as compared to 72 decibels for the Artisan. Both are considered tolerable noise levels for such appliances.
What’s in the Box?
KitchenAid: The box includes Instruction booklet, flat beater and various pamphlets from KitchenAid and its related providers.
Cuisinart: The box includes Instruction booklet, flat beater and various pamphlets from Cuisinart and its related providers.
Accessories
KitchenAid: There are many accessories available for purchase for the Artisan model, including attachments for more specific tasks such as pasta making. One of these attachments that we really like is the citrus juicer. While it isn’t a must-have, it is a welcome upgrade from the wire whisk that comes with the stand mixer. You can also buy a pouring shield that allows you to see your ingredients while they are being mixed, which can help you get just the right consistency every time.
How many watts is Cuisinart stand mixer?
The Cuisinart Professional model has 450 watts of power while the Artisan model has 300 watts. Both mixers have a speed of 500, but that’s where the similarities end. The speed on the Artisan is divided into five ranges which are for different functions:
- Blending (slow)
- Mixing (medium)
- Knead (medium)
- Coating Dough (fast)
- Batter Dough (fast)
This range is divided into two speeds of 250 and 500 watts, which allows for more versatility between the two speeds than that of the Professional model. Regarding noise level, both mixers are considered to be extremely quiet as compared to other models in their lines.
What is Cuisinart stand mixer made of?
Both mixers have stainless steel construction with the exception of the Artisan’s tilt-back head, which is made of die cast metal. The Professional line still has a powerful motor and its control panel is in metal.
What will happen if my KitchenAid or Cuisinart stand mixer is dropped?
Both KitchenAid and Cuisinart put a lot of time into designing these machines to be sturdy as well as sleek and attractive. While there is no way to tell how durable these mixers are by just watching them work, their manufacturers are famous for making durable kitchen appliances that last much longer than their competitors.
How many cups of flour can a KitchenAid mixer hold?
The Artisan mixer has a maximum capacity of 5 cups, while the Professional model can hold 25 cups. Both models have a maximum of two cups of flour and they both have an 8 pound capacity.
Can you use Cuisinart stand mixer with a dishwasher?
Yes, you can use these mixers in your dishwasher just as long as you run it with cool water and without detergent or other cleaners. Always allow the machine to dry before storing it away or to use it again. While both models are dishwasher safe, we don’t recommend using anything other than the recommended cleaning products in your path when washing this model.
Is KitchenAid Stand Mixer good for bread dough?
The Artisan model has five different speeds for a variety of purposes, including kneading dough. All attachments are included and the manufacturer gives a two year limited warranty on the product.
Can the KitchenAid stand mixer make ice cream?
Yes, you can use the KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart with ice cream, but it is not recommended to use any other model as they won’t be able to handle high temperatures. The dasher that comes with the machine will move slowly and steadily while mixing your ingredients in order to get a creamy texture that you would expect from homemade ice cream. While you can make ice cream with the KitchenAid mixer, it won’t be as creamy as what you get from an ice cream machine.
Final Thoughts:
Cuisinart stand mixer is easy to use and has a stainless steel exterior. The package includes everything you need to get started, but be prepared for it to be rather heavy. The only downside is that it doesn’t have much in the way of attachments, but you can find several attachments for sale online. Once you have your ingredients all ready, you can have fun and experiment by creating various recipes with this stand mixer.
The KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixer comes in two different colors: black and ivory. The color may not matter to some people, but we actually like both colors very much and think they look sleek on the countertop when they are not in use.
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