If you’re looking to buy a KitchenAid stand mixer, this guide contains everything you need to know. We cover the various types of stand mixers, what they are used for, and how they work. You’ll also find tips on what sizes of KitchenAid Mixers are available and the features they each have. Lastly, we explore some of the most popular models that KitchenAid makes today.
If you’ve never heard of a KitchenAid stand mixer or seen one in action, you will be surprised at how versatile they are. They can do everything from making bread to whipping egg whites and emulsifying vinaigrettes. The large bowl allows you to mix an entire batch of cookie dough or cake batter at once, and then knead dough. The power of these machines is amazing, and their history is even more amazing.
History of the KitchenAid Stand Mixer
The story behind the KitchenAid stand mixer starts in 1919. Herbert Johnston started what was then known as the Johnston Bean Company. He began to import products from overseas and sell them to local grocers. When he discovered there was a need for food handling equipment, he began importing bread mixers. His first mixer was purchased by the Red Star Sugar Company.
The 1960s brought more changes, and Hugh O’Donnell started building mixers that were not only made of cast iron but with wood and plastic casings, too. In 1948, the company expanded further by purchasing Helene Curtis Homemakers Incorporated (a maker of mixers) from William Bryant Curtis. It was then that the company became known as KitchenAid. By 1955, it was selling stand mixers.
The Commercial Style KitchenAid Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid stand mixer that started it all was the Model K that was introduced in 1951. This model was marked as a commercial mixer and not a home use mixer. It had a heavy duty motor with power to knead dough, as well as beat egg whites. It also had extra-large casings, making it easier to clean by hand.
This machine came with a three year warranty (now it’s five years). The commercial mixer was named after Elisabeth of the KitchenAid company’s help, Pauline. It was the first model that had flat mixing bowls and attached base.
The Professional Style KitchenAid Stand Mixer
In 1978, the company released their first stand mixers with actual power to blend and stir. The Professional 500 Series featured stainless steel blades and a cast iron bowl with a plastic shaft casing that worked with powdered doughs.
The Consumer Style KitchenAid Stand Mixer
The Consumer-style KitchenAid mixer that most people are familiar with was released in 1963. It featured a new design called the tilt-head and was available in two colors: Harvest Gold and Ivory. The tilt head design was also helpful for cleaning because it made easier to get into the corners of the bowl.
In 1971, the company released new colors including Black, Red, Green, and Blue (the Sport Edition). Then came the White model in 1976. In 1983, the Professional model was released with a new design in which the bowl and shaft weren’t connected with a single piece. This model also included a stainless steel shaft that could be easily disassembled for cleaning.
The Affordable KitchenAid Stand Mixer
In 1986, another new version called the ClassicPlus was released, which had a stability ring to keep the bowl from tipping when mixing. The next year, this mixer was available in three colors: Black, Ivory and Red. The company then released a new tilt head design in 1999.
The Artisan KitchenAid Stand Mixer
In 2005, the Artisan mixer was released as a replacement to the Professional Model. The following year (2006), an ice blue color was added to the range of colors. In 2009, a commercial-style model was launched to replace the Pro Line. Then another stand mixer, called the Pro Line II, came in 2011 as well as an attachment that helped mix cookie dough.
The KitchenAid Food Grinder Attachment
In 2017, KitchenAid released the Food Grinder attachment for its popular stand mixer models. What was great about this attachment is that it came with three different sizes of cutting plates to make grinding a variety of foods more efficient. It also had an adapter for grinding meat in different sizes. The instructions for using the grinder are included within the mixer manual.
Types of KitchenAid Stand Mixers
KitchenAid makes a number of different stand mixers that are broadly divided into four groups: consumer, classic, professional and artisan. The consumer models are the most basic type of mixer. They have tilt-head bowls that you can easily lift and remove during mixing. These bowls feature a 5 quart capacity.
The classic models include both tilt-head and bowl-lift models with a 6 quart capacity for mixing and kneading. Professional models are made with a stainless steel bowl and shaft that make it easier to clean. These models have a 4 quart capacity for mixing and kneading. The model Professional 600 has a 5 Liter bowl and shaft, which is the largest bowl capacity of any model in the series. Artisan models are the most performance-oriented in the line-up, having less parts for ideal blending results and durability enhancement.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer Features and Benefits
Kitchenaid stand mixers are built to last. They are made of high quality metals like stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. The machine is sold with a five year warranty (except for the Artisan Series). The stand mixer attachments can be changed out to accommodate a variety of different mixing jobs.
They come with three size mixing bowls and a pouring shield that help keep hands from getting dirty when adding ingredients. They also have a tilt-head design that makes mixing batter and kneading dough easy and quick. The attachments can be interchanged with other models. The newer machines feature a tilt-head model instead of the bowl lift models, making transport easier.
The Artisan series features a 5 Liter stainless steel bowl that comes with a stainless steel shaft for better performance and durability. These mixers come in three colors (ice blue, empire red, and cranberry). The professional series come in four colors (ice blue, empire red, cranberry, and white) with a stainless steel shaft and bowl.
The Professional 600 series comes in two colors (ice blue and empire red) with a 5 Liter stainless steel bowl and a metallic silver shaft. These machines have an extra-large capacity of 6 quarts. The Artisan model has a 4 Liter stainless steel bowl that is adorned with polished bronze accents on the top, bottom chute, and shaft. It comes with a 5 Liter stainless steel bowl.
The Classic series comes in two colors (ice blue and ivory) with a 4 Quart stainless steel bowl and shaft. These mixers come with a lifetime warranty. The Classic models have a 3 Quart Stainless Steel bowl and shaft. They also feature five different color choices: cool gray, ice blue, misty green, red, and white for the professional series.
The Consumer-style kitchenaid stand mixer range is divided into three categories: Harvest Gold, Ivory, and Red. The Classic models come in three colors: gold, green, and red. These mixers have a two year limited warranty.
The Consumer-style stand mixer range comes in five colors: white, black, burgundy, cobalt blue and red. The models also come with a 10-year limited warranty. The Artisan mixer comes in three colors (ice blue, empire red, and cranberry). They also feature an extra-large bowl that holds 5 quarts.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer Features and Benefits (Artisan Series)
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer models are the most advanced mixers of the century. They have an extra-large capacity, easy settings and colorful performance. The Artisan Series has a number of excellent features. Most of them are similar to the Professional Series that is why we won’t go into detail here.
They are more powerful than the Professional Series, as they have a 325 watt motor. This is more power than some other mixers out there. The Artisan Series has a number of additional features including:
Speed Control Dial – This allows you to change the speed setting quickly and accurately. Bowl Locks in Place – The bowl on many mixer models can be too heavy to handle safely, but the Artisan Series locks the bowl into place to help reduce the risk of spills or accidents. The clear window on the bowl makes it easier for you to see how much batter is in there. The salt and flour dispensers also make adding ingredients easier. These are very helpful in measuring the correct amount of each ingredient. The wipe-off-clean bowl is ideal for making fast cleanup a snap.
The Artisan model comes with a proofing feature that helps dough rise more evenly when you put the dough back in the mixer to punch it down. It also comes with an optional meat grinder attachment that helps grind meat for sausages, hamburgers and other types of food preparation.
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer Features and Benefits (Professional Series)
The Professional Series has a number of features not found on other mixers in their price range. They include:
A stainless steel shaft and bowl – this helps prevent rusting, extends the life of the mixer and keeps it looking good. The stainless steel shaft is even made to resist wear from sharp objects like knives and off-road vehicle tires. Adjustable tilt-head design – This helps lift the bowl so that you can see what you are doing when mixing. Metallic accents – The Artisan Series features a lot of metallic accents on the body and attachments. This helps give it a cool and chic look. Professional features – The Professional Series features three different color choices to help with organization and to make them easy to spot when you are using all of them at the same time.
The Professional Mixer has a 325 watt motor for superior power blending performance. Artisan Models: 6 Quart bowl, 5 Liter bowl, stainless steel shaft, metallic silver chute, tilt-head design with easy-to-read dial settings. Professional Models: 6 Quart bowl, 5 Liter bowl, stainless steel shaft, metallic silver chute, adjustable tilt-head design for easy viewing of ingredients and simple speed control.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer Features and Benefits (Classic Series)
The Classic Series Mixer has all the same features as the Professional Series, but they come in three colors: Ice Blue, Ivory and Red. These are the least expensive of all the models. The Artisan models have more powerful motors which gives them an edge over the classic series mixers in terms of performance. The Classic Series Mixer has a 5 Liter stainless steel bowl that is removable for easy cleanup and storage. It also has a stainless steel shaft and a 1/3 horsepower motor that is strong enough for many applications. The Classic series has 4 different color choices: White, Mist Green, Cranberry, Red and Ice Blue. The Professional Series comes in three colors: Cranberry, Ice Blue and Empire Red. It also has a number of extra-large capacity bowl options including an extra-large 6 Quart bowl that provides enough room to mix up large batches of food at once.
It has a number of extra-large capacity bowl options including an extra-large 6 Quart bowl that provides enough room to mix up large batches of food simultaneously. Most models come with a 10-year limited warranty and 5 years for the motor. The Artisan mixer comes in three colors (ice blue, empire red, and cranberry). Pork grinder attachment – This is ideal for grinding meat and other ingredients.
Overall, the Artisan and Professional Series are more powerful than the Classic models. This makes them better for heavy duty mixing applications such as large batches of bread, cakes, and other foods. They also have a number of extra features. The Classic Series is best suited for lighter duty jobs such as making bread dough or mixing cakes in smaller batches. These mixers are affordable, reliable and can last a very long time when taken care of properly.
What is the difference between the Classic Plus and Artisan KitchenAid mixer?
The Classic Plus KitchenAid has a number of extra features making it a better choice than the Artisan. It also comes in 5 different colors: Ice Blue, Ivory and Cranberry. The Artisan is only available in 3 colors (ice blue, empire red and cranberry). The Classic Plus has most of the features of the Classic Series, but it comes in an extra-large capacity bowl that can handle 5 pounds of ingredients at once. This gives it the power to handle larger recipes and is more suited for mixing bread dough or mixing cake batter in smaller batches. It also has a stainless steel shaft unlike the Artisan which has a plastic shaft. The Artisan comes with a removable stainless steel bowl, whereas the Classic Plus does not come with a removable bowl.
The Classic Plus also features a large 1-piece leveler design with an angled head. This gives it a wider reach than the Artisan and makes it easier to use. It also has a 3-way speed control, which allows you to adjust the speed quickly and easily depending on what you are making and how much time you have for mixing. The Classic Plus comes with a power hub that makes adding attachments easier and less of a hassle.
What is the difference between KitchenAid Classic and Ultra Power?
The Classic and Ultra Power are a step up from the classic models. Both have a 10-year limited warranty and 5 years for the motor. The Ultra Power has multiple power settings that allow you to adjust the speed to fit your needs. It also comes with a stainless steel chute that helps it blend ingredients evenly and quickly. This is ideal if you are making large quantities of food or preparing several different types of dishes at once. The Ultra Power has a 280 watt motor which is stronger than the classic model. It also has a power hub that makes adding accessories easier and less of a hassle. The Artisan and Professional Series have more powerful motors, more powerful speed controls and 3-way speed settings. The Classic and Ultra Power come in only 2 colors: Ice Blue and Ivory.
How long do KitchenAid mixers last?
KitchenAid stand mixers are built to last. The best thing about the brand is that they provide so many different models for whatever your needs may be. They have affordable professional-grade models that are designed to last for years with regular use. This is perfect for everyday use or if you plan on using yours frequently. On the other hand, they also have a line of classic models that deliver similar performance as the professional series at a lower price point.
How do I choose a stand mixer?
The number one thing to consider is your budget and what level of performance you want out of your mixer. You will want to consider the larger models if you plan on making large batches of food at once. They have more powerful motors and a wider speed range than the smaller models. This makes them better for bread, cakes and other foods that are best made in large quantities. The professional series is more powerful and is well suited for professional-level use in larger commercial kitchens. It has a 10-year limited warranty and 5 years for the motor. The Artisan Series mixers are the least expensive of all the models, but they have an extra large design that gives them more power than the classic models. This makes them better for making small batches of foods such as cakes and bread dough. They also have an extra-large capacity bowl that can handle up to 5 pounds of food at a time.
Which is better, the tilt head or bowl lift mixer?
The tilt head model has a bowl that flips up and tilts over to the side for easy access to the mixing bowl. The bowl lift design has a locking latch underneath the motor housing that lifts the mixing bowl off of the motor when you pull on it. Both models have their benefits and drawbacks. The tilt head model is lighter and easier to use, but it is not as stable as the bowl lift model. The bowl lift model is more stable, but it is slightly heavier and also takes up more space.
The bowl lift mixer is a little easier to use if you are adding ingredients slowly as you mix, whereas the tilt head model is better suited for adding ingredients quickly at the beginning of the mixing process. Both models come with several safety features. The tilt head model has a bowl guard built into the mixer. This is a plastic guard that helps keep hands and fingers away from the blades and also prevents them from coming in contact if the bowl is bumped. The bowl lift model has a safety hinge for the motor housing, which keeps hands and fingers away from the mixing bowl when it is lifted off of the motor.
CONCLUSION:
The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer is our best pick. It has a stainless steel bowl, tilt head and 10 speeds that make it the perfect choice for baking and mixing. It is lightweight at just over 18 pounds, but it is sturdy enough to handle anything you throw at it. Its futuristic design makes it a stylish addition to any kitchen and its large capacity bowl makes it the perfect choice for making several different types of foods at once. Our top pick is the KitchenAid Artisan Plus 5-Quart Stand Mixer. It has a 1-year limited warranty, more powerful motor and extra-large bowl that can handle five pounds of food at a time. If you are looking for the best value, this is the model for you. With a 10-year limited warranty and powerful motor, this mixer will last for years and deliver powerful performance. It is lightweight at just over 20 pounds and has a unique angled head design that gives it extra reach for larger mixing bowls. If you are looking for a professional-grade mixer that delivers superior performance, our top pick is the KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6 Quart Bowl Lift Stand Mixer. It has a 5-year motor and 10-year limited warranty, which makes it the best mixer you can buy at this price range. It is heavier but more durable and boasts perfectly smooth gears, which makes sure every ingredient is mixed perfectly as soon as you turn it on. It comes with a power hub that makes adding accessories easier and less of a hassle.
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