KitchenAid makes a lot of different models of their mixers, each with slightly different options. This makes comparing all the different model difficult if you’re only looking at the names. Since we’ve used our fair share of the different models in our baking, we’ll try to give you a fair assessment between the three of the most popular models; The KitchenAid Pro 5, Artisan and the Classic.
We’ll start by reviewing what all the KitchenAid mixers have on common:
Stainless steel bowl: The size of the bowls may differ, several models have handles and there are a few different types of finishes.
Mixer Attachment: All KitchenAid mixers come with three attachments: a flat beater, a dough hook and a wire whip. These attachments vary in size and in coating, depending on the mixer model.
Speed Range: All models have a 10 speed settings on the switch
Motor and Transmission: All models use an all metal motor and have a straight drive gears that removes the need for a belt that might breakdown.
Power Hub: Each mixer has a power hub for extra KitchenAid Attachments.
The major differences you will find in the KitchenAid mixers are in the way the bowl is removed and the motor size they have. There are two different way in which the bowls are removed:
Tilt Head Mixers: These are found on the small KitchenAid models. They permit easy access to the bowl and beaters as the top of the machine tilts back. The tilt head mixers are also lighter, making them easier to move.
Bowl Lift Mixers: These are found on the professional line of KitchenAid mixers. On these model the head is fixed, while the bowl is moved up and down for removal. This makes these models work similar to larger commercial mixers. It lets you use a large bowl and work with larger qualities of material, but also makes for a taller and heavier mixer that isn’t as easy to move around.
Motor Size: KitchenAid relates the motor size of their mixer machines in watts. This ranges from 250 watts on the smaller mixer to 575 watts on the larger mixers. Wattage doesn’t directly relate to how powerful the mixer though. For example, a 500 watt mixer would not make it twice as powerful as 250 watt mixer.
Below is a table that compares the KitchenAid Pro 5, KitchenAid Artisan and KitchenAid Classic Mixers:
|
|
KitchenAid Pro 5 |
KitchenAid Artisan |
KitchenAid Classic |
|
Bowl Size |
5 Quarts |
5 Quarts |
4.5 Quarts |
|
Motor Size |
450 Watts |
325 Watts |
250 Watts |
|
Bowl Handle |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
Bowl Removal |
Bowl Lift |
Tilt Head |
Tilt Head |
|
Weight |
30 Pound |
25 Pound |
25 Pound |
Conclusion:
Most people will be happy with the old KitchenAid Classic mixer, as it’s a great machine and it can be used on a daily basis. But, if you find the Artisan on sale, don’t hesitate to pick it up. The extra bowl size and handle make it slightly easier to work with. The professional is more machines than most people need. I would only consider it if you’re planning to-do large quantities of product at once or plan to use your machine on a daily basis. If you have large family or do some commercial work, then one of the professional models would be better for you.
Are the paddles interchangeable between classic and artesian?
Yes, they are…they’re the same size.
Thanks a lot for this comparative of kitchenaids! I’m heasitating between the Pro and the Ultra Power Plus. We’re a family of 4 (2 kids: 2 and 4 years old) and I like baking bread and pizza and cookies, but not all the time, of course (well, the bread yes). We were told to buy the Pro one since it’s stronger and more powerful, but I’m not sure we need that and it’s more expensive… What would you advice me? Any advice would be appreciated.
Hello
Hello, Is your artisan cinnamon or empire red in color? Thanks!
It is Cinnamon 🙂
Hi, I would love your advice…I am really wanting to buy a KitchenAid, but not sure which one to get between the Artisan and Pro 5 Plus. I would mainly be doing regular home use for a single family of 5 (my three kids are still very young, my oldest is not even 5 yet), so I never really do large quantities of anything, and I work full time so I don’t bake a ton….BUT, I can see as the kids get older, or if I had the capability to do so with a larger mixer, than perhaps I would do it for classrooms, sports teams, etc…but right now, I don’t. I’ve never made bread, but I can def see myself making some pizza dough with the mixer, but it wouldn’t be terribly often. I’m sure once I get the mixer I will start expanding and trying new things that it is capable of doing. I feel like I would like the tilt head much better, but I’ve never had a stand mixer, so I’m sure if I had the bowl lift it wouldn’t bother me because I wouldn’t really know otherwise. So I’m really not sure which one I should get….I thought I was set on getting the Artisan, but shopping around last night, I found an awesome deal for the Pro 5 Plus, $280 with a $30 rebate would make it only $250. I am not finding any Artisans under $300 right now, although it seems like I missed out on some great deals around Christmas time. So, my question….should I wait to find a good deal on the Artisan since that will most likely be more than enough for my needs, or should I just go with the bigger and more powerful Pro 5 at a good price now? I’ve heard people say “get the biggest you can afford,”I but I’ve also heard the Pros aren’t that great for small jobs, which is mainly what I would need it for…I also don’t like that i most likely won’t be able to fit it under my countertop. I’m just really torn…please help! if I go with the Pro 5, is it advisable to buy an extra smaller bowl (3qt) for the smaller jobs? Sorry for the novel!!! Any advice is appreciated.
Well, I just found the Artisan for $288.99, minus the $30 rebate would make it $258…so basically the same price. So, for the same price, which one would you go with….considering my needs as mentioned above?
I honestly prefer my Artisan over my pro for 90% of what I’m making. If I have a big wedding cake to do, or a need to double/triple a recipe, I use the pro. But other than that, I always use my Artisan. I was also told to buy as big as I could afford, but I don’t really think you would need a pro. I haven’t used mine to make dough, as I’m always doing cakes. A friend of mine has the Artisan, and does make pizza dough (all the time) in hers. My friend that makes pasta, has the Pro. I hope that helps.
hey jenn! this was a great idea. i always wondered what the difference was for the kitchenaid mixers. and great blog!!
Hi
could you help me , I would like to make chocolate marshmallow rabbits , also can you make a marshmallow fondant that will pour over cakes. any suggestions would be appreciated.
thank you for your video’s
It’s too funny that you asked me for a poured fondant recipe, as that is exactly what I spend all last week researching! I will definitely post the recipe here on the blog if it is a success! As far as chocolate marshmallow rabbits go…do you have a rabbit shaped mould to use?