This KitchenAid Mixer comparison will break down the differences between the popular models available. There are many factors to consider before buying a new appliance and I know sifting through the details can be confusing. The main goal of this guide is to sum up the information and help you choose which model is right for you.
One of the best things about these mixers, aside from their high-performance, are the customization options. There are all sorts of attachments you can buy and many different colors to choose from. The accessories you can add to your KitchenAid Mixer greatly expand the machine’s versatility and functionality. I should mention that if you’re mainly looking for prices and deals, you should scroll down to the current offer section. You don’t want to leave the site without viewing this newest Amazon deal!
Classic/Classic Plus
The Classic and Classic Plus are the entry-level 4.5-quart models from KitchenAid. They’re both very similar to each other at first glance. The Classic model variation is rated at 250 watts though, while the Classic Plus offers 275 watts of power. So the Plus is a little better at mixing thick batters.
You’ll get 10 speeds to handle a wide range of recipes. When the machine is running it does 59 touchpoints per rotation. This ensures all of your ingredients get incorporated evenly.
They both include a wire whisk, a flat beater and a dough hook. They’ll accept all of the KitchenAid hub attachments. Unlike the more expensive models the Classic is available in black and white; the Classic Plus is only available in white. The model numbers are K45SS and KSM75 respectively.
Artisan/Artisan Design/Custom Metallic
All 3 of these models offer a 5-quart capacity, 10 speeds and use the same 325-watt motor. The Artisan and Custom Metallic have the same stainless-steel bowl and nylon coated accessories but come in different colors. The Artisan Design includes a glass bowl and aluminum accessories. There’s also no pouring shield with the Artisan Design variation, unfortunately.
They’ll all perform similarly and have better performance than the previous models. They do the same 59-point planetary touchpoints when mixing. It can handle kneading tough dough, whipping cream, or nearly any other task.
You get a wire whisk, flat beater and dough hook included. The Artisan is available in over 30 colors, the Artisan Design in over 10 colors, and the Custom Metallic has over 3 colors to choose from. Their model numbers are KSM150, KSM155, and KSM152.
Professional 600/Professional 600 Design
Finally we have the Professional 600 and Professional 600 Design models. Both of these are 6-quart capacity machines that use a unique “bowl-lift” design instead of the traditional tilt-head type. You’ll use a lever to raise the bowl up to begin mixing and lower it down to remove the bowl. Other models have a head that tilts back, you’re probably more familiar with that. This will mostly come down to personal preference. Some people prefer it and others don’t.
The Professional 600 uses a ridiculous 575-watt motor, while the Professional 600 Design version is rated at 550 watts. They both offer extreme power and performance over previous models. Another improvement is the 67-point planetary touchpoints it does for even better mixing. It’ll handle just about anything you throw at it.
The Design KitchenAid model doesn’t include a pouring shield and it uses a glass bowl instead of stainless-steel. You will get the expected wire whisk, flat beater, and dough hook as accessories. You can choose from over 20 colors on the Professional 600 and over 10 on the Professional 600 Design. Their model numbers are KP26M and KF26M.
Accessories
One of the huge benefits of owning a KitchenAid Mixer is the ability to add attachments that expand its functionality. There are over 12 different options available to choose from, but I’ll just mention 4 of the most popular ones.
The Pasta Roller & Cutter lets you easily make your own homemade pasta. You feed the dough in and out comes strands of noodles. It typically comes with a pasta roller and a cutter for spaghetti and fettuccine.
The Spiralizer will allow the machine to peel, core and slice fruits or vegetables. It comes with 2 slicing blades, 2 spiralizing blades, and a peeling blade.
The Food Grinder does exactly what you’d expect. You can grind up any type of meat, grate cheeses, or combine ingredients for dips/salsa. It comes with a course grinding plate and a fine grinding plate.
The Ice Cream Maker bowl will only fit on 5 to 6 quart machines and can create up to 2 quarts of ice cream. You put it in your freezer for a day and then take it out when you’re ready to make a recipe. You get the bowl and a mixing attachment. It can prepare all sorts of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet.
Conclusion
We’ve all seen these KitchenAid Mixers appear on cooking shows such as Good Eats and others. It’s pretty easy to see why they’re so popular among professionals and consumers alike. This is the brand that all other mixers are judged against. They provide outstanding performance and offer a ton of versatility. It really is an appliance you’ll want to proudly display in your kitchen.
After you choose a model, you have the difficult decision of picking a color, which might be the hardest choice for some people. The KSM150 series for instance has over 30 colors listed to choose from. Will you match it with the rest of your kitchen, or maybe you’re the type of person that likes to stand out and choose something unique and flashy? There is definitely one for everyone’s style.
I’d recommend getting either the Artisan or Professional 600. You’ll ultimately have to be the one to decide on the model and color that suits you best though. Go over the different features and try to narrow everything down. I wish you luck on your decision and hope this article helps! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and read through this.
Current KitchenAid Mixer Deals
Click on the items below to view the latest prices and more details. I know Amazon has many of these available so I’d recommend checking them out there. It’s recommended that you add one to your cart and see a total with any tax or offers applied.
View Latest Amazon KitchenAid Mixer Offer
Amazon is also currently offering a renewed model for a substantial discount off the retail price. Check out the following link for more details on that before it’s gone.
Renewed KitchenAid Mixer Amazon Offer
