Best Kitchenaid Mixer: Which One Is For You?
There’s a reason why the Kitchenaid mixer appears (and is frequently used) in almost every prime-time cooking show. It serves as an indispensable tool in every kitchen you put it in; not just those celebrity-studded shows.
If anything it has been a constant appliance in many homes for decades now. First built in 1914, the Kitchenaid stand mixer was originally meant for commercial bakers. Today, it is a staple in homes all over the world.
One good thing is that over the years, the Kitchenaid has been customized for use by pretty much anyone, ranging from professional chefs to the occasional baker who enjoys making cakes, cookies, bread and other tasty treats every once in a while.
And perhaps the greatest part is the machine’s versatility. There are so many things you can do with it, whether it’s whipping, blending, slicing, making ice cream; you name it, and it will deliver. So, if your kitchen doesn’t have at least one unit it only means one thing – it’s time to do some shopping!
Best Kitchenaid Mixer Comparison Chart
| KitchenAid Mixer Model | Mixer Speeds | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10 Speeds | (4.5/5.0) | $$ |
|
 | 10 Speeds | (4.3/5.0) | $$$ |
|
 | 10 Speeds | (4.6/5.0) | $$ |
|
 | 10 Speeds | (4.5/5.0) | $$ |
|
 | 10 Speeds | (4.6/5.0) | $$$ |
|
 | 10 Speeds | (4.6/5.0) | $ |
|
 | 10 Speeds | (4.4/5.0) | $$$$ |
What Makes Kitchenaid The Best Brand For A Stand Mixer?
Even before we get to the dos and don’ts of buying the best Kitchenaid mixer it’s important to know why you need to choose this particular brand. Here are a few reasons:
- First off, Kitchenaid can do more than just baking. The company makes handy attachments and accessories that include ice cream makers, food grinders, bowls, pasta rollers and many more. If you buy a full set there are many kitchen tools that you won’t have to buy again.
- All Kitchenaid attachments are compatible with all Kitchenaid mixers. The only exceptions are bowl-lift mixing bowls. Those ones only work with the Kitchenaid Professional 600 Series.
- If you choose the best Kitchenaid stand mixer for your needs it will do an excellent job in mixing. Actually the minimum planetary mixing action for the company’s mixers is 59. At that rate you are guaranteed that your ingredients will be mixed evenly and thoroughly.
- You can get your hands on a very affordable unit just by looking up Kitchenaid mixer best price. Fun fact – they cost less than an iPhone despite their rugged construction that can withstand daily use in the kitchen environment.
- They are made in Greenville, Ohio. Oh yeah, it’s a big deal where a cooking machine is made.
How to Choose the Best Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
Kitchenaid has a dizzying array of mixers from which you can choose one that picks your interest most. Some models have more than 22 color options. It’s safe to say that you will definitely get at least one that matches your kitchen décor.
While physical appearance is an important consideration, it doesn’t supersede functional features. Ultimately, the best Kitchenaid mixer should be one whose functionality matches your needs. Here are the main points to keep in mind as you shop around.
- Series
Kitchenaid offers four different series of mixers to cover a variety of user needs and budgets. The series differ in the capacity of the bowl, overall design and standard functionality. Read to know which series has the best Kitchenaid stand mixer for your needs.
- Classic series: with a 4.5-quart capacity and tilt head, these mixers features a 59-point planetary mixing action. They come with a power hub that you can use for optional attachments. The mixers in this series are ideal for home use.
- Artisan series: mixers in this category are similar to those in the Classic series in so many ways. For instance, they too have tilt head and 59-point planetary mixing action. However, they have a slightly higher capacity of 5-quart. Even so, they are still ideal for residential use.
- Artisan design series: the major difference between this and the Artisan series is in the accessories. In this case you get a glass bowl that can be microwaved. It also has measurements on the side to help you get your quantities spot on.
- Professional 600 series: these mixers are for – you guessed it – professionals. They have a 6-quat capacity, 67-point planetary mixing action and are made (almost entirely) of metal. The sturdy construction, high capacity and top-notch point planetary action make them suitable for commercial use.
- Capacity
The capacity of a mixer is determined by the size of its bowl. You can get Kitchenaid mixers in sizes from 3.5-quart to 4-quart, 5-quart, 6-quart and the super-sized 7-quart. The 3.5-quart is the smallest option. It can make one loaf of bread or around five dozen cookies. The 7-quart can bake a lot more and on a commercial level. If you are planning to use yours at home only a 5-quart may be the best size.
- Bowl lift vs. tilt head
Tilt head mixers are generally taller and even wider than their bowl lift counterparts. For that reason, they need a lot more room. But they also handle larger batches. On the other hand, while space won’t be a big issue if you buy a bowl lift Kitchenaid mixer, you will constantly have scrap the beater and the bowl. So here the best Kitchenaid stand mixer is simply the one that can fit in the space you have.
- Accessories
This is not a consideration per se but still a point worth noting. Each Kitchenaid mixer comes with three accessories, namely a wire whip, flat beater and dough hook. They all serve the same purpose regardless of the model you choose. Make sure to check that when your package is delivered it has all the listed items.
Our picks for the best KitchenAid mixers
1. KitchenAid Artisan
KitchenAid Artisan is a powerful mixer with a 10-speed rotor system that’s ideal for slow and fast whipping of dough, including other types of food. It also comes with a spacious 5-quart stainless steel bowl that provides enough space to churn dough for 4 loaves of bread, 108 cookie pieces or 7lbs of mashed potatoes all in the same batch.
Furthermore, the device has a Power Hub fixture that can convert it into multi-purpose culinary equipment. There are more than 12 attachments available on the Power Hub setting, where you can fix kitchen tools for shredding cheese, kneading pasta and so on. Not to mention that KitchenAid Artisan also comes in a variety of 20 colors to choose from.
2. KitchenAid Professional 600
The KitchenAid Professional 600 is a 10-speed stand metallic mixer that runs on a potent 575-watt motor. It has various accessories that help in kneading and whipping including; a burnished flat beater, Powerknead coiled dough hook, single-piece pouring shield and a wire whip.
Nevertheless, one of its standout features is the 67-Point Planetary Mixing function, which delivers 67 touch points for every rotation around the bowl so as to provide thorough ingredient mixing. This technology allows both the beater, wire whip and dough hook to move fast around the bowl, delivering complete coverage of the entire bowl for thorough churning. This machine is available in a range of 10 colors.
3. KitchenAid Classic
It’s a classic multipurpose mixer that features an ergonomic tilt-head design, as well as a 4.5-Qt. Stainless Steel Bowl that’s perfect for all kinds of kneading. This device is equipped with a 10-speed rotor system that’s perfect for blending any recipe that comes to mind, whether it’s kneading bread dough, whisking cream or beating wet and dry ingredients in the same bowl. You’ll also get more than 15 optional attachments for your mixer to help with other kitchen tasks as well.
Likewise, the machine delivers 59-Point Planetary Mixing Action, which means up to 59 touchpoints would be completed for every bowl rotation to provide thorough ingredient mixing.
4. KitchenAid Classic Plus
Whether you are an avid baker who pastries, KitchenAid Classic Series promises you an efficient kneading, stirring, whipping or mixing performance. KitchenAid Classic Plus Series 4.5 Quartz is a premier kitchen addition that is flexible and easy to use. It has a multipurpose power hub that comes with 15 different attachments that make it a customizable mixer. The variable 10-speed setting gives you better control. You can mix consistently and texturize a variety of mixes. It also allows you to adjust your setting to suit the requirements of any baking or cooking recipe. The sizeable 4-5 quart steel mixing bowl ensures safe mixing without spilling out your ingredients. The sturdy steel material means the bowl can withstand the intense power of the rotor.
5. KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus
It’s a 450-Watt Motor mixer that runs on direct drive transmission and all-steel gears that deliver maximum mixing power. The machine has ability to churn huge batches of dough and thick batter with ease, plus it’s made from durable die-cast metal that ensures it lasts for a very long time with minimal maintenance required from the owner.
Users will get a range of 10-speeds to choose from, as well as 3 attachments for a flat beater, coiled dough hook and metallic wire whip. This mixer is capable of handling all types of ingredients, whether its egg whites, pizza dough or even meat loaf.
6. KitchenAid Mini-Series
Upgrade your cooking and baking performance with this trendy mixer. Artisan Mini is a highly versatile mixer that is both smaller and lighter than the Classic Plus Series. It is a powerful mixer designed for tough kitchen tasks. It is available in vibrant, high gloss colors so you can choose the best that matches your kitchen décor and radiance. The tilt-head design makes it a space-saving mixer. The head can be lowered or raised to allow quick change of accessories, access to ingredients in the bowl and then locked back when mixing. The 3.5-quart bowl will enable you to make up to 5 dozen cookies per batch. Explore your culinary innovatively with this legendary mixer.
7. KitchenAid 7-Quart Pro Line Mixer
This is a large capacity mixer designed for large residential homes. With 1.3 horsepower, 7-Quart Pro Line Mixer is slightly powerful compared to the other mixers. It can mix as much as 8lbs of dough or 14 dozen cookies. It features a sleek finish that makes it a great kitchen addition. The speed sensor helps it to maintain consistent speed unaffected by the weight of the load. The all-metal body gives it an added durability. It also has a pouring shield that helps to prevent accidental spills. The beater is very wide and features 67 different contact points which provide thorough mixing performance. Save both your time and tired hands with this great mixer.
Optional attachments and accessories
While the wire whip, flat beater and dough hook are included in the price of the Kitchenaid mixer, there are other attachments that you can buy separately at a small fee. Each and every Kitchenaid mixer has a power hub that allows you to use those attachments.
So what exactly can you add to your mixer? First you can add an ice cream maker. It costs just over $60 in most online shops. The second available accessory is a food grinder that typically costs around $40. In addition to those two you can buy a food processor for shredding and slicing foods that need cutting. It will cost you an estimated $100.
The most expensive add-on is a pasta roller and cutter. This one will set you back up to $135. The attachments make Kitchenaid mixers more versatile and self-sufficient.
In Conclusion
It’s always a good idea to have a mixer in your kitchen. But an even better idea is having a Kitchenaid mixer. The company makes some of the best models on the market. And they come with varying features and prices. So regardless of your needs and budget you can be sure that you will get one that suits you and your kitchen. Remember to use the buying guide above and you will surely get the best Kitchenaid stand mixer deal.