KitchenAid Classic vs Artisan vs Professional Mixer Comparison 2023

Here are the major differences between Classic, Artisan, and Professional mixers:

  • Classic and artisan mixers are best for home bakers while professional mixers are for professional bakers.
  • Classic and artisan mixers are best for smaller quantities and less denser ingredients. On the other hand, for large quantities and dense ingredients, professional mixers are best.
  • Classic and artisan mixers are more cost-effective and budget-friendly while professional ones are expensive. 

To learn about the differences between Classic, Artisan, and Professional mixers, stick with the article. 

Key Takeaways 

  • All 3 KitchenAid mixers are good for different purposes. Artisan and classic mixers are more beginner and home-friendly. On the other hand, professional mixers are for experienced bakers.
  • Classic and artisan mixers are better for occasional use while professional mixers are for regular use. 
  • Another big difference between classic, artisan, and professional is their design. Classic and artisan mixers have tilt-head which is good for mixing and adding ingredients. On the other hand, professional ones have a bowl-lift design which gives stability to the mixer and prevents vibration. 

Differences Between KitchenAid Classic, Artisan, And Professional Mixer

Kitchenaid mixers are one of the essential baking tools. Here are the differences between KitchenAid mixers: 

Factors Classic & Classic Plus MixerArtisanArtisan MiniProfessional 5 Plus Professional 600Professional 6500 Design
Motor Power (watt)275350250525575745
Mixer TypeTilthead Tilthead Tilthead Bowllift Bowllift Bowllift 
Mixing Speeds10 1010101010
Pour shield No Yes No No Yes No 
Bowl finish Brushed & mattePolished & shinyPolished & shinyPolished & shinyPolished & shinyGlass 
Bowl Size(quarts) 4.5 53.566
Bowl material Stainless steelStainless steelStainless steelStainless steelStainless steelGlass 
Color 340118135
Price ($)279379299799599549

KitchenAid Classic vs Artisan vs Professional Mixer: In-depth Comparison

Here is the elaboration of the differences of the 3 popular KitchenAid mixers:

Motor Power (watt):

The motor power of Kitchenaid professional mixers lies between 575 and 745 watts. On the other hand, the classic model of KitchenAid has a capacity of 250 watts, and artisan models have around 325 watts. 

As the professional models have more capacity, these mixers are suitable for preparing loaves of bread every day. If you are an experienced baker or need to prepare large amounts of bread every day, opt for professional mixers. 

However, use classic mixers for making cakes and frosting. Classic models are best for beginners and so for occasional use. If you have to prepare bread loaves every week, artisan models of KitchenAid are your best option. 

Mixer Type:

The mixer type is divided between 2- bowl lift or tilt head. Classic and artisan models are equipped with a tilt-head feature. But professional models are bowl-lifted.

Tilt-head feature in artisan and classic models helps with easy access to the bowl so you can add ingredients easily. Moreover, because of the tilt-head, there is efficient contact between the beater and the bowl. 

However, the bowl-lift of professional mixers helps the bowl to keep stable and not vibrate while in use. So, it helps to mix the ingredients properly.

Mixing Speeds: 

All 3 models of KitchenAid mixers have the same speed. However, the difference is created by their planetary action. The number of touchpoints per rotation of the mixer handle is referred to as their planetary action. 

Both classic and artisan models have seed number 10 with planetary actions but the professional models have planetary actions of 67-69. As professional models have 67 touchpoints in one go, it leaves no room for ingredients to remain unmixed. 

Bowl Size (quarts): 

The bowl size of classic models ranges around 4.5 quarts and artisan ones range around 3.5-5 quarts. On the other hand, professional mixers range between 5-7 quarts. 

If you are a beginner or looking for a more homely option, opt for classic and artisan mixers. You can mix a maximum of 2 cakes in a classic mixer and can add some more with artisan 5-quarts. 

But as professional mixers have more capacity, for professional and regular use they are the best option. You can mix up to 4 cakes in professional mixers. 

Bowl material: 

Most classic, artisan, and professional mixers come with stainless steel bowls. However,  only Professional 6500 Design models have glass bowls.

Kitchenaid also offers another bowl alternative- ceramic bowls. Ceramic bowls are compatible with Professional 5 Plus and artisan mixers. 

You can dishwash all the bowls. However, ceramic and glass bowls are microwave and freezer-safe. Among the 3, ceramic bowls are the most versatile as they are also oven-safe up to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, ceramic bowls are aesthetically pleasing. 

Color & Bowl Finish: 

Both artisan models and professional models offer a wide range of color mixer options, classic models offer only 3 options. 

So, if you are looking to enhance the beauty and color in your kitchen opt for artisan or professional models. But for a more muted and basic aesthetics, you can opt for classic models. Also, there are matte and shiny options between the different types of mixers.

KitchenAid Classic vs Artisan vs Professional Mixer
Source: KitchenAid

Other Features (Attachments & Extras):

Classic mixers have a flat beater, a 6-wire whip, and a coated dough hook. However, the wire hoops are not dishwasher-friendly. 

Moreover, these mixers don’t have any pour shield and a handle. As they don’t have any handles, gripping and moving the mixer becomes difficult. 

Artisan mixers have similar features to the classic ones but unlike classic mixers, they have both pouring shield and handle. However, only Artisan Mini models don’t have any pouring shield.

Professional mixers have a spiral dough hook, stainless steel wire whip, and a flat beater. Most of the models have handles. While Professional 600 mixers have pouring shields, Professional 5 Plus and Professional 6500 don’t have any pouring shields. 

Having pouring shields and handles makes it easier to handle bake food. So, for a more user-friendly option, opt for the models that come with these features.

Which Mixer Is Better Between Classic, Artisan & Professional?

To choose the better mixer, there are several playing factors, like who is using it, what is the purpose, and such. Here is a brief on which mixer is better for what purpose:

Factors Classic ArtisanProfessional
User Best for beginners and home bakers.Frequent home bakers, those who bake in larger quantities, and those who want aesthetically pleasing options. Frequent and regular baking. Avid baker, who often bakes in really large quantities. Professional bakers. 
Frequency of use Every alternate week.Once a week.Every day or regularly used.
Cost-effectivenessMost affordable mixer. The best budget-friendly mixer is the KitchenAid Classic Plus 4.5 quart.Modestly expensive. However, Artisan Mini is the lowest in price. Most expensive 
Ingredients A few dozen cookies, and a couple of bread loaves, and a birthday cake can be baked in this mixer. Avoid dense ingredients and large quantities. Can be baked modestly dense ingredients like dough for bread. Dense, stiff, and dry dough.
choose the better mixer

What Is The Best Kitchenaid Mixers?

KitchenAid KSM75SL Classic Plus 4.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand...
4,759 Reviews
KitchenAid KSM75SL Classic Plus 4.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand...
  • Turn your stand mixer into a culinary center with over 10 available attachments; Electrical: 60 hertz
KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with...
18,223 Reviews
KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with...
  • Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.

Overall best KitchenAid mixer that is balanced in capacity, power, speed, and expense is the Artisan Series 5-quart. It offers a wide range of color and is perfectly balanced in every aspect and features. So, it is the perfect option for any home baker.

This was all about the differences between KitchenAid Mixers. Hopefully, now you can decide which mixer is the best for you. However, you can also learn about which is better for you between Cosori, Philips, and Instant Vortex air fryer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How Many Cookies Can I Bake In Each Mixer?

The KitchenAid Classic mixers can bake up to 6 dozen cookies together. The Artisan mixers can bake up to 9 dozen cookies and the Artisan Mini and the Professional 5 Plus can cook up to 5 dozen cookies. And Professional 600 and the Professional 6500 can bake up to 13 dozen cookies. 

Which Mixer Is The Best For Small Spaces?

KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5-quart mixers are the best for small spaces. These mixers are the smallest ones of the brand. Artisan Mini mixers have the perfect size and strength for those who bake only sometimes and have a small kitchen or space for baking. 

What To Do When The Mixer Breaks?

Most of the time when the KitchenAid Mixer breaks, it can be repaired. If only one or some parts are damaged, replace the part with a new one. But if the problem still persists, seek help from a professional technician or mechanic. 

Closing Words 

So, which mixer between classic, artisan and professional should you buy? It depends on how you want to use the mixer. For infrequent home bakers, both the KitchenAid Classic Mixer and the Artisan Mixer are the best options. But if you are a professional baker who has to bake regularly or frequently, the KitchenAid  Professional mixers are your best bet. But no matter what mixer you choose, know that they all come with a one-year warranty from KitchenAid—so you can rest assured that your purchase is protected.

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