We Compare KitchenAid Stand Mixers: Which Is The Best?

Notice: I receive compensation if you buy something through affiliate links on this post. This does not change the price you would pay.

This page is a time-saving one-stop place for you to compare KitchenAid mixers. Find all models here with their features, costs and benefits. Plus, key points to consider when choosing.

After having dug through the maze of information, read hundreds of reviews, contacted the manufacturer, bought and used this brand; we don’t want to leave the pieces just lying around.

We heard you and others like you who either seek clarification or are still confused. So, we pieced everything together in this most detailed KitchenAid mixers comparison. You won’t find anything like this on the web.

What Will You Find Here?

Firstly, have a look through the KitchenAid  stand mixer comparison chart that includes the model you are considering. If you don’t yet have a clear choice, don’t worry.  You will find all KitchenAid mixer models in the charts below.

Charts are great if you want to make a quick assessment at a glance because they are clear, easy to understand and you can compare features side-by-side.

But, what do the data there mean to me? We hear you.  We’re still with you.

We take a closer look at some essential factors which you need to consider. Each factor shall highlight a difference between KitchenAid mixers and shall explain how or why it makes one model better.

If you want our  detailed full review of a certain model, we point you to it.  Where needed, we will recommend articles on this site which you should read.

Cost is an important consideration when deciding which counter top mixer to buy. Approximate costs are included in the tables and we let you know where you can find the lowest cost.

How Are KitchenAid Stand Mixers Classified?

There are two main categories:

  • for home use
  • for commercial purposes.

Models designed for the home are either a tilt head or a bowl lift. These mechanisms are useful for when you need space to scrape content or to manipulate accessories.

TIP!
Smaller and less powerful models are most often “tilt heads”; whereas the more powerful ones with their bigger motors are “bowl lifts”.

This article which compares a bowl lift vs a tilt head will help you determine which type you prefer.

As we go along, we shall follow the above classifications for clearer presentation and better understanding.

KitchenAid Mixer Models For Home Use

Residential models are designed for preparing food for your family and friends. Some people use the bigger and more powerful models for their home-based businesses. Take note that warranty is voided if you use them for commercial purposes, home-based or not, even if you only produce small quantities.

Tilt Head Models

Lifting the motor head at an angle provides space to mix manually, scrape content or detach or attach accessories. A pin locks or unlocks the head of KitchenAid tilt head models to the stand.

Go further down for brief descriptions of each model.

TIP!  Look out for coupons for even bigger savings.

                                          Table 1 – Tilt Head KitchenAid Stand Mixers

KitchenAid KSM3311XHT Artisan Mini Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 3.5 quart, Hot Sauce
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, White
KitchenAid KSM75WH Stand Mixer, 4.5 Qt, White
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield - Watermelon
Model
Artisan Mini
Classic
Classic Plus
Artisan Series
Rating
Price
Price not available
$289.00
Price not available
$599.87
Power (Watts)
250
250
275
325
Capacity (Quart)
3.5
4.5
4.5
5
Bowl Type
Brushed Stainless Steel
Brushed Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Polished Stainless Steel
Flat Beater and "C" Dough Hook Material
Nylon coated
Nylon coated
Nylon coated
Nylon coated
Whip
6-wire
6-wire
6-wire
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight, pounds
-
25
25
26
Dimensions, inches
-
8-3/4W x 13 15/16H x 14-1/8D
8-3/4W x 13 15/16H x 14-1/8D
8-3/4W x 13 15/16H x 14-1/8D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
1
1
1
Full Review
-
KitchenAid KSM3311XHT Artisan Mini Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 3.5 quart, Hot Sauce
Model
Artisan Mini
Rating
Price
Price not available
Power (Watts)
250
Capacity (Quart)
3.5
Bowl Type
Brushed Stainless Steel
Flat Beater and "C" Dough Hook Material
Nylon coated
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight, pounds
-
Dimensions, inches
-
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review
-
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, White
Model
Classic
Rating
Price
$289.00
Power (Watts)
250
Capacity (Quart)
4.5
Bowl Type
Brushed Stainless Steel
Flat Beater and "C" Dough Hook Material
Nylon coated
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight, pounds
25
Dimensions, inches
8-3/4W x 13 15/16H x 14-1/8D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review
KitchenAid KSM75WH Stand Mixer, 4.5 Qt, White
Model
Classic Plus
Rating
Price
Price not available
Power (Watts)
275
Capacity (Quart)
4.5
Bowl Type
Stainless Steel
Flat Beater and "C" Dough Hook Material
Nylon coated
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight, pounds
25
Dimensions, inches
8-3/4W x 13 15/16H x 14-1/8D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield - Watermelon
Model
Artisan Series
Rating
Price
$599.87
Power (Watts)
325
Capacity (Quart)
5
Bowl Type
Polished Stainless Steel
Flat Beater and "C" Dough Hook Material
Nylon coated
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight, pounds
26
Dimensions, inches
8-3/4W x 13 15/16H x 14-1/8D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review

As of 2023-09-27 at 05:44 (More info)

Tilt head KitchenAid mixers are ideal for those who bake for a small family (1-3 kids), prepares small quantities or seldom or don’t make bread

  • The Classic is KitchenAid’s entry level stand mixer. It has the least power. This suits the beginner, the hobby baker or one who is just starting a family.  It is not recommended for bread. Although you might get away with very rare bread making.
  • The Classic Plus is almost the same price as the Classic. But it is more capable of kneading bread dough, although only 1 loaf at a time. At most 2 loaves and not daily. If I want a cheap small KitchenAid I’d pick the Classic Plus over the Classic.
  • The Ultrapower and the Classic Plus perform almost the same. If I want a tilt-head that can make more bread than the Classic Plus, I’d pick the cheapest Artisan over an Ultrapower. The Artisan is slightly more expensive, but it is better for bread dough.
  • The Artisan mixer with its 5-quart bowl and 325 watts power can be used for bread making more often, but not daily. Once or twice a week and 2 to 3 loaves at a time is ideal. 
  • The KitchenAid Ksm150 Artisan is the most popular stand mixer in the market for years now. It meets the needs of most families, and is up to the challenge of holiday baking.
  • The Artisan Design Series has a glass bowl with graduations. Aside from being elegant, its other benefit over stainless steel bowls is that you can easily see if there are unmixed ingredients at the bottom.  But a glass bowl is not for someone with weak arms or hands because it is heavy.

Bowl Lift Models

kitchenaid heavy duty

This type has a fixed head that keeps it steady. A crank lever raises and lowers the bowl providing space to access contents and accessories.

There are six distinct groups of Kitchen Aid standing mixers in this category:

  • Professional 5 Plus
  • Professional Heavy Duty (HD)
  • Professional 600
  • Professional 6000 HD
  • Professional 6500 Design
  • Pro Line Series

Then, there are four sub-variants of the Professional 600 line:

  • Professional 600
  • Professional 600 Design
  • Professional 610

Classification Based on Motor Type

We can further classify bowl lift models as to their motor type: AC or DC.

The following have AC motors:

  • Professional Heavy Duty (HD)
  • Professional 600
  • Professional 600 Design Series

Those with DC motors are:

  • Professional 6000 HD
  • Professional 6500 Design
  • Pro Line Series

You might wonder what’s with an AC or DC motor? Why does it matter?

  • DC motor stand mixers are rated in “horsepower (hp)”, AC motors are rated in watts. DC motors are bigger and heavier.
  • The most crucial difference is that DC motors are excellent at maintaining consistent speed. It does not stall even as the load gets denser or stiffer. As a result, it runs smoothly, is quieter and does not jerk. Therefore, it is better able to tackle tougher mixing and kneading than AC motors.
  • A DC motor also provides greater amount of torque which is the twisting force which moves mixture around. Greater torque is excellent for stiff mixtures like bread, pizza and cookie dough.

See this post which compares benefits and setbacks of each motor type.

If you want a bowl-lift model, see Table 2A and 2B below which compares KitchenAid  bowl-lift stand mixers:

ALERT! Watch out for coupons for even more savings.

                                Table 2A – Bowl Lift KitchenAid Stand Mixers with AC Motors

KitchenAid Professional Heavy Duty 5QT Bowl Lift Stand Mixer 475 Watts - Cobalt Blue
KitchenAid KF26M2XNP 6-Qt. Professional 600 with Glass Bowl Nickel Pearl
KitchenAid KP26M1XMH 6 Qt. Professional 600 Series Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer - Milkshake Color
Model
Professional Heavy Duty
Professional 600 Design Series
Professional 600
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Rating
Power (watts)
475
550
575
Capacity (quarts)
5
6
6
Bowl Type
Polished stainless steel with handle
Glass with handle
Polished stainless steel with handle
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Burnished metal
F-series coated
Burnished metal
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
Burnished metal
F-series coated
Burnished metal
Whip
6-wire
6-wire
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Bowl cover
Weight, pounds
29
34
29
Dimensions, inches
11 5/16W x 16 1/2H x 14 5/8
11 5/16W x 16 1/2H x 14 5/8
11 5/16W x 16 1/2H x 14 5/8
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
1
1
Full Review
-
KitchenAid Professional Heavy Duty 5QT Bowl Lift Stand Mixer 475 Watts - Cobalt Blue
Model
Professional Heavy Duty
Price
Price not available
Rating
Power (watts)
475
Capacity (quarts)
5
Bowl Type
Polished stainless steel with handle
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Burnished metal
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
Burnished metal
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight, pounds
29
Dimensions, inches
11 5/16W x 16 1/2H x 14 5/8
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review
KitchenAid KF26M2XNP 6-Qt. Professional 600 with Glass Bowl Nickel Pearl
Model
Professional 600 Design Series
Price
Price not available
Rating
Power (watts)
550
Capacity (quarts)
6
Bowl Type
Glass with handle
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
F-series coated
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
F-series coated
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Bowl cover
Weight, pounds
34
Dimensions, inches
11 5/16W x 16 1/2H x 14 5/8
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review
-
KitchenAid KP26M1XMH 6 Qt. Professional 600 Series Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer - Milkshake Color
Model
Professional 600
Price
Price not available
Rating
Power (watts)
575
Capacity (quarts)
6
Bowl Type
Polished stainless steel with handle
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Burnished metal
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
Burnished metal
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight, pounds
29
Dimensions, inches
11 5/16W x 16 1/2H x 14 5/8
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review

As of 2023-09-27 at 05:44 (More info)

  Table 2B – Bowl Lift KitchenAid Stand Mixers with DC Motors

KitchenAid Professional 6000 HD KSM6573CER Stand Mixer, 6 Quart, Empire Red
KitchenAid Professional 6500 Design Series Bowl-Lift Candy Apple Stand Mixer
KitchenAid KSM7586PCA 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer Candy Apple Red
Model
Professional 6000 HD
Professional 6500 Design Series
Pro Line Series
Price
Price not available
Price not available
$549.95
Rating
Power, Hp
1.0
1.0
1.3
Capacity, quarts
6
6
7
Bowl Type
Polished stainless steel with handle
Glass
Polished stainless steel with handle
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Nylon coated
F-series Coated
Burnished metal
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
Nylon coated
F-series Coated
Burnished metal
Whip
6-wire
6-wire
11-wire
Pouring Shield
Bowl cover
Weight
31
34
32
Dimensions, inches
11 5/16 W x 16 1/2 H x 14 5/8 D
11 5/16 W x 16 1/2 H x 14 5/8 D
13 1/4 W x 16 1/2 H x 14 3/14 D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
1
5
Full Review
-
KitchenAid Professional 6000 HD KSM6573CER Stand Mixer, 6 Quart, Empire Red
Model
Professional 6000 HD
Price
Price not available
Rating
Power, Hp
1.0
Capacity, quarts
6
Bowl Type
Polished stainless steel with handle
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Nylon coated
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
Nylon coated
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight
31
Dimensions, inches
11 5/16 W x 16 1/2 H x 14 5/8 D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review
KitchenAid Professional 6500 Design Series Bowl-Lift Candy Apple Stand Mixer
Model
Professional 6500 Design Series
Price
Price not available
Rating
Power, Hp
1.0
Capacity, quarts
6
Bowl Type
Glass
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
F-series Coated
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
F-series Coated
Whip
6-wire
Pouring Shield
Bowl cover
Weight
34
Dimensions, inches
11 5/16 W x 16 1/2 H x 14 5/8 D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
1
Full Review
-
KitchenAid KSM7586PCA 7-Quart Pro Line Stand Mixer Candy Apple Red
Model
Pro Line Series
Price
$549.95
Rating
Power, Hp
1.3
Capacity, quarts
7
Bowl Type
Polished stainless steel with handle
All Metal Gear System
Soft Start
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Burnished metal
'Power Knead' spiral Dough Hook
Burnished metal
Whip
11-wire
Pouring Shield
Weight
32
Dimensions, inches
13 1/4 W x 16 1/2 H x 14 3/14 D
KitchenAid Warranty, years
5
Full Review

As of 2023-09-27 at 08:56 (More info)

TIP! Amazon may not always show the price. Always ‘see the price in the cart’ when prompted on the product page.

Let’s go over some important considerations for comparing the bowl lift stand mixers listed  on Tables 2A and 2B:

  • All are equipped with Soft Start feature, Motor Protection and Electronic Speed sensor. The tilt-head models don’t have these features.
  • Soft Start feature starts the mixer slowly even if you accidentally set it on a higher speed at the start. This is important because it prevents splatters and  flour cloud which reduces the mess you’d have to clean up.
  • Motor Protection shuts off the motor when it becomes overloaded. Some folks get annoyed when this happens. But, it essentially prevents your mixer from going bust which results from overworking the motor.
  • Electronc Speed Sensor runs the mixer at a consistent speed for proper mixing and dough formation.
  • The Professional 5 Plus is in the price level of the tilt-head Artisan, but has 125 watts more power making it superior for difficult dough.
  • The Design Series models have glass bowls with graduations and F-series coated beater and dough hook. A glass bowl is elegant but also heavier which may not suit those with weak hands and arms. KitchenAid’s proprietary F-series coating does not chip like nylon-coating or oxidizes like burnished metal.
  • The Professional 620 has metallic finishes. It is similar to the tilt-head custom metallic model.
  • The Pro 6000 Heavy Duty, Pro 6500 Design and the Pro Line have powerful DC motors.
  • The Pro Line series comes with a 5-year warranty compared to 1 year for the rest. That is how confident KitchenAid is with the Pro Line.

What KitchenAid Mixers Are Made For Commercial Use?

KitchenAid offers an 8 quart mixer for commercialuse. It has…

  • 1.3 hp DC motor
  • J-hook handle on the bowl for better control
  • Metal gear casings
  • A heavy duty 48” long power cord
  • NSF certified for commercial use
  • Stainless steel accessories: flat beater, spiral dough hook and 11-wire elliptical whip.

                       Table 3 – Commercial KitchenAid Stand Mixer

KitchenAid Commercial Countertop 10-Speed Stand Mixer 8-Quart Bowl Lift with Stainless Steel Bowl Guard (KSMC895NP), 120 Volts, NSF Certified for Commercial Use, Nickel Pearl
Model
Commercial Countertop Mixer
Price
$849.95
Rating
Power, hp
1.3
Bowl Capacity, quarts
8
Speed Settings
10
All-Metal Gear System
Soft Start Feature
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Stainless Steel
"PowerKnead Spiral" Dough Hook
Stainless Steel
Wire Whip
11-wire Stainless Steel
Weight, pounds
32
Height, inches
16 7/16
Width, inches
13 5/16
Depth, inches
14 5/8
KitchenAid Warranty, years
2
KitchenAid Commercial Countertop 10-Speed Stand Mixer 8-Quart Bowl Lift with Stainless Steel Bowl Guard (KSMC895NP), 120 Volts, NSF Certified for Commercial Use, Nickel Pearl
Model
Commercial Countertop Mixer
Price
$849.95
Rating
Power, hp
1.3
Bowl Capacity, quarts
8
Speed Settings
10
All-Metal Gear System
Soft Start Feature
Motor Protection
Electronic Speed Sensor
Flat Beater
Stainless Steel
"PowerKnead Spiral" Dough Hook
Stainless Steel
Wire Whip
11-wire Stainless Steel
Weight, pounds
32
Height, inches
16 7/16
Width, inches
13 5/16
Depth, inches
14 5/8
KitchenAid Warranty, years
2

As of 2023-09-27 at 08:56 (More info)

The 8-quart model has two variants:

  • KSM8990 has no bowl guard
  • KSMC895 includes a metal bowl guard that swings up and out

The bowls are interchangeable. However, the 8-quart model is taller and there is more space between the head and the bowl. Hence, the clearance is reduced if you use an 8-quart bowl on the 7-quart model.

What Are The Available KitchenAid Mixer Colors?

One of the big selling point of  a Kitchen Aid stand mixer is the wide array of lovely delectable sounding colors. However, this is not true for all models. Most are available in only 3 – 5 shades.

kitchen aid stand mixers
  • The Artisan series  with 40 gorgeous shades is on top, followed by the Professional 600 with 24.
  • The Artisan Design series comes in 13 different vivid and glossy shades.
  • The most common colors across all models are: Empire Red, Black and White.
  • A pink KitchenAid mixer is the most sought after. So is a red one.
  • Other popular shades are: green, yellow, ice blue, cobalt blue, teal, pistachio, purple and cranberry.

Is There A Refurbished KitchenAid Mixer?

Walmart, Amazon and KitchenAid offer refurbished units from time to time.  You have to be patient and check back often to get a reconditioned model you want.

Refurbished units undergo strict testing and quality control before they are certified by KitchenAid.

You can save a lot on a reconditioned unit.

Check this renewed KitchenAid mixer models on Amazon.

Where To Find the Best Price on KitchenAid Mixer

Cost will be a big factor in  picking a stand alone mixer  from this popular brand because it is a substantial investment. You will want to find a KitchenAid outlet that offers the lowest prices.

Check Walmart for price cuts they call “rollback”, especially during sale events. Amazon often offers reduced prices.

At least one store gives rebates and a form of store cash which you can use to purchase other items from them. Another popular outlet offers discount on your next purchase over a certain amount. My problem with this discounting schemes are:

  • Firstly, I will be forced to purchase items from the store even if they sell at higher prices than in other stores.
  • Secondly, I will be forced to buy things I don’t need just so I can use the store cash or the discount.
  • Thirdly, some or most of us have a budget, we don’t wanna spend now on things we may need later via store cash or discount privileges.

I prefer to hold any savings I can get in “cold cash”. That way I have control over what to do with what I’m able to save.

Ready to buy a KitchenAid mixer? Go back to the Tables and click on your preference to see product details.

Which KitchenAid Mixer Is Best?

We come to the point of determining which really is the best KitchenAid stand mixer. There is no single criteria because it will depend on one’s needs, preferences and budget.

best kitchen aid mixer

But, from extensive research, there are indeed certain models that perform better and are more efficient.

Let us summarize the essential points from the Tables and discussions to make it easier for you to decide. We shall be considering needs as our main criteria:

  • The hobby or beginner baker will pick the Classic. It’s 4.5 quart capacity is just right. 
  • The Artisan series is ideal for most household needs including Holiday baking. It can cater to a family of 4-6. Plus, you can make bread infrequently (once or twice a week) with it.
  • If you are more than 6 in the family and would like to be able to make bread daily, consider  a Professional 600 or a Professional 6000 HD. They have bigger capacity and higher power than the 5-quart models.

TIP!
If cost is not an issue, it’s best to grab a model with a DC motor because it is far more superior. Below are your 2 best choices:

The Pro Line series works well for both small and big quantities. If the 7-quart bowl is too big for you, 3-quart and 5-quart bowls are also available. The Pro line offers more leeway with it’s powerful DC motor. If bread making is your primary use of a stand mixer, this is the wisest choice for home use.

A cheaper DC motor mixer is the Professional 6000 HD.  And, its 6-quart bowl and 1 hp motor is not an overkill for those who don’t prepare big amounts.

If business is your primary purpose, get  a commercial model.

KitchenAid stand mixers for the home, except those with DC motors, have almost the same issues.

If you read online discussions about which KitchenAid standing mixer is good, you’ll notice that most revolve around the capacity for handling heavy dough.

Now, why do some people claim that a certain model is good for bread, while others complain. Most likely it’s because of the factors affect dough consistency. Protein content, baker’s percentage, humidity, other ingredients (nuts, grains, etc.), volume, speed and time will determine how difficult a mixture is.

Whatever your considerations are when weighing which KitchenAid stand mixer is for you, it is worth taking note that it’s better to have excess capability now than need more later and not have it.

In Category: KitchenAid
Show 1 Comment
  • PedroDaGr8 01/04/2020, 12:45 am Link Reply

    There is a LOT of nuance lost in your comparison when it comes to the DC motor models.
    1. While both the AC motor bowl-lift and DC motor bowl-lift models use all-metal gearboxes, the DC motor models use a new dual planetary reduction gearbox rather than the worm-drive gearbox in the AC motor models. The dual planetary gearbox is designed to handle the much higher torque loads of the DC motor and is a much more robust design than the worm-drive gearbox used in the AC motor models
    2. DC motors actually have their maximum torque at or near 0 rpm, whereas an AC motor has peak torque at some speed far from zero. This means for heavy doughs, as the motor slows down some the DC motor actually gets stronger while the AC motor gets weaker and stalls.
    3. It is far easier to detect and control the speed on a DC motor than an AC motor. As a result, the soft start and motor protection features are vastly improved on the DC motor mixers compared to the AC motor models.

    Now all of this comes at a cost, which you discuss in your motor comparison article. DC motors are notably more expensive than AC motors. Additionally, they require an electronic motor controller which further adds to the cost. Otherwise, for mixing type activities DC motors are a vast improvement.

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