This article compares the KitchenAid Mixer Ultra Power vs Artisan. It delves into their differences and similarities to help you decide which model suits your needs, budget and preference.
When it comes to performance and result, it can be hard to tell the difference between these two KitchenAid stand mixers because they only vary slightly in their features. And, result is key because we are ultimately after it.
See KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixers
So, does these two models’ differing features yield significant variation in results for you to care about picking the right one?
Continue and learn what our research uncovers…
Here’s a simple Table listing the features of these popular KitchenAid Stand Mixers.
KitchenAid Ultra Power | KitchenAid Artisan | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating |  |  |
| Power, watts | 300 | 325 |
| Capacity, quarts | 4.5 | 5 |
| Bowl Type | Stainless Steel without handle | Stainless Steel with handle |
| Lift Type | Tilt-Head | Tilt-Head |
| Speed Settings | 10 | 10 |
| Accesories | Burnished flat beater and "C" dough hook, 6-wire whip | Coated flat beater and "C" dough hook, 6-wire whip, pouring shield |
| Attachments | Accepts all KitchenAid attachments | Accepts all KitchenAid attachments |
Does The Difference in Power Matter?
The power difference of 25 watts is slight. Will you see a difference in the mixers’ efficiency, performance and capability? You won’t for cakes, butter, cream and regular cookie dough.
What about bread dough? Both models can tackle dough for one loaf. However, the Ultra Power may strain with two loaves of bread, a double recipe of stiff cookie dough or moist pizza dough. Whereas, the KitchenAid Artisan 325 watt stand mixer can take on two loaves of bread provided not on a daily basis.
Is The Difference In Bowl Size Significant?
Turns out it is.
This feature is where the two models diverge the most.
Some recipes for two loaves of bread will barely fit in the 4.5 quart bowl of the Ultra Power series. It’s only good for small recipes or single batches.
On the other hand, the 5 quart bowl of the KitchenAid KSM150PS Artisan holds a recipe for two loaves of bread nicely with extra space to avoid spillage.
Obviously, a 5-quart bowl holds more. To approximate, it is sufficient for two to three boxes of cake mix. It is even enough for Holiday baking.
The 5 quart bowl also has a handle which makes it so much easier to control when pouring content or mixing by hand or when carrying the bowl. Whereas, the 4.5 quart bowl of the Kitchen Aid Ultra Power mixer has no handle.
The 5-quart bowl also has a nice gleaming finish, while the 4.5-quart bowl’s finish is dull.
Which Model Has Better Accessories and Attachments?
All KitchenAid mixer attachments can be used with both models.
Where they differ is in the material of the beater and dough hook. The accessories of the Ultra Power mixer are made of burnished metal, while those of the 5 qt Artisan stand mixer are coated with nylon.
Which accessories are better?
Burnished metal has a tendency to oxidize, especially when exposed to air while wet or when placed in a dishwasher. Oxidation produces a grey powder which some people encountered. To avoid it, hand wash the accessories and immediately dry with a towel.
On the other hand, nylon coating may chip-off, especially if they hit the side of the bowl. Hence, setting the correct beater to bowl clearance is crucial. Nylon coated beater and dough hook are dishwasher safe.
What Do Customers Say?
KitchenAid KSm95 Ultra Power Reviews
Folks who own this 300 watt KitchenAid mixer mostly agree that it’s:
- Great for light to medium tasks
- For small volumes
- For a single recipe of bread
- Not for constant use
A number of buyers say that the locking pin tends to disengage when kneading dough and the head bounces up and down.
Customer Reviews of the Kitchenaid Artisan 5 qt. Stand Mixer
For sure, it’s not perfect. Recently, the very few and far between negative reviews include metal shavings falling from the mixer head, grey residue from the bowl and locking pin gets loose.
Customers also seem to agree that it’s not for serious bread making and should be used intermittently for such purpose.
Ultra Power Stand Mixer Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sufficient for light to medium mixing jobs
- Can mix and knead dough for one loaf
- Accepts all KitchenAid stand mixer attachments
- Lower priced
Cons:
- Not designed for bread making
- Small capacity
- Accessories are not dishwasher safe
- Bowl has no handle
- Does not include pouring shield
- Locking pin tends to disengage
Pros and Cons of the Artisan Series
Pros:
- Sufficient for most types of mixtures
- Can mix and knead dough for two loaves of bread
- Bigger capacity
- Bowl has handle
- Includes pouring shield
- Accepts all KitchenAid attachments
- Accessories are dishwasher safe
- Wide range of color choices
- Best selling stand mixer of all time
Cons:
- Not for frequent bread making
- Locking pin tends to disengage
- A couple of accounts of metal shavings falling from the mixer head
- A few reports of grey residue from the bowl requiring several washes
Which KitchenAid Stand Mixer Should You Pick?
Looking at the features of the two models vis-a-vis their costs, we highly recommend the best selling Artisan mixer.
Here’s why….
- You get more power and a bigger bowl capable of making dough for two loaves of bread.
- You get a bowl with handle which is more convenient and easier on the wrist.
- You get a pouring shield to minimize the mess you have to clean up.
- You have a choice of 40 attractive colors.