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A stand mixer is an invaluable tool for any kitchen. Whether you want to speed up your baking, whip cream to perfection, or even make your own ice cream, a stand mixer is the tool you need to get the job done efficiently and to a high standard.
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Kitchenaid’s Classic Plus Stand Mixer is one of the most well-loved and highly reviewed stand mixers on the market, and we can definitely see why!
Featuring 10 adjustable speeds, practical tilt-head design professional-grade, purpose-built accessories, the Kitchenaid Classic Plus will make an invaluable addition to your kitchen.
Kitchenaid Classic Plus Stand Mixer
Main Features
All-Metal Construction
With any kitchen appliance, durability is an essential factor. The all-metal construction of the Kitchenaid Classic Plus ensures strength and durability, so you can be sure that this mixer will serve you well for an extended period of time.
The cast zinc metal is also corrosion-resistant, meaning it should not be damaged by coming into contact with water in your kitchen, although the use of a cover is recommended to protect the appliance when not in use.
The metal construction of this stand mixer contributes to its overall classic design and color scheme (available in white and silver), which makes this appliance a sleek and modern yet timeless addition to any kitchen.
10 Speeds
The Kitchenaid Classic Plus features 10 adjustable speeds, making it ideal for mixing just about any combination of ingredients and suitable for cooks of any level of ability.
The speeds are clearly labeled from the lowest setting, ‘Stir’ to the highest, ‘10’. The speed is adjustable using the simple sliding lever mechanism, which can be operated prior to or during use, offering you full control over the speed and vigor of your mixing.
A great bonus to the speed system of the Kitchenaid Classic Plus is that the motor remains quiet even at higher speeds, meaning there is no need to compromise efficiency for a pleasant and relaxing cooking experience.
Additionally, the ‘slow start’ speed feature allows you to ease into the mixing process, eliminating splashing, and related mess.
The only drawback to the Kitchenaid Classic Plus’s speed system is that there is no built-in overload protection to prevent the motor from burning out after long periods of use on a high setting. This should not be a problem for most home users, but it does mean that this mixer is unsuitable for particularly intensive or commercial use.
Planetary Mixing Action
Kitchenaid’s patented 59-point planetary mixing action helps to provide thorough and consistent combination by ensuring that as much of the mixing bowl as possible is reached by the attached mixing utensil.
The planetary mixing action is designed to touch the mixing bowl at 59 points, so you can be sure that your ingredients are being thoroughly combined and food remnants stuck to the bowl will be reduced to a minimum.
Tilt-Head Design
The point of a stand mixer is to make the process of mixing ingredients easier, but adding ingredients to mixers can be a notoriously tricky, and sometimes messy procedure.
Often, mixers are not designed with enough space around the mixing tool to add ingredients into the bowl with ease.
Moreover, many mixers are not tilted enough, meaning that ingredients added to the bowl are likely to get caught in the attached mixing utensil.
Luckily, the Kitchenaid Classic Plus minimizes this issue with its convenient tilt-head design.
The head of the mixer can be easily unlocked from its mixing position and tilted back to allow for bowl clearance, meaning you can easily add ingredients to your mixing bowl with no obstructions.
Once ingredients have been added, the head can be locked securely back into place to ensure efficient utensil-bowl contact using the clearly labeled sliding lock mechanism.
Beater to bowl clearance is also adjustable by turning the screw under the hinge with a flathead screwdriver.
Additional Features
Attachment Hub
The Kitchenaid Classic Plus features an attachment hub that is compatible with a wide range of separately sold Kitchenaid attachments, including a pasta maker, ice cream maker, food processor, and citrus juicer, as well as the additional attachments included with the mixer (see below).
This multipurpose hub allows you to get as much versatile and convenient use as possible out of your stand mixer.
The hub is stylishly concealed behind the Kitchenaid logo for seamless incorporation.
Whilst most of the compatible attachments for the hub will need to be purchased separately, which may seem like a disadvantage, the main utensils required for the majority of mixing tasks are included with the purchase of the Kitchenaid Classic Plus.
Moreover, the ability to purchase individual attachments separately allows for individual appliance customization according to your own requirements.
Stainless Steel Bowl
Included with the Kitchenaid Classic Plus is a durable, rust-resistant, stainless steel mixing bowl.
The bowl has a capacity of 4.5 quarts, which is slightly smaller than the bowl included with Kitchenaid’s Artisan stand mixer, but it is a standard size and will be ideal for most non-commercial mixing tasks.
Whilst the material and capacity of the included mixing bowl are convenient, the one drawback is its lack of handle, which may make holding the bowl during mixing more difficult, affecting the overall stability of the mixer.
Coated Flat Beater
The coated flat beater also included with the Kitchenaid Classic Plus is designed for heavier mixing tasks such as pastry and cake making, as well as mashed potato and meatloaf.
Its durable aluminum build and non-stick nylon coating make it both strong and easy to clean. Additionally, the nylon coating helps to prevent contact damage to the bowl during mixing. The beater is also conveniently suitable for cleaning in the top rack of a dishwasher.
Coated Dough Hook
The included Kitchenaid dough hook is purpose-designed for combining dough.
The hook is made of durable aluminum and coated with anti-stick nylon, ensuring a powerful and smooth mixing and kneading experience. It is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.
6-Wire Whip
Kitchenaid’s 6-wire whip is perfect for whipping cream and egg whites or combining frosting.
The whip introduces air into ingredients during the mixing process for light, fluffy results.
Its metal structure ensures that it is able to withstand consistent and vigorous use, whilst its dishwasher-safe status makes washing this notoriously difficult-to-clean utensil easier than ever.
Specifications
- Capacity: 4-½ quarts
- Depth: 14-1/10 inches
- Height: 13-9/10 inches
- Net Weight: 22 lbs
- Width: 8-7/10 inches
- Material: Cast Zinc
- Volts: 120
- Watts: 275
Overview
Advantages
- Durable, all-metal construction
- Patented 59-point planetary mixing action for thorough combination
- Tilt-head design ensures practical bowl access
- Adjustable beater to bowl clearance
- Multipurpose, Kitchenaid-compatible attachment hub for versatility and convenience
- Includes stainless steel mixing bowl, coated flat beater, coated dough hook, and 6-wire whisk
- Included attachments are dishwasher-safe
Disadvantages
- No bowl handle
- No overload protection technology
- Most additional attachments need to be purchased separately
- Not suitable for commercial use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Kitchenaid Classic and the Kitchenaid Classic Plus?
The differences between the Kitchenaid Classic Stand Mixer and the Kitchenaid Classic Plus are subtle, yet significant.
The Classic Plus includes all the benefits provided by the Classic model, with a few extra features.
The extra features included with the Kitchenaid Classic Plus include the slow-start option for a smoother and cleaner mixing experience.
Additionally, the attachments included with the Kitchenaid Classic Plus are not included with the Kitchenaid Classic, although both models are compatible with Kitchenaid’s attachments.
What is the difference between the Kitchenaid Classic Plus and the Kitchenaid Artisan Stand Mixer?
Kitchenaid’s Artisan Stand Mixer differs from the Classic Plus in that it is better suited to heavy-duty mixing tasks such as making bread dough.
The Artisan comes with a larger (5 quart) mixing bowl and has a higher Wattage, meaning it runs on higher horsepower and is capable of producing larger quantities.
The Artisan also comes with a pouring shield to better eliminate mess.
These extra features may be worth the higher price point for you if you are a regular bread maker. However, unless you are anticipating engaging in particularly heavy mixing tasks, the Classic Plus model should be sufficient to meet most of your needs.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Kitchenaid Classic Plus is a durable, versatile, and user-friendly kitchen appliance that is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. It is not suitable for commercial use but will meet and even surpass the needs of most home cooks and produce high-quality and delicious results.
The metal construction of the mixer and its included attachments ensure durability whilst the non-stick nylon attachment coatings and dishwasher-safe status facilitate the much-loathed cleaning process.
The ‘slow start’ feature, incremental speed adjustment, and adjustable beater to bowl clearance allow the user added control over the mixing process.
The real selling point of the Kitchenaid Classic Plus, however, is its incredible versatility. With 15 total compatible Kitchenaid attachments (sold separately) and 3 included attachments for different tasks, this mixer will easily cater to a variety of recipes and food types.
If you’re looking for a durable, multi-purpose stand mixer that you can use to create a variety of delicious foods to a high standard, you need look no further the Kitchenaid Classic Plus.