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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer – Artisan vs Classic, what’s the difference? Learn more about their features in this KitchenAid Artisan Classic comparison guide.
Having trouble choosing a stand mixer? You can’t really go wrong with a KitchenAid mixer.
But with the wide KitchenAid mixer range, it can be overwhelming to find the best mixer for you.
In this ultimate comparison, we’re putting two of the most popular models from the reputable brand.
KitchenAid mixer Artisan vs Classic: Which one is perfect for you?
Let’s check out their features, accessories, power, capacity, and all of the important considerations when picking your next stand mixer.
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer – Artisan vs Classic (What’s The Difference?)
What is the difference between KitchenAid Artisan and Classic mixer?
First, let’s quickly introduce the two stand mixers:
KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer
We can consider the KitchenAid Classic stand mixer as a base model in the brand’s mixer lineup. Its name fits it very well in terms of its sleek design and functionality.
There are different types of KitchenAid mixers, and the Classic Series also has a slightly “upgraded” version called the Classic Plus.
To avoid confusion in this Artisan mixer vs Classic comparison guide, you can quickly check our KitchenAid Classic Plus Stand Mixer review to know how the Plus version differs from the Classic Series.
Now, back to the KitchenAid Classic mixer, it retails for $319 on Amazon as of this writing, making it a tempting stand mixer to get for first-time owners, newbie bakers, or those who simply want to get something more powerful than their hand mixer.
However, as we can expect from a simple, “basic” mixer, there are limitations in its features, capacity, and power.
Does this mean it’s better to spend on the pricier KitchenAid Artisan?
KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer
Unlike the Classic Series, the KitchenAid Artisan Series currently retails for over $400.
The KitchenAid Artisan Series is definitely one of the most popular tilt-head stand mixers in the market, and you’ll often find it as the titleholder when searching what is the best KitchenAid stand mixer.
You will also find two versions called the KitchenAid Artisan Design, which is even more expensive, and the smaller Artisan Mini, which retails for $379.95 as of this writing.
You can indulge in the elegant-looking Artisan Design mixer with its premium metallic finish and glass bowl.
On the other hand, the Artisan Mini is perfect if you have limited counter space and won’t be making big batches of recipes.
Artisan vs Classic KitchenAid Stand Mixer Differences
Construction
Both the KitchenAid Classic Series and Artisan Series are tilt-head stand mixers that feel solid and premium, thanks to their metal construction.
However, if you have a specific kitchen aesthetic in mind, you have more color choices with the Artisan Series compared to the Classic, which of course, only comes in “classic” colors: black and white.
What about the size?
Both mixers have the same size, which is 14 1/10 ” x 8 7/10 ” x 13 9/10.” These dimensions are perfect for most countertops and kitchen cabinets!
But of course, there’s the Artisan Mini if you want something even smaller for travel and storage.
Accessories
KitchenAid Classic comes with a 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl, a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a 6-wire whip.
You’ll also get a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a 6-wire whip with the KitchenAid Artisan. However, it has a bigger 5-quart stainless steel bowl that also has a handle and a one-piece pouring shield.
Having a handle on the bowl makes it easier to transfer from place to place, and of course, those who hate messes will love the pouring shield that comes with the Artisan Series.
Power and Speed
If you’ll be working on challenging ingredients, there’s no doubt that the Artisan is the clear winner with its 325-watt motor. But for basic needs, the 275-watt Classic should be good enough.
Just be aware that if you want to mix heavier doughs with ease, like when making bread, then it’s no secret that you can’t go wrong with Artisan.
Interestingly, both mixers feature a 59-point planetary mixing action, which ensures that the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated because of the rotation coverage of the beater, dough hook, or wire whip.
Furthermore, both models offer 10-speed settings so that you can make recipes like pistachio macarons perfectly!
Capacity
The KitchenAid Artisan model is the better choice if you make big batches of dough because of its larger bowl with a 5-quart capacity. On the other hand, the difference is not that extreme with the Classic since it has a 4.5-quart capacity.
We can translate that into 9 dozen cookies in a single batch for the Artisan mixer and 8 dozen cookies in a single batch with the Classic mixer.
Who should get the Classic?
- Those on a budget
- If you’re only doing basic kitchen tasks
Who should get the Artisan?
- If you’ll be working on challenging ingredients and tasks such as kneading bread dough
- Those who’ll be making big batches of recipes
KitchenAid Classic vs Artisan Similarities
As we have briefly discussed, both the KitchenAid Classic stand mixer and Artisan stand mixer are tilt-head mixers with 10 speeds and work using a 59-point planetary mixing action. This means you can mix anything from pizza doughs, cookie doughs, and other recipes with ease and control.
They also have similar accessories, except for the Artisan’s pouring shield and bowl with a handle. However, the best thing about KitchenAid is despite the price difference, both mixers have a multi-purpose attachment hub.
This means you can also use different attachments to your Classic if you want to use it for grinding meat, spiralizing vegetables, or even making pasta!
So KitchenAid Classic or Artisan?
The winner in this Kitchenaid Stand Mixer – Artisan Vs Classic showdown is…well, it depends on your budget and expected jobs for the mixer.
If you’re still undecided, perhaps these quick pros and cons will help you pick the best mixer:
KitchenAid Classic Pros
- Reasonable price
- Well-built with metal construction
- Comes with accessories for different mixing needs
- Ideal for most basic kitchen needs
- Multi-purpose attachment hub
KitchenAid Classic Cons
- Only has a 275-watt motor
- 4.5-quart capacity might be limiting
KitchenAid Artisan Pros
- 5-quart capacity
- 325 watts can easily handle various tasks with ease
- Comes in different colors
- Multi-purpose attachment hub
- Includes a bowl with a handle and a pouring shield
KitchenAid Artisan Cons
- Can be pricey
- Some users reported about the bowl warping over time
KitchenAid Artisan Vs Classic Plus
The KitchenAid Classic Plus has a capacity of 4.5 quarts and 275 watts of power compared to the 5-quart, 325-watt Artisan. Do these differences sound familiar?
This is because the Classic Plus and Classic KitchenAid mixers are mostly similar, so our comparison between the Classic Series and Artisan can be reapplied to the Classic Plus vs Artisan!
The only difference between the Classic and Classic Plus is the Soft Start feature which starts the mixer at a low speed to prevent ingredient splash or flour puff.
Want a more detailed comparison between these mixers? You’re in luck because you can read our KitchenAid Classic Plus vs Artisan to compare their differences easily!
KitchenAid Classic Vs Professional
Comparing the KitchenAid Classic Series with the KitchenAid Professional stand mixer would not be very fair since the Professional is literally designed for heavy, dense mixtures.
It also has a large capacity of 6 quarts, or to help you imagine it better, you can make 13 dozen cookies in a single batch! With that capacity, you can make enough blueberry cookies for a party or as holiday gifts.
These features are unsurprising because, unlike the tilt-head Classic, the Professional model is a bowl-lift stand mixer. Therefore, it’s the perfect choice for mixing challenging ingredients or making big batches of recipes.
KitchenAid Mixer Professional Vs Artisan
The KitchenAid Artisan Series is a tilt-head stand mixer, while the KitchenAid Professional 600 stand mixer has a bowl-lift design.
While both mixers offer 10 speeds, the Professional is definitely the more practical choice if you intend to mix dense ingredients, work challenging dough, or make big batches.
But since it’s pricier than the Artisan and most people won’t need a 6-quart, 575-watt mixer for their homemade recipes, the Artisan is still a good choice as it’s not very basic and you can do a lot with its 5-quart capacity and 325 watts of motor power.
If you want to know more about the KitchenAid Professional, here’s our KitchenAid Professional 600 Stand Mixer review.
KitchenAid Artisan Mini Vs Classic
If you want to own a KitchenAid Artisan but are limited in budget, you can consider getting the smaller Artisan Mini, which is perfect for compact kitchens!
But is it worth it over the Classic version?
As expected, the smaller footprint of the Artisan Mini will also mean a smaller capacity. Compared to the Classic mixer with a 4.5-quart brushed stainless bowl, the Artisan Mini can only make 5 dozen cookies per batch with its 3.5-quart bowl.
It’s also only 250 watts compared to the 275-watt Classic stand mixer. Though it’s not a huge difference, getting a mixer with a higher wattage will give you more capability to mix various ingredients.
What Is the Difference Between KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Design?
The KitchenAid Artisan and KitchenAid Artisan Design stand mixers are mostly similar, with their capacity of 5 quarts and 325 watts of power.
However, the biggest difference is the elegant appeal of the Artisan Design. Compared to the Artisan, it has a glass bowl with measurement markings, and the overall premium metallic finish makes it one of the most good-looking kitchen appliances.
Do KitchenAid Mixers Need to Be Oiled?
Nope, according to KitchenAid, you don’t need to maintain your mixer with oil. But if you notice your KitchenAid mixer leaking oil, it should be checked in a service locator facility to fix the issue.
Is Kneading by Hand Better Than Machine?
Some people swear by kneading by hand for the best dough, but it can be a tiring and time-consuming process.
If you have a lot of things to do or are limited with prep time, it’s better to knead with a mixer. Your wrists will also thank you!
Just make sure not to over-knead in the mixer, which you can check if your dough rips easily or if your bread ends up flat and dense.
FAQ About KitchenAid Artisan VS Classic
How many cups of flour can a KitchenAid Artisan mixer hold?
Since KitchenAid Artisan is a 5-quart mixer, you can make a dough recipe calling for 6 cups of whole wheat flour or 10 cups of all-purpose flour in it.
Is KitchenAid Classic good enough?
Definitely! KitchenAid Classic stand mixer is “classic” for a reason. Its capacity and power should be enough for most home cooks.
What is the best KitchenAid mixer for a beginner?
The Classic Series makes a fantastic beginner KitchenAid mixer. It’s not as pricey as the Artisan but it’s capacity and power are not limiting like smaller mixers with fewer watts, making it useful in the long run.
How long do KitchenAid mixers usually last?
KitchenAid mixers are known to be long-lasting with their metal construction. With proper use and care, the average lifespan of a KitchenAid mixer is 10 to 15 years!
When was the first KitchenAid mixer made?
Model H-5, the first KitchenAid mixer, was born in 1919! No wonder this brand is popular when it comes to mixers.
Kitchenaid Stand Mixer – Artisan vs Classic (Which Is Better?)
So which is the winner in our Kitchenaid Stand Mixer – Artisan vs Classic showdown?
It depends on your budget and needs because either one is a reliable mixer.
If you don’t want to spend over $320, the Classic model is perfect for you. But if you’ll often work on challenging ingredients and make larger batches, it’s better to get the pricier but half-a-quart bigger Artisan with a powerful motor.
The Artisan is also available in a wide range of colors to match your kitchen style, and it includes a pouring shield and a bowl with an ergonomic handle.
Nonetheless, both tilt-head design mixers have a solid construction and can be used with different attachments via the multi-purpose hub.
Let us know in the comments which mixer you think is better.
Want to compare more KitchenAid stand mixers and their key differences? Check these out: