This class of mixer can stand up to daily kneading of dense doughs, and it can mix the batter for up to 13 dozen cookies at a time. It has the largest bowl-so can handle the biggest projects-as well as the most powerful motor.
Pretty much anything lacking in the Classic and Artisan series mixers is perfected in the Professional.
Recommended Artisan model: KitchenAid KSM150PSMA Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (link to Amazon) KitchenAid Professional Stand Mixer
It’s also great for those who appreciate the stylish aspect, with its array of available colors. Motor works great for most needs, but will still struggle under the toughest projects, such as kneading large amounts of very dense doughįrequent home bakers who use denser ingredients or bake in larger quantities will love this class of mixer.5-quart bowl, while large, is still not big enough if you are truly baking for a crowd.More expensive than the Classic, although still more affordable than the Professional.Like the Classic, this has a tilt-head design making adding ingredients while mixing easier.325-watt motor is capable of kneading denser doughs and batters.Slightly larger bowl than the Classic, allowing you to mix more at a time.In addition to coming with the wire whip, coated flat beater, and coated dough hook, this class also comes with the 1-piece pouring shield.Bowl has a handle, making pouring easier.So, if this is the primary thing pushing you toward an Artisan instead of a Classic, you might want to consider just buying the pouring shield separately for your Classic, which makes things significantly less expensive. Although the Artisan comes with the pouring shield, and the Classic doesn’t, keep in mind that the shield can be purchased separately, and it fits the Classic as well. The shield does a great job of keeping everything in the bowl, thereby making clean-up easier. This comes in handy when you’re adding things to the bowl quickly or mixing lightweight ingredients like flour or powdered sugar which are apt to fly out of the bowl. Again, it’s not a huge difference, but if you’re trying to lift it onto a high shelf, you’re likely to feel it.Īnother benefit of the Artisan is that it comes with a pouring shield which fits around the bowl. While the Classic weighs around 24 pounds, the Artisan comes in at around 26 pounds. Just as the Artisan is a modestly better mixer, it’s also a modestly more expensive one. These improvements over the Classic are mirrored in the price, though. With the Artisan, you can bake in larger quantities, and you can knead heavier, denser doughs. With a somewhat larger bowl than the classic, and a stronger motor, the Artisan-in many ways-can be thought of as a modestly enhanced version of the Classic. Aesthetics aren’t the only thing which sets this class of mixer apart, though. If you’ve ever dreamed of a stand mixer that is exactly the perfect shade of blue to match your kitchen, the Artisan may be your answer.Īvailable in over 40 different colors, this mixer will delight the decorator in any of us. Recommended Classic model: KitchenAid K45SSOB 4.5-Quart Classic Series Stand Mixer (view on Amazon) KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer This is a great choice for those who plan to use their mixer once or twice a week and want a machine which is sturdy and reliable without being overly large or expensive. The Classic is best for home bakers who bake mostly for their own immediate family. Only available in two different colors, so not as customizable for individual kitchen décor.275-watt motor, while powerful, will strain with larger quantities or denser doughs and batters.