Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan vs Professional: Which Is Best?
Choosing the right stand mixer can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. KitchenAid mixers are legendary for a reason, but deciding between the KitchenAid Artisan and the Professional series can be tough. Both promise to be your culinary companion, but which one truly deserves a spot on your countertop?
This comparison dives deep into the heart of the matter, exploring the key differences between the KitchenAid Artisan mixer and its Professional counterpart. We’ll examine their features, power, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which KitchenAid mixer best suits your baking and cooking needs.
Whether you’re a casual baker or a seasoned chef, understanding the nuances of these two popular KitchenAid models is crucial. We’ll break down everything from the motor strength to the bowl capacity, ensuring you have all the information to choose the perfect mixer for your kitchen.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Artisan | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Tilt-Head | Bowl-Lift |
| Motor Power | 325 Watts | 325-575 Watts (varies by model) |
| Bowl Capacity | 5 Quarts | 6-8 Quarts (varies by model) |
| Mixing Action | Planetary | Planetary |
| Speeds | 10 | 10 |
| Attachment Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Body Material | Die-Cast Metal | Die-Cast Metal |
| Bowl Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Head Design | Tilt-Head | Bowl-Lift |
| Included Attachments | Dough Hook, Wire Whip, Flat Beater | Dough Hook, Wire Whip, Flat Beater |
| Weight | 22-26 lbs | 25-30 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Motor Power
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Typically features a motor ranging from 300 to 325 watts. It’s sufficient for most home baking tasks, but may struggle with very thick doughs or large batches. The lower power consumption can be a plus for energy efficiency.
- Professional: Generally boasts a more powerful motor, often starting around 500 watts and going higher. This provides more consistent power and handles heavy-duty mixing, allowing for larger batches and tougher doughs with ease. However, it consumes more energy.
- Winner: Professional
Bowl Capacity
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Usually comes with a 5-quart bowl. This is a good size for most home baking needs, allowing for a decent amount of ingredients. However, it might be limiting for those who frequently bake for large gatherings.
- Professional: Offers larger bowl capacities, often ranging from 6 to 8 quarts or even more. This makes it ideal for commercial use or for those who regularly prepare large quantities of food. The larger bowl can be more cumbersome for smaller tasks.
- Winner: Professional
Mixing Action
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Uses a “planetary mixing action,” where the beater spins in one direction while the bowl spins in the opposite direction. This action ensures thorough mixing. The design is generally optimized for home use.
- Professional: Also employs planetary mixing, but the design is often reinforced for heavy-duty use. The mixing action is designed to handle denser ingredients and larger batches without strain. The professional models often have more robust mechanical components.
- Winner: Tie
Durability and Build Quality
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Known for its solid construction, often featuring a metal housing. It’s generally durable for home use, but may show signs of wear and tear with frequent, heavy use over many years.
- Professional: Built with a focus on durability, often using heavier-duty components and a more robust design. It’s designed to withstand the demands of commercial kitchens and frequent use. This results in a longer lifespan.
- Winner: Professional
Speed Control
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Typically offers 10 speeds, providing a wide range of mixing options from very slow to very fast. This allows for precise control over the mixing process for various recipes.
- Professional: Also features multiple speed settings, often 10 or more. The speed range is similar, but the motor and build are designed to maintain consistent speeds even under heavy loads.
- Winner: Tie
Attachments and Accessories
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Compatible with a wide range of attachments, including pasta makers, food grinders, and ice cream makers. This versatility enhances its functionality beyond just mixing.
- Professional: Also compatible with a broad range of attachments, though the specific attachments might vary slightly. The attachments are generally designed for heavier use and larger quantities.
- Winner: Tie
Size and Weight
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Generally smaller and lighter, making it easier to move and store on a countertop. This is a significant advantage for kitchens with limited space.
- Professional: Larger and heavier, requiring more counter space and potentially making it more difficult to move. This is a tradeoff for the increased power and capacity.
- Winner: Artisan
Price
- Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan: Typically more affordable, making it a good choice for home bakers on a budget. The lower price point makes it more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
- Professional: Generally more expensive due to its larger size, more powerful motor, and more robust build. This is an investment for those who bake frequently or in large quantities.
- Winner: Artisan
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best for Casual Bakers | Artisan |
| Best for Large Batches | Professional |
| Best Value | Artisan |
| Most Powerful | Professional |
| Easiest to Store | Artisan |
What They Have in Common
- Planetary Mixing Action: Both mixers utilize planetary mixing action, ensuring thorough and consistent mixing by having the beater rotate in one direction while the bowl rotates in the opposite direction.
- Attachment Compatibility: Both models are compatible with a wide range of KitchenAid attachments, allowing for versatility in food preparation, including pasta making, grinding, and more.
- Durable Construction: Both the Artisan and Professional series mixers are built with a sturdy die-cast metal construction, providing stability and longevity for years of use.
- Multiple Speed Settings: Both mixers offer a range of 10 speeds, giving users precise control over the mixing process for various recipes and ingredients.
- Versatile Use: Both mixers are suitable for various kitchen tasks, from whipping cream to kneading dough, thanks to their design and included attachments.
Kitchenaid Mixer Artisan Vs Professional Buying Guide
Power and Motor
The core difference between the Artisan and Professional series lies in their motor power. The Artisan typically features a 325-watt motor, suitable for most home baking needs. However, the Professional models boast significantly more powerful motors, ranging from 450 to 575 watts, allowing them to handle larger batches and thicker doughs with ease. This extra power translates to less strain on the motor and more efficient mixing, especially for bread dough or dense batters. Consider your typical baking volume when deciding, as the Professional models are built for heavier use.
Bowl Capacity
Bowl capacity is another key differentiator. Artisan mixers usually come with a 5-quart bowl, adequate for family baking. Professional models, on the other hand, offer larger bowl sizes, typically starting at 6 quarts and going up to 7 quarts or more in some models. This increased capacity is crucial if you frequently bake for large groups or need to mix significant quantities of ingredients at once. The larger bowl also allows for better air circulation and more even mixing, especially when dealing with multiple ingredients.
Build Quality and Durability
Both Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers are known for their robust build quality, but there are subtle differences. While both utilize a sturdy metal construction, Professional models often feature more heavy-duty components designed for commercial use. This can translate to greater longevity and the ability to withstand the rigors of frequent, intensive use. The Professional series is generally engineered to handle more demanding tasks and prolonged operation, making them a good investment if you bake regularly.
Speed Settings and Controls
Both series offer a range of speed settings, typically 10 speeds, allowing for precise control. However, the control mechanisms and the placement of the speed lever can differ. Some Professional models may have a more ergonomic or robust speed control, better suited for frequent adjustments. The Artisan mixers generally offer the same functionalities but might have a slightly different feel in the controls. Consider how easily you need to adjust speeds during a bake, as the differences in control design are often subtle.
Attachments and Accessories
KitchenAid mixers are celebrated for their versatility, and both Artisan and Professional models are compatible with a wide range of attachments. These attachments open up possibilities beyond mixing, including pasta making, grinding meat, and even making ice cream. However, some attachments may be designed specifically for certain models or series. Researching the attachments you’re most interested in will help you identify the best mixer for your needs. Both series have similar attachment compatibility, but some high-powered attachments may perform better with a Professional model’s stronger motor.
Price and Value
The price difference between the Artisan and Professional series reflects the increased power, capacity, and build quality of the Professional models. Artisan mixers are generally more budget-friendly, making them a great choice for home bakers who don’t need the extra power or capacity. Professional mixers represent a larger investment, but they provide excellent value for those who bake frequently, in large quantities, or require a more robust machine. Evaluate your budget and baking needs carefully to determine which series offers the best value for your specific situation.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Artisan If…
- You are a home cook who bakes occasionally.
- You have limited kitchen space.
- You prefer a lighter, more compact design.
- You want a wide selection of colors.
Buy Professional If…
- You bake frequently or in larger quantities.
- You require a more powerful motor for heavy-duty tasks.
- You need a larger bowl capacity.
- You want a mixer designed for commercial use or heavy home use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers?
The primary distinction lies in motor power and bowl capacity. Professional models have more powerful motors (450-575 watts) and larger bowls (6-7 quarts) compared to Artisan mixers, which typically have a 325-watt motor and a 5-quart bowl. This makes Professional mixers better suited for heavier use and larger batches, while the Artisan is great for home bakers.
Which mixer is better for making bread dough?
The Professional series is generally better for bread dough. The more powerful motor and larger bowl capacity can handle the thick and dense doughs more efficiently and without overworking the motor. While the Artisan can make bread, it might struggle with large batches or frequently used recipes. The Professional is more durable for this purpose.
Are the attachments compatible between the Artisan and Professional series?
Yes, most attachments are compatible across both the Artisan and Professional series. The attachment hub is the same size. However, some heavy-duty attachments might perform better with the more powerful motor of a Professional model. Always check the attachment’s specifications to ensure compatibility and optimal performance for your mixer.
How long does a KitchenAid mixer typically last?
KitchenAid mixers are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, both Artisan and Professional models can last for many years, even decades. The Professional models, with their more robust build and stronger motors, may have a slight edge in terms of durability, especially with frequent, heavy-duty use. Regular cleaning and care are essential.
Which mixer is easier to clean?
Both models are relatively easy to clean. The smooth surfaces of the mixer body and the removable bowl and attachments make cleaning straightforward. The tilt-head design of the Artisan makes it easier to access the bowl for cleaning, while the bowl-lift design of the Professional is just as easy. Dishwasher-safe attachments are also a plus for easy cleaning.
What are the speed settings on a KitchenAid mixer for?
KitchenAid mixers typically have 10 speed settings, allowing for precise control over the mixing process. The speeds range from very slow for gently combining ingredients to very fast for whipping cream or meringue. Each speed is designed for a specific task, making it easy to achieve the desired consistency and texture for your recipes. Proper speed selection is crucial.
Is the Professional series worth the extra cost?
The Professional series is worth the extra cost if you are a serious baker who bakes frequently, in large quantities, or works with heavy doughs. The increased power, capacity, and durability provide significant benefits in these scenarios. For occasional home bakers, the Artisan series offers excellent performance and value. Consider your baking habits and needs.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the KitchenAid Artisan and Professional mixers depends on individual baking needs. The Artisan offers a great balance of performance and affordability, ideal for home bakers. However, the Professional series provides increased power, capacity, and durability, making it the better choice for serious bakers who bake frequently or in large quantities. The Professional series is a worthwhile investment for those who demand more from their mixer.
Winner: Professional