Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus vs Artisan: Which Mixer Wins?
Choosing the right stand mixer can feel like a culinary quest! With so many options, how do you decide which one will be your perfect kitchen companion? The decision often comes down to two popular models: the KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus and the KitchenAid Artisan.
Both mixers boast the iconic KitchenAid design and promise to tackle everything from whipping cream to kneading dough. However, there are key differences that can significantly impact your baking and cooking experience. Understanding these differences is crucial for making the best choice.
This comparison delves into the features, performance, and overall value of the KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus and the Artisan. We’ll explore their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which mixer aligns best with your needs and budget. Get ready to discover the ideal stand mixer for your kitchen!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Pro 5 Plus | Artisan |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Direct Drive | Direct Drive |
| Wattage | 450 Watts | 325 Watts |
| Bowl Capacity | 5 Quarts | 5 Quarts |
| Speed Settings | 10 | 10 |
| Mixing Action | Planetary | Planetary |
| Included Attachments | Flat Beater, Dough Hook, Wire Whip | Flat Beater, Dough Hook, Wire Whip |
| Tilt-Head Design | No | Yes |
| Bowl Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 16.5 x 11.3 x 14.1 inches | 13.9 x 13.3 x 8.5 inches |
| Weight | 27 lbs | 23 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Attachment Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Motor Power
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Features a powerful 450-watt motor, designed for handling large batches and dense ingredients. It offers robust performance but can be louder during operation.
- Artisan: Equipped with a 325-watt motor, suitable for everyday use and smaller batches. It’s generally quieter than the Professional 5 Plus, but may struggle with very thick doughs.
- Winner: Professional 5 Plus
Bowl Capacity
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Boasts a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, ideal for larger recipes and families. The size allows for more ingredients to be mixed at once.
- Artisan: Comes with a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, similar in size to the Professional 5 Plus. It offers ample space for most home baking and cooking needs.
- Winner: Tie
Bowl Lift Design
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Utilizes a bowl-lift design, which is more stable and robust, particularly when mixing heavy doughs. The bowl locks securely into place.
- Artisan: Employs a tilt-head design, making it easier to add ingredients and change attachments. However, it may be less stable with very heavy mixtures.
- Winner: Professional 5 Plus
Number of Speeds
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Offers 10 speeds, giving you precise control over the mixing process, from slow stirring to high-speed whipping.
- Artisan: Also provides 10 speeds, offering the same level of versatility in mixing.
- Winner: Tie
Included Attachments
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Includes a wire whip, dough hook, and flat beater, providing essential tools for various mixing tasks.
- Artisan: Comes with a wire whip, dough hook, and flat beater, the same attachments included with the Professional 5 Plus.
- Winner: Tie
Durability & Build Quality
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Generally considered to be more durable due to its bowl-lift design and often features a more robust build.
- Artisan: Known for its attractive design and solid construction, but may not be as heavy-duty as the Professional 5 Plus.
- Winner: Professional 5 Plus
Weight
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Heavier, provides greater stability during mixing, especially with large batches.
- Artisan: Lighter, which makes it easier to move and store.
- Winner: Professional 5 Plus
Price
- Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus: Typically more expensive.
- Artisan: Usually more affordable.
- Winner: Artisan
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Power | kitchenaid professional 5 plus |
| Ease of Use (Tilt-Head) | Artisan |
| Durability | kitchenaid professional 5 plus |
| Variety of Colors | Artisan |
| Best for Heavy Use | kitchenaid professional 5 plus |
What They Have in Common:
- Mixing Action: Both mixers utilize a planetary mixing action, ensuring thorough and consistent mixing of ingredients within the bowl. This method allows the beater to reach all areas of the bowl.
- Included Attachments: Both models come standard with a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip, providing essential tools for a variety of mixing tasks, from whipping cream to kneading dough.
- Bowl Capacity: Both the Professional 5 Plus and the Artisan models feature a 5-quart capacity bowl, suitable for handling medium to large batches of ingredients.
- Speed Settings: Both mixers offer 10 different speed settings, allowing for precise control and versatility when mixing various ingredients and recipes.
- Attachment Compatibility: Both mixers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of KitchenAid attachments, expanding their functionality beyond basic mixing.
Kitchenaid Professional 5 Plus Vs Artisan Buying Guide
Durability and Build Quality
The KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus is built for heavy-duty use, featuring a robust metal construction designed to withstand the rigors of frequent baking and mixing. The Artisan, while still well-built, often utilizes more plastic components, which can impact its overall longevity compared to the Professional 5 Plus. Consider your usage frequency and the demands you’ll place on the mixer. The Professional series generally offers a more durable and long-lasting experience, especially for those who bake regularly or in larger quantities. Both mixers are high quality, but the Professional series prioritizes durability.
Motor Power and Performance
The Professional 5 Plus boasts a more powerful motor, typically around 450 watts or more, providing ample torque for handling thick doughs and large batches. The Artisan usually has a slightly less powerful motor, which can be sufficient for most home baking needs but may struggle when kneading heavier doughs. Think about the types of recipes you’ll be making. If you frequently make bread or work with dense batters, the Professional 5 Plus’s increased power will be beneficial. This extra power translates to efficiency, finishing tasks quicker.
Bowl Capacity and Size
The Professional 5 Plus usually features a larger bowl capacity, often 5 quarts or more, allowing you to mix larger quantities of ingredients at once. This is a significant advantage if you frequently bake for gatherings or make multiple batches. The Artisan typically has a smaller bowl capacity, often around 5 quarts, which is suitable for standard home baking. Evaluate your typical batch sizes. If you often bake for a crowd or require larger yields, the Professional 5 Plus’s larger bowl will save you time and effort.
Attachment Compatibility
Both models share compatibility with a wide range of KitchenAid attachments, including pasta makers, meat grinders, and vegetable slicers. This versatility enhances the mixer’s functionality beyond basic mixing tasks. However, the Professional 5 Plus might offer slightly more robust attachment performance due to its more powerful motor. Consider which attachments are most important to you. Both mixers offer excellent attachment compatibility, transforming them into versatile kitchen tools capable of handling various food preparation tasks beyond just mixing.
Ease of Use and Operation
Both mixers are designed to be user-friendly, featuring intuitive controls and easy-to-clean designs. However, the Professional 5 Plus may feel slightly more complex due to its larger size and more powerful motor. The Artisan, with its slightly smaller size, might be easier to maneuver and store, especially in kitchens with limited counter space. Consider your comfort level with kitchen appliances. Both mixers are simple to operate, but personal preference for size and complexity can influence your choice. Be sure to consider ease of cleaning.
Price and Value
The KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus generally comes with a higher price tag due to its more robust build, powerful motor, and larger bowl capacity. The Artisan is often available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Consider your budget and the frequency of use. If you are a casual baker, the Artisan may offer excellent value. However, if you bake frequently and require greater power and capacity, the Professional 5 Plus’s investment is worth it. Evaluate long-term needs vs. current budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy kitchenaid professional 5 plus If…
- You frequently bake large batches of bread or dense dough.
- You prefer a more powerful motor for handling heavy-duty mixing tasks.
- You value a more robust and stable design for frequent use.
- You don’t mind a slightly larger footprint on your countertop.
Buy artisan If…
- You prefer a tilt-head design for easier access to the bowl and attachments.
- You want a wider range of color options to match your kitchen decor.
- You primarily bake for home use and don’t require the most powerful motor.
- You prefer a slightly lighter and more compact mixer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between the Professional 5 Plus and the Artisan?
The main difference lies in motor power and build. The Professional 5 Plus has a more powerful motor and a more robust construction, designed for heavier-duty use and larger batch sizes. The Artisan, while still a quality mixer, typically has a slightly less powerful motor and may incorporate more plastic components, catering more to home bakers with moderate needs. This translates to performance and durability.
Which mixer is better for making bread dough?
The KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus is generally better for making bread dough. Its more powerful motor and larger bowl capacity allow it to handle the dense, heavy doughs more effectively, providing consistent mixing and kneading. The Artisan can make bread, but may struggle with very large batches or particularly dense doughs. This is crucial for optimal gluten development.
How do the bowl capacities compare?
The Professional 5 Plus typically has a larger bowl capacity, often 5 quarts or more, allowing you to mix more ingredients at once. The Artisan usually features a bowl around 5 quarts. This is significant if you often bake for large groups or require multiple batches. The larger capacity simplifies the baking process and reduces the need for multiple mixing cycles, saving time and energy.
Are the attachments interchangeable between the two mixers?
Yes, both the KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus and the Artisan are compatible with a wide range of KitchenAid attachments, including pasta makers, meat grinders, and vegetable slicers. This compatibility enhances the mixers’ versatility and allows them to perform various food preparation tasks. Note that the Professional 5 Plus might handle attachments more robustly. This adds to the overall value.
Which mixer is easier to clean?
Both mixers are designed for easy cleaning. The Artisan, with its slightly smaller size and fewer crevices, might be marginally easier to clean. However, the Professional 5 Plus is also straightforward to clean, with most components being dishwasher-safe. The key is to disassemble the mixer properly. Always refer to your user manual for specific cleaning instructions for optimal maintenance.
What is the warranty on each mixer?
KitchenAid typically offers a limited warranty on both the Professional 5 Plus and the Artisan mixers, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The duration of the warranty may vary depending on the specific model and retailer. Check the product details and warranty information provided by the manufacturer or the retailer at the time of purchase for details regarding coverage and terms. Proper registration may be required.
Which mixer is better for a beginner baker?
The Artisan can be a good choice for beginner bakers due to its slightly smaller size, lighter weight, and potentially lower price point. Its performance is excellent for many home baking tasks. However, the Professional 5 Plus is also easy to use. The best choice depends on baking needs and budget. Both are excellent but the Artisan may be less intimidating to start with.
Final Verdict
The KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus and the Artisan are both excellent stand mixers, each with its strengths. The Professional 5 Plus excels in power, durability, and capacity, making it ideal for frequent bakers and larger batches. The Artisan offers a more budget-friendly option that is well-suited for everyday home baking. The best choice depends on your specific needs and baking habits.
Winner: KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus