Artisan vs Professional Kitchenaid: Which Mixer Reigns?
Choosing the right stand mixer can be a game-changer in the kitchen, whether you’re a casual baker or a seasoned chef. KitchenAid is a household name, but with so many options, deciding between the Artisan and Professional series can be tricky.
This in-depth comparison dives into the core differences between the KitchenAid Artisan and Professional models. We’ll explore their features, performance, and overall value, helping you determine which mixer best suits your culinary needs and budget.
From the power of the motor to the capacity of the bowl, we’ll break down everything you need to know. Get ready to discover which KitchenAid stand mixer is the perfect addition to your countertop and elevate your baking and cooking experience!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Artisan | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Tilt-Head | Bowl-Lift |
| Motor Power (Watts) | 325 | 575 |
| Mixing Bowl Capacity (Quarts) | 5 | 6-8 |
| Speeds | 10 | 10 |
| Included Attachments | Whisk, dough hook, flat beater | Whisk, dough hook, flat beater |
| Attachment Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Head Design | Tilt-Head | Bowl-Lift |
| Housing Material | Die-cast metal | Die-cast metal |
| Bowl Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Number of Colors Available | Many | Fewer |
| Typical Usage | Home Baking | Heavy-Duty Baking |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Motor Power
- Artisan: Typically features a motor ranging from 325 to 375 watts. It’s sufficient for most home baking tasks but can struggle with larger batches or dense doughs. While adequate for home use, it may overheat with prolonged use.
- Professional Kitchenaid: Boasts a more powerful motor, often exceeding 500 watts, and sometimes reaching over 1 horsepower. Designed for heavy-duty use, it handles large batches, thick doughs, and commercial environments with ease. This provides better torque and less strain on the motor.
- Winner: Professional
Bowl Capacity
- Artisan: Comes with a bowl capacity typically ranging from 5 to 5.5 quarts. This is suitable for family-sized batches and everyday cooking needs. However, the capacity is limited compared to professional models.
- Professional Kitchenaid: Offers various bowl sizes, often starting at 6 quarts and going up to 8 quarts or more. This increased capacity allows for preparing larger quantities of food, ideal for professional kitchens or those who frequently entertain.
- Winner: Professional
Construction & Durability
- Artisan: Generally features a die-cast metal construction, making it sturdy. However, some plastic components may be present. While durable for home use, it might not withstand the rigors of constant, heavy-duty use.
- Professional Kitchenaid: Constructed with heavy-duty, all-metal components, including a more robust motor and gear system. Designed for commercial environments, it’s built to withstand constant use and handle heavy loads without issue.
- Winner: Professional
Speeds & Controls
- Artisan: Typically offers 10 speeds controlled by a lever. This provides good versatility for various tasks. The speed selection can be relatively intuitive for most users.
- Professional Kitchenaid: Often includes 10 or more speeds, but the control mechanism can vary. Some models may have a more precise speed control system to deal with heavy-duty operations.
- Winner: Tie
Attachments & Accessories
- Artisan: Compatible with a wide range of KitchenAid attachments, which are sold separately. This expands its functionality to include pasta making, grinding, juicing, and more.
- Professional Kitchenaid: Also accepts a wide range of KitchenAid attachments, often with some attachments specifically engineered to deal with heavier loads. The larger motor helps when using attachments.
- Winner: Tie
Bowl Design & Attachment Fit
- Artisan: Typically uses a tilt-head design, where the motor head tilts up to access the bowl. This design can make it easier to add ingredients. However, it may feel less stable during heavy-duty mixing.
- Professional Kitchenaid: Usually features a bowl-lift design, where the bowl is raised and lowered using a lever. This design provides more stability, particularly when mixing large batches or dense dough.
- Winner: Professional
Noise Level
- Artisan: Generally operates at a moderate noise level. It can be noticeable during use, especially when mixing thick doughs, but it’s usually acceptable for home kitchens.
- Professional Kitchenaid: The higher-powered motor can result in increased noise levels, especially when mixing at higher speeds. This is a common trade-off for the power and performance.
- Winner: Artisan
Price
- Artisan: Typically more affordable, making it accessible to a wider range of home cooks. Offers a good balance of features and performance for the price.
- Professional Kitchenaid: Significantly more expensive due to its heavy-duty construction, powerful motor, and larger capacity. The increased cost reflects its commercial-grade capabilities.
- Winner: Artisan
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best for Home Bakers | Artisan |
| Best for Professional Use | Professional KitchenAid |
| Best Value | Artisan |
| Most Powerful | Professional KitchenAid |
| Best for Large Batches | Professional KitchenAid |
What They Have in Common:
- Attachment Compatibility: Both models are compatible with a wide range of KitchenAid attachments, allowing for versatility in the kitchen beyond just mixing. This includes pasta makers, food grinders, and more.
- Durable Construction: Both the Artisan and Professional models are made with sturdy die-cast metal construction, ensuring longevity and stability during use. This builds confidence in the product.
- Multiple Speed Settings: Both mixers offer a range of speed settings, providing precision for different recipes and mixing tasks, from gently folding ingredients to whipping cream.
- Included Attachments: Both come standard with essential attachments like a whisk, dough hook, and flat beater, making them ready to use out of the box for various baking needs.
- Stainless Steel Bowls: Both models feature stainless steel mixing bowls, known for their durability, easy cleaning, and resistance to staining.
Artisan Vs Professional Kitchenaid Buying Guide
Power and Motor
The power of a KitchenAid mixer is a critical factor, especially when considering the Artisan versus Professional models. Artisan mixers typically feature motors ranging from 300 to 325 watts, adequate for most home baking tasks. Professional models, however, boast more robust motors, often exceeding 500 watts. This increased power allows them to handle larger batches of dough and denser mixtures with ease. If you frequently bake large quantities or work with heavy ingredients, the Professional series’ motor is a significant advantage, providing more consistent performance and preventing motor strain.
Bowl Capacity and Size
Bowl capacity directly impacts the amount of food a mixer can handle in a single batch. Artisan models generally come with bowls ranging from 4.5 to 5 quarts, suitable for everyday home cooking and baking. Professional models, on the other hand, offer considerably larger bowls, starting at 5 quarts and going up to 8 quarts or more. This expanded capacity is ideal for commercial kitchens or home bakers who frequently prepare large quantities of food. Consider your typical batch sizes when deciding on the bowl capacity, as a larger bowl can be more cumbersome for smaller tasks.
Build Quality and Durability
Both Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers are known for their sturdy construction, but there are differences in the materials used and overall design. Artisan mixers often feature a tilt-head design, making it easier to access the bowl. Professional models typically use a bowl-lift design, which is generally considered more durable and stable, particularly when mixing heavier ingredients. Professional models often have all-metal construction, adding to their longevity. The choice depends on your usage; both are durable, but the Professional series is built for more demanding use.
Speed Settings and Control
Both Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers offer a range of speed settings, allowing for precise control over mixing. However, the number and type of speed settings can vary between models. Artisan mixers typically have fewer speed options than the Professional line. Professional mixers sometimes include a soft-start feature, which helps to prevent ingredients from splattering when starting at higher speeds. Consider the types of recipes you make and the level of control you need. More speed settings provide greater versatility for different mixing tasks.
Accessories and Attachments
KitchenAid mixers are renowned for their wide array of attachments, which significantly expand their functionality. Both Artisan and Professional models are compatible with a broad range of attachments, including pasta makers, food grinders, and ice cream makers. However, the availability of certain attachments, and the ease of use, might vary slightly. Make sure the attachments you desire are compatible with your chosen mixer. Consider if you plan to expand your mixer’s capabilities by using attachments, and research which models work best with your preferred add-ons.
Price and Value
The price of KitchenAid mixers varies significantly between the Artisan and Professional lines, reflecting their different features and capabilities. Artisan models are generally more affordable, making them an excellent choice for home bakers on a budget. Professional mixers come with a higher price tag due to their more powerful motors, larger bowl capacities, and more robust construction. When evaluating the value, consider your mixing needs, frequency of use, and batch sizes. If you regularly work with large quantities or very dense doughs, the investment in a Professional model might be worthwhile.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Artisan If…
- You’re a home baker who bakes occasionally.
- You want a wide range of color options.
- You have limited counter space.
- You prefer a tilt-head design for easier access to the bowl.
Buy Professional KitchenAid If…
- You bake frequently and in larger quantities.
- You need a more powerful motor for heavy-duty tasks like kneading thick dough.
- You want a larger bowl capacity.
- You need a mixer built for commercial use or frequent, intense use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers?
The main difference lies in power and capacity. Professional models have more powerful motors and larger bowl capacities, allowing them to handle heavier mixtures and larger batches. Artisan models are great for home bakers while Professional mixers are ideal for those who bake in larger quantities or need a more robust machine. The construction also differs, with Professionals being more heavy-duty.
Which KitchenAid mixer is better for making bread dough?
The Professional KitchenAid mixer is generally better for making bread dough, especially for recipes with dense dough or large quantities. The more powerful motor and higher capacity bowl help to prevent motor strain and ensure thorough mixing. The bowl-lift design of some Professional models also provides increased stability when kneading dough.
Are Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers compatible with the same attachments?
Yes, both Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers are compatible with a vast array of attachments. While the specific model compatibility might vary slightly depending on the age and type of the mixer, the core attachments like pasta makers, food grinders, and ice cream makers can be used on both lines, increasing their versatility.
What is the bowl-lift design, and why is it important?
The bowl-lift design is a feature found in Professional KitchenAid mixers. The bowl is secured to the mixer base by a lever that lifts and lowers it. This design provides greater stability and is better suited for handling heavy ingredients and large batches. It also allows for easier access to the bowl when adding ingredients or scraping the sides.
Which KitchenAid mixer is easier to clean?
Cleaning is generally similar for both models. The tilt-head design of the Artisan mixers may make it marginally easier to clean the area around the head. The bowl and attachments are typically dishwasher safe, making cleanup straightforward. However, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the best cleaning practices for your specific model.
What is the warranty on KitchenAid mixers?
KitchenAid offers a warranty on its mixers, the length of which can vary depending on the model and the specific terms. Generally, KitchenAid offers a 1-year warranty on Artisan mixers and a longer warranty on Professional mixers. Always check the specific warranty details for the model you are considering to understand the coverage.
Are there different color options for both Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers?
Yes, KitchenAid offers a wide variety of color options for both Artisan and Professional mixers. The color availability can vary by model and the manufacturer’s current offerings, but both lines provide a range of colors to match kitchen decor. Check the specific model’s available colors when making your decision.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Artisan and Professional KitchenAid mixers depends on your baking needs and frequency of use. While the Artisan mixers are excellent for home bakers, the Professional models provide superior power and capacity, making them ideal for those who frequently bake large batches or handle heavy doughs. The Professional series offers greater durability and the ability to handle demanding tasks with ease.
Winner: Professional Kitchenaid