Kitchenaid Classic vs Artisan – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right stand mixer depends on your cooking style, kitchen space, and budget. The KitchenAid Artisan and KitchenAid Classic models cater to different home cooks by offering distinct power levels and capacities. The Artisan is known for its versatility and wide range of colors, making it a favorite for passionate bakers. The Classic is a reliable entry-level option with a smaller bowl and slightly lower power, ideal for casual baking tasks. This article will break down their differences so you can choose the model that best fits your needs.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | KitchenAid Artisan | KitchenAid Classic |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl Size | 5-quart stainless steel bowl suitable for larger batches | 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl for moderate batch sizes |
| Motor Power | 325-watt motor for heavy mixing and thick doughs | 275-watt motor for lighter mixing tasks |
| Mixing Speeds | 10-speed settings for precise control | 10-speed settings for most standard tasks |
| Attachments | Comes with flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk, and pouring shield | Comes with flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk |
| Color Options | Wide range of over 20 color choices | Limited to a few classic finishes |
| Weight | Heavier and more stable on countertop | Slightly lighter and easier to move |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction: The Artisan has a slightly more robust build and offers a wide selection of colors to match any kitchen aesthetic. The Classic has a simpler, more utilitarian design with fewer color options but is compact enough to fit smaller kitchens.
Mixing Capacity: The Artisan’s 5-quart bowl can handle up to 9 dozen cookies per batch, making it ideal for frequent baking or entertaining. The Classic’s 4.5-quart bowl suits smaller households and lighter recipes.
Motor Power: The Artisan uses a 325-watt motor, giving it more torque for kneading dense bread dough or mixing large quantities. The Classic’s 275-watt motor works well for everyday batters but may struggle with heavy bread doughs.
Speed Control: Both mixers feature 10 speeds, but the Artisan feels slightly smoother at lower speeds, which helps when gently incorporating ingredients like whipped cream or egg whites.
Attachments and Accessories: The Artisan includes a pouring shield in the box, which helps prevent mess during mixing. Both are compatible with KitchenAid’s power hub attachments like pasta rollers and food grinders, but the Artisan lineup has more bundled package options.
Stability and Weight: The Artisan’s added weight makes it very stable when mixing heavy doughs. The Classic is easier to lift and store but can shift slightly on the counter with dense mixtures.
Ease of Cleaning: Both models have dishwasher-safe bowls and beaters. The Artisan’s pouring shield reduces splatter, meaning less cleanup after large mixing projects.
Versatility: The Artisan’s higher power and larger capacity make it better suited for multitasking, such as making bread dough and cake batter in quick succession. The Classic is best for small-batch baking, occasional cookies, and light bread recipes.
FAQ
Is the KitchenAid Artisan worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you bake frequently or in large quantities. Its stronger motor and larger bowl provide better performance for bread dough and big batches.
Can the Classic handle bread dough?
It can handle occasional bread dough but may strain under frequent heavy use. The Artisan is better for regular bread making.
Are both mixers tilt-head models?
Yes, both the Artisan and Classic use the tilt-head design, allowing easy bowl and beater access.
Do both mixers work with all KitchenAid attachments?
Yes, both have the same power hub, so you can use attachments like pasta rollers, meat grinders, and spiralizers on either model.
What is the biggest difference between the two?
The biggest difference is capacity and motor power. The Artisan can mix larger batches and handle heavier doughs more efficiently.
Which one is better for small kitchens?
The Classic is lighter and slightly smaller, making it easier to store or move in compact spaces.
Do both models come with a pouring shield?
Only the Artisan includes a pouring shield by default. It can be purchased separately for the Classic.
Are there color choices for the Classic?
Yes, but they are limited compared to the Artisan, which has a wide selection of over 20 colors.
Can you buy extra bowls for either model?
Yes, extra bowls and specialty bowls are available for both models and are interchangeable within their tilt-head category.
Which one is quieter?
Both have similar noise levels, but the Artisan may sound slightly smoother because of its more powerful motor.