KitchenAid Artisan vs Classic
These are KitchenAid's two most popular tilt-head mixers. They look alike and share attachments, but there are a few practical differences.
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The short answer
Choose the Artisan if you bake often or want a bowl with a handle and more color options. Choose the Classic if you bake occasionally and want the KitchenAid design for less.
Side by side
| KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer | KitchenAid Classic 4.5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer | |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl capacity | 5 quarts | 4.5 quarts |
| Bowl handle | Yes | No |
| Motor (KitchenAid spec) | 325 watts | 275 watts |
| Speeds | 10 | 10 |
| Attachment hub | Yes | Yes |
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Brand: KitchenAid · Best for: most home bakers
ASIN: B00005UP2P
A 5-quart tilt-head mixer with a handled bowl and ten speeds.
Strengths
- Bigger bowl with a handle
- More motor power
Limitations
- Costs more than the Classic
KitchenAid Classic 4.5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
Brand: KitchenAid · Best for: occasional bakers and smaller batches
ASIN: B00004SGFW
A 4.5-quart tilt-head mixer that shares the Artisan's attachment hub.
Strengths
- Lower price
- Same attachments
Limitations
- Bowl has no handle
- Less power
Which one should you buy?
For most cakes, cookies and frostings, both mixers do the job. The Artisan's extra half quart and handled bowl make it nicer to use if you bake every week.
If you plan to make a lot of bread, consider a bowl-lift model instead of either tilt-head.
