Kitchenaid Classic vs Artisan: Compared In 5 Ways

Kitchenaid mixers are a mainstay in so many kitchens. It’s an iconic countertop appliance, thanks to its longstanding history and reputation. 

A quality mixer adds versatility and variety to your kitchen options. No wonder you’re considering buying one! If you’re stuck between the Kitchenaid Classic and the Kitchenaid Artisan mixers, this guide will break down your two choices. 

You’ll soon figure out that these mixers are similar in many ways. Both are tilt-head stand mixers, meaning the top of the mixer lifts up to give easy access to the bowl. Kitchenaid designed both with 10 speeds, meaning you’ll be guaranteed to find that perfect mix consistency. Either mixer can accommodate the countless Kitchenaid attachments available. 

In just a few categories you’ll see these two Kitchenaid mixers have noticeable differences. Let’s go through them together. 

Colors

In keeping true to the “Classic” name, the original Kitchenaid mixer only comes in three neutral colors: white, black, and gray. It’s hard to go wrong with neutral colors like that and Kitchenaid’s designers knew that. Chances are very good that one of those three hues will fit right into your kitchen’s color scheme.

For some, these basic colors aren’t enough.

It’s understandable – there isn’t a whole lot of character and personality in a plain white appliance. But what about a cool teal or standout red? If you’d like to add a pop of color into your kitchen, the Artisan mixer comes in an astounding 47 colors. 

Bowl

Both Kitchenaid mixers come equipped with a stainless steel bowl. In terms of mixing, stainless steel is the ideal material. It doesn’t shatter or have slick sides like glass. It also is lightweight, like plastic, but can handle the motorized power of a mixer, unlike plastic. 

The mixers vary in bowl size. The classic version comes with a 4.5-quart bowl. Meanwhile, the Artisan upgrade has a 5-quart bowl. 

A larger bowl is vital to those for making bulk baked goods, like those running a business, or with a large family, or simply want to make sweets for your entire apartment building! 

The half of a quart won’t be missed by the average household baker. 4.5 quarts is more than enough for a couple of dozen of cookies or a pan or two of cupcakes. 

The average baker may miss the handle though. For some reason, the Classic’s mixing bowl does not have a handle, but the Artisan bowl does. 

A handle is useful for transferring your bowl from the mixer to your next step, such as the countertop to pour. Speaking of, a handle, of course, makes pouring out mixtures easier. 

Is no handle a deal-breaker? For those with certain disabilities, it certainly could be. For others, a handle could be a storage issue. If you opt to store your mixer in a cabinet instead of on the countertop, that handle can make for an awkward fit. 

In the end, the larger handled bowl is a better deal for more advanced bakers. For small batches, the classic should be enough.

Accessories

Whether you go Classic or Artisan, you’ll get the same basic accessories. These include one coated flat beater, one coated dough hook, and one wire whisk. 

The most common mixer attachment is the flat beater. Beaters can be used for most baking mixtures. It can handle heavier consistencies. This will take care of your cookie doughs, your cake batters, and other pastries. 

The dough hook will probably be used the least. While useful, it’s purpose is to knead the dough for bread and the like. 

The last attachment is the wire balloon whisk. This attachment is instantly recognizable. You’ll want this one for lighter mixtures, like icing or whisking eggs. 

The Artisan does have one additional accessory: the pouring guard. This handy-dandy shield is a piece of plastic that fits onto the mixing bowl and blocks any possible splatter. It also helps with pouring other ingredients into the mix.

The addition of the pouring guard is a nice touch for the Artisan mixer. Not many people want to risk splashing a bunch of cake batter onto the kitchen ceiling.

Honestly, all Kitenchaid mixers should include a pouring guard, but the Classic does not.

This point doesn’t kick the Classic out of the running though. Kitchenaid brand pouring guards can be bought separately. You can even buy an off-brand one and it will likely fit as well. A splatter guard will cost you less than $20. 

Price

Speaking of price, how do the two Kitchenaid mixers compare in that category? The Artisan is the more expensive option without a doubt. 

Kitchenaid manufactures two versions of the Classic mixer. There is the Classic and the Classic Plus. Both Classic series run for less than $300 currently.

As for the Artisan series, Kitchenaid has released different special editions of the Artisan mixer. Different variations include ceramic or glass bowls. Some also include slicer/shredder attachments. The Artisan ranges from $300 to almost $500, depending on what special edition you pick. 

Kitchenaid Classic vs Artisan – Pros and Cons

At this point, you might be thinking this is a whole lot of information for one decision. If you’d like a quick rundown of the differences between the two mixers, here’s a quick visual in a pros and cons chart.

Conclusion

When comparing the two Kitchenaid mixer types, the differences are minimal.

In the end, it comes down to the colors and the bowl. Beyond that, it comes down to your own budget and what you’re willing to spend on a mixer based on your needs.

I hope this article has helped you to decide whether the Kitchenaid Classic or Artisan should earn a spot on your countertop.

If you’re in the kitchen appliance mindset, why not check some of our other appliance comparisons? 

Thanks for reading, and have a great day.