The KitchenAid Artisan Series is a collection of high-end, versatile stand mixers known for their powerful 325-watt motor and a larger 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl. They offer more than 20 color options, an attachment hub for a variety of kitchen tasks, and come with a pouring shield for added convenience.
The KitchenAid Classic Series stand mixers are known for their durability and efficiency, with a 275-watt motor and a 4.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl. They’re designed with a tilt-head feature for easy bowl access, and the Classic Series provides reliability and performance with fewer color options and a more affordable price point.
KitchenAid Artisan vs. Classic Mixers: Quick Overview
Series | Classic™ | Artisan® |
Model | K45SS | KSM150PS |
Bowl Action | Tilt-Head | Tilt-Head |
Capacity/Bowl Size | 4.5 qt | 5 qt |
Bowl Type | Brushed Stainless Steel (no Handle) | Polished Stainless Steel (with Handle) |
Multi-purpose Hub Attachment | Yes | Yes |
Designed, Engineered, and Assembled in the U.S.A. | Yes | Yes |
Color Options | 2 | 39 |
10 Mixing Speeds | Yes | Yes |
Soft Start | Yes | No |
Compatible with All Attachments | Yes | Yes |
Ceramic Bowl Compatible | Yes | Yes |
Pouring Shield | No | Yes |
Flat Beater | Standard White | Standard White |
Wire Whip | 6 | 6 |
Dough Hook | Standard White | Standard White |
Limited Parts Warranty | 1-Year | 1-Year |
Source: KitchenAid
KitchenAid Artisan vs. Classic Mixers: Similarities
10-Speed Control
Both mixers feature a 10-speed control functionality. This allows users to select the right speed for mixing, kneading, or whipping, depending on the ingredients used. The 10-speed range lets you gently stir in ingredients or quickly beat egg whites.
Planetary Mixing Action
Both the Artisan and Classic models have KitchenAid’s unique planetary mixing action. This feature enables the beater to touch 59 points around the bowl, ensuring the ingredients are mixed thoroughly and evenly.
Attachment Hub
Both models come with a multi-purpose attachment hub that allows for the attachment of various optional accessories. This could include items like pasta makers, food grinders, or ice cream makers, enabling the mixer to be much more than a mixer.
Included Accessories
Each model comes standard with a flat beater, a dough hook, and a wire whip. These tools can be used for everything from making cake batter to kneading dough to whipping egg whites or cream.
Warranty
KitchenAid offers a one-year limited warranty on both the Artisan and Classic mixers. This is a testament to the company’s faith in the durability and longevity of its products.
Motor Power
The Classic and the Artisan use an AC motor (alternating current). These types of motors are known for their efficiency and durability.
Tilt-Head Design
Both models feature a tilt-head design, allowing easy access to the bowl and attached beater or accessory, so you can add ingredients easily.
KitchenAid Artisan vs. Classic Mixers: Differences
Bowl Capacity
The Artisan stand mixer comes with a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, while the Classic version has a slightly smaller 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl. This means the Artisan model can handle larger batches of ingredients at once.
Motor Power
The Artisan model has a more powerful 325-watt motor than the Classic’s 275-watt motor. This could make a difference when mixing heavy dough or larger ingredients.
Material of Bowl
The Artisan’s bowl also has a handle, which is absent in the Classic model’s bowl. The handle can make the bowl easier to maneuver, particularly when it’s full of heavy batter or dough.
Color Options
The Artisan model is available in a wide array of colors (over 20 options), allowing you to match it to your kitchen decor. On the other hand, the Classic model is typically available in fewer color options, traditionally white and black.
Included Pouring Shield
The Artisan model comes with a pouring shield, which helps prevent splattering when adding ingredients to the mixer. This feature is not included with the Classic model.
Weight
The Artisan is slightly heavier than the Classic, which can make a difference in stability when mixing heavy dough. The Artisan weighs 26 lbs, while the Classic weighs 22 lbs.
Price
Generally speaking, the Artisan model is more expensive than the Classic model due to its additional features and capabilities.
KitchenAid Artisan vs. Classic Mixers: Pros and Cons
KitchenAid Artisan Series
Pros
- 325-watt powerful motor
- Larger 5-quart bowl with handle
- Wide variety of color options
- It comes with a pouring shield
- Can handle larger batches of ingredients
Cons
- More expensive than the Classic Series
- Heavier, which might make it harder to move
- Larger footprint on your counter
KitchenAid Classic Series
Pros
- More affordable than the Artisan Series
- Slightly lighter than the Artisan Series
- Reliable performance
- Slightly smaller footprint on your counter
Cons
- Less powerful 275-watt motor
- Smaller 4.5-quart bowl without handle
- Fewer color options
- It does not come with a pouring shield
- May struggle with larger batches of ingredients
Frequently Asked Questions
Which attachments come with both stand mixers?
Both KitchenAid Artisan and Classic stand mixers have a flat beater for mixing batters, a coated dough hook for kneading dough, and a wire whip for whipping cream or egg whites. These attachments are ideal for a variety of baking tasks.
Is KitchenAid Artisan or Classic better at making cakes?
Both mixers perform well in cake-making tasks due to their 10-speed control and planetary mixing action. However, with its more powerful motor and larger bowl capacity, Artisan can handle larger cake mixes more efficiently.
Is KitchenAid Artisan or Classic better at making bread?
The Artisan might have a slight bread-making edge due to its stronger motor, which can handle heavy dough more efficiently. That being said, the Classic can also knead bread dough effectively but might struggle with larger quantities.
Is KitchenAid Artisan or Classic better at whipping cream?
Both the Artisan and Classic can whip cream efficiently thanks to their 10-speed settings and wire whip attachment. The difference in their performance for this task would be minimal.
Which is easy to clean: Artisan or Classic?
Both the KitchenAid Artisan and Classic mixers have a similar design and come with dishwasher-safe attachments, making them equally easy to clean. The pouring shield included with the Artisan model might reduce splatters and thus make clean-up slightly easier.
Final Words: Which Series is Best for Me: Artisan or Classic?
Choosing between the KitchenAid Artisan and Classic series depends on your needs and preferences. If you often bake in large quantities, appreciate various color options, or frequently mix heavy doughs, the Artisan, with its more powerful motor and larger bowl, might be a better fit.
On the other hand, if you bake less frequently, have limited countertop space, or are budget-conscious, the Classic’s efficient performance and smaller footprint may serve your needs well. Ultimately, both series offer excellent performance and quality, aligning with KitchenAid’s reputation.
