KitchenAid Classic Vs Artisan Stand Mixers

Both of KitchenAid's Artisan and Classic mixer models are fine machines designed to whip fluff and take names, but which one is right for you? Let's take a look at both models and their specs:

Classic Mixer

Artisan Mixer

250 watt motor

325 watt motor

4.5 Quart Bowl

5 Quart Bowl

Tilt-Head Mixer

Tilt-Head Mixer

8 Cup Capacity

9 Cup Capacity

Standing

Standing

10 Speed Controls

10 Speed Controls

1 Color

25 Colors

H 13.9" x W 8.7" D 14.1"

H 13.9" x W 8.7" D 14.1"

22 pounds

22.8 pounds

$199.99

$299.99

At first glance, both models seem pretty close, and when viewed side-by-side, they are almost identical. Indeed, both models come with the flat beater, dough hook and wire whip attachments, and all of the additional attachments and accessories available for the Classic fit on the Artisan (or vice versa), including the stand mixer cover.

Where the Artisan series mixer differs is in it's decorator aspirations and beefier applications. The Artisan boasts an additional 75 watts of ingredient-churning power and a slight (.5 quarts) bigger bowl, allowing it to take on an extra cup of KitchenAid's Flour Power rating. The Artisan is also a little heavier, being basically a Classic with more guts in it, and even then its less than a pound heavier.

The Artisan's other major difference is it's many, many colors. Where the Classic comes in just Classic white, Artisan owners can dally over dozens of exciting options including Blue Willow, Bayleaf and Boysenberry. The Artisan also features a pink "Cook for the Cure" option where a portion of the sale goes to the Susan G Komen for the Cure charity.

The one area that makes the Classic worthwhile is in it's price. As the lesser of the two models, the Classic provides excellent quality power and features for 2/3 the price of it's big sibling, and if you're OK with white, then you've got yourself a mixer.