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Product Help | KitchenAid

Which Stand Mixer is Right for Me?

Different Features of KitchenAid Stand Mixers

All KitchenAid® stand mixers utilize the same unique planetary action, regardless of mixer size. All models have sufficient power to accommodate the bowl capacity. KitchenAid® makes stand mixers in two styles, a myriad of colors, and sizes ranging from 3.5 to 8-quart capacities in various price ranges.

Part of Choosing a Mixer is a Personal Preference.

  • Some prefer tilting the head back to access the beater easily.  
  • Some choose bowl lift mixers because they prefer a professional look.
  • Some find it more difficult to remove the bowls and beaters on a bowl lift mixer, mainly if they have been accustomed to a tilt head, while others have no issue.
  • It sometimes helps to go to a store and assemble the bowl and the beaters to see which "feels" best to you.

With so many choices, how do you determine which one is right for you?

Tilt-Head

The head of the mixer tilts back from the base, and the bowl is attached to the base.

  • Capacity: 3.4, 4.5 and 5 quarts
  • The tilt-head style makes it easy to access the beaters. Simply tilt the head back and remove them. The head locks into place when mixing.
  • This type of mixer is also slightly shorter, so it is a consideration if you have low-hanging upper kitchen cabinets (2.5"-3" shorter).

Comparison of our two most popular tilt head models:

The Classic:

  • 4.5-quart capacity
  • White only
  • No handle on the bowl
  • No pouring shield

The Artisan:

This 5-quart model is our most popular mixer for many reasons:

  • Our largest tilt-head mixer (5 quarts)
  • The array of colors - the most of any model
  • Pouring shield
  • The ergonomic handle on the bowl
  • Often comes with a rebate - either cash back or a free attachment

Bowl-Lift

Bowl lift.jpg

The bowl sits on the "arms" of the mixer and is raised with a lever. The head of the mixer is stationary.

  • Capacity4.5-8 quarts
  • Large Capacity
  • Spiral Knead dough hook on select models
  • Professional look
  • Many models to choose from

The Artisan Mini:

If space and weight are significant considerations, the Artisan Mini is shorter, lighter, and has a smaller footprint, but has the same mixing action and robust motor.

  • 3.5-quart capacity.
  • Mini Mixer. Powerful Performance.
  • The Artisan® Mini tilt-head stand mixer makes up to 5 dozen cookies in a single batch, with the same power as the full-size KitchenAid® tilt-head Stand Mixers while being 20% smaller, and 25% lighter*.

Do You Need a Large Capacity Mixer?

Do you regularly make double or triple batches?

  • Do you have a large family?
  • Do you make a lot of bread? You can make bread in any size stand mixer, but if you make large quantities, you may prefer a model with a spiral knead dough hook, which comes with select models of bowl lift stand mixers. 
  • If so, you may prefer a bowl lift mixer, which comes in capacities of 4.5 to 8 quarts.

Is Color a Consideration?

KitchenAid® makes over 50 colors and finishes. Not all models come in all colors. The Artisan model has the most color and finish options.

Colored mixers.jpg

Space Considerations:

Tilt head mixers are slightly shorter (3") than bowl lift mixers, which can make a difference if you have low-hanging upper kitchen cabinets.

Tilt-Head Height: 14.0"

Bowl-Lift Height: Varies from 16 7/16" to 17.0" 

What Type of Bowl do You Prefer?

Glass Bowls.jpgCeramic Bowl Tropical.jpg 

  1. Glass
    • Clear Glass with measurement markings: Available for all tilt head and select bowl-lift models. 
    • Frosted Glass: tilt head only
    • Hammered Glass: tilt head only 
  2. Ceramic
    • Decorative colors - tilt head only
  3. Stainless Steel
    • From 3 quarts to 8-quart capacities are available. Available for both bowl lift and tilt head models.

NOTE: It's nice to have an extra bowl when doing holiday baking, or to have a spare when one is in the dishwasher.

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