Classic Vs Artisan Kitchenaid – Comparison Guide

What is the difference between the Classic and Artisan KitchenAid models? It’s a matter of some things: motor capacity, size of the bowl, handle and color options and a soft-start option, an evaporation shield, and the price.

With the rise of shows on television such as the Great British Baking Show, numerous home bakers are trying out new recipes at home in the kitchen.

If you’re planning to be serious about your baking, you might need an electric Stand mixer.

If you’ve ever watched any of these cooking shows, you’ll know that there’s a KitchenAid stand mixer can be seen as a participant in the cast. Each workstation is decked with various shades of jolly-looking KitchenAid Artisan model.

However, how do you choose what stand mixer would be the best for you? What is the difference between those KitchenAid Classic and KitchenAid Artisan models?

Is there the possibility of choosing the one that works most effectively for you?

Find out the commonalities between the two stand mixers and the distinctions that distinguish them to allow you to pick the right one to meet your home baking needs!

What’s The Difference Between A Classic & Artisan KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

Understanding the commonalities in the Classic and Artisan KitchenAid stand mixers will assist if you’re considering which one to go with. There are some significant distinctions, which I’ll explain below. The similarities are significant.

Where It’s Made

If you’re investing in a high-priced kitchen appliance such as a stand mixer, you must ensure that you’re receiving the best quality.

Most KitchenAid mixers are manufactured in Greenville, Ohio, in the United States. This particular model is a favorite of Mary Berry, coincidently.

They’ve been making these mixers at the same factory since 1941. They are armed with a wealth of knowledge and a long-standing tradition that runs through their method.

In addition, buying products that are made in the United States provides jobs for local economies and decreases the carbon footprint of shipping.

No matter if you select an Artisan or Classic model, You can be confident that they were produced at the same place by those who understand the procedure.

Attachments & Power Hub

One of the best features of mixing with a stand mixer is its attachments. Both models come with a flat beater that is coated, a dough hook, and a six-wire whisk to meet every baking and mixing requirement.

They have the identical power hub, the hub to which you can attach any accessories.

If you look at the different models, you will discern that the major difference between the power hub is related to hue, something we’ll go over in the next section.

Measurements

In terms of size, Artisan or Classic KitchenAid stands mixers they’re identical in terms of dimensions. Both models measure 14.2 inches in height, 8.7 inches wide, and 14 inches deep.

There’s a slight weight difference, with the Classic weighing 22 pounds to Artisans’ 23 pounds. Artisans 23 pounds.

The motor probably causes a slight difference in weight. We’ll look below. It’s a little heavier in the Artisan, which makes it a little heavier.

They aren’t exactly the biggest kitchen appliances, and they’re pretty on the counter, which means you don’t need to fret over moving the appliances around if you have enough space.

Speed Options

Another thing that is similar with both the Classic and Artisan KitchenAid stand mixers is the speed settings.

Both models come with 10 different speeds, allowing you to prepare an array of food items you can cook. It’s always a good idea to begin slow and work until you’re up to speed, no matter the food you’re cooking.

For you to help select the best speed for your needs, I’ve provided some suggestions:

  • Speed 1 is best for slowly combining ingredients.
  • Speed 2 and 3 can be ideal for mixing heavy batters and cutting the butter into dough or flour.
  • A speed of 4 to 5 can be described as a medium-low speed. Therefore, it’s ideal for whipping egg whites when making cookies. This is the speed you’ll use when given a medium-low recipe.
  • Speed 6 is considered to be moderate speed. Therefore it’s the speed you’ll use when the speed is specified in the recipe. It’s ideal for cream butter and making delicious frostings.
  • Speed 8 has been classified by the EPA as an intermediate-high speed. It’s perfect for whipping meringues and cream.
  • Speed 10 is a high-speed one you likely won’t use since it can quickly whip things. It could be useful when you need to whip small quantities of ingredients, like eggs or cream.

Make sure to mix your ingredients so that heavy batters and doughs cannot whip at high rates.

If you attempt this, you’ll risk burning out the motor in your stand mixer, which is expensive. If it’s very thick, use speed 4 or lower to stay in the direction of caution.

Tilt-Head Bowl Access

Mixers with tilt-heads are the method of getting to the bottom of the bowl. In addition, KitchenAid sells tilt-head as well as bowl-lift models. The Artisan and Classic models are both tilt-head.

This means that you have to turn the head of the mixer (where the attachment is) forward to take off the bowl or gain access to the ingredients within.

It is easy to open the bowl’s head, turn it back and scrape to the edges of the bowl.

I like a tilt-head mixer because it’s extremely user-friendly. The bowl-lift models may be a bit picky using their levers and slightly more difficult to add attachments. This is a fantastic feature both models come with.

Materials

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of using the KitchenAid Stand Mixer, then you’ll know they’re constructed from durable substances. Particularly those models called the Classic, and the Artisan models are constructed from zinc die-cast, which is extremely durable and sturdy.

The heavy weight of these models keeps your mixer from moving across the counter while you mix, keeping everything neat and secure. Both bowls are made of stainless steel. However, the appearance of the models is different.

The classic model is brushed matte stainless steel. The classic version is matte brushed stainless steel, whereas the Artisan version is polished stainless steel that’s extremely shiny. As I’ll explain below, this is a thing to consider when selecting the model you want.

Care & Cleaning

While you cannot put the power hub into the dishwasher without damaging the electrical components, the other components of the Artisan stand mixer or Classic stand mixers are dishwasher-safe.

This means that the bowls and accessories can be dragged through the dishwasher without getting damaged.

It is simple to clean. You can wipe it down using a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to wash off any flour, batter, or dough that gets splashed onto it.

I like drying it using an old tea towel to keep it shining and bright.

What Are The Main Differences Between A Classic & Artisan KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

After we’ve laid out all the commonalities between the Classic and Artisan KitchenAid stand mixers, we’re now looking at their differences.

These characteristics will assist you in deciding which one is best suited to your budget and needs.

Motor Power

The most significant distinction between the two mixers on the stand is in the motor’s power, resulting in a higher cost for this model. Artisan version.

The Classic model is rated at 265 watts, whereas the Artisan is a massive 325-watt motor.

Although both models can create cookies, meringues, cakes, frostings, cookies, and other doughs and batters without problem, heavier kneading, such as bread doughs or doughs with enriched ingredients, is best done using a more powerful power.

The heavier doughs need more effort to make and move about, so if you intend to make many heavy bread doughs or batters, you’ll probably need to purchase an even more powerful motor.

Although the Classic can manage these mixes, it’ll take longer and require much more power.

In the long term, it could lead to the motor failing and require replacement. This is more costly than investing the additional $160 to purchase the additional power.

The extra power will help you make your doughs more pliable and blend without breaking the sweat (or even the engine! ).

Soft Start Option

A further distinction between the two models is the soft-start feature included in the Classic model.

The setting is amazing because it is slow to stop food ingredients like flour or other flours from splashing everywhere on the floor and creating a huge mess.

I’m not certain what the reason is why the Artisan model doesn’t have this feature, as it would seem extremely useful regardless of what you’re cooking or your level of skill in the kitchen. I’m sure there are reasons.

I don’t believe that it’s something to make your decision based on, but it is an excellent benefit when you consider the other options and decide to go with the Classic Stand Mixer.

Model Variations

I’m concentrating this piece on the basic Classic and Artisan models. However, some variants are worth noting.

The Artisan version is available in the less sized Artisan Mini version with a 3.5-quart bowl and a motor of 250 watts.

It also has the soft-start feature that might be worth considering when seeking a smaller, lighter, more compact mixer.

It is available in 11 colors (we’ll learn more about color choices below). It weighs 16.5 pounds and is less expensive than Classic and Artisan models.

The Classic version is available in the form of a Classic Plus; however, so far as I can determine, from the specs listed on the KitchenAid website, The only difference between them is a few color options.

The standard Classic is available in white or black, and the Classic Plus is available in white or silver.

I’m guessing that when you’re trying to find major differences, the most important one is the miniature Artisan.

It’s not as efficient and less expensive as Classic or Artisan mixers, so if you’re not producing large batches and concentrate on soft doughs or batters, it may be a great alternative.

Color Choices

Oh, the color options. That’s the place that makes the Artisan mixer shines. Beautiful kitchens and stylish appliances are trending, with everyone sharing and posting everything via social networks.

It’s hard to find a baking celebrity with a stunning color Artisan mixer.

The Classic and Classic plus options are restricted; the Artisan options are nearly endless with only silver, white, and black.

There are 40 distinct shades to pick from, which include a stunning light green known as Pistachio and pale pinks, lively colors of aqua, traditional reds, and everything between.

These colors are certainly something that ought to have some weightage in your choice.

Mixers are heavy enough that they are often left on the counter even when they are not being used, So why not put in an extra bit to get something stunning to gaze at?

The colors allow your individuality and style to show through as you select colors that match your kitchen’s design.

If you want neutral and warm or the brightest flash of color, the ability the option to select what’s best for you is an enormous advantage.

If you’re trying to decide between stand mixers and your heart is directing you towards the vibrant hues, I recommend you spend the extra money on something you’ll enjoy.

It may seem absurd. However, it also has an improved motor, a larger bowl, and many other awesome options.

Bowl Sizes

Although it may appear to be a small distinction, it is important to note that the Artisan stand mixer has a five-quart mixing bowl, in contrast to the 4.5-quart bowl included in Classic and Classic Plus models. Classic as well as the Classic Plus model.

This means that it is possible that an Artisan mixer can produce 9 dozen cookies at a time in comparison to 6 dozen cookies made using a Classic bowl. Classic bowl.

In case you’re a part of an extended family, or like baking cakes for your colleagues, friends, or special occasions, the bigger bowl will make a huge difference in time as you can bake more large quantities at the same time.

Bowl Finish

Although the feature is only for aesthetics and is not something I’d base my entire decision on, it’s certainly worth noting.

The Classic model is equipped with stainless steel that has been brushed to create a matte mixing bowl. This is a great finish because it’s not prone to showing nicks or fingerprints as easily.

The Artisan model is available with a shiny stainless steel surface, which may appear more refined and extravagant.

However, it can display scratches, fingerprints, and nicks much more clearly. That being said, there are different bowls you can purchase on the internet in order to substitute the bowl that comes with them.

Bowl Handles

The Artisan model has a bowl that has a handle. Although it could seem like a small aspect in the overall scheme of things, the tiny handle could make moving around and using your bowl much easier.

It’s also less likely to fall using your fingers that are slippery and spill the contents across the floor. You can easily take the base from it and move it around the kitchen and use it to scrape away the sides using a handle.

Also, I would not base my entire decision on the bowl’s handle, particularly since you can purchase other bowls to use as the base of your mixer. However, it’s definitely a plus to the stand mixer from Artisan.

Extra Attachment: Pouring Shield

Do you recall that I talked about the feature of soft start above? The Artisan does not require that feature as it comes with an evaporation shield.

This small attachment is made of plastic that sits on the bowl’s top with an opening to pour your food items into.

It stops your batter, flour dough, flour, etc. and from splashing everywhere and creating a mess on the counter in your kitchen.

Price

In light of the capabilities available in the Artisan model, It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are one hundred dollars of distinction between it and its counterpart, the Classic version.

The price difference will depend on the place you purchase it and can be higher in the event that you purchase additional accessories such as a meat grinder or spiralizer.

The cause of the differences in price boils down to a handful of key factors:

  • A stronger motor: 325 watts vs. 325 watts VS 275 Watts.
  • A larger bowl: 5 quarts versus 4.5 quarts
  • A handle for the bowl to allow better maneuverability
  • This shield for pouring will help keep things tidy in the kitchen when you bake.
  • More colors: 40, VS 3,
  • A shinier bowl

I believe that these extra attributes are definitely worth the extra cost, in particular, if you’re planning to make a large amount of bread from thick batters that will require a more robust motor.

I’m also a huge fan of all the colors you can pick from. They’re so beautiful and enjoyable!

How Do You Choose The Best KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

After you’ve learned about the distinctions between Classic as well as Artisan KitchenAid stand mixers, it’s time to choose which model will be the most suitable for you. There are some factors to think about before making your decision.

Budget

There’s around $160 in price difference between the two models, based on the place you purchase them.

The Classic stand mixer is expected to be more expensive due to its small bowl size; the smaller motor isn’t equipped with the pouring shield and is available in fewer colors select from.

However, it’s powerful and should meet the requirements of most baking at home needs.

If budget is the most important, consider the Classic model. You’ll be able to cook up a storm, and your bank account will be grateful.

What Do You Use It For?

The main difference between the two models is the motor’s power. The Artisan comes with a 325-watt motor compared to the motor of 275 watts found on Classic. Classic Stand Mixer.

The larger and more powerful motors are perfect for people who want to bake a lot of dough and bread.

The motors that are less powerful will still be able to knead doughs and beat heavier batters, but it’s going to take longer while the motor may need to perform more work.

If you’re consistently making these heavy batters and doughs, this may wear your motor more quickly.

Therefore, if you intend to bake a lot of doughs that are enriched or bread, then you’ll probably want to select the Artisan model as the higher power will allow the work to be accomplished faster and keep the motor from overheating.

Do You Want A Colorful Appliance?

One of the things I like best about the Artisan KitchenAid stand mixer line is the amazing variety of colors it is available in. There are around 40 color options to pick from, so you’re sure to find one to match your kitchen décor.

Because mixers weigh a lot and are bulky, they tend to be placed on the counter, so they could be an integral part of the kitchen’s design.

If you’re looking to add some vibrant color to your kitchen countertop and countertops, then the Artisan model is the model you should select.

But, if you’re not too fussy about the color, or if your kitchen style is a good match with grey, white, or black, The Classic design is a suitable option as well.

Norah Clark

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, the founder and editor of YummyTasteFood! She's a seasoned food writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry as a former pastry chef, sous chef, and barista. When not writing about food, she explores new recipes or travels the world for culinary inspiration.