Overview of KitchenAid stand mixers

KitchenAid mixers are loved for their power, durability, and timeless design. All models are built with the same core function in mind—offering a reliable, powerful mixing experience—but they come in different sizes, capacities, and styles. The Artisan series, Design series, and Bowl Lift series each offer unique features tailored to different types of home cooks, from casual bakers to seasoned pros.

Understanding your needs

Your cooking habits, the size of your kitchen, and how often you bake will influence the type of stand mixer that suits you best. If you love making bread or large batches of cookies, you’ll want to focus on power and bowl capacity. Conversely, if you’re a weekend baker or need a mixer that doubles as a stylish countertop piece, size and design may be top priorities.

Setting priorities

Before diving into the specific models, consider what’s most important to you:

• Power: Do you need a mixer that can handle heavy doughs, or will you mainly use it for lighter tasks like whipping cream and mixing batter?
• Capacity: Larger bowls are great for big families or those who batch bake, but smaller kitchens might benefit from a more compact model.
• Design: If your mixer will stay on your countertop, aesthetic might be key, especially with the colour and finish options available.

Types of product: Artisan, Design, and Bowl Lift series

Pros and cons

Artisan Series: Pros: Perfect for everyday baking, wide range of colours, versatile enough for most recipes. Cons: Slightly less powerful than the Bowl Lift series for heavy duty tasks.

Design Series: Pros: Stylish design, glass, wood, copper or ceramic bowl options, great for lighter baking tasks. Cons: More expensive due to its premium look and bowl materials.

Bowl Lift Series: Pros: Powerful motor, ideal for large quantities and heavy doughs, bigger capacity options. Cons: Bulkier and more industrial in design, takes up more space in the kitchen.

Key features to consider: material and build quality

KitchenAid stand mixers are built to last, featuring durable, die-cast metal bodies. The bowls are either stainless steel, glass, wood, copper or ceramic, each offering its own benefits. Stainless steel is lightweight, dishwasher safe, and highly durable, while glass and ceramic bowls, found in the Design series, are heavier but visually appealing and offer useful measurement markings.

Ease of use and maintenance

The ease of use depends on the model you choose. The Artisan and Design series feature a tilt-head mechanism, which makes it easy to add ingredients mid-mix or remove the bowl. The Bowl Lift mechanism, on the other hand, provides better stability for heavy mixing but can take up more space. All KitchenAid mixers come with dishwasher safe attachments, and the bowl can usually be cleaned quickly by hand or in the dishwasher.

Compatibility with attachments

KitchenAid mixers are known for their versatility, with a power hub that accommodates over 15 optional attachments, including pasta makers, spiralisers, ice cream makers, ice shavers, and food grinders. When buying a KitchenAid mixer, it's important to check if the KitchenAid attachments you plan to use are compatible with the specific model you choose, though most are universal across the range.

Summarising key points

When choosing a KitchenAid stand mixer, consider how often and what you’ll use it for. The Artisan series is perfect for most home bakers, offering a balance of performance and style. The Design series is ideal if you want a visually striking appliance, while the Bowl Lift series is best for serious bakers needing more power and capacity. Each series offers durability, versatility, and compatibility with a wide range of attachments.