KitchenAid Artisan vs. Artisan Mini: 10 Major Differences to Know Before Buying

Are you shopping for a new stand mixer but can’t decide between the KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Mini?

Should you spend more for a larger, more powerful mixer? Or is the Mini version enough for your needs?

In this comparison of KitchenAid Artisan vs. Artisan Mini, I break down their ten key differences. You’ll learn how they compare in size, features, power, weight, price, and more.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• KitchenAid Artisan vs. Artisan Mini: Key Takeaways
• Comparison Chart
• Similarities Between the KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Mini
• Difference 1: Bowl Size
• Difference 2: Soft Start
• Difference 3: Bowl Material
• Difference 4: Pour Shield
• Difference 5: Motor
• Difference 6: Color Options
• Difference 7: Footprint
• Difference 8: Weight
• Difference 9: Flex Edge vs. Coated Flat Beater
• Difference 10: Price
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy a KitchenAid Artisan or Artisan Mini?

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Comparison Chart

The chart below provides a quick side-by-side comparison of KitchenAid Artisan vs. Artisan Mini stand mixers.

	KitchenAid Artisan	KitchenAid Artisan Mini
Mixer Type	Tilt-head	Tilt-head
Soft Start	No	Yes
Bowl Size	5-quart	3.5-quart
Bowl Materials	Stainless steel or glass	Stainless steel
Bowl Handle	Yes	Yes
Bowl Finish	Polished (shiny)	Polished (shiny)
Pour Shield	Yes	No
Color Options	40 options	11 options
Motor	325-watt	250-watt
Speeds	10	10
Attachments	– Coated Flat Beater – Coated Dough Hook – 6-Wire Whip	– Flex Edge Beater – Coated Dough Hook – 6-Wire Whip
Height	14 inches	12.5 inches
Width	8.7 inches	7.75 inches
Depth	14 inches	12.5 inches
Weight	23 lb.	16.5 lb.
Price	$$$$$ (Amazon, KitchenAid.com)	$$$ (Amazon, KitchenAid.com)
Top Reason to Buy	More capacity; powerful motor	Less expensive; smaller footprint
Top Reason to NOT Buy	More expensive; heavier	Smaller bowl; less powerful

Similarities Between the KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Mini

Let’s dive into what makes the KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Mini similar.

Tilt-Head Design

Both the Artisan and Artisan Mini feature a tilt-head design. Unlike bowl-lift mixers, tilt-head models allow you to unlock and tilt the head back.

This design offers plenty of room to add ingredients or scrape the bowl. The tilt-head mechanism simplifies your prep work, eliminating the need to lift a heavy bowl or dismantle parts of the mixer.

Power Hub and Attachments

Both mixers share the same power hub, where you attach various accessories. Each comes with a coated flat beater, dough hook, and a 6-wire whisk.

This universal power hub means the same attachments work with both mixers. The Artisan 5-quart mixer also comes with a pouring shield, which I’ll discuss in more detail later in this comparison.

Ten-Speed Control

The Artisan and Artisan Mini both offer ten speed settings. Whether you’re gently folding in ingredients or vigorously kneading dough, the mixers have the speed range to handle it all.

Cleaning and Care

You’ll appreciate the low maintenance requirements of these mixers. All the bowls and attachments are dishwasher-safe and easily detachable to make cleaning up a breeze.

Materials and Build

Both mixers are crafted from zinc die castings, a material known for its durability and weight. The heft dampens vibrations and ensures the mixers stay put during operation. The bowls are made from stainless steel, although the finish differs by series (more on that in a minute).

Made in the USA

All KitchenAid mixers are produced in the same factory in Greenville, Ohio. This facility has been making these appliances since 1941. Watch the construction process in this video. It’s worth noting that some parts are made overseas. For example, the stainless steel bowls are made in Korea. However, most of the production process happens in KitchenAid’s facilities in the United States.

Difference 1: Bowl Size

Bowl size is one of the most significant differences between KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Mini stand mixers.

The Artisan comes equipped with a 5-quart bowl, while the Mini features a 3.5-quart bowl.

The Artisan’s 5-quart bowl can handle up to nine dozen cookies in a single mixing session. Contrast this with the Mini’s 3.5-quart bowl, which can churn out five dozen cookies.

If you frequently bake for large gatherings or a small business, the larger Artisan bowl cuts down on the number of batches you’ll need to make.

Difference 2: Soft Start

The Soft Start feature is another major difference between the KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Mini. Artisan Mini mixers have Soft Start, but full-sized Artisan mixers don’t.

Soft start is a feature that gradually ramps up the mixer’s speed, regardless of the setting you’ve chosen. It reduces splashing or spills that can occur if you accidentally turn the mixer on at a medium or high speed.

Although this feature is nice to have, its absence shouldn’t be why you don’t buy a 5-quart Artisan mixer. There shouldn’t be any mess if you’re careful and always start the mixer on the lowest setting.

I wanted to know why Artisan Mini mixers have this advanced Soft Start feature, but the full-sized Artisan mixers don’t. So, I reached out directly to KitchenAid and asked. They told me:

“The Artisan 5 quart has been available for a long time. The Mini was just made in the last 5 to 6 years with that added feature. KitchenAid has not redesigned the 5 Quart Artisan to have that feature.”

In other words, Soft Start is a new feature, and KitchenAid hasn’t gotten around to incorporating it into their top-selling 5-quart Artisan mixers yet. We’ll see if it’s included in the future.

Difference 3: Bowl Material

With the Artisan 5-quart mixer, you can opt for a polished stainless steel bowl with a handle, often favored for its durability and professional look.

But if you prefer a glass bowl, the Artisan Design Series comes with that.

The glass bowl is microwave-safe and makes it easier to see your ingredients as you mix. However, it’s heavier than the stainless steel bowl.

Want to elevate that style even further? You can purchase a 5-quart ceramic bowl separately, adding a rustic charm or vibrant pop of color to your mixer.

You can only buy the Artisan Mini mixer with its smaller stainless steel bowl. However, you can buy a 3.5-quart compatible glass bowl separately.

Difference 4: Pour Shield

Pour shields prevent ingredients like flour or batter from splashing out of your mixer as you add ingredients. It’s like a partial lid that blocks the edges but allows you to pour ingredients into the middle of the bowl.

KitchenAid Artisan mixers come with a pour shield, but Artisan Mini mixers don’t. It’s a minor feature, but it makes your baking process smoother and less messy.

Difference 5: Motor

The KitchenAid Artisan stands out with a robust 325-watt motor. If you’re into making bread, pizza dough, or other recipes requiring heavy mixing, the Artisan has the muscle to handle it. A powerful motor ensures you can take on denser and tougher mixes without straining the machine or stopping midway.

In comparison, the Artisan Mini comes with a 250-watt motor. While this is plenty of power for lighter tasks like making cake batters or whipping cream, it’s not ideal for handling thicker doughs. If you make bread with the Mini, expect the motor to struggle, potentially leading to inconsistent mixing and longer mixing times.

So, how much power do you really need?

The power difference between the two models won’t make much difference if you’re mainly making pancakes, muffins, and cookies. However, you’ll appreciate the Artisan’s extra wattage if you want to make bread or pizza dough.

Higher power translates to better torque, the force that turns the beater. More torque means the machine can handle heavier tasks without straining.

Another point worth mentioning is that a more powerful motor tends to have a longer lifespan. Why? Because it doesn’t have to work as hard to perform the same tasks, reducing wear and tear over time.

So, if you plan on using your mixer frequently and for a variety of recipes, Artisan’s stronger motor is a better long-term investment.

Difference 6: Color Options

Kitchen appliances aren’t just about function — they’re also a part of your kitchen’s aesthetic.

The KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart model opens up a world of color. With over two dozen color options, you can pick from neutral tones like white and silver or venture out with striking shades like Lavender Cream and Aqua Sky (pictured below).

The Artisan Design Series model with a glass bowl is more restricted, offering only six color choices.

The Artisan Mini features 11 color options. The available hues, like Matte Black, Candy Apple Red, and Empire Red, are well-curated to appeal to a broad audience.

Difference 7: Footprint

The KitchenAid Artisan measures 14″ H x 8.7″ W x 14″ D. It’s not massive, but it does command a certain amount of counter space. This size accommodates its stronger motor and larger mixing bowl. If you’ve got a spacious kitchen or a dedicated baking station, the Artisan fits right in.

The Artisan Mini is a different story. With dimensions of 12.5″ H x 7.75″ W x 12.5″ D, it’s specifically designed to take up less space.

The Mini is an excellent option if you’re tight on counter space. Its compact size saves precious inches, freeing up room for other kitchen tools or simply keeping your prep area tidy.

Difference 8: Weight

Weighing in at 23 pounds, the KitchenAid Artisan provides stability. It’s a substantial piece of equipment. The extra weight makes the mixer more stable, especially when mixing thicker batters or doughs.

The heft counteracts the vibrations, ensuring your Artisan stays put and won’t shift on the counter during intense mixing sessions. So, if you plan on making more demanding recipes, like bread dough or thick cookie batter, the Artisan’s heavy, solid construction is an advantage.

The Artisan Mini tips the scales at 16.5 pounds, nearly 7 pounds lighter than its larger counterpart.

If you plan on storing it in a cupboard, the Mini is more manageable because it’s lighter. It’s also easier to take on the go if you plan to use it outside your kitchen.

But remember, its lighter weight means it’s less stable for mixing heavier doughs. While it’s convenient, you’re trading off some performance capabilities.

Difference 9: Flex Edge vs. Coated Flat Beater

Artisan 5-quart mixers come with a coated flat beater, while Artisan Mini mixers have a flex edge beater.

Both attachments are made of the same materials, but the flex edge beater has a rubber edge that scrapes the sides of the bowl like a windshield wiper.

This added feature reduces mixing time and eliminates the need to pause mixing to scrape ingredients from the sides of the bowl manually.

Difference 10: Price

KitchenAid Artisan mixers are significantly more expensive than Artisan Mini mixers.

However, the extra investment gives you more capacity, added stability, and a broader range of color options. If you find yourself regularly baking or cooking in large quantities, an Artisan 5-quart model might justify its price.

The Artisan Mini is an attractive option if you’re on a budget or don’t need all the bells and whistles that come with the standard Artisan model.

If the price of a full-sized Artisan mixer is too much, but you need the extra capacity, KitchenAid sells refurbished versions for steep discounts. Plus, they run major sales throughout the year that can save you hundreds (sign up for the free Prudent Reviews newsletter to get notified when sales happen).

Compare the current prices of both mixers at the links below:

• Artisan Mixers on KitchenAid.com, Amazon
• Artisan Mini Mixers on KitchenAid.com, Amazon

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a KitchenAid Artisan or Artisan Mini?

The main differences between KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Mini mixers are size, power, colors, and price.

If you frequently bake large batches, need more power for tasks like kneading pizza dough, or value a wider range of color options, the KitchenAid Artisan (5-quart) is worth the higher price.

But, if you’re limited by space, prefer a lighter and more portable machine, or are on a budget, the Artisan Mini can get almost any task done (although it might require separate batches).

If you’re still unsure which mixer to buy but have the budget, go with the full-sized Artisan mixer. You may not need the capacity and power right now, but it future-proofs your investment if your needs and usage change.

Learn more about both mixers and compare their current prices at the links below:

• Artisan Mixers on KitchenAid.com, Amazon
• Artisan Mini Mixers on KitchenAid.com, Amazon