KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Artisan Mixers: What’s the Difference?

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

What’s the difference between them? Is one model better than the other?

In this comparison of KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Artisan stand mixers, you’ll learn how they differ in colors, capacity, power, attachments, price, and more.

You’ll also learn the key factors to consider before deciding which option is best for you.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Artisan: Comparison Chart
• Similarities Between KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan Mixers
• Differences Between KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan Mixers
• Bottom Line: Should You Buy a KitchenAid Deluxe or Artisan Mixer?

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KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Artisan: Comparison Chart

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Artisan mixers.

Swipe to view the entire chart on mobile.

	Deluxe	Artisan	Artisan Mini
Mixer Type	Tilt-head	Tilt-head	Tilt-head
Soft Start	No	No	Yes
Bowl Size	4.5 quarts	5 quarts	3.5 quarts
Bowl Materials	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel
Bowl Handle	Yes	Yes	Yes
Handle Design	Thin and flat	Thick and rounded	Thick and rounded
Bowl Finish	Polished	Polished	Polished
Pour Shield	No	Yes	No
Color Options	3	over 20	9
Motor	300-watt	325-watt	250-watt
Speeds	10	10	10
Height (inches)	14	14	12.5
Width (inches)	8.7	8.7	7.75
Depth (inches)	14	14	12.5
Weight	22 lb.	22 lb.	16.5 lb.
Price	$$$ (Amazon)	$$$$ (Amazon)	$$ (Amazon)

Similarities Between KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan Mixers

The KitchenAid Artisan and Deluxe mixers are two different models, but they share several similarities worth reviewing.

Tilt-Head

KitchenAid manufactures two kinds of mixers: bowl-lift or tilt-head models. Artisan and Deluxe mixers are tilt-head models.

The main difference between the two types is that tilt-head mixers have a lever that allows you to tilt the head back and add ingredients. Bowl-lift mixers have a stationary head and a lever to move the bowl up and down.

Learn more in this comparison of KitchenAid tilt-head vs. bowl-lift mixers.

Power Hub and Attachments

Both mixers share the same power hub, which is the part that connects the attachments to the mixer.

Because of that, all KitchenAid attachments and add-ons (for example, a pasta press, meat grinder, grain mill) work with Deluxe and Artisan mixers.

Also, both models come with the same attachments: a coated flat beater, coated dough hook, and a 6-wire whisk.

Speeds

KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan mixers both feature 10 mixing speeds to support a variety of food preparation methods.  

Bowl Material and Handle

Both mixers come with a stainless steel bowl with an attached handle. Ceramic and glass bowls are available for purchase if you prefer a different material.

Unit Size and Weight

Artisan and Deluxe standard mixers share the same dimensions: the 5-quart versions are 14.0” high, 8.7” wide, and 14.1” deep. The Artisan Mini model, on the other hand, is 12.5” high, 7.75” wide, 12.5” deep.

Both mixers are the ideal size for under-cabinet storage, and both weigh approximately 22 lbs. The Artisan Mini is 18 lbs, making it more maneuverable.

Cleaning and Care

The mixer attachments and bowls are dishwasher safe, except for the whisk (it should be hand washed).

You can clean the mixer’s body with a soft cloth and soapy water. Do not submerge the mixer in water.

Differences Between KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan Mixers

Now that we’ve gone over the similarities between KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan mixers, it’s time to take an in-depth look at how they differ.

Difference 1: Number of Models

The KitchenAid Deluxe mixer only comes in one standard model, whereas the Artisan mixer comes in both a standard (5-quart) and a “mini” model.

The Artisan Mini is a smaller, 3.5-quart mixer with a less powerful engine and a “soft start” feature that prevents ingredients from flying out of the bowl. The Mini is 12 ½”  tall, making it easier to store.

Difference 2: Bowl Size

The KitchenAid Deluxe mixer comes with a 4.5-quart bowl. For context, this model can mix dough for approximately eight dozen cookies per batch.

The Artisan mixer comes with a 5-quart bowl, which can mix dough for up to nine dozen cookies at a time. The Artisan Mini, with its 3.5-quart bowl, can mix dough for up to five dozen cookies.

Difference 3: Attachment Coating

Although the KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan mixers come with the same attachments –– a flat beater and a dough hook –– the coatings are different.

The Deluxe model comes with silver-coated attachments for a more modern look. The Artisan attachments have a white coating. The coatings don’t impact the attachments’ performance and are merely aesthetic.

In both cases, the attachments are made of aluminum, and the coating is polyester.

Difference 4: Pouring Shield

The KitchenAid Artisan mixer comes with a pouring shield, but the Deluxe model does not.

Pouring shields are clear plastic attachments you put around the edge of the mixer bowl to prevent spills. They also have a funnel-shaped opening that allows you to easily add ingredients without making a mess.

Pouring shields are especially helpful when adding powdery ingredients like flour or confectioner’s sugar.

Difference 5: Handle Design

I mentioned that Artisan and Deluxe mixers both come with handles attached to the bowls, but the design of the handles is different.

Artisan handles are thicker and rounded, while Deluxe handles are flat and thin. Because of this, Artisan handles are much more comfortable to hold. The thin edges of Deluxe handles can dig into your hand and be uncomfortable, especially if the bowl is full and heavy.

Here’s a look at the Artisan handle:

And here’s the Deluxe handle:

Difference 6: Number of Colors

KitchenAid’s Deluxe mixer comes in three standard colors: Dark Pewter (pictured below), Silver, and Mineral Blue.

Alternatively, the Artisan mixer comes in over 20 color options. These include shades of blue, such as Aqua Sky (pictured below) and Blue Velvet, various reds, like Passion Red and Empire Red, and many more.

The Artisan Mini comes in 9 color options, including Dark Pewter, Cast Iron Black, Candy Apple Red, Ice (a bluish-white color), and Contour Silver.

If aesthetics are important to you, the Artisan offers a wide range of colors. These are occasionally updated, so make sure you check out the product page and click through the current options.

Difference 7: Motor Power

The KitchenAid Artisan mixer has a 325-watt motor, while the Deluxe has a 300-watt motor. The Artisan Mini uses a 250-watt motor.

Most shoppers look at the wattage when determining which mixer is the most powerful.

While mixers with higher wattage motors are generally more powerful, wattage refers to how much power the motor requires to work. In other words, it’s the power used, not necessarily the power produced.

Capacity is usually more indicative of power than wattage. So the 5-quart Artisan mixer is slightly more powerful than the Deluxe 4.5-quart mixer. And the Artisan Mini 3.5-quart mixer is the least powerful.

That said, you won’t notice a major difference between the three. They can all mix batter, knead dough, and whip eggs without any problem.

If you need to mix stiff, dense bread doughs regularly, you might want to consider KitchenAid’s Professional Series mixers, which have 500-watt (or more) motors and 5 to 7 quarts of capacity.

Difference 8: Price

All KitchenAid mixers are expensive, and you should consider them a long-term investment.

The Artisan 5-quart mixer is the most expensive option out of the three, and the Artisan Mini is the cheapest due to its size.

The Deluxe mixer falls into the middle range, but it’s still pricey.

I’ve put together this price chart to give you an idea of how these options compare. The chart shows the current prices on Amazon, but keep in mind that pricing varies by retailer.

For additional context, I included the prices of KitchenAid Classic, Professional 600, and ProLine mixers.

Difference 9: Availability

The KitchenAid Artisan mixer is one of the brand’s most popular models and is widely available. You can find it at many different retailers, including KitchenAid.com, Amazon, Walmart, Kohl’s, Bed Bath & Beyond, and many more.

KitchenAid’s Deluxe mixer is a newer and less popular model, so it’s harder to find. You can purchase it through KitchenAid.com, Amazon, or Walmart, but you won’t find it at many retailers besides these.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy a KitchenAid Deluxe or Artisan Mixer?

Now that you know the differences between KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan mixers, it’s time to decide which is best for you.

Before I give you my recommendation, let’s quickly review the key points.

• Both Deluxe and Artisan mixers are tilt-head models with the same attachments, speeds, stainless steel bowls, and overall dimensions.
• Both have dishwasher-safe bowls and attachments (minus the whisk, which should be hand-washed).
• The Artisan mixer comes in the standard 5-quart model and a 3.5-quart Artisan Mini model. The Deluxe only comes in one size.
• The Deluxe mixer has a 4.5-quart bowl, the Artisan model has a 5-quart bowl, and the Artisan Mini comes with a 3.5-quart bowl.
• The Deluxe model comes with silver-coated attachments, whereas the Artisan’s attachments are white.
• The Artisan mixer comes with a pouring shield, while the Deluxe model does not.
• The Deluxe mixer only comes in three colors. The Artisan (standard model) comes in over 20 color options, and the Artisan Mini features nine colors.
• The Artisan mixer has a 325-watt motor, and the Deluxe model features a 300-watt motor. The Artisan Mini has a 250-watt motor.
• The Artisan mixer is the most expensive model, while the Artisan Mini is the least expensive due to its size. The Deluxe model falls somewhere in the middle but is still pricey.
• Since the KitchenAid Artisan mixer is the brand’s most popular model, it is widely available and easy to find. The Deluxe model is newer and less popular, so it isn’t sold at as many retailers.

Bottom line –– both KitchenAid Artisan and Deluxe mixers are powerful, versatile, and reliable. The key features to consider are bowl size, color, and price.

If you place a high value on aesthetics and a larger bowl size, the Artisan mixer –– with its 5-quart bowl and array of color options –– is your best bet. It also comes with a pouring shield.

Still, if you don’t mind a slightly smaller bowl and a limited color range, the Deluxe mixer is an excellent choice with a lower price tag.

Artisan Mini is the best (and least expensive) option if you’re looking for a compact mixer for small batches.

You can find KitchenAid Deluxe and Artisan mixers on KitchenAid.com and Amazon (links below), where you can read more reviews and check current prices.

• KitchenAid Deluxe mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com
• KitchenAid Artisan (5-quart) mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com
• KitchenAid Artisan (3.5-quart) mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com