KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Classic Mixers: 9 Key Differences

Are you shopping for a KitchenAid stand mixer but can’t decide between the Deluxe or Classic model?

Both are high-quality, versatile machines that can make your life in the kitchen a lot easier. But what are the key differences between these two models?

In this comparison of KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Classic mixers, you’ll learn how they compare in size, features, attachments, colors, price, and more.

So which KitchenAid stand mixer belongs in your kitchen? Keep reading to find out.

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Use the links below to navigate this comparison:

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

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Comparison Chart: KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Classic

In a hurry? Below is a quick side-by-side comparison of KitchenAid Deluxe vs. Classic mixers.

	KitchenAid Deluxe	KitchenAid Classic
Number of Models	1	2 (Classic and Classic Plus)
Soft Start	No	Yes
Bowl Size	4.5-quarts	4.5-quarts
Bowl Handle	Yes	No
Bowl Finish	Polished stainless	Brushed stainless
Speeds	10	10
Color Options	Dark pewter, mineral water blue, silver	Black, white, silver
Motor	300 Watts	275 Watts
Weight	22 lbs	22 lbs
Height	14.0″	14.0″
Width	8.7″	8.7″
Depth	14.1″	14.1″
Price	$$$$ (view on KitchenAid.com)	$$$ (view on KitchenAid.com)

Similarities Between KitchenAid Deluxe and Classic Mixers

Let’s start by recognizing how these stand mixers are alike. You’ll find that they have several similarities.

Tilt-Head

KitchenAid offers two types of mixers: bowl-lift and tilt-head models. Both Deluxe and Classic are tilt-head models. This means the head of the mixer can tilt back and forth, allowing you to add ingredients easily.

The bowl-lift model’s head stays stationary, and the bowl moves up and down with a lever.

Design

At first glance, KitchenAid Deluxe and Classic mixers look identical. Both share the iconic KitchenAid mixer design — rounded head with a wraparound stainless steel band, smooth brushed or glossy finish, and a sturdy base.

Although the first KitchenAid mixer debuted in 1919, today’s trademarked design dates back to 1937 with the release of the Model ‘K.’

Power Hub and Attachments

All KitchenAid mixers have the same power hub. Therefore, you can use attachments interchangeably on the Deluxe and Classic series mixers. Each comes with a coated flat beater, coated dough hook, and a 6-wire whisk.

Plus, you can buy dozens of additional attachments to make various prepared foods such as ground beef and fresh pasta or desserts like ice cream or shaved ice.

Speeds

Both Deluxe and Classic series models are 10-speed mixers. The variations in speed make it easy to prepare a variety of foods.

At low speeds, you can gently stir dry ingredients. Medium speeds are ideal for mixing cookie dough or beating egg whites. High speeds can produce whipped cream.

Bowl Size

Deluxe and Classic mixers come with a 4.5-quart bowl. To give you an idea of what it can hold, you can use this size bowl to make dough for up to 7 dozen cookies or 6.5 pounds of mashed potatoes. Both can also support a 5-quart bowl for greater capacity (you need to purchase the 5-quart bowl separately).

Unit Size and Weight

Measurements are the same for Deluxe, Classic, and Classic Plus mixers. They are 14 inches high, 8.7 inches wide, and 14.1 inches deep. Think about where you will store your mixer and measure that space before you purchase.

The mixers are heavy, weighing approximately 22 pounds. Make sure you feel comfortable lifting that much weight, as you’ll undoubtedly have to move the mixer at times.

Cleaning and Care

The mixer is easy to keep clean, as the bowls and coated attachments are dishwasher safe. You can, of course, also choose to wash everything by hand, but the wire whisk must be hand washed.

For sticky messes, prepare a bowl of hot soapy water and stir the water with the whisk. Then, submerge the whisk for a few minutes. Finally, rinse it off and dry it thoroughly before storing.

Never submerge the mixer. Use a soft, damp cloth and soapy water to clean the exterior.

Differences Between KitchenAid Deluxe and Classic Mixers

So, how are the KitchenAid Deluxe and Classic mixers different? Let’s take a close look at the nine key differences.

Difference 1: Number of Models

The Deluxe series mixer is available in one model.

Classic series offers two: Classic and Classic Plus. The only difference is their colors. The Classic comes in black and white, and the Classic Plus comes in white and silver.

Difference 2: Bowl Handle

A handle is ideal when you need to move the bowl  — especially if your hands are wet or sticky. But the lack of one may be easier to work around when mixing ingredients. Beyond functionality, you might find one or the other more aesthetically appealing.

As you can see in the picture below, the bowl that comes with KitchenAid Deluxe stand mixers has a handle.

The Classic series’ bowls are handle-free.

You can always buy a bowl with a handle for your Classic mixer. However, additional bowls are pricey, ranging between approximately $59 and $99 (with that extra cost, you’re better off buying a Deluxe model).

Difference 3: Bowl finish

The bowls that come with Deluxe mixers have a shiny polished stainless steel finish (pictured below), while Classic bowls have a brushed stainless steel finish.

The polished finish is more eye-catching and brilliant, but it doesn’t hide fingerprints and smudges as good as the brushed stainless steel bowls. 

If you go with the Deluxe model, you’ll have to clean it frequently to maintain its mirror-like finish. Classic bowls don’t offer the shine but are lower-maintenance.

Difference 4: Attachments Included

Although both stand mixer models come with an included flat beater, dough hook, and 6-wire whip, their coatings are different.

The Deluxe models feature a flat beater and C-shaped dough hook made of burnished aluminum powder-coated in subtle silver. The 6-wire whip is stainless with a burnished aluminum hub.

The Classic series flat beater and dough hook are made from a cast aluminum base with a white, powder-based, food-grade polyester coating. It also includes a wire whip.

These differences are purely aesthetic; they don’t impact performance.

Difference 5: Colors

The Deluxe series comes in three colors: dark pewter, mineral water blue, and silver.

The Classic line also gives you a choice, but you can only pick black or white. The Classic Plus is available only in white and silver.

Difference 6: Motor Power

The Deluxe series motor delivers 300 watts for powering through thick dough and bulky foods like boiled potatoes. Both Classic series mixers have a 275-watt motor.

Deluxe has a slight advantage over Classic if you need a little more power. Yet, the difference isn’t drastic, and all KitchenAid mixers have the same 10-speed setting. So you likely won’t notice much difference.

Difference 7: Soft Start

Soft Start is a feature that controls the speed when you begin mixing. It starts slow and builds up to full speed. This keeps ingredients from splashing out of the bowl and reduces flour or other dry ingredients from puffing up and creating a cloud.

The Classic series mixers offer Soft Start; the Deluxe series does not.

Difference 8: Price

While all KitchenAid mixers are an investment, the Deluxe and Classic stand mixers are some of the most affordable models you can buy.

Deluxe is about 20-25% more expensive than Classic, so check out the latter for a lower-cost alternative. You can save even more money by purchasing a certified refurbished model directly from KitchenAid.

Prices vary by retailer, so I recommend comparing prices on Amazon, KitchenAid.com, Walmart.com, and BedBathAndBeyond.com before you buy.

The chart below shows the current prices on Amazon of KitchenAid Deluxe and Classic mixers. For additional context, the chart also includes the prices of KitchenAid Artisan, Professional 600, and ProLine mixers.

Click or tap the price to learn more about each stand mixer on Amazon.

Difference 9: Availability

Of the two, the Classic series models are more popular and more widely available. You can find them at KitchenAid.com, Walmart, Kohl’s, Home Depot, Best Buy, Wayfair, and many other retailers.

The KitchenAid Deluxe mixer is a newer model, so it isn’t as popular or widely available as the Classic mixers. Still, you can find it at KitchenAid.com, Amazon, and Walmart.

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

The truth is, KitchenAid Classic and Deluxe mixers are more similar than different.

Before I give you my recommendation, let’s briefly recap:

• The Classic series offers two models. Deluxe is available in only one.
• With Deluxe, you get a bowl with a handle. Classic bowls don’t include handles, but you can buy an additional 4.5 to 5-quart bowl with a handle as a replacement or as an extra.
• Both mixers include a flat beater and a C-shaped dough hook, but they feature different polyester coatings. Deluxe attachments are silver-coated, while Classic attachments are white-coated.
• You get a choice of three colors with Deluxe: dark pewter, mineral water blue, and silver. Classic comes in white, black, or silver.
• The Deluxe model has a 300-watt motor. Classic series mixers top out at 275 watts.
• Of the two mixers, only Classic models offer Soft Start — a feature that controls the initial speed of the mixer to avoid messes.
• KitchenAid Classic mixers are about 20% less expensive than Deluxe.
• Classic mixers have been around for a while and are more widely distributed.

Bottom line — both stand mixers are powerful, long-lasting, and versatile. The most important factors to consider are colors, price, and bowl design (no handle vs. handle).

Deluxe is more expensive than Classic, although both are a significant investment. Deluxe is worth the higher price if you need the increased power, unique color choices, and want a handle on the bowl, especially when you consider how long KitchenAid mixers last.

If you like black, white, or silver and don’t need the bowl handle, Classic provides the same performance at a lower price.

Overall, you can’t go wrong with Deluxe or Classic. The differences are subtle, and both can help you prepare identical recipes, from fresh bread dough to garlic mashed potatoes with heavy cream. 

Compare the current prices and learn more about both mixers at the links below.

• KitchenAid Classic mixers on KitchenAid.com and Amazon
• KitchenAid Deluxe mixers on KitchenAid.com and Amazon.