KitchenAid Mixer Comparison Chart: Key Differences Explained

Are you shopping for a KitchenAid mixer but can’t decide which to buy?

With so many models available, finding the right one can be tricky.

In this comparison of KitchenAid mixers, you’ll learn the key features that set each model apart.

To simplify your shopping experience, I provide a detailed yet easy-to-read comparison chart highlighting the differences between each KitchenAid mixer.

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Use the links below to navigate the comparison:

• KitchenAid Mixer Comparison: Key Takeaways
• Comparison Chart
• Similarities Between All KitchenAid Mixers
• KitchenAid Classic
• KitchenAid Classic Plus
• KitchenAid Artisan
• KitchenAid Artisan Mini
• KitchenAid Deluxe
• KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus
• KitchenAid Professional 600
• KitchenAid Professional 6500
• KitchenAid Pro Line
• Factors to Consider When Comparing KitchenAid Mixers
• Bottom Line: Which KitchenAid Mixer Is the Best for You?

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Comparison Chart

This comparison chart of KitchenAid mixers provides a side-by-side view of each model. Later in this guide, I explain the similarities and differences between each mixer in greater detail.

Swipe to view the entire chart on mobile.

Series	Classic and Classic Plus	Deluxe	Artisan	Artisan Mini	Professional 5 Plus	Professional 600	Professional 6500 Design	Pro Line
Price	$$	$$$	$$$	$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$$	$$$$$
Mixer Type	Tilt-head	Tilt-head	Tilt-head	Tilt-head	Bowl-Lift	Bowl-Lift	Bowl-Lift	Bowl-Lift
Soft Start	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bowl Size (quarts)	4.5	4.5	5	3.5	5	6	6	7
Bowl Materials	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Stainless steel	Glass	Stainless steel
Bowl Handle	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bowl Finish	Brushed	Polished	Polished	Polished	Polished	Polished	Glass	Polished
Pour Shield	No	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No	Yes
Color Options	2	3	40	11	8	13	5	6
Motor (watts)	275	300	325	250	525	575	1 HP (745 watts)	1.3 HP (969 watts)
Motor Type	Alternating curent	Alternating curent	Alternating curent	Direct current	Alternating curent	Alternating curent	Direct current	Direct current
Speeds	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10
Height (inches)	14	14	14	12.5	16.5	17	16.5	16.5
Width (inches)	8.7	8.7	8.7	7.7	11.3	7.25	13.3	13.3
Depth (inches)	14	14	14	12.5	14.6	9	14.6	14.6
Weight	22 lb.	26 lb.	23 lb.	16.5 lb.	30 lb.	28 lb.	29 lb.	32 lb.
Made in the USA	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Flat Beater	Standard White	Silver-Plated	Standard White	Flex Edge	Standard White	Silver-Plated	F-Series	Silver-Coated
Flat Beater Dishwasher Safe?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Wire Whip	6-Wire	6-Wire	6-Wire	6-Wire	6-Wire	6-Wire	F-Series 6-Wire	11-Wire
Dough Hook	Standard White	Silver-Plated	Standard White	Standard White	Standard White	Silver-Plated Powerknead Spiral	F-Series Spiral	Silver-Coated Powerknead Spiral
Compatible With Ceramic Bowl	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No

Similarities Between All KitchenAid Mixers

Although each KitchenAid mixer is unique, they all share several key features. Here’s a quick snapshot of the similarities across all mixers.

All KitchenAid mixers have the same:

Iconic and user-friendly design: The Model K, launched in 1937, set the standard for the shape and look of all KitchenAid mixers — resembling an upside-down capital J. It’s a  die-cast metal mixer with a cylindrical arm that houses the power and a wide-foot base that holds the bowl. It has simple and intuitive controls, making it easy to get started.

Color Choices: Most KitchenAid mixers offer a choice of colors. Only the Classic Plus is available in one color. Color options vary among the other models, but you’ll have the opportunity to choose the color you like best based on availability.

Powerful motor: Although the exact power varies, each model has a powerful motor that can handle various tasks, from mixing bread dough to whipping cream.

Origin: All KitchenAid mixers are made in the United States. The factory is in Greenville, Ohio.

Power hub: KitchenAid mixers include an identical power hub. You can connect most of KitchenAid’s 10+ attachments. But, there are some attachments that the Artisan Mini is too small for, such as the ice cream maker.

Speeds: Every mixer has ten speeds. Simply move a lever to select the desired speed.

Standard accessories: Each stand mixer comes with a bowl, whisk (also called a whip), flat beater, and dough hook.

Warranty: Most mixers come with a one-year warranty (the Pro Line has a five-year warranty).

KitchenAid Classic

The Classic model is a tilt-head stand mixer with a 4.5-quart capacity. The tilt-head models provide full access to the bowl when you unlock the mixing head and tilt it back.

With the head back, you can change attachments or add ingredients to the mixing bowl.

You’ll get a choice of a black or white, polished die-cast body. If you prefer more colors, take a look at the Artisan series.

Like most KitchenAid mixers, it features a stainless steel mixing bowl. The Classic bowl has a brushed stainless finish. The bowl doesn’t have a built-in handle like Artisan and Pro models.

With the Classic, you’ll get a powerful 275-watt motor, making it capable of handling heavy doughs and batters. And, with the Soft Start feature, the unit gradually gets up to speed to eliminate messes from stirring dry ingredients too fast.

The Classic stand mixer is the least expensive full-sized model. Only the Artisan Mini costs less.

Dimensions/Weight:

This tilt-head stand mixer is 14 inches tall, 8.7 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and weighs 22 pounds. It has a removable power hub cover. Some models have a hinged cover that flips up but stays connected to the hub port.

Included Attachments:

The model includes a nylon-coated white flat beater, dough hook, and a 6-wire whisk. It does not include a pour shield like the Artisan, Pro 600, and Pro Line models.

Learn more about KitchenAid Classic mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Classic Plus

In the past, Classic mixers had a 250-watt motor, and Classic Plus mixers had a 275-watt motor.

However, KitchenAid upgraded Classic motors to 275 watts in 2014. So, all Classic and Classic Plus mixers made since then are exactly the same.

The only minor difference is the Classic Plus is only available in white while the Classic is available in white and black.

With a Classic Plus tilt-head stand mixer, you can expect the same features as the Classic:

• 4.5-quart capacity, handle-free, brushed stainless steel bowl
• White flat beater, white dough hook, and a 6-wire whisk
• 275-watt motor
• Soft Start
• Non-hinged hub cover

It also has the same weight and footprint: 22 pounds, 14” x 8.7” x 14” (HxWxD).

The bottom line is that Classic Plus motors were more powerful in the past, but today they are identical.

Learn more about KitchenAid Classic Plus mixers on KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Artisan

The Artisan is a 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer available in over 25 colors, making it easier to find a shade that suits your decor best. And some color choices even come with personalized laser engraving to make it one-of-a-kind.

The Artisan Series is also the chosen stand mixer model to feature the KitchenAid color of the year. Every year there is a new color added, giving you a chance to have a limited edition look to your mixer.

The Artisan bowl is polished stainless steel and provides a handle for easy transport and cleaning. That is different from the Classic and Classic Plus models that offer brushed stainless steel bowls without a handle. You can also choose an Artisan model with a glass bowl with a handle.

With this model, you’ll get a 325-watt motor, so it’s more powerful than the Classic and Classic Plus but less powerful than the Deluxe and Pro models.

With a choice of colors, increased power, and a larger bowl that includes a handle, expect to pay a bit more for the Artisan than the Classic, Classic Plus, or Artisan Mini.

Dimensions/Weight:

The Artisan mixer is 14 inches tall, 8.7 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and weighs 23 pounds. So, it is slightly heavier than the Classic and Classic Plus but lighter than Deluxe and Pro models.

It also has a non-hinged power hub cover like the Classic and Classic Plus.

Included Attachments:

The model comes with a white nylon-coated flat beater and dough hook. It also features a 6-wire whisk and includes a pour shield. The pour shield keeps ingredients from splashing while adding them during a mixing cycle.

Learn more about KitchenAid Artisan mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Artisan Mini

The KitchenAid Artisan Mini is a 3.5-quart tilt-head mixer that comes in nine colors (the availability of those colors varies by retailer). Unlike its larger counterpart, the Artisan, the Mini offers “Soft Start” to keep ingredients from splashing.

Even though it’s small, it offers a powerful 250-watt direct current (DC) motor. That’s enough power to mix dough for five dozen cookies or a pound of ground meat for your favorite meatloaf recipe.

Classic, Deluxe, and Artisan mixers have alternating current motors; the Artisan Mini’s direct current motor is quieter and more efficient.

The polished stainless steel bowl has a handle for easy maneuvering.

This model has the smallest capacity and is the lowest-powered stand mixer offered by KitchenAid. It’s also the least expensive.

It’s ideal if you’re low on space or plan to make small batches of baked goods. Plus, it’s lightweight and better suited for traveling or baking on the go.

Dimensions/Weight:

The mixer is 12.5 inches tall, 7.75 inches wide, and 12.5 inches deep. It weighs 16.5 pounds.

Included attachments:

The Artisan Mini comes with a white nylon-coated Flex Edge flat beater. The flexible edge helps scrape the bowl’s perimeter to blend the ingredients better. It also comes with a white nylon-coated dough hook and a 6-wire whisk.

Learn more about KitchenAid Artisan Mini mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Deluxe

The KitchenAid Deluxe stand mixer is a tilt-head model with a 4.5-quart polished stainless steel bowl.

Like Artisan and Pro models, the bowl includes a convenient handle for pouring or moving.

There are only a handful of color options, but the unit boasts a 300-watt motor.

For comparison, the closest model to the Deluxe is the Classic. The main differences are that the Deluxe has a more powerful motor (25 watts stronger) and offers different design elements.

Still, it is considerably more expensive than Classic. The main draw here will be the added power. So, if you need an extra boost for dense bread dough, it would be a better option.

Dimensions/Weight:

The Deluxe model is 14 inches tall, 8.7 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and weighs 26 pounds.

Included attachments:

The model comes with a silver-coated flat beater, dough hook, and a 6-wire whisk.

Learn more about KitchenAid Deluxe mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus

While the previous models were all tilt-head mixers, the Professional 5 Plus is a bowl-lift stand mixer. This style of mixer is designed to lift the bowl for mixing and lower it for adding ingredients or removing it from the stand.

It holds up to 5 quarts in a polished stainless steel bowl. The bowl includes a handle like the Artisan Series mixers and the Deluxe model.

The Professional 5 Plus offers a variety of colors, but not as many as the Artisan.

If you are looking for more power, the Pro models deliver. This model is fitted with a 525-watt motor. That’s a significant power boost over tilt-head options. Plus, it provides 59 planetary points (the number of times the beater or whisk touches the bowl), ensuring your ingredients mix well.

The power hub has a hinged cover, allowing you to flip it up to attach an accessory. You won’t have to worry about misplacing the cover since it’s connected to the mixer.

With this model, there are few limits to what you can make. It’s ideal for big batches of dough, batter, and mashed potatoes.

Dimensions/Weight:

The Professional 5 Plus model weighs 30 pounds. Like other Pro models, it’s noticeably heavier than tilt-head mixers. It also has a larger footprint at 16.5 inches tall, 11.3 inches wide, and 14.6 inches deep.

Included attachments:

This model comes with a white nylon-coated flat beater, the Powerknead Spiral dough hook, and a 6-wire whisk. The special dough hook is designed to knead up to 25% more dough than standard dough hooks and is ideal if you like to make a lot of bread dough.

Learn more about KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Professional 600

Do you need a larger bowl capacity and even more power than that Professional 5 Plus? The Professional 600 is a model worth exploring. It offers a 6-quart polished stainless steel bowl with a handle and runs on a 575-watt motor.

The Professional 600 is a bowl-lift model available in a dozen colors on KitchenAid.com.

You’ll also benefit from “Soft Start” on this model. It’s a feature that gradually brings the mixer up to speed to reduce mess.

This model is ideal for large batches and thick dough, but it can also handle small batches. It has 67 planetary points (more than the professional 5 Plus, which has 59).

Dimensions/Weight:

The Professional 600 model is 16.5 inches tall, 11.25 inches wide, 14.5 inches deep, and weighs 29 pounds.

Included attachments:

This model comes with a silver-coated flat beater, silver-coated Powerknead Spiral dough hook, 6-wire whisk, and a pouring shield.

Learn more about KitchenAid Professional 600 mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Professional 6500

The Professional 6500 is a 6-quart capacity bowl-lift model. You have a limited choice of colors with this model (currently only five options).

This is the only Pro model KitchenAid stand mixer that comes with a glass bowl. The bowl has a convenient handle.

The DC motor has a power rating of 1-hp (745 watts), making it one of the most powerful of KitchenAid’s stand mixers. DC motors are powerful and energy-efficient.

This model is ideal for heavy-duty use and large batches, including thick bread dough or breaking up meat for pulled chicken sandwiches.

Dimensions/Weight:

The Professional 6500 model is 16.5 inches tall, 13.3 inches wide, and 14.6 inches deep. It weighs 37 pounds. 

Included attachments:

The model comes with an F-Series coated flat Beater, F-Series Flex Edge beater, F-Series coated Powerknead spiral dough hook, F-Series 6-wire whisk, and a bowl lid. F-Series attachments are made from aluminum, nylon, and silicone. The beaters are designed to scrape the glass bowl better. F-Series attachments are not compatible with stainless steel bowls.

Learn more about KitchenAid Professional 6500 mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

KitchenAid Pro Line

The Pro Line has the largest capacity of all KitchenAid stand mixers. It’s also one of the heaviest and most expensive.

It’s a bowl-lift model with a 7-quart capacity. It features a polished stainless finished bowl and a handle to transport or clean it easily.

You have a choice of a half dozen colors. Some of the finishes are glossy; others are matte.

This is the brand’s most powerful mixer. It has a 1.3-hp (956-watt) DC motor. The unit offers 67 planetary touchpoints around the bowl for excellent mixing results.

This model offers the most capacity and is the best mixer for preparing thick and bulky foods or mixing large quantities. It’s ideal for large families and those who love to bake frequently (or small bakeries).

 Dimensions/Weight:

 The Pro Line is 16.5 inches tall, 13.3 inches wide, 14.6 inches deep, and weighs 37 pounds.

Included attachments:

This mixer includes a silver-coated flat beater, a silver-coated Powerknead dough hook spiral, a stainless steel 11-wire whisk, and a pour shield.

Learn more about KitchenAid Pro Line mixers on Amazon and KitchenAid.com.

Factors to Consider When Comparing KitchenAid Mixers

There are many things to consider when choosing a KitchenAid mixer. The most important factors are the type of mixer, power, capacity, design, and price.

Tilt-Head vs. Bowl-Lift

Which design works better for you? Tilt-head or bowl-lift?

With a tilt-head model, you can simply tilt the head back to remove the bowl or add ingredients. Bowl-lift models require using the lever to lift and lower the bowl, making it harder to add ingredients as you go.

Also, bowl-lift models must be snapped into place, which can splash wet ingredients. However, if you’re preparing big or thick batches, the bowl-lift versions provide greater stability.

All Pro stand mixers are bowl-lift models:

• Professional 5 Plus
• Professional 600
• Professional 6500
• Professional Pro Line

All other KitchenAid stand mixers are tilt-head models:

• Classic
• Classic Plus
• Artisan
• Artisan Mini
• Deluxe

Power

Each mixer has a unique power rating. Depending on your culinary plans, you’ll need to decide how much power is necessary.

Power ratings for tilt-head models are:

• Artisan Mini: 250 watts
• Classic: 275 watts
• Classic Plus: 275 watts
• Artisan: 325 watts
• Deluxe: 300 watts

Bowl-lift models have the following power ranges:

• Professional 5 Plus: 525 watts
• Professional 600: 575 watts
• Professional 6500: 1-hp (745 watts)
• Professional Pro-Line: 1.3-hp (956 watts)

You won’t need high power if you are making small batches or using the mixer for tasks like making cookie dough or whipped cream. You’ll need more power if you frequently make large batches of thick bread dough or shredding meats.

Capacity

KitchenAid mixers have bowls as small as 3.5 quarts (Artisan Mini) and as large as the Pro-Line 7-quart mixer. Consider investing in a larger capacity mixer if you plan to make large batches. However, 4.5-5-quart mixers are ideal for most home cooks and bakers.

To help you visualize the capacity of these models, refer to the following chart. It shows how many cookies you can make with each mixer.

Mixer	Bowl Size	Cookies Per Batch
Classic	4.5 quarts	8 dozen
Classic Plus	4.5 quarts	8 dozen
Deluxe	4.5 quarts	8 dozen
Artisan Mini	3.5 quarts	5 dozen
Artisan	5 quarts	9 dozen
Professional 5 Plus	5 quarts	9 dozen
Professional 600	6 quarts	13 dozen
Professional 6500	6 quarts	13 dozen
Pro Line	7 quarts	14 dozen

Design

Most models are only available in a few colors. The Artisan series stands out because it features about 30 colors (subject to availability) and always features the KitchenAid color of the year.

Other design elements, such as bowl material and bowl handle, differ. KitchenAid offers brushed or polished stainless steel, glass, and ceramic bowls. Some feature pour spouts, some are oven-safe (ceramic), and many display beautiful art, patterns, or interesting textures.

You can purchase additional bowls for the 4.5- and 5-quart models.

Space

How much space do you have in your kitchen? If you don’t have the counter space to display your new mixer, you’ll want to make sure your storage space can handle its weight and size.

Bowl-lift models are taller and heavier, so tilt-head models are better suited for small spaces.

Price

KitchenAid stand mixers’ prices vary. High-end Professional series mixers are the most expensive, while the smallest Artisan Mini costs the least.

The mid-range mixers (Classic, Artisan, and Deluxe) are priced based on their features and design options, so you’ll need to decide which features matter most.

For current pricing on KitchenAid models, refer to the chart below:

Bottom Line: Which KitchenAid Mixer Is the Best for You?

As you compare KitchenAid mixers, you’ll soon realize that the best model depends on your design preferences, how you plan to use it, how much space you have in your kitchen, and your budget.

Let’s do a quick recap of each model:

• Classic is an affordable tilt-head model that can handle most mixing tasks. But its 4.5-quart capacity means you can only make small batches.
• Classic Plus is identical to Classic but only comes in one color.
• Deluxe features a 4.5-quart capacity bowl like Classic, but in polished stainless steel. It gets bonus points for including a bowl handle. At 300 watts, this tilt-head model is a step up in power from Classic series mixers. Color options are limited.
• Artisan is the standout tilt-head model with around 30 colors and a 5-quart bowl (with a handle). It is the most expensive of the tilt-head models.
• The Artisan Mini is small (3.5 quarts) but powerful with a 250-watt motor. It’s the least expensive of all KitchenAid mixers. It’s an excellent entry-level model, but it is limited to small batches.
• The Professional series stand mixers are high-powered bowl-lift models. Each offers a step up in terms of size and power. They are designed for thick or large batches. They range from 5- to 7-quart sizes with power ranging from 525 watts (Professional 5 Plus) to 1.3-hp (Professional Pro Line). Yet, they are all costly.

Bottom line — the best KitchenAid Mixer for you depends on the types of recipes you prepare, the amount of ingredients needed, your storage or display space, and your budget.

Since KitchenAid is the gold standard among stand mixers, you really can’t go wrong. These mixers are celebrated for their design, performance, and longevity.

You can learn more and read dozens of reviews of each model on Amazon or KitchenAid.com.

Which KitchenAid mixer has your attention? Please share in the comments.