Throughout my testing, I used every one of the included attachments—the beater, whisk and dough hook—and when it came time to swap them out, I had no trouble removing them. While I typically removed the bowl kitchenaid pasta to do this, I was able to change the attachments while the bowl remained locked in place. It was also a cinch to stop the machine so I could scrape down the sides of the bowl or add in more ingredients.
The Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer was my top pick overall in my larger tested review of the best KitchenAid stand mixers. Hamilton Beach is a brand that’s well known for making good-quality mid- and low-priced kitchen appliances, like the Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Stand Mixer, which we also tested. The KitchenAid we tested is a more robust machine that comes at a higher price point. We give the thumbs-up to the KitchenAid, but agree that the Hamilton Beach would be a great machine for cooks who are looking for something to replace their hand mixer. If you have a need for a sturdy stand mixer, the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer will earn its place on your counter. It whips, mixes, and kneads without breaking a sweat, and when you need it to do more, there are plenty of attachments to keep you busy in the kitchen.
But again, rocking and walking while kneading and serious motor strain with the cookie dough were both dealbreakers. The head-release button on this model is positioned in the back, which is not a very intuitive design. With a lack of power hubs for extra accessories, this is a basic mixer that’s good for only cakes and lighter baking. The KitchenAid’s pouring shield—a plastic attachment that helps guide wet and dry ingredients into the bowl—is a helpful tool for curbing messes, but it isn’t essential. We like that it’s designed so you can slide it on and off at any time while mixing. On some other mixers, like the Cuisinart SM-55, you’ll need to stop the machine, lift the head, and remove the beating attachment before you can take the pouring shield off.
Of the almost 40 stand mixers in Consumer Reports’ tests, seven are made by KitchenAid—and four of those rank in the top 10. All of the KitchenAid models receive impressive scores in our performance tests. I also have a degree in culinary arts from the Institute of Culinary Education. Using my training and experience, I’ve spent the past 5 years testing and reviewing different types of equipment for use in home kitchens. My work can be found in Food Network, Food & Wine, Taste of Home and People.com. For this piece, I also spoke with Joanne Chang, owner of Boston’s Flour Bakery & Cafe, and Jürgen David, director of pastry research and development at the Institute of Culinary Education.
A tilt-head stand mixer offers up to a five quart capacity and the ability to add ingredients with ease and lock the head in place for a secure mixing. A mini stand mixer may be great for smaller batches, with a 3.5 quart bowl. For those looking to mix heavier ingredients, a bowl-lift stand mixer is a great option. This countertop stand mixer smoothly raises the mixing bowl into position and provides stability and support for heavy ingredients. Whichever KitchenAid® stand mixer you choose is sure to be a great addition to your kitchen. Read on for ideas on how to use your countertop mixer to make everything from Mother’s Day appetizers to delicious after-dinner delights.
A tilt-release switch is conveniently positioned on the side of the motor, and the mixing bowl has an outward-facing handle. These design features make the one-handed operation of the machine an easy task. Additionally, the mixing speed is controlled by a lever opposite the tilt-release. A stand mixer is every home baker’s dream kitchen appliance—and no one does affordable mixers better than KitchenAid. You can’t really go wrong with any of the brand’s stand and hand mixers. Still, the numerous models, styles, and accessories available can make it difficult to choose which one to bring home and put to work on your favorite cookie recipe.
However, the tilt-head will gather some ingredients that missed their mark. We found that the machine is easy to wipe down, with minimal inside corners and grooves to complicate matters. Almost every KitchenAid mixer comes with a stainless-steel bowl; only certain Artisan models come with a glass bowl.
But we think the power and heft of a bowl-lift mixer is best put to use on larger batches, like the kind you can make in the Pro 600. If you really like the bowl-lift style, or just want a more powerful 5-quart mixer, the 5 Plus might be a good option. But for most people, we think the Artisan has all the power and capacity you need in a more compact package. And while it had plenty of room for everything we threw at it, the Artisan could also handle tiny quantities, easily whipping first a single egg white and then a ½ cup of cream. Its otherwise stellar sibling, the KitchenAid Pro 600, couldn’t handle such a small batch of ingredients in its larger bowl.
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Bowls are available for sale individually if you’d rather substitute one material for another or if you plan on doing a lot of multitasking—having an extra bowl on hand is an avid baker’s secret weapon. Clear glass bowls with measurement markings on the side are kitchenaid artisan available for tilt-head and select bowl-lift models, while frosted glass, hammered glass, and ceramic are only available for tilt-head. Bring home more culinary possibilities with free shipping on all new countertop appliance purchases through kitchenaid.com.