All products featured on Epicurious are independently selected by our editors. We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Whether you want to make your kitchen pop with Empire Red, make a statement with Kyoto Glow, or stay classic with Milkshake or Medallion Silver varieties, there’s a color for everyone. If you’re a home baker who is considering splurging on this classic small appliance—but want to weigh all of its pros and cons—we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know.
What makes this machine so versatile is the vast number of compatible attachments. It already comes with a standard flat beater, dough hook, and 6-wire whisk attachment (which are all dishwasher safe!). Original planetary mixing action describes the way in which the flat beater moves around the bowl. During operation, the beater moves around the stationary bowl, at the same time turning in the opposite direction on its own axis. Original planetary mixing action ensures thorough ingredient incorporation.
Go for the 6-quart size if you frequently make big batches of things such as bread dough. Otherwise, a 5-quart mixer will surely handle anything you want to make, and works better for small tasks like whipping ½ cup of cream. The Hamilton kitchenaid pasta Beach Eclectrics All-Metal Stand Mixer was the quietest of all the models we tested, with a pleasant low hum. But again, rocking and walking while kneading and serious motor strain with the cookie dough were both dealbreakers.
As far as we can tell, the bowl lacks a handle, and the mixer only comes in two colors (black and white). A stand mixer can be a focal point in a home kitchen, so this lack of color variety may well be important to you. The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a durable and reliable mixer that provides great mixing results.
While the coating may chip off over time, this beater still performs exceptionally well. The lack of cleaning instructions is a minor inconvenience, but it is generally safe to use a dishwasher for cleaning. Overall, the KitchenAid K5THCB Coated Flat Beater is a must-have for any KitchenAid mixer owner and will continue to be useful for years to come. Our favorite hand mixer has all the power of a regular hand mixer without a cord—so you can use it sans outlet, in any area of your kitchen.
Unfortunately, the Pro 600 Series was by far the loudest, highest-pitched mixer in our testing lineup. Like the Artisan, it comes with just a one-year warranty, but in our experience working with it in commercial kitchens, it will last for many years. If you’ve ever run a lemonade stand, the novelty of hand-juicing citrus wears off quickly.
Choosing your mixer color is perhaps the most fun part of the KitchenAid buying process. There are a variety of options, including dusty Matte Rose, deep purple Boysenberry, or the classic Candy Apple Red—though not every color is available in every size or bowl action combination. The Classic 4.5-quart tilt-head offers the fewest color options (white, black, or silver). If you want an array of color choices, the 5-quart Artisan tilt-head has the most, with over 20. In fact, letting your stand mixer be inactive for too long (months) can be problematic. As far as cleanup goes, the whisk must be hand-washed, but the other attachments (paddle, dough hook) and bowl are dishwasher-safe.
We wouldn’t recommend it for beating stiff cookie batter or kneading heavy dough. Mixers in this line have 10 speeds, come with a 4.5-quart mixing bowl and three standard attachments (whisk, beater and dough hook). These models have a tilt-head design, meaning you tilt the head back to insert or remove the mixing bowl and attachments. It churns through chunky cookie mixes, doesn’t strain when kneading bread dough, and whips up lofty frosting and perfect cake batter faster than the competition. In the Artisan’s deep-sided bowl, the whisk and beater attachments can even blend small quantities. The motor runs much quieter than those of some of the other models we tested, too.
It also features a power hub that can accommodate over 15 optional attachments, turning the mixer into a culinary center. Available in a stylish black color, this stand mixer is not only functional but also adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Whether you’re a casual cook or a serious baker, the kitchenaid chopper 5 Quart Stand Mixer is a must-have appliance.
Unique to the Artisan line are a 5-quart mixing bowl in either stainless steel or glass (your choice), and a pouring spout. The KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield offers a reliable and versatile solution for baking needs. With its stylish design and multiple color options, it can match any kitchen decor. The power hub and available attachments make it a culinary center, capable of handling various mixing tasks. The spacious stainless steel bowl and durable all-metal beater ensure efficient mixing of large batches. Its safe wattage draw and dishwasher-safe components provide convenience and ease of use.