KitchenAid Stand Mixer
I'm excited! My husband called this morning to inform me of an on-going sale at Everything Kitchens and the stand mixers from Kitchen Aid is one of the sale item! I was super excited (literary forgot about my breakfast cooking in the pot!!!) ;p
[Note - Everything Kitchens is now offering free delivery and no sales tax. Use coupon code [returncustomer] for additional $5 off. Kitchen Aid is offering $30 rebate until 9/1/2012 for all 5 Qaurts models (print rebate form online). I was not compensated monetarily for this post.]
I never did much research on the stand mixers and don't know which model to order. All I knew was I wanted a Kitchen Aid mixer from all the television's shows that I had been watching. So I spent my morning checking out the various Kitchen Aid mixers.
I found the below video useful when trying to understand each model.
I found the below video useful when trying to understand each model.
Basically, there are five models of KA mixers and below list some of the key features.
| Model | Classic | Artisan | Pro 500 | Pro 600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Number | K45SS | KSM150PS | KV25G0X | KP26MIX |
| Price | $229 | $244 | $261 | $335 |
| Motor (Watts) | 250 | 325 | 450 | 575 |
| Quarts | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Heavy Duty | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt-up Head | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Bowl Lift | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Rating | 4.4 | 4.7 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
If you want more information on each model, please refer to below for details.
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KitchenAid Stand Mixer 4 1/2 Quart - Classic (Model K45SS)
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KitchenAid Classic Mixer Features:
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My Conclusion - Cheapest and good for light home usage.
This is the cheapest model and is currently selling for $229 (after discount code of $5). This has a tilt head and comes with 3 attachments as seen in the picture. This model is best use for light to medium duty use. With a smaller motor, it is not expected to prepare large batches of dough. If you are thinking of making anything more than 2 loaves of bread, this is not a machine for you. For more heavy duty usage, consider the Pro-series (see below for reviews).
There are complaints that the dough does not mix well when it is overloaded. Otherwise, this is model is good for light and simple home usage.
Currently, I do not see much of a discount on this model. So if you are interested in getting the classic and can wait, I suggest checking at Macy's or Target during Thanksgiving (black Friday) for better deals.
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KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Features:
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My Conclusion - Good for slightly heavy home usage and less noisy than the Pro-series. Value for money.
This model is currently selling for $244 (after $30 mail-in rebate and $5 discount code). This comes with 4 attachments as seen in the picture.
Both the Classic and Artisan models have a tilt head which basically means that the top of the mixer tilts up to remove the bowl, versus lifting the bowl up and down with a lever. Also, similar to the Classic, the Artisan is not designed to handle heavy duty preparation. For more heavy duty usage, consider the Pro-series. However, a point to note is that the Pro-series mixers are very loud. Both the Classic and Artisan are quieter than the Pro-series.
Compared to the Classic, this has slightly more motor power and many find that the dough mixes better with the Artisan. The stainless steel bowl for the Artisan comes with a handle on the side (see picture). Many reviews favour the handle; indicating that it is easier for locking and unlocking the bowl. In addition, the Artisan also comes with a pouring shield attachment tto help keep splashed off of you while mixing.
Based on the current prices, I would buy the Artisan vs Classic ($15 differences) as the Artisan has more motor power and there are more than 20 different colors to choose from. Definitely a great way to add some personality into your kitchen.
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KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus 5 Quart (Model KV25G0X)
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Kitchen Aid Pro 5 Plus Features:
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My Conclusion - Lower end of the Pro-series. Complaints of break downs.
This model is currently selling for $261 (after $5 discount code and $30 mail-in rebate). This comes with 4 attachments as seen
in the picture. The Pro 500 mixer can handle a larger amount of dough. According to Kitchen Aid, the Pro 500 mixer can tackle up to 12 cups of all-purpose flour.
From the various reviews, my understanding is that the mixer will jam or vibrate violently if you put in too much of a dough. Also, there are many complaints that the Pro 500 breaks down easily.
If you need a heavy duty machine and do not want to pay for the Pro 600, then the Pro 500 is for you.
Compared to the Artisan, the Pro 500 can handle more dough power. It is slighter heavier (about 4 pounds heavier), so may be difficult to move around. Also, the Pro 500 is taller than the Artisan as the Pro 500 is a bowl lift design. The Pro 500's bowl lift up and down with a lever on the side. The head of the Pro 500 does not move.
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KitchenAid Mixer Professional 600 - 6 Quart (Model KP26MIX)
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KitchenAid 6 Quart Mixer Features:
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My Conclusion - Great mixer for heavy duty user.
The model is on the pricey end and is currently selling for $335 (after $5 discount code). The KitchenAid Pro 600 Mixer can mix through bread
dough and triple batches of cookie dough and can mix up to 14 cups of
all-purpose flour per batch.
With its sturdy construction, the Pro 600 earns raving reviews from almost all websites. It is suitable for home and small business usage. There are few complaints with this model.
If you need a counter top heavy duty mixer and don't mind the price, definitely go for the Pro 600.
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Comparing the Pro Series (Pro 500 and Pro 600) with Classic and Artisan Series
Both Pro series are bowl lift models (i.e. its head does not move and you use the
lever on the side to move the bowl up and down.). The Classic and Artisan are tilt-up head models. This is often a personal preference. However, reviews indicated that it is easier to remove the mixing move in a tilt-up head model as compared to bowl lift models.
Both the Pro series are taller and heavier than the Classic and Artisan. At appx. 16.5 inches tall for the Pro series, you may wish to measure your countertop and cabinets height before purchases. The Pro series weighs more than 30 pounds each while the Classic and Artisan are around 27 pounds. Having said that, note that all the mixers are heavy so many reviewers recommend finding a permanent spot for the mixers and not moving them around.
Many reviewers complained about the noise level for the Pro series. Both the Classic and Artisan have good comments indicating that they are quieter.
On the overall, if price is not a consideration, I would go for the Pro 600 series. For a mid-range home use mixer, I would go for the Artisan.
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