Are KitchenAid stand mixers good?
KitchenAid stand mixers have an average overall score of 6.6, ranking #16 among all stand mixer brands, and a review score of 8.4, placing them at #3 by review score.
KitchenAid stand mixers stand out for their uncompromising die-cast metal craftsmanship, direct-drive transmission efficiency, and timeless countertop elegance. Their heavy zinc construction keeps the machine exceptionally steady during operation, while their precision planetary motion eliminates unmixed flour pockets around bowl walls.
KitchenAid stand mixers command a premium price entry point above £280, and their substantial net weight of 10 to 13 kg makes frequent moving between cupboards impractical. While direct-drive motors provide formidable torque, their maximum bowl volumes on tilt-head models are smaller than commercial-scale alternatives.
The chart below ranks stand mixer brands by average overall score.
[horizontal-chart-06026235020310824255111444020147985445831378845645]What are the main advantages of KitchenAid stand mixers?
The main advantages of KitchenAid stand mixers are as follows:
- Solid metal build: The Artisan 5KSM125 and Classic 5K45SS use a die-cast metal body. It keeps the mixer steady and lasts for many years of regular baking.
- Direct-drive motor: The 325 W Artisan KSM150PS sends its power straight to the gears. Cakes, cookies and soft bread dough mix without strain.
- Attachment hub: The front hub on models like the Heavy Duty 5KSM55SXXB takes pasta rollers, mincers and spiralisers. Attachments from older mixers still fit.
- Colour choice: The Artisan 5KSM175PS and Artisan 5KSM185PS come in many finishes. That makes the mixer easy to match to your kitchen.
- Bowl-lift options: The 5KSM60SPX and Professional 5KSM7990X raise the bowl to the beater. They stay rigid with large batches of dough.
- Simple controls: The Artisan Mini 5KSM3311X uses a single slide lever for 10 speeds. It is quick to learn and has no menus.
What are the main disadvantages of KitchenAid stand mixers?
The main disadvantages of KitchenAid stand mixers are as follows:
- High prices: The Artisan 5KSM125 starts at about £300, and the Commercial KSM8990 costs about £950. Similar bowls and motors from other brands cost less.
- Heavy body: Die-cast models like the Artisan 5KSM175PS weigh around 10–11 kg. Moving them in and out of a cupboard is a chore.
- Few tools in the box: The Heavy Duty 5KSM70JPX ships with only 3 tools. Pasta rollers, mincers and slicers are all extras.
- No scale or pulse: No model, from the Classic 5K45SS to the Professional 5KSM7990X, has a built-in scale or pulse button. You need a separate kitchen scale.
- Limits with heavy dough: Tilt-head models such as the Artisan KSM150PS slow down with stiff bread dough over about 1 kg. The bowl-lift 5KSM60SPX copes better.
