Whats the difference between kitchenaid classic and artisan

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Can’t seem to wrap your head around what sets the KitchenAid Artisan and Classic stand mixers apart?

Which is better?

How should we go about comparing the KitchenAid Classic vs Artisan in order to clearly distinguish between them and choose wisely?

…By focusing on six crucial differences which dictates their benefits and for whom they are suited. All your pressing question will have been answered by the time you get to the end of this article.

In a hurry?

Go to your most urgent concerns by following the links on the Table of Contents.

Or, have a look at the Comparison Table if you prefer a quick way to evaluate these mixers.

Table of Contents

• #1- 250 Watts vs. 325 Watts: Is This Significant?
• #2 – 4.5 qt. vs. 5 qt.: How Important Is This?
• #3 – Which Is Better For Bread?
• #4 – Which Has Better Accessories and Attachments?
• #5 – The Price Battle
• #6 – Customer Reviews
•  Which Is Better: KitchenAid Classic or Artisan?

Table: KitchenAid Classic Vs. Artisan

Rating

Bowl Type

Stainless steel without handle

Stainless steel with handle

Rating

Bowl Type

Stainless steel without handle

Rating

Bowl Type

Stainless steel with handle

As of 2022-11-06 at 07:45 (More info)

Let’s discuss what’s on the Table, so you know what you’re truly getting before you hand over your money.

#1- 250 Watts vs. 325 Watts: Is This Significant?

Wondering what benefit you can possibly get out of the more powerful KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixer? Short answer: bread and volume.

The 325-watt Artisan mixer beats the 250-watt Classic by 75 watts. Is that significant enough to determine what they’re good for? Yes, it is.

If you make more than a loaf of bread weekly or prepare baked treats for celebrations, you need the mixer with more power.

The 250-watt KitchenAid Classic is sufficient if you prepare mostly cakes, frosting or one recipe of cookies.

#2 – 4.5 qt. vs. 5 qt.: How Important Is This?

The difference in volume is slight.

The KitchenAid Classic is an entry level stand mixer or for the homemaker who bakes for a small family or for the student or singleton who lives alone.

Its 4.5 quart bowl  will hold two box cake mixes or two custom batches of custom cake recipes or a double batch of icing.

The Artisan series can accommodate three cake recipes, but it will be almost full to the brim. Scraping content will be inconvenient and messy in this situation. Only two recipes of doctored cake mixes wherein you have to add some ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruits will fit in its 5 qt. bowl.

#3 – Which Is Better For Bread?

There’s no doubt that the Artisan model is better when it comes to making bread. It has more power and bigger capacity.

But it is not to be used for bread dough often. Limit it to twice or even once a week, and only up to loaves at a time. But it is not for difficult dough.

On the other hand, the KitchenAid 4.5-qt Classic is not recommended for bread. It can be used on rare occasions, but not for stiff and dry dough.

#4 – Which Has Better Accessories and Attachments?

You may not realize it at first glance, but small additions can make a big difference.

When talking about convenience, the KitchenAid Artisan wins.

Firstly, it’s bowl with handle is user-friendly. It’s easier to balance and control; and easier on the wrist and arm which is a big thing for those with weak arms.

Secondly, you will want ingredients to stay on the bowl and not hitting your face or flying all over your counter and kitchen walls.

The answer? A splash guard or pouring shield. This ships together with the Artisan unit but not with the Classic mixer.

You may not need a splash guard for a single recipe. Or, even find it cumbersome because you have to remove it each time you have to scrape or mix manually. But, it is very useful for two recipes or more as it helps contain ingredients.

For both models, the flat beater and dough hook are nylon-coated. They both have 6-wire whisks.

A 4.5 quart bowl with handle that will fit the Classic KitchenAid is available. But who wants another expense just for a handle?

With 40 attractive color choices, the Artisan can’t be beaten when it comes to aesthetic. Elegant glass bowls are also available for this crowd favorite.

#5 – The Price Battle

“You pay for what you get.”

And, you get less with the cheaper 4.5 quart Classic.

Less power. Less heft. Less capacity. Less extras.

But less is not entirely a deal breaker.

You pay more and get more for the Artisan.

…In convenience, performance and capability.

Will price dictate your choice?

Or will you listen to what those in the know say?

#6 – Customer Reviews

Customers swoon over the Kitchen Artisan  5 quart stand mixer. To date, thousands of buyers have submitted reviews on Amazon. 

Most issues with the KitchenAid Artisan are during the earlier years and are mostly not reported in the last two years.

Some customers now say it mixes and knead bread very well when before a number of reviews say it is not good for bread making.

Over at Walmart the KitchenAid Classic K45SS gets high marks, too.

Some complain that the Classic is not good for bread. And, they’re right because it’s not for bread.

However, a big majority is satisfied with it.

Our final choice is the Artisan series stand mixer even if you are just starting to bake. Here’s why:

1. It is a median model. Not too basic, not too big and powerful.
2. 75 watts of additional power makes a big difference in capability, even if the bowl is only slightly bigger.
   
3. The price difference is small if you consider that it has more power and better accessories. These advantages and benefits is great value for the additional cost.
4. It can take the added load from attachments better because it has greater wattage.
5.  In the future it is likely you will need a mixer with more power.

There are instances, such as in the examples below, when you will want to buy the KitchenAid Classic because it’s more practical.

• You are a college student living in a small apartment.
• You live alone, or there are just two or three of you in a household.
• You have limited funds.

The Classic KitchenAid is a great little mixer and works as efficiently as the Artisan for what it’s meant for.

Ultimately, one is not really better than the other. It will depend on what you’re going to use it for.

Check the KitchenAid Classic on Amazon

See the KitchenAid Artisan on Amazon

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