Buying guide for best KitchenAid mixers
The KitchenAid mixer has been around for a hundred years. Over that period of time, it has evolved into a versatile appliance that can perform almost any task imaginable. It can mix, but it also functions equally well as a juicer, a meat grinder, a spiralizer, and more. But which model is the one that's best for you?
Knowing what's right for you begins with knowing your needs. Mixing bowls range from 3.5 quarts to 7 quarts. The higher end models have more durable accessories (a flat beater, a wire whip, a dough hook), but it's the attachments that give this machine its incredible flexibility. Whether you want to make anything from ice cream to spaghetti, it's all possible, but only if you have the proper attachments.
This article provides a robust understanding of the finer points of KitchenAid mixers. To learn more, read on. If your stomach is already growling, there are a number of mixers that made our approved shortlist so you can purchase quickly with confidence.
Each KitchenAid mixer comes with a flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook, though the construction of these attachments depends on the model. We assess the materials and durability of the attachments for each model.
Many KitchenAid mixers come in a variety of attractive, unique colors, with some models offering as many as 22 color options. We consider the color options available for each model we test.
KitchenAid mixers are designed with various bowl sizes: capacities range from 3.5 to 7 quarts. We test models of varying capacities.
When evaluating a mixer, we consider how the mixing bowl is accessed. Higher-end models have a lever that conveniently lifts the bowl up and down.
We take note of any unique or notable design elements in our testing process. For example, some large, high-end models offer NSF-certified attachments, which means they can be used to make food for public consumption.
A pour shield can help minimize mess when using a mixer. We consider whether each model includes this shield and test its efficacy.
We determine the purposes for which each model we test would be most effective. Some are better-suited for preparing small batches of food; others are suitable for preparing large amounts of food for groups and commercial settings.
When assessing the performance of KitchenAid mixers, we compare their performance to similar models from other popular brands.
KitchenAid often makes limited-edition models designed exclusively for specific stores or businesses. We research these models and compare them to the standard models of their series in our testing process.
Numerous attachments are available for KitchenAid mixers: juicer, meat grinder, shredder/slicer, spiralizer, food processor, pasta maker, ice cream maker, and more. We test the durability and functionality of these attachments in addition to the mixers themselves.
Selecting a KitchenAid mixer
Moving well past its original model, KitchenAid’s website lists fours types of stand mixers to cover a wide swath of budgets and needs. Individual series are distinguished by the capacity of their mixing bowl, from 3.5 to 7 quarts.
The models differ in how the cook can access the mixing bowl. The priciest units — those generally used by professionals and in commercial kitchens — have a lever that lifts the bowl up and down for easy access.
Within each of these series, KitchenAid offers custom versions from time to time as well as units made especially for individual department stores, kitchen supply stores, and home shopping networks.
If you’re in the market for a new KitchenAid mixer, you’ll enjoy a dizzying array of choices, some of which come in as many as 22 colors. So if your dream kitchen is outfitted in onyx, fear not: there is a KitchenAid mixer that will blend in with your décor.
Capacities and models
3.5-quart capacity
One of the small options in the KitchenAid line, the Artisan, comes in two models, each of which allows a cook to make five dozen cookies or one loaf of bread.
The KSM3311X comes in five colors, has a brushed stainless steel bowl, and includes a flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook.
- The KSM3316X comes in six colors and features a polished stainless steel bowl with a handle, flex-edge beater, wire whip, and dough hook.
5-quart capacity
In this line, there are two Artisan models: the KSM150PS and KSM155GB.
The KSM150PS has a pouring shield, stainless steel bowl, wire whip, white-coated beater, and dough hook.
The pricier KSM155GB comes with a glass bowl and burnished (highly polished) flat beater and dough hook, as well as a wire whip.
Also in the 5-quart-line is the KSM152PS, a custom metallic model with a pouring shield and the same accessories as the KSM150PS.
A major difference is that it is manufactured in three metal-plated colors.
6-quart capacity
In this category, the mixers bear a “Professional Series” label due to their bowl size and use of the “lift” that raises the mixing bowl for easier access. These models, the KP26M1X and pricier KSM6521X, vary in that the more expensive appliance has a glass bowl with a beater, whip, and hook made especially for glass bowls. The less-expensive mixer, with its stainless steel bowl, has a special “Powerknead” dough hook that the company says kneads more efficiently.
7-quart capacity
With supersized mixing bowls, the KSM7586P includes a polished stainless steel bowl, nickel-coated flat beater, nickel-coated Powerknead dough hook, and 11-wire whip. The KSM7588P has a stainless steel flat beater and a stainless steel Powerknead dough hook. Both accessories are NSF-certified, which means they are approved for creating food for public consumption.
Did you know?
All KitchenAid attachments are dishwasher safe except the ones with motors (like the food processor) and the pasta maker.
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BestReviews
Caring for your stand mixer
According to the manufacturer, the best way to clean your machine is to follow these steps:
Unplug the appliance.
Hand-wash all attachments in warm, soapy water.
Clean the mixing bowl with hot water and soap, or place it in the dishwasher.
Clean up spills and other food residue on the mixer.
Wipe the unit down with a damp cloth after each use, taking care not to get liquid in any of the openings.
Carefully clean near the motor head and speed knob where food can easily collect.
Use baking soda and water with a small brush to access hard-to-clean areas.
Unscrew the nut in the motor hub and clean the inside.
Lift up the mixer and wipe away any dust and grime that may have collected on the bottom part of the stand.
Fun facts
KitchenAid attachments from the 1950s, such as one that shells peas, still work with even the newest machines.
In 1994, KitchenAid ran a contest to find the oldest mixer in use. The winner, a Pittsburgh-area woman, had a model dating back to 1919.
The U.S. Navy was one of the first customers for the original mixer. It was a timesaver for cooks who wanted to feed large numbers of sailors.
KitchenAid mixers were initially sold door-to-door by female salespeople who would demo the product in customers’ homes.
Some of the KitchenAid stand mixer’s earliest attachments, like the ice cream maker, were originally made of wood.
The appliance's name came from the wife of a Hobart Company executive who proclaimed it was the “best kitchen aid ever.”
FAQ
Q. Where can I buy a used or refurbished machine?
A. As with other appliances, eBay or Craigslist is a good place to buy used KitchenAid appliances, but Amazon sells refurbished KitchenAid stand mixers at a discount.
Q. Where are KitchenAid stand mixers made?
A. The machines are assembled in Greenville, Ohio.
Q. What KitchenAid mixer did Julia Child use on her PBS shows?
A: The famous French chef used a model called the K5A.
Accessories
Included in the price of each mixer are three accessories: a flat beater, a wire whip, and a dough hook. While the functions of these accessories are essentially the same for each model, the composition material varies. For example, the less-expensive units have plastic-composite accessories while the pro models’ beater, whip, and hook are made of stainless steel or coated diamond — materials that perform better at higher speeds and tend to last longer.
Flat beater
This is a must-have for any baker. The beater is used in a variety of recipes and excels when you are incorporating ingredients.
Dough hook
The dough hook is a workhorse when it comes to making pasta.
Wire whip
Viewed as a classic accessory, the wire whip is sufficient for everything from whisking egg whites for meringue to making flawless whipped cream.
Power hub and attachments
All KitchenAid mixers share one common feature: a power hub. In fact, every KitchenAid stand mixer, whether you received it as a wedding gift last month or inherited it from your great-grandmother years ago, has a small circular connector in the front of the appliance to which you can add a variety of attachments.
These attachments extend the versatility of the mixer to allow it to become a pasta maker, juicer, spiralizer, food processor, peeler, meat grinder, and more. With increased capabilities, the KitchenAid mixer enhances its utility footprint and allows cooks to use one multipurpose appliance and gain more countertop real estate.
How to make spaghetti with a KitchenAid
How we tested
We used the attachments in our test kitchen and tried out all sort of recipes. We made juice, strawberry ice cream and pasta with meatballs, which utilized almost every attachment. Check out the process in the gallery below, and then read on to find out more of our thoughts about each attachment.
Attachments we tested
We tested some of the attachments available for KitchenAid stand mixers in our BestReviews lab. In general, we found them to be versatile and easy to use. In fact, some could even serve as replacements for separate appliances.
Juicer
This juicer attachment only juices citrus fruits, which could be a consideration for some people. On the plus side, it’s dishwasher safe, so cleanup is easy after a juicing session. This attachment takes up little space and doesn’t have a lot of parts.
If you don’t regularly juice, this attachment is a good pick. It’s neither the best nor the worst juicer we’ve seen. If you like to have a juice every now and then, you may appreciate the low price point.
We made a juice mix of lemons, grapefruits and oranges.
Meat grinder
In our opinion, the KitchenAid grinder attachment is not ideal for big projects, and you must cut the meat into small pieces to fit it through the tube. We did like the fact that, unlike a lot of other meat grinders, this one was quite easy to clean.
Overall, this attachment worked very well for us. Our only complaint was that some meat got stuck in the tube.
Shredder/slicer
This is a good attachment, even with its limited capacities. In its favor, the KitchenAid shredder/slicer offers a few different shred options. You can create results that are very fine or in slabs. We like the fact that it aerates the cheese so it’s soft and fluffy. Unfortunately, it can’t handle harder/wetter objects, including some fruits and veggies.
Overall, we really liked the shredder/slicer, and it served its purpose excellently. However, we cannot see much practical use for it unless you make a lot of bread crumbs and shred a lot of cheese.
Spiralizer
This attachment is ideal for those who have fallen for the “spiralizing craze,” since typical manual spiralizers can hurt your wrist. We like the fact that this KitchenAid spiralizer attachment comes with two different core attachments. If you want to spiralize an apple, you can core it. If you’re preparing zucchini, you can cut out a much smaller core.
We also like the fact that the spiralizer is easy to clean.
Food processor
The KitchenAid food processor unit we tested was shaky, as if it didn’t it fit well. And the end product, the processed food, was not consistent in size. In addition, the attachment has lots of sharp components which could pose a danger to users.
As our least-favorite attachment, it’s our opinion that if you want the KitchenAid food processor for small tasks only — and you don’t want to invest the counter space in full-on food processor — it could be worth it.
Pasta maker
This KitchenAid pasta maker attachment is great for first-time pasta makers; we found it very easy to use.
Granted, the pasta maker is not dishwasher safe. But our cleanup was simple, as the pasta did not get stuck and make a mess.
Ice cream maker
This KitchenAid ice cream maker attachment is easy to setup and use. We were able to make strawberry ice cream with no previous ice cream-making experience. On the downside, the process of making the ice cream took longer than we anticipated. We have mixed feelings about this attachment, but most owners we surveyed like it.
