KitchenAid just launched a new stand mixer—their most innovative model yet—and as a chef and product analyst, I’m genuinely excited. It reminds me of the excitement I felt seven years ago when I got my first KitchenAid, after wanting one since I was 10 years old. Back then, I’d go to my best friend’s house after school and we’d bake together, and I always dreamed of having one of my own one day.
Fast forward to the last seven years, I’ve relied on one at home for my baking projects, and I’ve also used it throughout my professional career—from working as a food stylist and a personal chef to the last four+ years testing kitchen appliances in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. In our Lab, we often use a KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer to mix batters when testing ranges or bakeware, but we’ve also evaluated stand mixer models from a wide range of brands for decades.
The KitchenAid stand mixer has become an icon—even a status symbol—in kitchens around the world. I recently had a pinch-me moment when I visited the brand’s only stand mixer factory in Dayton, Ohio. There, I saw how the original Artisan and new Artisan Plus are made, learned about the latest upgrades, and tested it out with a few recipes. Read on for the key differences between the new model and the classic Artisan.
What sets the KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer apart?
Pros
- Built-in bowl light
- Wider range of speeds compared to the original
- Updated stainless steel attachments
- Comes in four new eye-catching colorways
Cons
- High price point
| Capacity | 5 qt |
| Power | 350 watts |
| Dimensions | 9.4" x 14.6" x 14.2" |
| Speeds | 11 presets and precision speed control |
| Attachments | Stainless steel double flex edge beater with silicone edges, flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk, and plastic pouring shield |
- There’s a bowl light: Herein lies the genius of the Artisan Plus: Sometimes the depths of your stand mixer bowl can be hard to see, but this is the first KitchenAid stand mixer with a built-in bowl light. The light illuminates the bowl so you can clearly monitor ingredients as they combine, spot any unmixed ingredients, and keep a close eye on delicate recipes—like whipped egg whites or frosting—to ensure they don’t overmix.
- New improved settings: The settings on the Artisan Plus have also been upgraded from the original Artisan stand mixer. It features a wider range of speeds, including 11 preset options for easy adjustments, as well as what the brand calls Precision Speed Control, which lets you fine-tune the speed by twisting the control knob to access settings between the presets. It also includes a half-speed setting, which acts as the lowest speed and is great for gently folding in mix-ins without having to do it manually.
- Upgraded attachments: The attachments for this mixer have also been updated. The dough hook, wire whisk, and flat beater are now stainless steel and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, unlike most KitchenAid models that come with coated metal attachments that aren’t always dishwasher-safe. This model includes an additional flat beater with silicone edges, which helps reduce the need to scrape down the bowl with a rubber spatula.
KitchenAid Artisan
Featuring the original 10 speeds.
KitchenAid Artisan Plus
Featuring 11 speeds, plus new precision speed control.
KitchenAid launched new colors, too!
You can’t deny that the fun array of shades the stand mixer comes in isn’t a big part of the draw. With its new model, KitchenAid also launched four new colorways: Sundried Tomato (a deep red shade with a crinkle finish), Wild Blueberry (a deep blue shade with a crinkle finish), Iron Ore Bronze (a dark brown with a satin metallic finish), and Oat (a cream color with a satin finish).
If there is a KitchenAid color you already love, the Artisan Plus will also be available in Agave, Cast Iron Black, Matte Black, Blue Steel, Cardamom, Feather Pink, Juniper, Mint Julep, Medallion Silver, Porcelain White, and Pebbled Palm.
My experience using the Artisan Plus
While I’m still waiting to formally test this model in our Lab, I got a sneak peek and test-drove it while visiting the factory, where I made two recipes: a savory scone and whipped butter. What really stood out to me was the redesigned speed control lever. The knob feels quite premium in design compared to previous models, and I liked that you can twist it backward to achieve lower, more gradual speeds. I found that I didn’t even need to use a pouring shield, since I could gently increase the speed of the mixer to keep flour and other dry ingredients contained and from flying out of the bowl.
The new bowl light is an incredibly helpful addition. It’s a feature I’ve seen on a few competitors’ stand mixers, so I was excited to finally see it on a KitchenAid. It made it easier to ensure my ingredients were thoroughly mixed before moving on to the next step of my recipe. I also appreciated the silicone-coated beater, which I felt eliminated one more thing to wash. After it gently and thoroughly mixes a dough, you can even use it to scrape down the bowl and transfer the mixture to another bowl or work surface, instead of pulling out another silicone spatula.
Is it worth a purchase?
If you already own a beloved KitchenAid stand mixer, I don’t think you need to rush out and buy this model. While it offers some great upgrades, I’m not convinced they’re significant enough to justify replacing your current one. After all, the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is our best overall pick for a reason—it’s a great appliance.
However, if you’re in the market for a new stand mixer, I highly recommend this one. From the beautiful new colorways to the thoughtful features and dishwasher-safe attachments, I think it’s well worth the investment. As for me—culinary and appliance nerd that I am—I have a feeling the Artisan Plus will be joining my growing collection of stand mixers at home.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer is the reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen & Cooking Lab. She has tested a wide range of kitchen appliances and gear for GH, including gas ranges, bread cloches, and kitchen scales. She holds a B.S. in Food Studies, Nutrition, and Public Health from New York University. She's also a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute's culinary school. Bleyer uses a KitchenAid stand mixer often in the Lab for testing and at home for her many baking projects. She just got back from KitchenAid’s factory and looks forward to testing this new model.
