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Whether you’re an avid home cook, a dedicated décor lover, or just want to feel like you’ve made it, add a KitchenAid stand mixer to your kitchen and it automatically becomes the pièce de résistance. But there are lots of different models to choose from, and because this is an investment piece, you’re going to want to make sure you’ve picked the right one for your cooking and baking needs. So, which KitchenAid stand mixer should you invest in? We did the homework so you don’t have to.
There are two types of KitchenAid stand mixers–ones with tilt-heads and ones with bowl-lifts.
The tilt-head, which is included on the original KitchenAid stand mixer, is usually featured on the less expensive mixer models. It is shorter in height and is lighter, but its key feature is that it allows the head to tilt all the way back in order to remove the bowl or scrape the sides without having to remove the attachments. However, since the tilt-head models are a bit less powerful than their sister mixers that feature the bowl-lift, they work better with smaller quantities.
KitchenAid Classic Mixer, at KitchenAid
Ah, the KitchenAid mixer that started it all. The classic version of this mixer comes in several bowl sizes, depending on your needs, and has the original tilt-head feature that KitchenAid fans have come to know and love. With the ability to make up to six dozen cookies in a single batch, the mixer has 10 speeds and also comes equipped with soft start, which helps to avoid ingredient splash and flour puff by starting at a lower speed. It also has the ability to add KitchenAid attachments to change functions. Buy Now
KitchenAid Artisan Mixer, at Macy’s
Available in a stunning and wide array of colors, KitchenAid’s Artisan collection is also of the tilt-head variety of mixer. This mixer includes a glass bowl with measurement markings and the ability to make dough for more than nine dozen cookies at a clip. Additionally, this mixer also comes with a coated flat beater, coated dough hook, and a six-wire whip. This line is also available in mini sizes for small-space living. Buy Now
KitchenAid Ultra Power Plus Series Mixer, at KitchenAid
A polished 4.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl and comfortable handle are just two of the features of the KitchenAid Ultra Power Plus Series. The bowl, according to KitchenAid, is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. It also comes with the company’s 59-point planetary mixing action for thorough ingredient incorporation and has the tilt-head feature. Buy Now
KitchenAid Architect Series Mixer, at KitchenAid
Also of the tilt-head variety, this 325-watt stand mixer is great for everyday mixing recipes. The Architect Series also comes equipped with the company’s planetary mixing action, which causes the beater to spiral within the bowl for efficient, thorough mixing. Colors included in this line include pistachio matte, grenadine, and cocoa silver. Buy Now
A bit heftier are the bowl-lift models. These models are perfect for bigger batches and heartier doughs, as they are more powerful and can handle more volume. However, unlike the tilt-head models, you will need to remove the attachments to scrape the sides or remove the bowl because the mixer’s head is stationary.
KitchenAid Pro HD Series Mixer, at KitchenAid
This is designed for mixing heavy, dense doughs and batters, so if you love to bake fresh bread, this is a great option. The Pro HD series mixer handles enough dough for up to nine dozen cookies, four loaves of bread, or seven pounds of mashed potatoes in a single batch. It has 10 speeds, ranging from a quick whip to a slow stir, and fits with 10 additional KitchenAid attachments as well. It’s available in sleek, modern colors too, like black matte and boysenberry. Buy Now
KitchenAid Pro 600 Series Mixer, at KitchenAid
With more than 20 colors in the series, there is something for every décor scheme with KitchenAid’s Pro 600 Series. The line is a bowl-lift stand and does not have the tilt-head option. However, what it does have is the ability to whip up batter for more than 13 dozen cookies at a time. This line features a stainless steel bowl and comes with the coated flat beater, the coated Powerknead spiral dough hook, and a wire whip. This line also comes in a Design Series as well, which features a glass bowl with markings instead of the stainless steel bowl. Buy Now
KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus Series Mixer, at KitchenAid
Available in onyx black, empire red, and silver, the KitchenAid Professional 5 Plus Series is perfect for the cookie connoisseur, as it can hold and mix enough dough for 10 dozen cookies at once. It is one of the company’s lift stand mixers, so the bowl is lifted with the help of the mixer’s arms. However, the stand does not have the tilt-head feature. Buy Now
KitchenAid Professional 6500 Design Series Mixer, at KitchenAid
KitchenAid’s Professional 6500 Design Series comes with a six-quart bowl and has a 1.0 horsepower motor, for the ability to mix 13 dozen cookies, 8 loaves of bread, or 8 pounds of mashed potatoes in a single batch. The motor, the company said, was developed to allow for mixing with less heat build-up. Available with a glass bowl, the line also has the bowl-lift design. It comes with an F-series coated flat beater, F-series coated PowerKnead spiral dough hook, and an F-Series six-wire whip. It is available in six colors. Buy Now
KitchenAid NSF-Certified Commercial Series Mixer, at KitchenAid
Available with an eight-quart mixing bowl, the NSF-certified commercial series of KitchenAid mixers has a 1.3-horsepower motor. A 10-speed slide control and a professional bowl-lift design rounds out the package. It also comes with a two-year replacement warranty, the company notes. Buy Now
Check out all the things you can do with a stand mixer, and see our other favorite splurge-worthy KitchenAid appliances and stand mixer attachments.
