KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer review: A multi-tasking hero that's still a cult classic

Telegraph

14-07-2025

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Score: 10/10
We like:
Extremely versatile with over 15 additional attachments available
Delivers consistent results whether whipping cream or kneading dough
Timeless design available in a range of colourways to match any kitchen
Easy-to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Weighty base ensures stability (even when mixing tougher doughs)
We don't like:
Bulky and heavy if frequently moving or storing
Additional attachments can be expensive
What is the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer?
The KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is one of the most recognisable appliances in British kitchens, with good reason. This classic tilt-head model has remained almost unchanged in silhouette since 1937.
Priced from £449, the stand mixer is at the luxury end of the market, going head-to-head with high-spec models from brands like Ooni, Sage and Smeg. But few rivals match its blend of design heritage, solid engineering and versatility.
The Artisan's capacity ranges from 4.7 litre stainless steel bowl to 6.6 litre, with three essential attachments for baking: wire whisk, flat beater and dough hook. The larger capacity models have a bowl lift function and are better suited for making multiple batches of dough or cake mix or feeding larger groups. But its real edge lies in the front-mounted power hub which can be used with more than 15 accessories from pasta rollers to food processors, helping to streamline practically every stage of food prep. So much so, that it continues to hold the coveted crown of Best Buy stand mixer in our 2025 guide.
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How we test stand mixers
I'm a food writer and contributed to the best stand mixers guide. To find the model worthy of Star Baker status we used each stand mixer in a real world setting rather than a pristine lab. I tested the KitchenAid 4.8L Artisan stand mixer, which has the classic tilt head function, in (an often chaotic, flour-covered) home kitchen with real recipes.
Over the course of a month I made (and tasted) a range of typical bakes including Victoria sponge, sourdough, soft peaked meringue and Neopolitan-style pizza dough to assess it against five key criteria: design, ease of use, functionality, quality of results and ease of cleaning.
I examined whether the machine felt intuitive or fiddly, how well it handled switching speeds and tools mid-mix, and how easy it was to switch out the attachments. Design and footprint were also carefully considered - was it easy to lift and store? Did it demand plenty of countertop space, or stow neatly away under cabinets? Finally, cleaning: I noted which parts were dishwasher-safe and how flour or dough could be removed from tricky areas.
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Design and build
Score: 10/10
With its retro curves and broad range of colourways, this stand mixer is as much a design statement as a kitchen tool. The 4.8 litre model weighs 10.4kg (meaning it won't budge under heavier dough loads), and it's not for storing in tight cupboards or under low wall units. It's built to live on the counter and to look good while doing so.
The controls are satisfyingly tactile and well-marked. It has a simple side lever, a front hub cover for attachments and smooth tilt-head action. While we can't predict the future, the Artisan certainly feels as though it will be the talking point of kitchens for years to come.
Score: 10/10
Despite its professional pedigree, the KitchenAid Artisan is largely fuss-free to operate. There are no screens, apps or menus, just one sliding speed control, one tilt-head release that clicks reassuringly into place and one hub for attachments, which all feel intuitive to use. First-time users might take a moment to get to grips with how the bowl locks in place or the attachments twist to click on, but once that's mastered it's easy.
One minor limitation for smaller kitchens or those with wall cabinets is that the unit's 36cm height means you'll need enough overhead clearance to be able to tilt it properly, but if you can accommodate it then the Artisan is a joy to use. It is old-school in the best way - mechanical, consistent and uncomplicated.
Variety of attachments and functions
Score: 10/10
The speed settings range between one and 10, giving ample scope to tailor its power to your recipe. In the box, you get all the essentials to power through baking tasks too: a flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk and 4.8 litre stainless steel bowl.
But the Artisan's real appeal lies in its wider versatility. The universal hub lets you use more than 15 optional attachments, from a citrus juicer to ice shaver, making it a multifunctional marvel. That said, these accessories come at a price (typically between £70 and £150), but its modularity makes it an incredibly expandable tool for committed home cooks looking to streamline their kitchen arsenal.
Quality of results
Score: 9/10
​​The Artisan might not boast the wattage of some competitors (300W certainly sounds modest on paper), but thanks to its motor design and planetary mixing action, where the tool itself rotates as it also circles the bowl, it performs beautifully under pressure.
Whether making cake batter, whipping meringue or kneading focaccia dough, the Artisan delivers consistent results without straining, overheating or requiring manual intervention. Every part of the bowl gets equal attention, there's no under- or overworked spots here. It is surprisingly quiet in use, too.
During my tests, a triple-layer Victoria sponge came out light and perfectly aerated; pasta dough proved with a smooth, elastic finish; and egg whites peaked in under three minutes. The standard flat beater occasionally left a trace of unmixed flour along the edges, but a quick scrape mid-mix solved this. It's a dependable go-to.
Clean-up
Score: 9/10
The curved body and smooth finish make light work of clean-up, even after a flour storm or batter spill. I loved the wipe-clean surface when trying to banish pancake mix and stuck on sourdough. The tilt-head design also helps minimise fuss when cleaning the surrounding surfaces, with no awkward grooves, fiddly nooks or hard-to-reach corners.
Better yet, the included attachments and bowl are all dishwasher safe, meaning less time in your Marigolds (though some extras, especially those with gears, may require hand washing, so be sure to check beforehand).
Technical specifications
We've set the KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer against one of its closest competitors in the UK market: the Kenwood kMix KMX754. Both are aimed at keen home bakers, but where KitchenAid leans into design heritage and upgrade potential, the Kenwood makes a case for greater power and capacity at a keener price.
Should you buy the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer?
If you're seeking a multi-functional stand mixer that'll be with you for years to come, the KitchenAid Artisan is hard to beat. Its reliable performance across baking tasks is unmatched, its build quality strikingly solid and it offers endless potential to upgrade via its power hub (if you can justify the cost of additional attachments, that is).
Yes, if:
You want a long-lasting, versatile machine that deserves to be seen on the counter
You're a keen baker who values expandability and classic design
No, if:
£449
Buy now
Price at
Amazon
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer FAQs
What are the differences between the available KitchenAid Artisan models?
The main differences are in bowl size, power and design. The 4.8L is standard and has a head which tilts back for putting the bowl in place; the 5.6L and 6.6L have more power (375W) and a bowl-lift mechanism, whereby the bowl slides in and is raised closer to the mixing tools instead.
What comes in the box with a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer?
A 4.8-litre stainless steel bowl, flat beater, wire whisk and dough hook.
Is the KitchenAid Artisan powerful enough for making bread dough?
Yes, the 300W direct-drive motor handles up to 1kg flour doughs easily. For extra-large batches, consider the 5.6-litre or 6.9-litre model.