KitchenAid Artisan Plus vs. Artisan: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

By [Your Name]
Global Home Appliances Correspondent

The $100 Question: Does KitchenAid’s Latest Stand Mixer Justify Its Premium?

For decades, KitchenAid’s stand mixers have been the gold standard for home bakers and professional chefs alike. The brand’s latest offering, the Artisan Plus, promises to elevate the experience with enhanced power, precision, and convenience—but at a $100 premium over its predecessor, the Artisan series. Is the upgrade worth it? A hands-on comparison reveals that the improvements, though subtle, could make all the difference for serious bakers.

Power and Precision: The Core Upgrades

At first glance, the Artisan Plus may seem nearly identical to the standard Artisan model. However, beneath its sleek exterior lies a more robust 350-watt motor—a noticeable step up from the Artisan’s 325 watts. This extra power translates to smoother performance when tackling dense doughs or large batches, reducing strain on the machine.

But the real game-changer is the precision speed control. Unlike previous models that capped at 10 speeds, the Artisan Plus introduces half-speed increments, allowing users to fine-tune mixing from speeds 2 to 2.5, all the way up to 11. This level of control is particularly valuable for delicate tasks like folding meringues or emulsifying sauces, where even minor adjustments can impact texture.

User-Friendly Innovations: LED Lighting and Soft Start

One of the most practical upgrades is the built-in LED light, illuminating the mixing bowl for better visibility. This small but impactful feature eliminates the need to stop mid-recipe to check consistency—a common frustration with older models.

Additionally, the “Soft Start” function ensures a gentle acceleration when switching speeds, preventing splattering and improving ingredient incorporation. This feature is especially useful for novice bakers who may struggle with sudden speed changes.

Durability and Design: A Modern Take on a Classic

KitchenAid has also refined the Artisan Plus’s attachments, opting for all-stainless steel components—including the wire whip, dough hook, flat beater, and a new double-edge beater. This marks a departure from older models, which sometimes used aluminum or powder-coated parts. While all attachments remain dishwasher-safe, the sturdier construction of the Plus model suggests better longevity.

Visually, the Artisan Plus retains the iconic silhouette that has made KitchenAid mixers a countertop staple. Its footprint remains unchanged, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any kitchen setup.

Generational Comparison: How Far Has KitchenAid Come?

To truly assess the Artisan Plus’s value, we compared it side-by-side with older KitchenAid models—from a 1964 classic to a 1990s workhorse and a 2017 Artisan. The differences were striking:

• 1964 Model: A testament to durability but lacked modern conveniences like speed control and LED lighting.
• 1990s Model: Improved motor efficiency but still relied on older attachment designs.
• 2017 Artisan: A solid performer but missing the Plus’s refined precision features.

The Artisan Plus emerged as the clear winner in ease of use, power, and adaptability, proving that incremental upgrades can significantly enhance performance.

Verdict: Is the Artisan Plus Worth the Extra $100?

For casual bakers, the standard Artisan may suffice. But for those who frequently tackle complex recipes or value precision, the Artisan Plus justifies its premium with its stronger motor, enhanced speed control, and thoughtful additions like the LED light.

As KitchenAid continues to refine its flagship mixer, the Artisan Plus stands as a compelling evolution—blending timeless design with modern functionality. Whether it’s the right choice depends on how much you value those extra touches in your baking journey.

Final Thought: In the world of stand mixers, sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference.