Choosing the right KitchenAid mixer can transform how you cook and bake. You want a machine that fits your kitchen, your recipes and your budget — and will last. This guide helps you compare three popular KitchenAid models so you can pick the one that suits your needs, whether you want something stylish, powerful or the best everyday value. Buy once, use for years is a useful mindset when you evaluate features like capacity, motor type and ease of cleaning.
Top picks
Category | Product | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
🏆 Best Overall | KitchenAid 4.8 Litre ARTISAN Stand Mixer 5KSM125 (Onyx Black) | £347.20 | 94/100 |
🎨 Best Style & Colour | KitchenAid MIXER TILT-HEAD 4.8L – ARTISAN – Pistachio – 5KSM125BPT | £482.49 | 88/100 |
⚡ Most Heavy-Duty Performance | KitchenAid HEAVY DUTY 5.2 L Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer 5KSM55SXXBWH | £553.48 | 80/100 |
How We Picked These Kitchenaid Mixers
You should consider the following when choosing a Kitchenaid mixer. Capacity and bowl type — a 4.8-litre tilt-head suits most households; a 5.2-litre bowl-lift is better for large batches or heavy dough.
Motor and speeds — more speeds and a robust motor give you versatility from whisking cream to kneading bread. Build quality and parts availability — KitchenAid is known for metal construction and long-term support, which helps when you want a machine that lasts.
Accessories and ease of cleaning — check what comes in the box and whether attachments and the bowl are dishwasher-safe. Noise and footprint — think about where you will store and use the mixer; bowl-lift models are taller.
Reviews and reliability — customer feedback reveals real-world strengths and issues, such as occasional faults or heating concerns. Finally, value — compare price against the features you actually need so you spend wisely.
KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L (Pistachio)
If you bake a few times a week or want a machine that grows with you, this KitchenAid Artisan 4.8 litre tilt-head model is a very approachable choice. You get a solid metal build that feels like it will last, a roomy stainless steel bowl for family-sized batches and a gentle tilt-head that makes adding ingredients and swapping attachments easy. The 10 speeds give you good control from a slow knead to a fast whip, and the basic accessories cover most everyday jobs — whisking, mixing and kneading. The Pistachio finish is a cheerful colour if you like a bit of personality on the worktop, and the mixer’s compatibility with a wide range of optional attachments means you can turn it into a pasta maker, grinder or food processor later on.
If you want something reliable for weekday cakes, weekend loaves and occasional entertaining, this model hits a sweet spot: simple to use, sturdy enough for heavier doughs and flexible enough to try new recipes.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✅ Durable construction and classic design | ❌ Heavier and takes more counter space than compact models |
✅ Tilt-head makes access and cleaning easy | ❌ Can be a bit noisy on high speeds |
✅ Dishwasher-safe bowl and beaters | ❌ Box includes only essential accessories |
✅ Attractive Pistachio finish for the kitchen |
When It Helps
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Daily baking | Quickly whips up batters, cookies and muffins so you spend less time mixing and more time baking. |
Weekend bread | The dough hook and steady motor take over the heavy kneading, saving your arms and producing consistent results. |
Entertaining | You can mix larger cake mixes or whisk multiple portions of cream and icing without juggling bowls. |
Trying attachments | If you want to make pasta, grind meat or spiralise veg, the plug-in accessory system lets you expand its uses. |
Time-Saving Perks
With a powerful motor and 10 speed settings you finish mixing tasks faster than by hand. While the mixer runs you can prep other ingredients or clean up, which turns a long recipe into a more manageable session.
Versatility
This model handles everything from light whisking to heavy doughs and accepts a wide range of attachments, so it suits cooks who want one core machine that can adapt as their cooking changes.
Looks
The Pistachio colour gives a cheerful, retro touch to your kitchen and the metal finish looks premium on the worktop if you want the mixer on show.
Key Benefits
- Sturdy metal build for long-term use
- 4.8 litre bowl handles family-sized batches
- Ten speeds for precise mixing control
- Works with many optional attachments
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 13+)
KitchenAid HEAVY DUTY 5.2L Bowl-Lift
If you want a mixer that feels built to last and can handle bigger batches, this KitchenAid heavy-duty bowl-lift model is a solid pick. You get a roomy 5.2 litre bowl that locks in place with a three-point system, an all-metal body and 11 speeds so you can go from a gentle fold to a fast whip without fuss. The bowl-lift design means the bowl stays steady while you work — handy for heavier doughs — and features like soft start and thermal protection make it dependable for longer sessions.
It’s taller and takes more counter space than tilt-head models, so check clearance under cupboards, but if you bake bread, make big cakes or want a machine that copes with regular, heavier use, this one will probably feel reassuringly solid. And if you like the idea of a workhorse on the worktop that still looks clean and classic in white, it’s worth considering when you’re choosing a Kitchenaid for serious home baking.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✅ Strong motor and full-metal gears built for heavy use | ❌ Taller and bulkier than tilt-head models, needs more storage or counter clearance |
✅ Bowl-lift keeps bowl secure and makes heavy doughs easier to manage | ❌ No splash guard included, so it can get messy with light ingredients |
✅ Soft start reduces splatter when you begin mixing | ❌ Heavier to move around the kitchen |
✅ Classic white finish that sits well on the counter | ❌ Some users report uneven mixing for certain recipes |
When It Helps
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Daily baking | Quickly whips up cake batters and cookie mixes with consistent results, so you spend less time fussing with a bowl and spoon. |
Weekend bread | The bowl-lift and solid gearing take the strain out of kneading dense doughs, leaving you free to get on with shaping or prepping toppings. |
Entertaining | Large batch capacity means you can make multiple cake sponges or big quantities of meringue without juggling bowls. |
Heavy-duty jobs | Full-metal construction and thermal protection make longer, tougher tasks feel less risky — the mixer is built to keep going. |
Time-Saving Perks
With 11 speed settings and a dependable motor you finish mixing tasks faster than by hand. While the mixer runs you can prep, plate or clean up, which shortens the whole cooking session.
Versatility
It covers the basics very well — whisking, beating and kneading — and acts as a reliable base if you later choose to add specialised attachments or accessories to expand what you make.
Looks
The white, all-metal finish looks tidy and classic on the worktop; it doesn’t shout for attention but gives a premium, durable impression if you leave it out.
Key Benefits
- Robust all-metal construction for durability
- 5.2 litre bowl suited to family-sized batches
- 11 speeds for fine control from folding to whipping
- Bowl-lift with three-point locking for stability
Rating: 3.2 (Total: 6+)
KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L (Onyx Black)
This KitchenAid Artisan 4.8 L mixer is the kind of machine you end up leaving on the worktop because it’s useful and looks good. The tilt-head design makes it easy to add ingredients and swap the included flat beater, dough hook and whisk, while 10 speeds cover everything from gentle folding to fast whipping.
It’s roomy enough for family cakes and frequent batch baking but compact enough to live in a smaller kitchen. If you like the idea of a reliable, well-made Kitchenaid that handles daily mixing, weekend bread or party bakes without faffing, this one is a very practical choice.
Pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
✅ Solid build and consistent mixing thanks to planetary action | ❌ Heavier to move if you like to store appliances away |
✅ Great for a wide range of tasks: cakes, cookies, creams and lighter doughs | ❌ Tilt-head can feel less secure with very heavy doughs compared with bowl-lift models |
✅ Easy to use and swap attachments, with many optional accessories available | ❌ No splash guard included, so lighter mixtures can spatter |
✅ Striking Onyx Black finish that sits nicely on most worktops | ❌ A small number of users report reliability or heating issues over long, heavy use |
When It Helps
Situation | How It Helps |
|---|---|
Daily baking | Quickly whips cake batters or cookie mixes while you get on with prep; fewer dishes and more consistent texture than mixing by hand. |
Weekend bread | Handles most home bread doughs with ease using the dough hook, so you can let it work while you sort toppings or side dishes. |
Entertaining | Make multiple sponge layers, large quantities of meringue or whipped cream without juggling bowls, which saves time and stress on the day. |
Small kitchens | Tilt-head design and compact footprint mean it tucks under cupboards and doesn’t demand as much counter space as larger bowl-lift machines. |
Time-Saving Perks
The mixer takes care of mixing while you prep other ingredients, so recipes come together faster. Ten speed settings mean you don’t waste time guessing — set it and move on to the next task.
Versatility
It covers the core jobs—whisking, beating and kneading—and because KitchenAid attachments snap on, you can expand into pasta, meat mincing or spiralising later if you want to get creative.
Looks
The Onyx Black finish is sleek and modern; it’s a subtle statement on the counter that pairs well with other kitchenware and won’t look out of place if you leave it out.
Key Benefits
- 4.8 litre stainless-steel bowl for family-sized batches
- 10 speeds let you go from slow kneading to fast whipping
- Includes dough hook, flat beater and whisk for most recipes
- Compact tilt-head shape fits under cabinets and is easy to load
Rating: 4.5 (Total: 535+)
FAQ
Which Kitchenaid Mixer Should You Choose Based On What You Cook?
When you decide between models, focus on the jobs you do most: a tilt-head Artisan like the 4.8 litre 5KSM125 (available in colours such as Pistachio and Onyx) is ideal if you want a compact, versatile machine for everyday cakes, whipping and small-to-medium doughs because it has a removable bowl and easy access to the attachment hub; a bowl-lift Heavy Duty 5.2 litre model is the better choice if you regularly mix large batches or heavy bread doughs because its lift mechanism and heavier frame give you extra stability. Remember to check bowl capacity, number of speeds and whether the control style suits you, and keep in mind that brand support and spare parts availability make a long-lived appliance a smarter buy.
Will This Mixer Handle Heavy Bread Doughs And Long Jobs?
You can tackle many bread recipes with a good tilt-head Artisan, but if you plan to make large quantities of dough frequently you should choose a Bowl-Lift and Heavy Duty model because it handles torque better and stays steadier under load. Even with the right model you should avoid running the motor continuously at maximum for very long periods; use the recommended dough hook, work in batches rather than overfill the bowl, let the motor rest between long mixes and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for duty cycles to protect the gearbox and motor.
How Easy Is It To Clean, Maintain And Add Attachments?
You’ll find maintenance straightforward if you follow a few habits: wipe the motor housing with a damp cloth, remove and wash the bowl and accessories according to the manual because dishwasher instructions can vary by model, and use a splash guard to keep things tidy when mixing wet ingredients. Most KitchenAid attachments fit the standard power hub but you should check compatibility for specialist accessories, register your machine for warranty and keep moving parts dry and free of food debris; with basic care you’ll extend the life of the mixer and make sure replacement parts remain a simple option.
Customers Top Picks
You’ll choose based on what you bake most: if you need raw power and big‑batch capability the KitchenAid HEAVY DUTY 5.2L bowl‑lift is favoured for its stronger motor, larger capacity and commercial stability, whereas the KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L (Pistachio or Onyx Black) is loved for everyday versatility, easier tilt‑head access and the chance to add a pop of colour to your kitchen. Customers typically prioritise motor strength and bowl size for heavy‑duty mixing, and aesthetics, footprint and convenience for daily use—so pick the Heavy Duty for large or frequent baking, or an Artisan if you want style and reliable all‑round performance.
Summary
If you want a reliable everyday machine, the Onyx Black Artisan (5KSM125) is the most balanced choice: strong reviews, a sensible price and excellent versatility. If style and a unique finish matter, the Pistachio Artisan gives you the same performance with a distinctive look. If you make large batches or frequently work with heavy doughs, opt for the Heavy Duty bowl-lift 5.2 L model for its capacity and sturdier handling. Consider how often you will use the mixer, the size of your batches and whether you prefer tilt-head or bowl-lift operation — that will quickly point you to the right KitchenAid for your kitchen.
| KitchenAid MIXER TILT-HEAD 4.8L – ARTISAN – Pistachio – 5KSM125BPT | KitchenAid HEAVY DUTY 5.2 L Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer 5KSM55SXXBWH | KitchenAid 4.8 Litre ARTISAN STAND MIXER 5KSM125 (Onyx Black) | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Rating | 4.5/5 (13 reviews) | 3.2/5 (6 reviews) | 4.5/5 (535 reviews) |
| Capacity | 4.8 litres | 5.2 litres | 4.8 litres |
| Number of Speeds | 10 | 11 | 10 |
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