KitchenAid revisits iconic mixer blueprint with Artisan Plus launch
A more powerful motor, precision speed control, and an integrated LED light mark the first revision to the Artisan design since 1919.
KitchenAid has unveiled the Artisan Plus tilt-head stand mixer, marking the first revision to its stand mixer blueprint in over 70 years. Since 1919, the beloved tilt-head model has remained a staple in home kitchens and wedding registries, yet this update introduces significant mechanical and aesthetic changes to the generationally renowned appliance.
The new model features a more powerful 350-watt motor, an increase from the previous 325 watts found in the standard Artisan series. This enhanced intensity is coupled with precision speed control that includes half-speed settings, allowing users to move between speeds two and 2.5 up to 11, whereas previous generations capped out at 10. Additionally, the Artisan Plus incorporates a Soft Start feature that gently transitions between speeds.
A key addition to the hardware is an integrated LED light positioned above the mixing bowl. This illumination is designed to assist with managing delicate recipes by allowing users to monitor the bowl's interior without stopping the machine. The appliance also includes a new pouring shield with rubber grips that clicks securely into place atop the bowl, offering improved stability compared to earlier splash guards.
Aesthetically, the Artisan Plus introduces a new crinkle-finish textured coating available in two new colours: Wild Blueberry and Sun-Dried Tomato. These options sit alongside traditional satin-metallic finishes such as Iron Ore Bronze and Oat. The textured finish provides a matte appearance that does not hide flour or ingredients, with cleanup ease comparable to the standard metallic models.
KitchenAid has also updated the attachment suite, which now consists entirely of stainless steel components, replacing the combination of aluminium and powder-coated attachments used in older generations. A new double-edge beater attachment is included to reduce the need for manual scraping of the bowl's edges, though users must still manually swap attachments if they are not already in use. All attachments, including the new ones, remain top-rack dishwasher-safe.
The price difference between the Artisan Plus and the standard Artisan model is approximately $100. While the reviewer notes that breadmaking may still require occasional manual intervention for ingredients stuck at the bottom of the bowl, the combination of the bowl light and precision speeds is deemed sufficient to justify the cost for home-baking enthusiasts.
