Artisan VS Artisan Design
KitchenAid is a euphemism for a stand mixer, one of the superstars in the world of home appliances. Such mixers are recognized for their stability and durability.
They are great for high-quality dishes of all sorts, and of course, simple culinary creations.
What is the difference between KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Design? The KitchenAid Artisan Series and Artisan Design both come with powerful engines, coated attachments, and strong motors. The only noticeable distinctions are the materials for attachment, the glass cup, and fewer color options.
Not sure what KitchenAid model to buy? Here is an article with an overview of KitchenAid Artisan and Artisan Design.
History of the Famous KitchenAid
The first KitchenAid home stand mixer, available for domestic use in 1919, weighed in at a whopping 65 pounds.
It wasn’t exactly suitable for most home bakers at that weight, and the prices were still astronomical. The price was equal to over $2,800 in 2015 dollars.
Before 1936, it was tweaked, trimmed, and streamlined. The style has not improved at all since then.
But, because of the brand’s capability and efficiency, it became the most bought stand mixer. Also, it can handle many external accessories.
Now, the KitchenAid stand mixer is a tool for the cooking trade, especially for baking. It’s an asset in terms of both cash and counter space at $200 and up.
The Artisan Mixer Power
All of the Artisan versions come with the same 325 watt AC motor. This power is great for producing recipes that need up to nine cups of flour.
The five-quart bowl size of the KitchenAid Artisan mixer is perfect for mixing a regular-size batch of chocolate chip cookies. It can even do four dozen chocolate chip cookies.
It can also accommodate a double batch or up to nine dozen cookies, its max capacity.
But despite the motor power, avoid mixing up very chunky, dense cookie dough higher than the recommended four-speed setting.
Attempting to do so may cause the head to bounce or rock. So be sure that for the type of recipe you produce, you know the recommended mixing speeds.
In the case of the mixer being overwhelmed, it has a fail-safe in the form of a single nylon gear. It can strip itself before burning the motor out. It is more cost-effective to repair this gear than to replace the entire engine.
These versions are very similar to the conventional tilt-head stand mixers. It allows the top of the device to rise out of the way for easier access to the drum. This feature tightly locks into position on the solid foundation.
KitchenAid Artisan Series
The versions of the KitchenAid Artisan Series are both durable and stunning. It has an all-metal construction that can endure years of daily use and a variety of paint choices.
It also has a high-polish, stainless steel bowl that has a handle that is easy to grab.
KitchenAid Artisan stand mixers send the beater rotating clockwise while the shaft twists in the opposite direction. That means the whole bowl is involved in the process, leaving unmixed ingredients with little chance.
A beater and dough hook are included in each of these versions. All of them are coated with a white enamel coating that makes them safe for dishwashing. A metal-finish whip, which is also included, must be cleaned by hand.
The three attachments that come with the Artisan Series are best for making a meringue. Who doesn’t love a perfect result?
KitchenAid Artisan Design
The Artisan Design Series from KitchenAid has all the advantages of the other versions. Along with that, it incorporates a glass bowl that makes it much easier to use.
Labels at the sides make measuring as you go easy, while the clear glass helps guarantee even mixing.
This arrangement also makes it easier for the bowl to go into the oven. It is a major bonus whether you have to melt butter or chocolate or soften cream cheese.
These KitchenAid stand mixers have 10-speed motors with high-performance options, solid metal construction, and bowl locks. As the shaft travels counterclockwise, you also get the planetary mixing motion that spins the beaters clockwise.
The next big thing about this series is the color selection. KitchenAid Artisan Design stand mixers come in a range of colors, including sugar pearl, raspberry, azure blue, and apple red.
Another distinction is that the dough hook and flat beater are not dishwasher-safe, apart from missing a pouring cover. However, these are as solid as the Artisan coated models.
So, if you do not mind losing some comfort for a reasonable price, this might be a good value for you.
The Drawback of the Artisan Series
The burnished metal beaters are the only obvious downside. Their sub-standard construction, particularly when considering the high quality of all the other components, is a paradox.
But it is a joy for the home chef if you can get past the beater issue.
Storing Your Artisan Mixer
When placing your mixer order, worrying about how to store your mixer might be a significant consideration.
The KitchenAid Artisan Series is only 18 inches tall with the head tilted up and 14.5 inches when the head is down and closed. That height offers the opportunity to match and work under a regular-sized cabinet.
Many people tend to take out the mixer to run it from under the cabinet. Others use it near the countertop side. It is not so bad, as the mixer has rubber pads on the rim. The pads make it easy to pull it a few inches and drive it.
With the Artisan Series being 28+ pounds, it can be tough to pick up and carry around. Keep that in mind if you have your eyes on the KitchenAid Artisan Series.
Conclusion
There is not much difference because both are from the Artisan Series. For most people, this KitchenAid stand mixer series is the best.
The Artisan Series, for one thing, has the largest variety of colors and finishes. The colors include special editions such as the Color of the Year and the Color of the 100th Anniversary.