The KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer, with its 3.5-quart capacity, is designed for smaller baking projects and is perfect for kitchens with limited counter space. This review evaluates its performance against its full-sized counterpart.
Pros
- Delightfully compact
- Ideal for tight kitchens
- Strong performance
- Lightweight and user-friendly
Cons
- Price closely mirrors the larger Artisan Mixer
- Not suitable for larger families
You can trust our thorough testing process. Our reviewers dedicate significant time to evaluating and comparing the latest kitchen appliances, ensuring the best choices for you.
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini is a compact version of the renowned Artisan Stand Mixer, weighing just 18 lbs compared to the larger model's 26 lbs. While its size is smaller (3.5 quarts versus 5 quarts), it still offers impressive mixing capabilities.
This mixer promises the same power as its larger sibling, and we put it through its paces by creating various baked goods. The Artisan Stand Mixer is known for its presence on popular baking shows and comes in a wide array of colors.
If you've long admired KitchenAid mixers but were put off by their size, you might wonder if the Artisan Mini can meet your needs in the competitive world of stand mixers. We tested it to find out.
Specifications
- Colors: 10
- Type: Tilt-head mixer
- Capacity: 3.5 quarts
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Speed settings: 10
- Material: Stainless steel
- Dimensions: 12.3H x 7.8W x 12.3D inches
- Attachments: 1 Flex Edge Beater, 1 Coated Dough Hook, 1 6-Wire Whip
First Impressions
However, my doubts disappeared upon unboxing this mixer and its charmingly petite attachments. It was smaller than anticipated, yet the stainless steel bowl's capacity impressed me. I tested it in the vibrant Candy Apple Red, which added to its allure.
Aside from its size, the design mirrors its larger counterpart, featuring the same tilt-head functionality for easy ingredient additions. The speed control dial is user-friendly, allowing seamless transitions between ten settings.
This mixer comes with three attachments: a flat beater, a wire whisk, and a dough hook. To assess its capabilities, we utilized each attachment in various tests.
Baking Cakes
The flat edge beater is recommended for ingredient mixing, designed to ensure thorough mixing by scraping the bowl's sides. We prepared a Victoria sponge cake using the all-in-one method.
I expected less power from this mini mixer, but was pleasantly surprised by its efficiency. Even at medium speed, it demonstrated substantial power, mixing ingredients flawlessly in just minutes.
As shown in the images, we tested this mixer alongside full-sized models. Despite its smaller stature, the Artisan Mini performed excellently, maintaining power without shaking or noise.
Baking Bread
The included dough hook is ideal for bread-making, mimicking hand-kneading without the effort. To attach it, simply lift the head and rotate until it clicks into place.
We made a wholemeal loaf to evaluate its efficacy. At medium speed, the dough formed quickly, yielding a smooth, elastic texture in minutes, relieving your arms from strenuous kneading. You can observe the dough's consistency as the mixer works, allowing for adjustments as needed.
Once again, this mixer outperformed larger models, including the Cuisinart Precision Stand Mixer, despite its lower wattage, thanks to KitchenAid's superior design and engineering. This mixer remains a solid choice for bread and dough tasks.
Whipping Cream
We tested the wire whip for whipping cream and incorporating air into egg whites. Following recommendations, we used a high speed for optimal results.
Whipping cream with this mixer was quick and efficient, completing the task faster than full-sized mixers, showcasing its capabilities.
Cleaning Up
The smaller size of this mixer also simplifies cleaning. The bowl is dishwasher-safe and fits easily into compact models. The dough hook and beater are dishwasher-safe, while the wire whip requires hand washing to maintain its shape. The stainless steel exterior can be wiped down easily to keep it looking pristine.
Comparison with Full-Sized Model
In comparing the KitchenAid Artisan Mini to its larger version, note that it's 25% smaller and $20 cheaper, yet performed comparably during our tests. If you're considering a smaller model, this option is sure to impress.
However, if you require more capacity or power, the larger KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer may be the better choice. It's a favorite for good reason, delivering on performance and appearance.
Should You Purchase the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer?
If I were to choose a stand mixer, I'd opt for the KitchenAid Artisan Mini, primarily for its charming size and suitability for my baking needs. However, those with larger families may prefer the 5-quart capacity or even consider alternatives like the KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer.
This model offers ten color choices, which may seem limited compared to the extensive range of the Artisan Stand Mixer. If matching your mixer to your kitchen decor matters to you, the extra $20 might be worthwhile.
Serious bakers looking to upgrade from a full-sized KitchenAid might hesitate before downsizing to this model, opting instead for more powerful alternatives, like the Smeg 1950s Stand Mixer.
For casual bakers or anyone needing a compact mixer, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini is an excellent choice, providing a high-quality finish that exceeds expectations.
