Cookware — The Foodie Review

Stand Mixer Reviews

We are always cooking in our house but recently I have noticed I’ve been baking more often than usual. I have determined it’s because I like using my KitchenAid Artisan Mixer so much. It is easy to use and my kids love being able to enjoy more baked sweets than normal. My husband is especially happy about the homemade pizzas instead of expensive delivery or frozen pizzas. We use the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer for so much more than baked sweets and pizzas, it was a good investment and I would like to share with you my thoughts and opinions in a review.

KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Speed Settings

The mixer has ten speed settings the slowest setting is stir. When I add ingredients, especially flour, I always put it on the stir setting and make sure I put on the pouring shield. Most often I use setting 4, which is best for mixing batters like cakes and cookies. If the recipe calls for high speed mixing then I switch the mixer to 6. The only times I use settings 8 through 10 is when I need to beat egg whites into meringue or make whipping cream. Keep the mixer at speed 2 or below when using the dough hook. KitchenAid does not make it a guessing game, the manual tells you what the recommended settings are for various types of recipes.

67 point mixing action

Unique Mixing Action

KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixers feature a unique mixing action that KitchenAid developed allowing for faster and more even mixing of ingredients. The beater spins clockwise while the shaft turns counter clockwise sending the beater to 67 different points around the bowl. There is no need to rotate the bowl with the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer. I like that the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer mixes faster than typical mixers and speeds up prep time, however I make a mental note to cut mixing times so that I don’t over work the ingredients. Cutting back the mixing time does not apply to pre-packaged cake mixes, while the mixer beats eggs and cream very quickly. I do take advantage of the mixing action making repeated scraping the sides of the bowl is unnecessary, occasionally I will turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides just to be certain that everything is being evenly mixed, but it is probably unnecessary.

Beaters Whips and Hooks

Included with the KitchenAid Artisan 5 quart stand mixers are three mixing attachments a flat beater, a wire whip and a dough hook. The flat beater is used for normal to heavy mixtures such as cakes, cookies, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and meatloaf. The wire whip is used when air needs to be incorporated, for example, eggs, egg whites, cream, heavy cream, angel food cake, sponge cake, and some candies and frostings. The dough hook is useful when mixing or kneading doughs such as breads, rolls, coffee cakes and buns.

Power Wattage

The powerful 325-watt motor will make a “piece of cake” out of mixing the thickest of batters and stiff doughs. The 325 wattage is powerful enough to easily handle oversized batches as well as extra thick doughs. The powerful appliance takes all of the tough work out of whipping up frostings and kneading out dough, leaving only the fun and enjoyable experience of cooking for you.

Cleanup of KitchenAid Artisan Mixer

Cleaning up after using the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer is quite simple. I never hesitate using the mixer thinking about cleaning up. It is as simple as tossing the bowl and the white beater and the white dough hook in the dishwasher. The wire whip is still easy enough but it needs to be hand washed and dried. If I get a few splatters on the mixer I just wipe off with a damp paper towel or dishcloth.

Appearance of the KitchenAid Stand Mixer

There is not much thats needs to be said here, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixer’s design speaks for itself. The KitchenAid Mixer Artisan has a beautiful classic design and will look great in any kitchen setting. It is almost crazy the color choices that KitchenAid has made available. Check out more pictures of the mixer in different colors at the bottom of this page.

How much is the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer?

When I bought my mixer I was delighted when I found the KitchenAid Stand Mixer sale at Amazon. The price was $239.88 with Free Shipping. That was $110 off (31%) the price at KitchenAid’s website. Plus at the time of writing this stand mixer review a $30 rebate is being offered, lowering the final price to $209.88

KitchenAid Mixer Attachments

The versatility of the KitchenAid Mixer Artisan is nearly endless. KitchenAid has designed numerous optional attachments for the stand mixer. I like machines that are multifunctional so for me many of the attachments have been quite useful in my kitchen and I would not want to be without them. Some of the other attachments I don’t imagine I would use, however I am sure that many people would say they would not want to be without them. The list is, sausage stuffer kit, roto slicer with shredder, ravioli maker, pasta cutter, mixer attachment pack with citrus juicer, ice cream maker, fruit and vegetable strainer & grinder, food tray, food grinder.

Additionally, KitchenAid sells replacement and extra items, flat beater, wire whip, dough hook, stainless steel mixing bowl, bowl lids, and a dust cover.

Recipes for the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer

Though I have never tried any of the recipes that KitchenAid provides in the manual, I have read over them and they sound especially tempting. They are uncomplicated to make and most importantly the ingredients list is familiar.

Specifications

Weight 25 pounds
Height 13 15/16 inches
Width 8 ¾ inches
Depth 14 1/8 inches

In The Box

5 quart polished stainless steel mixing bowl with comfort handle
Pouring Shield
Dough Hook
Flat Beater
Wire Whip

Warranty – REPLACEMENT One Year

KitchenAid stands by their product offering a one-year replacement warranty. Should anything happen to the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer, KitchenAid will send a new one right to your home. Then, you simply put the broken mixer in the same packaging and send it back to them. This is a great policy because other companies’ first request that you send the broken item in at your expense, then you wait 4 to 6 weeks for them to process the warranty before they send out a new one. In the meantime, you are without a mixer.

KitchenAid Stand Mixer Sale

Where Can I buy the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer? – Kitchenaid Stand Mixer Sale

You can buy the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer from Amazon. Currently they have the best price I can
find and it includes free shipping on most colors. From my research Amazon usually has the best prices for most items, especially when you consider their free shipping offer. Additionally Amazon has a very simple return policy. Click here to see on Amazon.

What People Are Saying – Amazon Reviewer rate this KitchenAid Artisan Mixer 4.5 stars

What are you waiting for???
I love this thing! I have friends who’ve had KitchenAid mixers for years and they’ve always raved about their quality and durability. Well, I finally went for it and I have absolutely no regrets. You want to talk about a solid piece of kitchen machinery? This is the epitome of what “Made in America” used to mean! Unlike all the cheapo mixers out there, I’m completely confident that this thing will even outlast ME! The only problem is now I’m wondering why I waited so long!

Best Mixer Ever! Love, Love, Love it! A+A+A+A+
This KitchenAid mixer is an excellent investment! I just love mine! The dough hook attachment is the greatest invention ever. No more kneading! I used this wonderful machine to make 4 pounds of Pizza Geina dough without breaking a sweat. Add your ingredients, turn it on and it does the rest! It has a very powerful motor and every part of this mixer is excellent quality and well made. It is simple to lock in the mixing bowl and it is also a breeze to clean. The different attachments are very easy to attach and remove. It would be impossible not to love it! Did I mention how easy the clean up is? I love it so much I bought the KitchenAid quilted cover for it. Once you use this mixer you will never want to use anything else! The Best!!!

The best place for additional stand KitchenAid Artisan mixer reviews are at Amazon.com

Tips

Use the pouring shield to keep ingredients from splattering out of the bowl when you are adding ingredients.
When adding ingredients don’t drop them directly on the moving mixers, unless you want a mess to clean up .

Complaints and Limitations?

To make recipes calling for more than 10 cups of flour or 6 cups of whole-wheat flour, the recipe must be broken into smaller batches.
The housing can get uncomfortably hot when the KitchenAid Artisan 5 quart stand mixers are in use for long periods of time. However, this is not a defect, it is just a side effect of a very powerful motor.
If the beater begins to hit the side of the bowl, the shaft needs to be adjusted; the instructions are included in the manual. This is not common and I have not had this happen to my mixer.

More stand mixer reviews and stand mixer accessories and attachments information.

Colors Offered For The KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixers

Green Apple KSM150PSGA

Empire Red KSM150PSER

Cornflower KSM150PSCO

Caviar KSM150PSCV

Onyx Black KSM150PSOB

Pistachio KSM150PSPT

Tangerine KSM150PSTG

Pear KSM150PSPE

Persimmon KSM150PSPN

White KSM150PSWH

Ice KSM150PSIC

bayleaf KSM150PSBL

blue willow KSM150PSBW

boysenberry KSM150PSBY

buttercup KSM150PSBF

Colbalt Blue KSM150PSBU

gloss cinnamon KSM150PSGC

White on White KSM150PSWW

Almond Cream KSM150PSAC

Majestic Yellow KSM150PSMY

Yellow Pepper KSM150PSYP

Imperial Black KSM150PSBK

Cornflower Blue KSM150PSCO

KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Colors

It was a while back that my good friend Yvonne told me that the secret to being a great cook is to use a stainless steel or similar material pan when cooking, not non-stick. She said it was one of the first lessons she learned in a cooking class she previously attended. The reason for avoiding the non-stick pan is that searing meat is what brings out the flavor. When cooking in a non-stick pan it is difficult to obtain a good sear. I had been following her advice ever since and my cooking was much improved.

Recently, I moved and my pans were packed away. I decided it was a great opportunity to purchase a few new items and get some upgrades. One of the first things I discovered was Calphalon’s Unison Non-stick Sear, the pans are made by layering two different type surfaces and textures. The surface combination enables home cooks to achieve professional results but allows the cleaning convenience of nonstick.

calphalon griddle

My new pans offer even better convenience than traditional nonstick pans because they are 100% dishwasher safe. Other Calphalon non stick lines are not approved for the dishwasher therefore using dishwashing detergent will void the warranty. Previously, I have never had any problem cleaning Calphalon non stick pans, just a few swipes and they were done, but now I have the option of the dishwasher.

Calphalon Wok

A few additional features I am excited about are the pan and lid are oven safe to 500 degrees. This way food can go straight from the stove top right into the oven in one pan. Nice.

The new cookware also has stay cool handles for stove top use, an older set of calphalon pots and pans I had required suede sleeves or silicon handle covers to protect my hands from the hot handles.

I have to admit that the Unisoncomplete line is a bit pricey so instead of buying the set, I mixed up a few pieces from the Calphalon Contempoary nonstick with the Calphalon Unision line. I got the Calphalon Steamer, Calphalon Frying Pan, Calphalon Griddle, Calphalon Lid 10 inch and Calphalon Lid 12 inch all from Calphalon Contempoary, and then added on the Calphalon Wok, Calphalon Grill Pan, and the Calphalon Dutch Oven in the Unison line.

Update: The Calphalon Wok is my favorite piece. I thought the Calpahalon Wok would be something I used occasionally, instead I am using it all of the time.

Waffle Maker

Stand Mixer Reviews – KitchenAid Artisan Mixer – KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart Stand Mixers