KitchenAid Artisan Mini Review: Big Power in a Smaller Package

In the world of KitchenAid mixers there’s something new and sleek. The company sent over its new KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 quart mixer, and as someone who likes to get down in the kitchen, I must say I was hesitant. My older KitchenAid Classic mixer (full-sized) was strong and powerful, and the new model was compact - surely it couldn’t match up to what I already had right?

WHAT'S NEW ABOUT THE ARTISAN MINI?
As the name implies, the 18-pound KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5-quart tilt-head stand mixer is smaller than its predecessors (the KitchenAid Classic and Artisan lines), but KitchenAid says it’s just as powerful. It’s 25% lighter and has a 20% smaller footprint when compared to the KitchenAid Classic stand mixer.

The $329.99 mixer from KitchenAid has a 3.5-quart brushed stainless steel bowl and a tilting head for ease of pouring ingredients and bowl removal. It’s sold in 10 colors, including honeydew green and hot sauce red - the one they sent me was orange sorbet, which is more yellow than orange. The mixer features 10 speed options and can mix dough for up to five dozen cookies in a single batch. Included in the box are a dough hook, flat beater and wire whip.

That said, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini isn't just for baking. Like many KitchenAid mixers, the Artisan Mini has a power hub at its front. The hub is a connection center that allows Artisan Mini owners to use more than 10 optional attachments, sold separately, including a pasta maker and a zucchini spiralizer.

At this point, you get that the Mini is smaller and lighter - and that's great. But there’s a couple of things to consider here.

MINI VS. CLASSIC
First, for some, bigger may be better. The KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-quart tilt-head stand mixer is $349.99 from KitchenAid. This Classic mixer weighs 25 pounds (7 pounds more than the Mini’s 18 pounds.) Like the Mini mixer, the Classic has 10 speed settings, a tilting head and a brushed stainless steel bowl. It’s sold in just two colors (onyx black and white), but its 4.5-quart bowl is a full quart bigger than the Mini’s, so it can fit more ingredients at once for bigger servings.

Also, the bowl doesn’t have a handle. I don’t know why KitchenAid doesn’t just make handles standard on all their bowls. Maybe it’s cost. Might be for looks. Either way, handles make them easier to use and more practical.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Yes, it’s smaller. Yes, it’s lighter. But it’s really not much cheaper so cost isn’t the main reason to make this purchase. Design and simplicity is what’s featured here. Not everyone needs to prep large quantities, so why not have an elegant tool that meets your more minimalist needs?

The Artisan Mini delivers everything you need in a standard mixer without being bulky. Plus, its expanded color selection ensures you’ll find a match for your style.

You can pick up the KitchenAid Artisan Mini now for $329.

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.