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Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater,Matte White

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 431 ratings

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Material
Stainless Steel
Number of Speeds
10
Voltage
120
Wattage
250 watts

About this item

  • #1 MIXER BRAND IN THE WORLD* *Source: Euromonitor International Ltd. for retail sales revenue, USD, all retail channels. More information, including date ranges available at: mixerclaim.kitchenaid.com
  • Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 67 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.
  • 3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl for smaller batches, to mix up 5 dozen cookies* in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.
  • Easily add ingredients with the tilt-head design, because you'll have better access to the bowl. Lock the head in place while mixing.
  • Lighter. Smaller. Just as Powerful. With the same power as the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer, the Artisan Mini weighs less so it's easier to move around and is smaller, taking up less counter space.

Customer ratings by feature

Easy to clean
4.7 4.7
Value for money
4.7 4.7
Blending power
4.6 4.6
Easy to use
4.5 4.5

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From the manufacturer

Attachments
KSM3316XCA

KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater

Lighter. Smaller. Just as Powerful.* When you still need the power but don't quite have the space, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Tilt-Head Stand Mixer can whip up the recipes you love without taking over your kitchen counter. This durable tilt-head stand mixer was built to last, and can mix up to 5 dozen** cookies in a single batch. It features 10 speeds to gently knead, thoroughly mix and whip ingredients for a wide variety of recipes. Whether you're craving fresh guacamole, gently shredded pulled pork or a single, flavorful pan of meatloaf, the Artisan Mini can help you create a variety of small-batch, hand-crafted possibilities. Get creative and make more with your mixer with over 10 optional hub-powered attachments***, from food grinders to pasta makers and more. *Compared with the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer. **Using the flat beater; 28g dough each ***sold separately.

Includes:

  • (1) 3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl
  • (1) Flex Edge Beater
  • (1) Coated Dough Hook
  • (1) 6-Wire Whip

KSM3316X Feature 1

KSM3316X Feature 2

KSM3316X Feature 3

#1 Mixer Brand in the World*

*Source: Euromonitor International Ltd. for retail sales revenue, USD, all retail channels. More information, including date ranges available at: mixerclaim.kitchenaid.com

The Power and Durability to Take It All On

Durable and built-to-last metal construction, with 67 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results.

3.5 Quart Capacity for Smaller Batches

3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl to mix up 5 dozen cookies* in a single batch. Dishwasher safe. *Using the flat beater; 28g dough each.

KSM3316X Feature 4

KSM3316X Feature 5

KSM3316X Feature 6

Easily add Ingredients with the Tilt-Head Design

You'll have better access to the bowl when adding ingredients or attaching your beater or preferred accessory. Lock the head in place while mixing.

Lighter. Smaller. Just as Powerful.

With the same power as the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer, the Artisan Mini weighs less so it's easier to move around and is smaller, taking up less counter space.

10+ Attachments Available to Make More with your Mixer

A variety of versatile attachments* to make everything from fresh pasta to burgers, veggie noodles, salads and more. *sold separately.

KSM3316XBM K45SSOB KSM150PSOB KSM70SKXXBK
Artisan Mini Series Classic Series Artisan Series 7 Quart Bowl-Lift
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4,051
4.8 out of 5 stars
9,005
4.8 out of 5 stars
18,124
4.6 out of 5 stars
597
Design Tilt Head Tilt Head Tilt Head Bowl Lift
Bowl Size 3.5 Qt 4.5 Qt 5 Qt 7 Qt
Bowl Finish Polished Stainless Steel with Handle Brushed Stainless Steel Polished Stainless Steel with Handle Polished Stainless Steel with Handle
Beater Type Flex Edge Flat Beater Flat Beater Flat Beater Flat Beater & Double Flex Edge Beater
Dough Hook Type C- Shaped Dough Hook C- Shaped Dough Hook C- Shaped Dough Hook Spiral Dough Hook
Wire Whip
Pouring Shield No
Dimensions Height: 12.3" Width: 7.8" Depth: 12.3" Height: 13.9" Width: 8.7" Depth: 14.1" Height: 13.9" Width: 8.7" Depth: 14.1" Height: 16.5" Width: 11.31 Depth: 14.63
Weight 14.3 22 22.8 29.2 lbs

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Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater,Matte White


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Product Description

Lighter. Smaller. Just as Powerful.* When you still need the power but don't quite have the space, the KitchenAid® Artisan® Mini Tilt-Head Stand Mixer can whip up the recipes you love without taking over your kitchen counter. This durable tilt-head stand mixer was built to last, and can mix up to 5 dozen** cookies in a single batch. It features 10 speeds to gently knead, thoroughly mix and whip ingredients for a wide variety of recipes. Whether you're craving fresh guacamole, gently shredded pulled pork or a single, flavorful pan of meatloaf, the Artisan Mini can help you create a variety of small-batch, hand-crafted possibilities. Get creative and make more with your mixer with over 10 optional hub-powered attachments***, from food grinders to pasta makers and more. *Compared with the KitchenAid® Classic™ Stand Mixer. **Using the flat beater; 28g dough each ***sold separately.

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This Item
Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater,Matte White
KitchenAid Kitchenaid Artisan Mini Plus 3.5-Qt. Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Flex Edge Beater,Matte White
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PriceCurrently unavailable.-21% $299.95
List:$379.99
-33% $199.95
List:$299.99
$15.99-20% $199.95
List:$249.95
-21% $299.95
List:$379.99
Delivery
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3
Customer Ratings
Easy to clean
4.7
4.6
4.7
4.2
4.7
4.6
Easy to use
4.5
4.6
4.5
4.2
4.6
4.6
Value for money
4.7
4.3
4.6
4.3
Giftable
4.3
4.5
4.6
4.5
Suction power
4.5
4.6
4.4
4.5
Sold By
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Coobakery
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
number of speeds
10
10
10
1
12
10
wattage
250 watts
250 watts
600 watts
500 watts
250 watts
material
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel, Metal
Metal, Aluminum, Silicone
Stainless Steel, Metal
Stainless Steel
dishwasher safe
weight
14.3 pounds
14.3 pounds
18.9 pounds
19.7 pounds
14.3 pounds

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
431 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the size, performance, appearance, weight and ease of cleaning of the kitchen mixer. For example, they mention it's a nice size for small batches, suitable for small apts and that it does a great job. They appreciate the sleek white metallic finish and that its perfect for modern kitchen palettes. They also mention that it'll slip easily into the sink, drying rack, or dishwasher. Customers are also happy with ease of use, space, and strength.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

12 customers mention12 positive0 negative

Customers find the size of the kitchen tool to be nice, suitable for small apartments, and just the right size for cakes and cookies. They say it fits all of their needs without the heft and bulk of the larger unit. Additionally, customers mention that the mini is fantastic, versatile, and perfect for smaller families.

"...While the flex blade and dough hook are, they are petite and a breeze to hand wash. Well worth doing to maintain the coating for years to come...." Read more

"...one, it is not as big as the original but as powerful and plenty big for my baking recipes...." Read more

"Size is perfect for storing-fits on countertops and under cabinets-does a clean sweep of the bowl-mixed rapidly-I only made cookies and bread so far-..." Read more

"I like the small size and I can whip up a very small amount of egg whites...." Read more

11 customers mention8 positive3 negative

Customers like the performance of the kitchen product. They mention that it does a great job, is a good tool, and does not disappoint. Some say that it has a smaller footprint and is perfect for their kitchen.

"...10. UTILITY. As a beginner baker, a high-end stand mixer that towers over my counter, intimidating me every time I walk by, is not helpful...." Read more

"...It works very well. Extremely easy to operate. I wash bowl and attachments by hand, they are very quick to wash...." Read more

"The mixer stopped functioning after only 3 months of use.Update: contacted KitchenAid and they said they would ship a replacement...." Read more

"I love this product! It works amazingly well and is easy to clean...." Read more

6 customers mention6 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the kitchen. They mention that the silver is subtly yummy, and it looks fantastic in their white kitchen. The speed, tilt, and hub knobs are sleek white metallic, and are perfect for modern kitchen palettes. Overall, customers are happy with the product's appearance and find it to be a great addition to their kitchen.

"...I prefer the Matte White: sleek and clean, leaning cool-blue rather than warm-yellow in tone. The smooth matte finish is neither textured nor glossy...." Read more

"...I was afraid it would look boring in my white kitchen but it looks fantastic. It works very well. Extremely easy to operate...." Read more

"Even though is mini is super cute and spacious. I love it." Read more

"...It looks amazing." Read more

6 customers mention5 positive1 negative

Customers like the weight of the kitchen product. They say it's easy to use, not so heavy, and easy to move and use. They also mention that it slips easily into the sink, drying rack, or dishwasher.

"...In any case, I am pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to slip ingredients into the bowl while mixing, even without the chute...." Read more

"Perfect, smaller foot print on my counter. Not heavy and I use it more than my hand mixer. However be aware good for up to 4 cups of flour...." Read more

"...It’s easy to move and use." Read more

"Liked ease of moving." Read more

4 customers mention4 positive0 negative

Customers find the kitchen product easy to clean. They mention it's a breeze to clean off fingerprints, very quick to wash, and slips easily into the sink or drying rack. Some say the Mini bowl is easy to manage and clean, slipping easily into sink and drying rack

"...I prefer the Matte White: sleek and clean, leaning cool-blue rather than warm-yellow in tone. The smooth matte finish is neither textured nor glossy...." Read more

"...I wash bowl and attachments by hand, they are very quick to wash. What was most surprising to me was how much time it saves me...." Read more

"...perfect for storing-fits on countertops and under cabinets-does a clean sweep of the bowl-mixed rapidly-I only made cookies and bread so far-..." Read more

"I love this product! It works amazingly well and is easy to clean...." Read more

3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

Customers find the kitchen product easy to use and store. They mention it's not so heavy like other models.

"...To my mind, it is a better fix: spiffy-looking, stainless, easier to use and store, more durable, and not plastic...." Read more

"...It works very well. Extremely easy to operate. I wash bowl and attachments by hand, they are very quick to wash...." Read more

"Easy to use and not so heavy like the other models" Read more

3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

Customers are impressed with the space provided by the kitchen organizer. They mention it's spacious, and they're surprised at how well it contains everything. Customers also appreciate the dazzling selection of bowls and accessories.

"...It comes in the widest array of colors, with a dazzling selection of bowls and accessories...." Read more

"...I am also pleasantly surprised how well it contains everything, no splatter or spills like I used to have with my handheld mixer...." Read more

"Even though is mini is super cute and spacious. I love it." Read more

3 customers mention3 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the strength of the kitchen product. They mention that it is strong, powerful, and does not disappoint.

"...The Artisan and Classic lines do not. More durable and efficient than AC, the DC motor’s excellent torque and speed control more than make up for..." Read more

"...It comes with all attachments you will need!!! Quality is perfection!!" Read more

"...This little baby is strong and powerful and does not disappoint...." Read more

TOP TEN REASONS TO BUY THE PREMIUM MINI
5 Stars
TOP TEN REASONS TO BUY THE PREMIUM MINI
To begin with, if you are shopping for a mixer and not in a rush, be aware that holiday sale pricing often offers substantial discounts that may affect your decision (my details below). If you can, wait for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day sales to nab your mixer at a sweet price.This was my first stand mixer purchase; historically, I am not an active baker by any stretch of the imagination. When I was shopping in mid-October, at first sale pricing meant that there was no significant price difference at three retailers between this model, the regular size Artisan, and the bowl-lift Pro 5 Plus. I had enough counter space for any of them. Models larger than these were out of my price range, not to mention my baking habits. I did not seriously consider them.What to do?First, the obvious. If you bake often, in large quantities, and want to display your mixer on your spacious countertop beneath your high cabinets, buy the bigger, stronger Pro 5 Plus, or splurge on one of the even larger models. If accessorizing your kitchen is important to you, buy the Artisan. It comes in the widest array of colors, with a dazzling selection of bowls and accessories. If you do not have space for either of these, buy the Mini.Should, like me, you fall between the gaps, so that these points do not clinch the deal, grab a cup of tea and read why I chose the Premium Mini, which comes with the polished stainless steel handled bowl and flex edge beater. Hopefully it helps you decide which suits you best.Again, the obvious. The Mini is small and light. I will likely leave any stand mixer on my countertop, but I don’t want it hogging up space and I want to store it easily when not using it often. In my medium-sized minimalist-aspiring kitchen, countertop real estate is always at a premium.How small and light is it? The Mini is 15.7 inches tall tilted, 12.3 inches not tilted, 7.8 inches wide, 12.3 inches deep. It weighs roughly 16 pounds with bowl and blade. This is about 2 inches shorter and 8 pounds lighter than the Artisan. The attached picture of the Artisan and Mini side by side shows how these numbers translate qualitatively. The Pro 5 Plus is roughly 4 inches taller and 10 pounds heavier than the Mini. The bowl on the Mini is 3.5 quarts, compared to 5 quarts for the Artisan and 5.5 for the Pro 5 Plus. My decision boiled down to Artisan vs Mini, as the Pro 5 Plus felt out of my league.If this is where you find yourself, be wary of YouTubers, test kitchens, and influencers who disfavor the Mini (and tilt-head models in general) because their bread and butter (so to speak) is making huge quantities of things often, or churning out bagel, pizza, pasta, or other tough doughs at quantities and frequencies not likely to be relevant to your home kitchen.Here are the top ten reasons I decided the Mini was for me:1. MOTOR. The Mini is 250 watts compared to 325 for the Artisan. Not a substantial difference. Moreover, the Artisan has an alternating current motor, while the Mini’s premium build includes a direct current motor with metal gears. The hefty KitchenAid bowl-lift models also sport DC motors. The Artisan and Classic lines do not. More durable and efficient than AC, the DC motor’s excellent torque and speed control more than make up for the wattage differential. It is also quieter, and positions the Mini to handle dough as effectively as the other tilt head options.2. MIXING. The slow start feature keeps ingredients from spraying out of your bowl, into your face, and all over your kitchen. No-brainer for me. Mini has the slow start feature at all 11 speeds, Artisan on none of its 10 speeds. The Mini turns along 69 planetary points compared to 59 for the Artisan. These are premium features available on high-end models. And the Mini.3. BUILD & FINISH. The Mini boasts “premium touchpoints.” The speed, tilt, and hub knobs are sleek white metallic rather than nubby black plastic. The band, logo, and writing are silver or soft-toned charcoal grey, depending on color. I prefer this look, similar to the Pro Line models, to the harsher black detailing of the Artisan, Classic, and Pro 5 Plus. The comparison picture is a good place to see whether these differences matter to you. The effect extends beyond the visual: the Mini motor resonates with the quiet hum of Pro Line motors, rather than the screech of the Classic, Artisan, and Pro 5 Plus. To me, the Mini is as much a pint-sized version of the Pro Line models (motor and aesthetics) as the Artisan or Classic line (tilt-head).4. COLOR. Offering less kaleidoscopic a color range than the regular Artisan line, the available options are nevertheless lovely. I prefer the Matte White: sleek and clean, leaning cool-blue rather than warm-yellow in tone. The smooth matte finish is neither textured nor glossy. It wards off fingerprints and is a breeze to clean. Its classic elegance will endure for the life of these famously hardy appliances. The two black models are handsome as heck and perfect for modern kitchen palettes. Matte black sports a smooth finish; imperial black is textured. The silver is subtly yummy. Two reds and an ice blue are fab for bakers seeking a splash of color.5. OUTPUT. The 3.5 quart bowl is ideal for the small-batch baking and everyday mixing that will be the bulk of my mixer’s workload. The Mini capacities KitchenAid reports for cookies, dough, eggs, etc. are far more than I need. The Mini can beat a single egg into meringue and whip a cup (or less) of cream to a lovely froth, and even churn it into butter. Larger mixers would be unwieldy at these small-household-appropriate quantities. The Mini bowl is easy to manage and clean, slipping easily into sink, drying rack, or dishwasher.6. HUB ATTACHMENTS. Except for the ice cream maker, KitchenAid hub attachments fit all the models, including the Mini. I don’t foresee using the hub much, as I have standalone tools that do those tasks better, but the capacity is there if I choose to do so.7. INCLUDED ACCESSORIES. The premium Mini model (KMS3316) comes with a handled stainless steel bowl, whisk, dough hook, and flex edge beater. Users of all models favor the flex edge over the flat beater, so you will not need to purchase one on top of a pricey mixer.8. KITCHENAID ADD-ONS. The Mini does not have a ton of accessory options. With few exceptions mentioned below, this is a positive for me. I don’t want a bevy of suggested purchases which I may not really need winking at me every time I want to buy something else, enticing me to plunk down more money. KitchenAid makes a regular flat blade, replacements for the included polished stainless steel bowl, flex blade, whisk, and dough hook, a brushed stainless steel bowl without a handle, and a glass bowl to fit this mixer.9. THIRD-PARTY ACCESSORIES. Although KitchenAid discontinued the splatter shield for the Mini, I found a third party surgical steel chute from New Metro that sits on the bowl neatly. To my mind, it is a better fix: spiffy-looking, stainless, easier to use and store, more durable, and not plastic. In any case, I am pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to slip ingredients into the bowl while mixing, even without the chute. I also found a stainless steel dough S-hook from qualityart Practical. Not yet sure whether it makes a substantial difference. No pastry blender blade, but the flex edge does a fine job of cutting in butter. Slider mats are a sweet fix for moving any mixer across the counter, and Yogingo makes one sized for the Mini. I’m all set, and my wallet can heave a sigh of relief.10. UTILITY. As a beginner baker, a high-end stand mixer that towers over my counter, intimidating me every time I walk by, is not helpful. A competent home chef, I have a quality food processor, blender, juicer, mandoline slicer, and bread maker for tasks no hub attachment would do as well. The Mini fills the gaps for the jobs these cannot handle. I already use it for all my whisking beyond just baking, because it is more efficient and as easy to clean as a bowl and hand whisk. In the unlikely event that the Mini inspires me to become British Bake-Off ready, such that I need to do more than it can handle, its versatility would complement a Pro Line mixer nicely.Do these points matter to you? Go get you a Mini.If not, you may be happier with a larger model. I did not consider the Classic line because at current prices, the Artisan is an easy pick over those. You might prefer the Pro 5 Plus to the Artisan. At $249.99 in early Black Friday sales, with a 575 watt DC motor and stable bowl-lift design, it is a steal that easily wins out over the Artisan in my book. I had already decided on the matte white Mini when KitchenAid slashed its price to $189.99, sealing the deal for me. With 10% off coupon, my post-tax total was $185.In the flurry of holiday sale pricing, it helped to keep my eye on the prize of suitability. When it comes to baking, I can and do “halve” it all, making mini batches at least 95% of the time. Navigating a bowl too large for my needs, or having to buy an $80 small bowl and whisk accessory with limited functionality would not serve me well. Bakers far more experienced than I write reviews about happily forsaking their bowl-lifts for the Mini. Should I ever ascend to dizzying baking heights, a Pro Line 7 would outshine the intermediate sizes and pair beautifully with the Mini. Until then, my sleek, capable, friendly Mini invites me to hone my baking skills daily. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!Whichever you buy, do yourself a favor: read the user guide first. Follow the instructions. Many complaints out there would have been obviated by doing so. First off, hand wash the bowl and beaters thoroughly in hot sudsy water. They are likely coated in machining residue that will contaminate your food otherwise. Recall that the whisk is not dishwasher safe. While the flex blade and dough hook are, they are petite and a breeze to hand wash. Well worth doing to maintain the coating for years to come. Next, use the dime test (Google it), to optimize the mixer head height so the beaters reach into the bowl properly. Adjust periodically. Note that the Mini speed slider can be operated straight across one step at a time, or over multiple speeds at once by lifting it gently before sliding (another premium feature).In its first month, my lovely white matte Mini has aced: rock cakes; gluten-free and whole grain muffins; scones; biscotti; white, whole grain, and gluten-free breads; roti; fresh herb butter; whipped cream; cookies; and brownies. Far more than I have ever baked in my life. It removes so many hurdles and brings so much enjoyment to this novice that I am embracing baking at last. It has also become my sous chef for everyday tasks such as whisking eggs and making sauces, salad dressings, and dips. I am delighted with my purchase, not to mention the crazy good deal.Hope this helps, and happy mixing!
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2022
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars TOP TEN REASONS TO BUY THE PREMIUM MINI
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2022
To begin with, if you are shopping for a mixer and not in a rush, be aware that holiday sale pricing often offers substantial discounts that may affect your decision (my details below). If you can, wait for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day sales to nab your mixer at a sweet price.

This was my first stand mixer purchase; historically, I am not an active baker by any stretch of the imagination. When I was shopping in mid-October, at first sale pricing meant that there was no significant price difference at three retailers between this model, the regular size Artisan, and the bowl-lift Pro 5 Plus. I had enough counter space for any of them. Models larger than these were out of my price range, not to mention my baking habits. I did not seriously consider them.

What to do?

First, the obvious. If you bake often, in large quantities, and want to display your mixer on your spacious countertop beneath your high cabinets, buy the bigger, stronger Pro 5 Plus, or splurge on one of the even larger models. If accessorizing your kitchen is important to you, buy the Artisan. It comes in the widest array of colors, with a dazzling selection of bowls and accessories. If you do not have space for either of these, buy the Mini.

Should, like me, you fall between the gaps, so that these points do not clinch the deal, grab a cup of tea and read why I chose the Premium Mini, which comes with the polished stainless steel handled bowl and flex edge beater. Hopefully it helps you decide which suits you best.

Again, the obvious. The Mini is small and light. I will likely leave any stand mixer on my countertop, but I don’t want it hogging up space and I want to store it easily when not using it often. In my medium-sized minimalist-aspiring kitchen, countertop real estate is always at a premium.

How small and light is it? The Mini is 15.7 inches tall tilted, 12.3 inches not tilted, 7.8 inches wide, 12.3 inches deep. It weighs roughly 16 pounds with bowl and blade. This is about 2 inches shorter and 8 pounds lighter than the Artisan. The attached picture of the Artisan and Mini side by side shows how these numbers translate qualitatively. The Pro 5 Plus is roughly 4 inches taller and 10 pounds heavier than the Mini. The bowl on the Mini is 3.5 quarts, compared to 5 quarts for the Artisan and 5.5 for the Pro 5 Plus. My decision boiled down to Artisan vs Mini, as the Pro 5 Plus felt out of my league.

If this is where you find yourself, be wary of YouTubers, test kitchens, and influencers who disfavor the Mini (and tilt-head models in general) because their bread and butter (so to speak) is making huge quantities of things often, or churning out bagel, pizza, pasta, or other tough doughs at quantities and frequencies not likely to be relevant to your home kitchen.

Here are the top ten reasons I decided the Mini was for me:

1. MOTOR. The Mini is 250 watts compared to 325 for the Artisan. Not a substantial difference. Moreover, the Artisan has an alternating current motor, while the Mini’s premium build includes a direct current motor with metal gears. The hefty KitchenAid bowl-lift models also sport DC motors. The Artisan and Classic lines do not. More durable and efficient than AC, the DC motor’s excellent torque and speed control more than make up for the wattage differential. It is also quieter, and positions the Mini to handle dough as effectively as the other tilt head options.

2. MIXING. The slow start feature keeps ingredients from spraying out of your bowl, into your face, and all over your kitchen. No-brainer for me. Mini has the slow start feature at all 11 speeds, Artisan on none of its 10 speeds. The Mini turns along 69 planetary points compared to 59 for the Artisan. These are premium features available on high-end models. And the Mini.

3. BUILD & FINISH. The Mini boasts “premium touchpoints.” The speed, tilt, and hub knobs are sleek white metallic rather than nubby black plastic. The band, logo, and writing are silver or soft-toned charcoal grey, depending on color. I prefer this look, similar to the Pro Line models, to the harsher black detailing of the Artisan, Classic, and Pro 5 Plus. The comparison picture is a good place to see whether these differences matter to you. The effect extends beyond the visual: the Mini motor resonates with the quiet hum of Pro Line motors, rather than the screech of the Classic, Artisan, and Pro 5 Plus. To me, the Mini is as much a pint-sized version of the Pro Line models (motor and aesthetics) as the Artisan or Classic line (tilt-head).

4. COLOR. Offering less kaleidoscopic a color range than the regular Artisan line, the available options are nevertheless lovely. I prefer the Matte White: sleek and clean, leaning cool-blue rather than warm-yellow in tone. The smooth matte finish is neither textured nor glossy. It wards off fingerprints and is a breeze to clean. Its classic elegance will endure for the life of these famously hardy appliances. The two black models are handsome as heck and perfect for modern kitchen palettes. Matte black sports a smooth finish; imperial black is textured. The silver is subtly yummy. Two reds and an ice blue are fab for bakers seeking a splash of color.

5. OUTPUT. The 3.5 quart bowl is ideal for the small-batch baking and everyday mixing that will be the bulk of my mixer’s workload. The Mini capacities KitchenAid reports for cookies, dough, eggs, etc. are far more than I need. The Mini can beat a single egg into meringue and whip a cup (or less) of cream to a lovely froth, and even churn it into butter. Larger mixers would be unwieldy at these small-household-appropriate quantities. The Mini bowl is easy to manage and clean, slipping easily into sink, drying rack, or dishwasher.

6. HUB ATTACHMENTS. Except for the ice cream maker, KitchenAid hub attachments fit all the models, including the Mini. I don’t foresee using the hub much, as I have standalone tools that do those tasks better, but the capacity is there if I choose to do so.

7. INCLUDED ACCESSORIES. The premium Mini model (KMS3316) comes with a handled stainless steel bowl, whisk, dough hook, and flex edge beater. Users of all models favor the flex edge over the flat beater, so you will not need to purchase one on top of a pricey mixer.

8. KITCHENAID ADD-ONS. The Mini does not have a ton of accessory options. With few exceptions mentioned below, this is a positive for me. I don’t want a bevy of suggested purchases which I may not really need winking at me every time I want to buy something else, enticing me to plunk down more money. KitchenAid makes a regular flat blade, replacements for the included polished stainless steel bowl, flex blade, whisk, and dough hook, a brushed stainless steel bowl without a handle, and a glass bowl to fit this mixer.

9. THIRD-PARTY ACCESSORIES. Although KitchenAid discontinued the splatter shield for the Mini, I found a third party surgical steel chute from New Metro that sits on the bowl neatly. To my mind, it is a better fix: spiffy-looking, stainless, easier to use and store, more durable, and not plastic. In any case, I am pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to slip ingredients into the bowl while mixing, even without the chute. I also found a stainless steel dough S-hook from qualityart Practical. Not yet sure whether it makes a substantial difference. No pastry blender blade, but the flex edge does a fine job of cutting in butter. Slider mats are a sweet fix for moving any mixer across the counter, and Yogingo makes one sized for the Mini. I’m all set, and my wallet can heave a sigh of relief.

10. UTILITY. As a beginner baker, a high-end stand mixer that towers over my counter, intimidating me every time I walk by, is not helpful. A competent home chef, I have a quality food processor, blender, juicer, mandoline slicer, and bread maker for tasks no hub attachment would do as well. The Mini fills the gaps for the jobs these cannot handle. I already use it for all my whisking beyond just baking, because it is more efficient and as easy to clean as a bowl and hand whisk. In the unlikely event that the Mini inspires me to become British Bake-Off ready, such that I need to do more than it can handle, its versatility would complement a Pro Line mixer nicely.

Do these points matter to you? Go get you a Mini.

If not, you may be happier with a larger model. I did not consider the Classic line because at current prices, the Artisan is an easy pick over those. You might prefer the Pro 5 Plus to the Artisan. At $249.99 in early Black Friday sales, with a 575 watt DC motor and stable bowl-lift design, it is a steal that easily wins out over the Artisan in my book. I had already decided on the matte white Mini when KitchenAid slashed its price to $189.99, sealing the deal for me. With 10% off coupon, my post-tax total was $185.

In the flurry of holiday sale pricing, it helped to keep my eye on the prize of suitability. When it comes to baking, I can and do “halve” it all, making mini batches at least 95% of the time. Navigating a bowl too large for my needs, or having to buy an $80 small bowl and whisk accessory with limited functionality would not serve me well. Bakers far more experienced than I write reviews about happily forsaking their bowl-lifts for the Mini. Should I ever ascend to dizzying baking heights, a Pro Line 7 would outshine the intermediate sizes and pair beautifully with the Mini. Until then, my sleek, capable, friendly Mini invites me to hone my baking skills daily. Now, that’s what I’m talking about!

Whichever you buy, do yourself a favor: read the user guide first. Follow the instructions. Many complaints out there would have been obviated by doing so. First off, hand wash the bowl and beaters thoroughly in hot sudsy water. They are likely coated in machining residue that will contaminate your food otherwise. Recall that the whisk is not dishwasher safe. While the flex blade and dough hook are, they are petite and a breeze to hand wash. Well worth doing to maintain the coating for years to come. Next, use the dime test (Google it), to optimize the mixer head height so the beaters reach into the bowl properly. Adjust periodically. Note that the Mini speed slider can be operated straight across one step at a time, or over multiple speeds at once by lifting it gently before sliding (another premium feature).

In its first month, my lovely white matte Mini has aced: rock cakes; gluten-free and whole grain muffins; scones; biscotti; white, whole grain, and gluten-free breads; roti; fresh herb butter; whipped cream; cookies; and brownies. Far more than I have ever baked in my life. It removes so many hurdles and brings so much enjoyment to this novice that I am embracing baking at last. It has also become my sous chef for everyday tasks such as whisking eggs and making sauces, salad dressings, and dips. I am delighted with my purchase, not to mention the crazy good deal.

Hope this helps, and happy mixing!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for small space!!
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I am in my very first small apartment after down sizing but I love to cook for friends and family so this is perfect size!! It comes with all attachments you will need!!! Quality is perfection!!
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