Everything You Need to Know About the Artisan Plus
The KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer represents a significant evolution in the iconic tilt head lineup. This latest iteration preserves the timeless aesthetic that has made KitchenAid a countertop staple while introducing modern engineering upgrades that cater to both precision and convenience. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of everything this powerhouse offers for the modern kitchen.
The Core Evolution: What Makes the Artisan Plus Different
While the standard Artisan has long been the gold standard for home bakers, the Plus model introduces several refined features that address long standing user requests. The most notable addition is the Precision Speed Control system. Unlike older models that strictly click into ten specific speed notches, the Artisan Plus allows users to glide smoothly between 11 preset speeds or use the control knob to find the exact “sweet spot” in between.
Another game changing addition is the integrated LED bowl light. This feature automatically illuminates the interior of the bowl the moment the mixer head is lowered. This provides unmatched visibility, allowing you to see exactly when butter and sugar have reached the perfect fluffy texture or when dry ingredients are fully incorporated without any hidden pockets of flour at the bottom.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
The Artisan Plus is built with the same heavy duty metal construction that KitchenAid is known for, ensuring the machine stays stable on your counter even when kneading heavy doughs.
- Motor Power and Capacity: It features a 350 watt motor, which is a slight increase from the 325 watts found in the standard Artisan. The 5 quart stainless steel bowl is large enough to handle up to 9 dozen cookies or 4.5 loaves of bread in a single batch.
- Precision Speed Control: You have 11 distinct speed settings, including the new 1/2 “fold” speed designed for delicate tasks like adding egg whites to batter or folding in chocolate chips without overworking the mixture.
- Soft Start Technology: This feature ensures that the mixer starts at a very low speed regardless of your chosen setting, gradually ramping up to prevent the dreaded “flour puff” or liquid splatters.
- Stainless Steel Construction: All included attachments are now made from high quality stainless steel, making them entirely dishwasher safe and resistant to the chipping often seen with coated aluminum beaters.
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Included Accessories in the Box
KitchenAid has bundled the Artisan Plus with a premium set of tools that feel more robust than previous versions.
- Double Flex Edge Beater: This attachment features silicone edges on both sides that scrape the bowl as it turns, virtually eliminating the need to stop the machine and use a spatula manually.
- Flat Beater: The go to tool for heavy mixtures like mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or cookie dough.
- PowerKnead Dough Hook: Designed specifically for kneading yeast doughs, this hook mimics the motion of hand kneading to develop gluten efficiently.
- Wire Whisk: A professional grade whisk for aerating mixtures like whipped cream, frostings, and egg whites.
- Secure Fit Pouring Shield: A transparent shield that fits snugly on the bowl, featuring a large chute for adding ingredients while the mixer is in motion without creating a mess.
- 5 Quart Brushed Stainless Steel Bowl: The bowl now features an upgraded ergonomic handle that is welded rather than stamped, offering better grip and a sleeker look.
Performance and Real World Use
In practice, the Artisan Plus excels in efficiency. Testing shows it can cream butter and sugar into a light mixture in under 45 seconds. The expanded low speed range is particularly beneficial for bakers who work with sourdough or delicate pastries where overmixing can ruin the crumb structure.
The machine remains compatible with the standard multipurpose attachment hub, meaning you can still use your existing pasta rollers, meat grinders, and vegetable spiralizers. The “tilt head” design remains the most user friendly option for home kitchens, as it allows for easy access to the bowl and attachments without the vertical height requirements of the larger “bowl lift” models.
Aesthetic Choices and Design
KitchenAid continues to lead the market in personalization. The Artisan Plus is available in a wide spectrum of colors ranging from classic Empire Red and Onyx Black to trendy new shades like Wild Blueberry, Sun Dried Tomato, and Feather Pink. The finish on the bowl has been updated to a refined brushed look that resists fingerprints better than the high polish versions of the past.
Final Verdict
The KitchenAid Artisan Plus Stand Mixer is a worthy investment for those who spend significant time in the kitchen. While the standard Artisan is a fantastic machine, the additions of the LED light, the half speed fold setting, and the upgraded stainless steel attachments make the Plus version a much more intuitive and durable choice for the long term. It successfully bridges the gap between home convenience and professional precision.
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