There are few kitchen appliances as instantly recognizable—or as beloved—as the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. So when KitchenAid claims it’s made its biggest update since 1955, expectations are… high.
Enter the new Artisan® Plus Stand Mixer, a reimagined version of the classic tilt-head design that promises more precision, more control—and surprisingly, more visibility.
We spent some time getting familiar with the new model, and here’s what actually stands out.
First impressions: familiar, but smarter
At first glance, the Artisan® Plus looks like the mixer you already know—sleek, sculptural, and very much designed to live on your countertop. But the differences start to show the moment you switch it on.
According to Chad Ries, Global Brand Marketing Director at KitchenAid Small Appliances, that balance between heritage and innovation was intentional.
“Our stand mixers have been passed down through generations… but a change of this magnitude has been a long time coming,” he says. “The Artisan® Plus isn’t just a Stand Mixer; it is an icon reimagined… we really wanted to take the iconic Stand Mixer you know and love to the next iconic level.”
And that’s exactly how it feels in use—instantly recognizable, but noticeably more refined.
The feature you didn’t know you needed: a bowl light
Let’s start with the most unexpected upgrade: the integrated LED bowl light.
It sounds simple, but in practice, it completely changes how you mix. No more tilting your head or stopping mid-recipe to check texture—the light shines directly into the bowl, making everything from whipped cream to meringue easier to monitor in real time.
“The Integrated Bowl Light… shines directly into the bowl,” Ries explains. “Whether you are checking for the perfect peak in a meringue or ensuring every dry ingredient is incorporated, the LED light provides the clarity needed to create with absolute confidence.”
After trying it, it’s hard to go back.
Precision that actually matters
Another standout is the new Precision Speed Control, which replaces the traditional stepped speeds with a smoother, more intuitive glide.
In real terms, this means fewer recipe mishaps—especially when working with delicate ingredients.
“The new Precision Speed Control allows you to glide seamlessly between settings to find the exact speed your recipe needs,” says Ries. “A major addition here is the ½ Fold Speed… designed specifically for your most delicate ingredients… to prevent overmixing and protect texture.”
Think folding blueberries into batter without crushing them, or incorporating egg whites without deflating them—tasks that usually require a careful hand (or a spatula) now feel much more controlled.
Small upgrades, big difference
Some of the other updates—like Soft Start (which gradually ramps up speed to avoid flour clouds) and the new double flex edge beater—aren’t flashy, but they solve very real annoyances.
In fact, those everyday friction points were exactly what drove the redesign.
“We looked closely at how people actually use their mixers—the habits, the workarounds, the little moments of friction,” Ries says. “Where were they stopping to scrape the bowl? Where were they squinting to check their peaks? Where were they bracing for the flour cloud?”
It shows. The Artisan® Plus feels less like a reinvention and more like a thoughtful refinement of everything that already worked.
Beyond baking
While the stand mixer is still synonymous with baking, the new features open up more versatility—especially for savoury cooking.
“With the ½ Fold Speed… think whipped ricotta, silky mashed potatoes, compound butters,” Ries notes. “And with the right attachment, it’s genuinely a different machine… the stand mixer your grandmother used for Sunday cake batter can roll fresh pasta for Saturday dinner.”
In other words, it’s less of a single-purpose appliance and more of a kitchen workhorse.
Is it worth the upgrade?
If you already own a KitchenAid mixer, the Artisan® Plus makes a compelling case—especially if you bake often.
“The Artisan® Plus introduces features that have never existed on a KitchenAid Tilt-Head Stand Mixer before… it’s the same icon, with an added level of control and precision,” says Ries.
Between the improved visibility, finer speed control, and reduced need to stop and scrape, it’s a noticeably smoother experience from start to finish.
The final verdict
At $629.99 CAD, the Artisan® Plus isn’t a casual purchase—but it’s also not trying to be. This is an investment piece, designed to last for years (if not decades), now with a layer of thoughtful innovation that genuinely improves how you cook and bake.
If you’ve ever struggled to get your meringue just right, or wished your mixer felt a little more precise, this upgrade makes a strong case.
Because sometimes, even the most iconic tools can still get better. —Noa Nichol
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