KitchenAid Artisan Mixer: Review, Features & More

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the world of the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer? Specifically, we're checking out the stunning Blue Velvet model (KSM150PS). This isn't just a kitchen appliance; it's a statement piece, a workhorse, and a baker's best friend all rolled into one. If you've been eyeing this mixer or are just curious about what makes it so special, you're in the right place. Let's get started!

A Deep Dive into the KitchenAid Artisan Series Mixer

The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is more than just a pretty face. It's an icon in the kitchen appliance world, known for its durability, versatility, and timeless design. The Blue Velvet color adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any countertop, making it a focal point in your kitchen. But beyond its aesthetic appeal, this mixer packs a punch in terms of performance and functionality.

Unboxing the Legend: What Makes It Special?

The KitchenAid Artisan mixer has earned its legendary status for good reason. First off, the build quality is top-notch. We're talking a sturdy, all-metal construction that's designed to last for years, even with heavy use. No flimsy plastic parts here! This thing is built like a tank, ready to tackle everything from delicate meringues to thick bread dough. The tilt-head design is another standout feature, making it super easy to add ingredients, change attachments, and scrape the bowl. No more awkward maneuvering or spills! It just smoothly tilts back, giving you full access to the bowl. Then there's the motor. The KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS boasts a powerful motor that can handle just about any mixing task you throw at it. Whether you're whipping cream, kneading dough, or mixing batter, this mixer delivers consistent and reliable performance. The 5-quart capacity is perfect for most home baking needs, allowing you to mix large batches without any struggle. And of course, we can't forget about the pouring shield. This ingenious little accessory fits onto the bowl and prevents ingredients from splashing out, keeping your countertop clean and tidy. No more flour explosions! It's a simple but incredibly useful addition.

The Heart of the Kitchen: Performance and Power

Let's talk performance, because that's where the KitchenAid Artisan Series truly shines. The powerful motor, combined with the 10-speed settings, gives you complete control over your mixing. Whether you need a gentle stir or a high-speed whip, this mixer can handle it all. The direct-drive transmission ensures that the power is transferred directly from the motor to the attachments, resulting in efficient and consistent mixing. This means less strain on the motor and better results in your recipes. The planetary mixing action is another key feature that sets the KitchenAid Artisan apart. The beater spirals within the bowl, reaching 67 points of contact, ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. No more pockets of unmixed flour or sugar! You get perfectly combined batters, doughs, and fillings every time. And speaking of attachments, the KSM150PS comes with three essential ones: a flat beater, a dough hook, and a wire whip. The flat beater is perfect for making cakes, cookies, and batters. The dough hook takes the effort out of kneading bread and pizza dough, while the wire whip is ideal for whipping cream and egg whites. But the versatility doesn't stop there! KitchenAid offers a wide range of optional attachments that can turn your mixer into a pasta maker, a meat grinder, a vegetable slicer, and more. It's like having multiple appliances in one!

Key Features of the KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS (Blue Velvet)

The KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS in Blue Velvet isn't just about power and performance; it's also about thoughtful design and user-friendly features. Let's break down some of the key aspects that make this mixer a standout.

The Star Features: Tilt-Head Design and Pouring Shield

As mentioned earlier, the tilt-head design is a game-changer. It makes adding ingredients, changing attachments, and scraping the bowl a breeze. No more struggling or awkward angles! The head locks securely in place during mixing, ensuring stability and preventing any wobble. The pouring shield is another feature that deserves a shout-out. It fits snugly onto the bowl, preventing splashes and spills while you're adding ingredients. This is especially helpful when working with dry ingredients like flour, which can create a messy cloud if you're not careful. The pouring shield also has a convenient spout, allowing you to pour ingredients into the bowl without removing the shield. This helps to minimize mess and keep your countertop clean.

Color and Capacity: Style Meets Substance

The Blue Velvet color is simply stunning. It's a rich, deep blue that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. This mixer is a statement piece that you'll be proud to display on your countertop. But it's not just about looks. The 5-quart capacity is perfect for most home baking needs. You can easily mix enough batter for a double batch of cookies or knead dough for a large loaf of bread. The stainless steel bowl is durable, easy to clean, and can handle both hot and cold ingredients. It's also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Attachments and Versatility: More Than Just a Mixer

As we touched on earlier, the KitchenAid Artisan mixer is incredibly versatile thanks to its wide range of optional attachments. The included attachments – the flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip – cover all the basic mixing needs. But if you want to take your culinary creations to the next level, you can add attachments like a pasta maker, a meat grinder, a vegetable slicer, and more. This turns your mixer into a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can handle a variety of tasks. Imagine making fresh pasta from scratch, grinding your own meat for burgers, or slicing vegetables for salads – all with the same machine! The possibilities are endless.

Using Your KitchenAid Artisan Mixer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, so you've got your KitchenAid Artisan mixer, and you're ready to get baking. But how do you actually use it? Don't worry, it's super easy! Let's walk through the basic steps.

Setting Up: Getting Ready to Mix

First, make sure the mixer is unplugged and placed on a stable surface. Attach the bowl by placing it onto the locating pins on the mixer base and turning it clockwise until it locks into place. Next, choose the appropriate attachment for your recipe. The flat beater is your go-to for most mixing tasks, like cakes and cookies. The dough hook is for kneading dough, and the wire whip is for whipping cream and egg whites. To attach the beater, align the shaft of the attachment with the beater shaft on the mixer head and push it upwards until it clicks into place. To remove an attachment, simply push it upwards and turn it to the side. Now, tilt the mixer head back by pressing the tilt-head release lever. This will give you easy access to the bowl. Add your ingredients to the bowl, following your recipe. Use the pouring shield to prevent splashes if needed. Once your ingredients are in the bowl, lower the mixer head by pressing the tilt-head release lever again until it locks into the operating position.

Mixing Made Easy: Speed and Technique

Plug the mixer into a power outlet and turn the speed control to your desired setting. The KitchenAid Artisan mixer has 10-speed settings, ranging from a gentle stir to a high-speed whip. Start with a lower speed to combine the ingredients, then gradually increase the speed as needed. Avoid starting at a high speed, as this can cause ingredients to splash out of the bowl. Let the mixer do its thing! There's no need to manually stir the ingredients. The planetary mixing action ensures that everything is thoroughly combined. If you need to scrape the sides of the bowl, stop the mixer, tilt the head back, and use a spatula to scrape down any ingredients that may have stuck to the sides. Then, lower the head and continue mixing. Once your ingredients are fully combined, stop the mixer and turn the speed control to "0". Tilt the mixer head back and remove the bowl. Carefully detach the beater and scrape any remaining batter or dough off of it. Voila! You've successfully used your KitchenAid Artisan mixer. Now you can bake up a storm!

Cleaning Up: Keeping Your Mixer in Top Shape

Cleaning your KitchenAid Artisan mixer is just as easy as using it. Unplug the mixer and remove the bowl and attachments. The stainless steel bowl and most of the attachments are dishwasher-safe, so you can simply pop them in the dishwasher for a thorough clean. However, some attachments, like the flat beater and dough hook, may be coated with a non-stick finish. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see if these attachments are dishwasher-safe. If not, wash them by hand with warm, soapy water. The mixer base should be wiped down with a damp cloth. Avoid immersing the mixer base in water or using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. To remove any stubborn residue, you can use a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Make sure the mixer is completely dry before storing it. Store your KitchenAid Artisan mixer in a cool, dry place. It's a good idea to keep the original packaging in case you need to transport the mixer or send it in for repairs.

Pros and Cons: Is the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Right for You?

So, we've covered a lot about the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. But before you make a decision, let's weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if this mixer is the right fit for your needs.

The Good Stuff: Pros of the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer

• Durability: The KitchenAid Artisan mixer is built to last. Its sturdy, all-metal construction ensures years of reliable performance. This isn't a mixer that's going to break down after a few uses. It's an investment that will pay off in the long run.
• Versatility: With its wide range of attachments, the KitchenAid Artisan is more than just a mixer. It can be a pasta maker, a meat grinder, a vegetable slicer, and more. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
• Power: The powerful motor can handle even the toughest mixing tasks. Whether you're kneading dough or whipping cream, this mixer delivers consistent results.
• Design: The iconic design and wide range of colors make the KitchenAid Artisan a stylish addition to any countertop. The Blue Velvet color is particularly stunning.
• Ease of Use: The tilt-head design and user-friendly controls make this mixer a breeze to use. Even beginners will be able to whip up delicious creations in no time.
• Planetary mixing action: ensures the ingredients are mixed perfectly.

The Not-So-Good Stuff: Cons of the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer

• Price: The KitchenAid Artisan mixer is an investment, and it's not the cheapest option on the market. However, its durability and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for serious bakers.
• Weight: This mixer is heavy, which can make it difficult to move around. However, its weight also contributes to its stability during use.
• Size: The KitchenAid Artisan takes up a fair amount of counter space. If you have a small kitchen, this may be a consideration. However, if you have the space, it's worth it for the performance and versatility it offers.

Final Verdict: Is the KitchenAid Artisan Mixer Worth It?

So, what's the final verdict? Is the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer worth the investment? In my opinion, absolutely! This mixer is a powerhouse in the kitchen, offering durability, versatility, and performance that's hard to beat. While it's not the cheapest option, it's an investment that will pay off in the long run. If you're a serious baker or cook, the KitchenAid Artisan mixer is a must-have. It will make your life easier, your baking more enjoyable, and your creations more delicious. And with the stunning Blue Velvet color, it will also add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. So go ahead, treat yourself! You deserve it.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its power, versatility, and iconic design make it a true kitchen essential. The Blue Velvet color adds a touch of elegance, making it a statement piece you'll be proud to display. Happy baking, everyone! Make sure to check out our other reviews and guides for more kitchen inspiration. Until next time! Adios!