The KitchenAid Classic Plus mixer is a basic model, but when we put it through a series of tests, it performed as well, if not better, than some of the best stand mixers with more powerful motors, larger bowls and more features.
Like most KitchenAid models, the Classic Plus stand mixer can fit 10 appliance add-ons, such as spiralizers, meat grinders and pasta rollers. It also comes in a host of great finishes and colors to fit in with any kitchen design. You can find the Classic Plus and other mixers on sale in our best KitchenAid deals hub.
KitchenAid Classic Plus stand mixer review: Features
You don’t get many convenience features with this electric mixer because it is a basic machine. As such, it lacks helpful extras like a splashguard and handle on the bowl. If you want these extras and others, such as a somewhat larger bowl and a large selection of colors, take a look at the KitchenAid Artisan mixer.
The KitchenAid Classic Plus stand mixer can start slowly if you’re able to get the lever to only move one spot. We found that the lever can stick sometimes, jumping to the second position and sending dry ingredients flying – so we wore flour during a few of our tests. This is one of the many advantages of a splashguad, which can always be bought in addition to the KitchenAid as it isn't included in this model. A common mistake when cooking with a KitchenAid is confusing the lever-head with the speed setting lever, so be careful when starting out.
As with the best stand mixers, the KitchenAid Classic gives you a locking tilt head so there is easy access to the bowl’s contents and the attachment port. One thing you will need to do is keep an eye on your mixer if you push it to its limit because it doesn’t have overload protection, and you risk burning out the motor. This should only be a concern if you run the mixer at maximum speed for extended amounts of time with a bowl of heavy ingredients.
You get the basic attachments you’d expect with a mixer like this, including the paddle, whisk and dough hook. The attachments are where you get added value with this mixer since all the 10 extra attachments that KitchenAid sells separately will work with this model. If you choose to buy more attachments besides those that come with the machine, you can turn your stand mixer into an ice cream maker, pasta maker, food grinder, juicer and much more.
KitchenAid Classic Plus stand mixer review: Performance
The bread dough ingredients we prepared with the KitchenAid Classic Plus dough hook went in sticky and barely incorporated. However, with just 10 minutes of kneading, the dough was smooth and elastic, which is precisely the texture you need to make great homemade bread.
When we put this mixer to our cookie dough test, the butter and sugar mixture we creamed together was smooth, though some of the butter remained on the side of the bowl. This mixer manages to combine ingredients gently but thoroughly – the chocolate chips we added at the end were equally distributed and not broken.
During our testing with whipped egg whites, this KitchenAid ensured that the egg whites were fluffed up in record time – it produced plenty of volume and the peaks were stiff, although there was a tiny bit of liquid left at the bottom of the bowl.
Should you buy the KitchenAid Classic Plus stand mixer?
Although the one-year warranty from KitchenAid is rather short, if the mixer is defective you get a replacement at the company’s cost. Customer support is available from the mixer maker via phone, email and live chat on the manufacturer’s website.
The KitchenAid Classic Plus is a basic mixer with excellent performance and good versatility, which you can expand by purchasing extra KitchenAid attachments. The 4.5-quart bowl is a tad smaller than the KitchenAid Artisan’s 5-quart bowl, and this is missing some extras that come with other mixers like a splashguard, but the Classic Plus does well for a basic mixer.
