The KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer is a sized-down alternative to larger models, designed to suit those who want to reclaim or preserve space on their kitchen countertops. Despite its smaller size, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini is not necessarily a more affordable option, so is it worth sizing down for the appliance you get?
Of course, there’s little doubt that any KitchenAid model is up there with the best stand mixers around, with their iconic look and effortless capability in mixing together batter and dough. Plus, another great KitchenAid trick is that all of its models remain compatible with its many varied attachments, meaning you can have several multi-cooking and baking machines in your kitchen if you choose.
KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer: Features
As with its full-sized predecessor of the same name, the KitchenAid Artisan, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer is equipped with a durable tilt-head to help with vigorous mixing, alongside ten different speeds. That means it can go through a variety of different motions, from a gentle knead to a thorough whip, suitable for creating a range of different foods. It’s compatible with the range of attachments available from KitchenAid too - meaning you can use it to create pasta, grind meat, and make ice cream if you want to. It has lots of versatility packed into its small design, and doesn’t miss out on the easy to use features found in the other models, including all the benefits that come with the tilt-head design.
One slight hindrance of the KitchenAid Artisan Mini is that the color palette available isn’t quite as wide as usual. While other models have over 40 colors to choose from, there are currently just three hues to pick from with the Mini on the KitchenAid website; Black Matte, Empire Red and Candy Apple Red. Luckily however, for those who prefer to keep their kitchen colors a little more subtle, then over at Amazon you’ll be able to find shades like Matte Avocado Green, Matte White and Contour Silver too, though the range still isn’t as extensive as usual.
This particular model comes with a six wire whip, dough hook and Flex Edge beater. These tools will allow an enthusiastic home baker to craft almost anything in their kitchen, and can be interchanged easily by lifting the tilt-head. Another bonus of this model is that the bowl, flat beater, dough hook and Flex Edge beater can be washed in the top shelf of a dishwasher, and massively speed up the cleaning process after you’ve made your culinary creations.
KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer: Size and performance
- Weight: 16lbs
- Height: 12.3 inches
- Width: 7.8 inches
- Depth: 12.3 inches
The selling point of the KitchenAid Artisan Mini is its pint-sized status; it’s 20% smaller and 25% lighter than full-sized models, yet it retains the same amount of power, with 250 watts. The 3.5 quart brushed stainless steel bowl included with this model is capable of mixing up to five dozen cookies, a loaf of bread and a full-sized cake. This should be enough for any home baker to get along with, though if you do need something a little more industrial for your baking output, then check out our Cuisinart Precision Master stand mixer review, which has a 5.5 quart bowl.
Crucially, the KitchenAid Artisan weighs in at just 16lbs, meaning it should be a lot easier to move and stash away than larger models. It would be well suited to anyone with a smaller kitchen, a smaller family to cater for, or any health issues that make heavy lifting difficult.
In terms of performance, this Mini model has a helpful feature to avoid mess; a ‘soft start’ mechanism to avoid splashback, meaning the arm of your mixer will begin slowly before getting into the speed you’ve set out. This prevents huge clouds of flour, icing sugar or other ingredients from dropping onto the workstation or covering your walls. This process would also be improved by the addition of a splashguard, and it’s a shame that this model does not have one.
KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer: User reviews
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer is an extremely well-rated appliance, with a 4.8-star rating out of five on Amazon from 374 user reviews.
Many impressed users commented on the suitability of this Mini model for those with smaller kitchens, or who need a lighter appliance when it comes to maneuverability. One user commented that they had bought this mixer as a gift for their elderly mother, and that “the Mini is perfect and the handle on the mixing bowl also helps as we deal with some limitations caused by arthritis”. The reviewer also added “3.5 quarts is perfect for the type of baking she loves doing - totally sufficient for a large batch of cookies, a normal size cake, plenty of dough for rolls to serve at a family gathering”.
One user commented that their one disappointment was the lack of colors available in the Mini version, saying “If all of the colors were available in the Premium model I would have given it 5 stars”. Another added that “For the price you might as well buy the big one....”, which may apply to anyone who has the space for a bigger mixer, as the comparable cost doesn’t necessarily drop by a considerable amount even though there is an obvious difference in size. Plus, this is a model that has regularly appeared in sales events, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on our guide to the best KitchenAid deals to see if you can scoop up a bargain.
Should you buy the KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer?
With a huge number of overwhelmingly positive user reviews and excellent modifications in order to create a smaller model, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini stand mixer is perfect for those who need something compact. It may not be available at a massively discounted price given its mini size, but this is somewhat justified by the fact that it packs the exact same amount of power as full sized alternatives.
If you need something you can stash under your countertops with ease, or don’t need the size of a five quart bowl, then this petite mixer will suit you. If you do need something a little bigger but want to stay within budget, then check out the KitchenAid Classic Plus, a more affordable full-sized appliance.
