The Hobart N50 and mixers from KitchenAid represent two very different approaches to the stand mixer. The Hobart N50 is a commercial-grade workhorse built with industrial durability and power for professional kitchens, reflected in its utilitarian design and premium price. KitchenAid mixers are the quintessential home appliance, blending reliable performance with iconic style, a vast array of colors, and an accessible price point for everyday bakers.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether the professional power of Hobart or the stylish versatility of KitchenAid is right for your kitchen.
Hobart N50 Stand Mixer
The Hobart N50 is less of a countertop appliance and more of a piece of professional-grade equipment adapted for smaller operations. Trusted by bakeries, restaurants, and the most serious home bakers, it is renowned for its incredible durability, immense power, and construction that is designed to last for decades, even under heavy, continuous use.
- What it is: A heavy-duty 5-quart commercial stand mixer designed for professional baking and food preparation.
- Key features: Powerful 1.5 HP gear-driven motor, fixed speed control for consistency, heavy-duty construction with all-metal gears, manual bowl lift.
- Price: Approximately $3,000 - $3,500.
- Style: Utilitarian and industrial. Its design is purely functional, with a classic grey powder-coat finish that prioritizes durability over aesthetics.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a heavy-duty cast aluminum body and all-metal, gear-driven transmission designed to withstand constant use without failing.
- Pros: Unmatched power for dense doughs like bagel or high-volume bread. Legendary durability and longevity - often passed down through generations. Built for continuous use in professional environments. Quiet for its power class.
- Cons: Extremely high price point makes it inaccessible for most home users. Very heavy (~50 lbs) and large, requiring significant counter space. Limited aesthetic options and fewer specialized attachments compared to consumer brands.
The Hobart N50 is for professionals or deeply serious bakers who need uncompromising power and reliability and see their mixer as a long-term investment in their craft.
Shop this product: hobartcorp.com/products/food-prep/mixers/n50-5-quart-mixer
KitchenAid Stand Mixers
KitchenAid Stand Mixers are a cultural icon, synonymous with home baking for over a century. They strike a brilliant balance between reliable performance, approachable design, and incredible versatility, serving as the centerpiece in millions of kitchens. With a huge ecosystem of attachments and a stunning spectrum of colors, a KitchenAid is an all-in-one kitchen hub for everything from cakes to pasta.
- What it is: A popular line of stand mixers for home use, available in various sizes, colors, and designs (both tilt-head and bowl-lift).
- Key features: Wide range of motor sizes (typically 325 to 575 watts), 10-speed slide control, extensive library of attachments (meat grinder, pasta maker, ice cream bowl), tilt-head and bowl-lift options.
- Price: $250 - $600 for most consumer models.
- Dimensions: Available in many sizes, with bowl capacities from 4.5 to 7 quarts, designed to fit comfortably on a standard kitchen counter.
- Materials/Construction: Die-cast metal body provides stability and a premium feel, though internal components may include some high-quality plastic parts.
- Style: Iconic, retro-inspired design. Famous for its dozens of color options, from classic white to vibrant special editions, making it a design statement.
- Pros: Approachable price point for home budgets. Huge versatility with a vast range of first-party and third-party attachments. Stylish design and countless color options to match any decor. Widely available and user-friendly for bakers of all skill levels.
- Cons: Not built for heavy, continuous commercial use. Can struggle or overheat with very large batches of dense dough. While durable, it does not have the industrial-level longevity of a Hobart.
A KitchenAid mixer is the ideal choice for home bakers and cooking enthusiasts who need a reliable, fashionable, and multitasking appliance for their kitchen.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers
Hobart N50 vs. KitchenAid Comparison
Materials & Construction
The difference in build quality is the most significant differentiator. The Hobart N50 is constructed like a commercial tank with an all-metal, gear-driven transmission and heavy-duty casing meant to absorb the rigors of a professional kitchen for decades. Every component is over-engineered for longevity.
A KitchenAid mixer is robustly built for home use, featuring a stable die-cast metal body that gives it a premium feel and prevents it from walking on the counter. However, its internal parts and motor are designed for intermittent household tasks rather than the relentless, all-day workload a Hobart can handle. This is the difference between durable and industrial.
Performance & Power
With its 1.5 horsepower, gear-driven motor, the Hobart N50 delivers consistent, high-torque power directly to the bowl. It mixes large, heavy batches of dense bread dough without a hint of strain. It maintains its speed and power under any load, which is critical for consistent professional results.
KitchenAid mixers provide ample power for nearly all home baking projects, from whipping egg whites to kneading a standard loaf of bread. However, when faced with large, low-hydration sourdoughs or double batches of bagel dough, higher-end models can still sometimes struggle or heat up. For the average home user, its power is more than sufficient.
Style & Aesthetics
This comparison is a clear case of function versus form. The Hobart N50 has a single look: utilitarian industrial. It comes in a classic grey and is designed to blend into a stainless steel professional kitchen, not to be a statement piece. Its beauty lies in its performance, not its appearance.
In contrast, style is central to the KitchenAid brand identity. With dozens of colors - from "Empire Red" to "Milkshake" - and multiple finishes, these mixers are designed to be shown off. Their iconic, flowing silhouette is a decor piece that signals a love for cooking and can match any kitchen style, from farmhouse to modern.
Price & Value
The price gap is substantial. The Hobart N50's $3,000+ price tag places it firmly in the commercial equipment category. For a bakery or restaurant, the value comes from its ROI - years of flawless, repair-free service under heavy use. It's a professional investment in productivity and reliability.
KitchenAid mixers, ranging from $250 to $600, offer incredible value for the home user. They provide reliable performance, exceptional versatility through attachments, and a beautiful design that enhances the kitchen environment, all at a price that is accessible for a high-quality small appliance.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands produce outstanding mixers, but they serve entirely different users and kitchens.
Choose the Hobart N50 if:
- You run a small bakery, catering company, or restaurant.
- You are a home baker who regularly works with very large batches or exceptionally dense dough.
- Your top priority is "buy it for life" durability and industrial-grade construction.
- You have the budget and countertop space for professional equipment.
Choose a KitchenAid mixer if:
- You are a home baker who makes cakes, cookies, bread, and other recipes for your family.
- You value a stylish appliance that complements your kitchen decor.
- You want a versatile machine and plan to use attachments like the grinder or pasta maker.
- You need a high-quality, reliable mixer that fits a home appliance budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Hobart and KitchenAid mixers?
The main difference is their intended user. The Hobart N50 is commercial-grade equipment built for power, high-volume output, and industrial longevity. A KitchenAid is a high-quality consumer appliance designed for home use, balancing performance with versatility, style, and affordability.
Is a Hobart N50 worth it for a home baker?
For over 99% of home bakers, no. The power and durability are overkill for typical household baking, and the high cost can't be justified. However, for an extremely dedicated home baker who bakes multiple dense loaves every day or values professional-grade machinery above all else, it could be a dream machine.
Can a KitchenAid handle bread dough?
Yes, most KitchenAid models, especially the larger bowl-lift versions, handle standard bread dough recipes very well. They may groan a bit with double batches or very stiff, low-hydration doughs, but for the average home baker's loaf of bread, they perform admirably.
Why is the Hobart N50 so expensive?
Its price reflects its construction: a heavy-duty 1.5 HP motor, an all-metal gear-driven transmission, and commercial-grade components designed and manufactured in the USA for extreme durability and decades of continuous service. You are paying for professional engineering and reliability.
How long do KitchenAid mixers last vs. Hobart mixers?
With proper care, a KitchenAid mixer can easily last 10 to 15 years or more in a home setting. A Hobart N50, even in a demanding commercial environment, is famous for lasting upwards of 20, 30, or even 40 years. They are truly built for life.
Which brand has more attachments?
KitchenAid has a far more extensive ecosystem of attachments designed for the home cook. These include pasta makers, meat grinders, spiralizers, food processors, and juicers. Hobart's attachments are more focused on professional food prep, such as larger grinders and vegetable slicers.
Where can I buy a Hobart N50?
The Hobart N50 is typically sold through commercial restaurant supply stores, kitchen equipment dealers, and authorized online retailers that specialize in professional equipment. You are unlikely to find it at a typical big-box home appliance store.
Are Hobart mixers louder than KitchenAid mixers?
While the Hobart is surprisingly quiet for its power, its industrial motor does produce a distinct, powerful hum. Many KitchenAid motors are engineered for quieter home operation, though no high-power stand mixer is silent, especially when working under a heavy load.
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