The Kenwood Chef series and the KitchenAid Artisan are two of the most respected stand mixers available, but they cater to very different kitchen philosophies. The Kenwood Chef prioritizes raw power and professional-grade performance in a sleek, modern package, while the KitchenAid Artisan is celebrated for its iconic design, vast color selection, and reliable all-around functionality.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which best-in-class stand mixer from Kenwood or KitchenAid is the right choice for your baking projects.
Kenwood Chef Stand Mixer
The Kenwood Chef is a high-performance workhorse designed for the serious home baker and culinary enthusiast. It's built with powerful motors and robust components, making it exceptionally good at handling heavy tasks like kneading dense bread dough or mixing large batches without straining. The machine’s aesthetic is modern and functional, meant to perform professionally rather than just be a statement piece.
- What it is: A high-power, versatile stand mixer aimed at experienced home cooks who demand professional performance.
- Key features: Powerful motors ranging from 500W to 1500W depending on the model, multiple attachment power outlets, and a wide array of high-performance planetary mixing attachments.
- Price: Ranges from $500 to over $1,000 for high-end models bundled with attachments.
- Style: Sleek, modern, and minimalist. Primarily available in neutral colors like silver, black, and white which suit contemporary kitchen designs.
- Materials/Construction: Features a full metal body and stainless steel bowl, built for durability and stability under heavy loads. Attachments are typically stainless steel or high-grade plastic.
- Pros: Exceptionally powerful motor tackles tough jobs with ease. Built for long-term durability and frequent use. Professional-grade attachments deliver excellent results. Sleek design fits well in modern kitchens.
- Cons: A higher price point compared to the Artisan. Far fewer color and finish options. Can be heavier and take up slightly more counter space.
The Kenwood Chef is the ideal choice for anyone who prioritizes power and flawless performance for complex baking projects like bread-making above all else.
Shop this product: kenwoodworld.com/en-us/products/kitchen-machines/chef
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Artisan is one of the most iconic kitchen appliances in the world, famous for its distinctive retro design and incredible range of colors. But it's more than just a pretty face, the Artisan is a reliable and versatile machine that handles everyday baking tasks like making cookies, cakes, and frostings with excellent results. It serves as both a dependable mixer and a piece of kitchen decor.
- What it is: A classic, all-purpose tilt-head stand mixer known for its iconic style, ease of use, and wide range of available attachments.
- Key features: Reliable motor (typically ~325W), 10-speed control, 5-quart stainless steel bowl, and a single power hub that fits over a dozen optional attachments.
- Price: Typically priced between $400 and $700.
- Style: Recognizable retro-inspired silhouette with a smooth, curved head. Available in dozens of colors and finishes, from matte black to vibrant "Hibiscus."
- Materials/Construction: The body is made from durable, stable die-cast zinc. Comes with a stainless steel bowl and coated metal dough hook and flat-beater.
- Pros: Unmatched selection of colors to perfectly match your kitchen's style. Iconic design acts as a showpiece. Lower starting price. Widely available and supported with tons of accessories.
- Cons: Motor is less powerful and may strain with very stiff, heavy doughs over time. The tilt-head mechanism can occasionally have a small amount of movement under a heavy load.
This is the perfect mixer for home bakers who want a blend of dependable "all-in-one" performance, timeless design, and the ability to personalize its look on their countertop.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-series-5-qt
Kenwood Chef vs. KitchenAid Artisan Comparison
Power & Performance
This is the most significant difference between the two mixers. Kenwood Chef mixers are engineered with significantly more powerful motors, ranging from 500W on entry-level models to upwards of 1500W on their premium lines. This power makes them incredibly efficient at kneading dense bread doughs, mixing large quantities of batter, and running power-hungry attachments without any strain.
The KitchenAid Artisan, on the other hand, typically uses a 325W motor. This is more than sufficient for the vast majority of home baking tasks, from whipping cream and beating egg whites to mixing cake batter and light cookie dough. However, it can occasionally labor with very dense, low-hydration doughs if used frequently for that purpose.
Dimensions & Capacity
The KitchenAid Artisan has a classic 5-quart bowl, which is a versatile size for most families and can handle recipes making up to 9 dozen cookies or 4 loaves of bread. Its tilt-head design is intuitive to use and occupies a relatively compact footprint. Kenwood Chef models generally have a slightly larger capacity, ranging from 4.5 quarts to 6.7 quarts, which can be useful for those who like to bake in larger batches. They are typically a bit heavier and wider, reflecting their more robust internal components.
Materials & Construction
Both brands are known for their build quality and use of durable materials. Kenwood and KitchenAid both feature all-metal bodies that provide stability and minimize vibrations during use. Kenwood places emphasis on commercial-grade components and often uses high-quality stainless steel for their attachments. KitchenAid uses coated metal beaters which are durable for most uses but are not typically dishwasher friendly like stainless steel variants can be.
Price & Value
The KitchenAid Artisan generally has a lower point of entry, with prices frequently starting around $400. This makes it a more accessible premium mixer for a broader audience. The Kenwood Chef starts closer to $500 and can easily exceed $1,000, positioning it as an investment for those who are serious about their craft. In terms of value, KitchenAid offers great style and reliable performance for the price. Kenwood's value comes from its extreme durability and professional power, which can be seen as "buy it for life" peace of mind.
Style & Versatility
Style is where the KitchenAid Artisan truly shines. With an unparalleled array of color options, it's designed to be a centerpiece of kitchen design. You can choose a color that pops, matches your tile, or fits a specific theme. The Kenwood Chef takes the opposite approach, opting for a clean, modern aesthetic with neutral colors like silver and white. It is designed to look professional and functional, blending into a contemporary kitchen rather than standing out.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Kenwood Chef is tailor-made for passionate, expert home bakers. If you frequently make artisan breads, heavy fruit cakes, or double batches of tough doughs, the extra motor power and robust build will be a clear advantage. It's for the person who sees their mixer purely as a high-performance tool.
The KitchenAid Artisan is perfect for the avid all-around baker and home cook. It's for those who love to bake cookies for their kids, create a beautiful layer cake for a birthday, and occasionally try their hand at making pasta or ice cream with attachments. It's the ideal choice for someone who values aesthetics as much as performance and wants an iconic appliance that enhances their kitchen's look.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these stand mixers are excellent choices, but they excel in serving different types of users.
Choose the Kenwood Chef if:
- You primarily bake dense bread doughs and need superior motor power.
- You prioritize durability and performance over aesthetic choice.
- You see your stand mixer as a functional, long-term culinary investment.
- You prefer a clean, sleek, and modern aesthetic for your kitchen appliances.
Choose the KitchenAid Artisan if:
- You want your mixer to be a beautiful statement piece on your countertop.
- Having a wide array of color options to match your kitchen decor is important to you.
- You are an all-purpose baker who primarily makes cakes, cookies, frosting, and occasional breads.
- You want to join a huge community of users with access to a wide, established system of attachments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Kenwood Chef and KitchenAid Artisan?
The primary difference is their core focus. The Kenwood Chef prioritizes raw motor power and heavy-duty performance for serious baking, while the KitchenAid Artisan blends reliable all-around performance with an iconic design and an unparalleled choice of colors.
Which mixer is better for making bread?
Due to its more powerful motor, the Kenwood Chef is generally considered better for frequently making dense bread dough. It can knead stiffer doughs for longer periods without straining.
How powerful are the motors in comparison?
Kenwood Chef models have motors that typically range from 500W to 1500W. The KitchenAid Artisan has a motor that is typically rated at 325W, which is perfectly suitable for most general baking but less powerful than Kenwood's lineup.
Are the attachments from Kenwood and KitchenAid interchangeable?
No, they are not. Each brand has its own proprietary design for their power hubs and attachments, so you cannot use KitchenAid accessories on a Kenwood mixer, or vice-versa.
Which brand offers more color options?
KitchenAid is the clear winner here, offering dozens of colors and special edition finishes. Kenwood focuses on a handful of neutral, metallic colors.
What are the bowl capacities?
The KitchenAid Artisan model almost always comes with a 5-quart bowl. Kenwood Chef mixers offer a wider range of sizes, most often between 4.6 quarts and 6.7 quarts, depending on the specific model.
Is the Kenwood Chef worth the extra money?
For a dedicated, frequent bread baker or someone who cooks in very large batches, the extra power and durability of the Kenwood can absolutely be worth the investment. For the average home baker, the KitchenAid Artisan provides excellent performance and value for its price.
How easy are they to clean?
Both mixers are easy to clean. The main bodies can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Their stainless steel bowls are dishwasher safe. For the mixing attachments, always check the manufacturer’s instructions, as some (like KitchenAid's coated beaters) should be hand-washed, while many of Kenwood's stainless steel tools are dishwasher safe.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
