The KitchenAid Artisan Series 175 and 185 stand mixers seem nearly identical, but the key differences lie in motor power, bowl capacity, and price. The 185 model is designed for more serious bakers with a slightly larger bowl and a more powerful motor to handle frequent, heavy-duty tasks, while the 175 is the classic, reliable choice for everyday home use with slightly less power.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which KitchenAid mixer deserves a spot on your countertop.
KitchenAid Artisan Series 175 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 175 is the go-to workhorse for most home kitchens, delivering the brand's iconic performance and style in a package suitable for small- to medium-sized batches. It’s a popular choice for aspiring bakers and families who need a durable, reliable mixer for everything from whipping cream to kneading pizza dough, without requiring commercial-level power.
- What it is: A versatile tilt-head stand mixer designed for the majority of home baking and cooking needs.
- Key features: 275-watt motor, 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl, ten-speed control, and universal attachment hub. Its tilt-head design provides easy access to the bowl and beater.
- Price: Typically starts around $400.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14.5" H x 8.7" W x 14" D.
- Style: Features the timeless KitchenAid silhouette available in a wide spectrum of colors to match any kitchen decor.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable die-cast metal body that provides stability and reduces vibrations during mixing.
- Pros: More affordable price point, solid performance for everyday tasks, wide selection of colors, slightly smaller footprint is ideal for compact kitchens.
- Cons: The motor can struggle with very stiff or large batches of dough, and its 4.5-quart capacity may be limiting for recipes intended for big crowds.
The 175 is perfect for the home cook who bakes regularly but doesn't need to produce massive quantities, valuing style and reliability for everyday recipes.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers.html
KitchenAid Artisan Series 185 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 185 is a step up from the 175, engineered for the serious home baker who needs more power and capacity. This model handles larger batches and denser doughs with greater ease, making it an excellent investment for those who frequently bake bread, large-scale desserts, or cook for a large family.
- What it is: A higher-end tilt-head stand mixer with enhanced power for frequent, demanding use.
- Key features: More powerful 325-watt motor, larger 5-quart stainless steel bowl, ten-speed control, universal attachment hub, and a robust build to handle tougher jobs.
- Price: Starts around $550-$600.
- Dimensions: Approximately 15" H x 9" W x 14.5" D.
- Style: Shares the iconic KitchenAid aesthetic, often available in premium finishes and colors that signal its higher-end positioning.
- Materials/Construction: Like the 175, it boasts a sturdy die-cast metal construction for maximum durability and stability, accommodating its more powerful motor.
- Pros: Stronger motor effortlessly mixes stiff doughs, larger bowl capacity simplifies big-batch baking, extremely durable for long-term, heavy use.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point, slightly larger and heavier, may be more power than the average baker truly needs.
This mixer is built for baking enthusiasts who need extra power behind their passion projects and the capacity to tackle large recipes with confidence.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers.html
KitchenAid 175 vs. 185 Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While visually similar, the KitchenAid 185 is slightly larger and heavier than the 175 to accommodate its more powerful motor and bigger bowl. The 175 measures about 14.5" x 8.7" x 14", making it a good fit for most countertops. The 185 comes in slightly larger at around 15" x 9" x 14.5". While the difference is only about half an inch here and there, the extra weight and size of the 185 might be a consideration if your counter space is limited or if you plan to move the appliance frequently.
Materials & Construction
Both models share KitchenAid's commitment to quality with full die-cast metal bodies that ensure the mixer stays put, even when kneading heavy dough. The primary construction difference lies inside: the motor. The 175 houses a 275-watt motor, which is perfectly capable for most tasks like cake batters and cookie dough. However, the 185's upgraded 325-watt motor provides a noticeable boost in power, allowing it to work through challenging bread doughs or double batches without straining.
The bowl is another key point. The 175 comes with a 4.5-quart bowl, while the 185 features a larger 5-quart bowl. That subtle half-quart difference means you can mix dough for about nine dozen cookies in the 185 versus around seven dozen in the 175.
Price & Value
The most significant separator between these two mixers is the price. The KitchenAid 175 generally retails for around $400, offering fantastic value for its performance, durability, and versatility. It is a reliable investment that will last for years with proper care.
The KitchenAid 185, with its enhanced power and capacity, comes with a higher price tag, typically starting around $550. This price jump is justified for avid bakers who will leverage the extra horsepower and bowl size regularly. For them, it represents better value long-term by preventing motor strain and accommodating larger projects. For casual cooks, however, the 175 provides more than enough capability at a much lower cost.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, both mixers are nearly identical and embody the classic, coveted KitchenAid design. Both are available in an extensive range of colors, making it easy to find one that becomes a statement piece in your kitchen. More importantly, both models feature the same universal power hub at the front. This means any of the official KitchenAid attachments - from pasta rollers and meat grinders to spiralizers and food processors - will fit perfectly on either the 175 or the 185. This shared ecosystem ensures that neither model compromises on versatility.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the KitchenAid 175 and 185 are excellent machines, but they are built for different types of users.
Choose the KitchenAid 175 if:
- You are an enthusiastic home baker who makes cakes, cookies, and occasional bread.
- You typically cook for a small to medium-sized household.
- Your budget is a primary consideration, and you want the best value for classic performance.
- Kitchen counter space is tight, and you prefer a slightly more compact footprint.
Choose the KitchenAid 185 if:
- You are a serious baker who frequently makes large batches or works with heavy doughs.
- You need the extra power to ensure your motor doesn't strain over years of heavy use.
- You often host gatherings or cook for a large family and need the extra bowl capacity.
- Performance is your top priority, and you're willing to invest more for a top-tier machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 175 and 185?
The primary differences are motor power and bowl capacity. The KitchenAid 185 has a more powerful 325-watt motor and a larger 5-quart bowl, while the 175 has a 275-watt motor and a 4.5-quart bowl.
Do the same attachments fit both the 175 and 185 models?
Yes, all official KitchenAid attachments that use the front power hub are designed to be universal and will work perfectly with both the 175 and 185 models.
Can the KitchenAid 175 handle bread dough?
Yes, the 175 can handle standard batches of bread dough. However, if you make dense, heavy breads frequently or in large quantities, the more powerful motor of the 185 will perform the task with less strain and more efficiency.
Is the KitchenAid 185 worth the extra money?
If you're an avid baker who often doubles recipes, kneads tough doughs, or simply wants the security of a more powerful motor for long-term use, the extra cost for the 185 is a worthwhile investment. For casual or moderate bakers, the 175 offers more than enough power and performance for its price.
Which model is better for a small kitchen?
The KitchenAid 175 is slightly more compact and lighter, making it a better choice for kitchens with limited countertop space. The differences are minimal but could matter in a very tight area.
Are both mixers made of metal?
Yes, both models feature a durable die-cast all-metal construction. This build quality gives them the stability needed to mix ingredients without wobbling on the counter and contributes to their longevity.
What is the warranty on these mixers?
KitchenAid stand mixers typically come with a 1-year full hassle-free replacement warranty. Check with the specific retailer for their policies and any options for extended coverage.
Will the larger bowl of the 185 make a big difference?
The extra half-quart in the 185's 5-quart bowl can make a noticeable difference for large recipes, accommodating roughly two additional dozens of cookies or an extra loaf of bread per batch compared to the 175's 4.5-quart bowl.
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