The KitchenAid 404 and KitchenAid 604 stand mixers are both workhorses from a celebrated brand, but they are built for different bakers. The 404 is the reliable choice for everyday home use with its 4.5-quart capacity and mid-range price, while the 604 is a high-capacity, professional-grade mixer with a more powerful motor designed for larger batches and heavy-duty tasks.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid stand mixer for your baking needs.
KitchenAid 404 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 404 is a versatile and durable stand mixer that has become a staple in home kitchens. It offers the classic KitchenAid performance and reliability with enough power and capacity to handle most everyday baking and cooking tasks, from whipping cream to kneading standard bread doughs.
- What it is: A versatile, mid-range stand mixer designed for the dedicated home baker and cooking enthusiast.
- Key features: 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl, multiple speed settings, and compatibility with dozens of optional hub attachments (pasta makers, meat grinders, spiralizers).
- Price: $300 to $400
- Dimensions: Approximately 14" H x 8" W x 14" D, making it a good fit for most kitchen counters.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a sturdy die-cast metal body for stability and a durable stainless steel mixing bowl.
- Style: Classic stand mixer aesthetic available in a wide array of popular colors like red, black, and white to match any kitchen decor.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price, proven longevity, versatile attachment hub, smaller footprint fits on most counters, and is powerful enough for most home recipes.
- Cons: Smaller 4.5-quart bowl may not be large enough for double batches or holiday baking. Motor may strain with very stiff or dense doughs.
This mixer is ideal for home bakers who need a reliable and stylish appliance for regular use without needing the immense power or capacity of a professional-grade model.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/stand-mixers/404.html
KitchenAid 604 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 604 is an upgraded, high-performance stand mixer created for serious bakers and those who regularly cook in large quantities. It features a more powerful motor and a larger mixing bowl to effortlessly handle bigger and tougher jobs, from thick sourdough to multiple batches of cookie dough.
- What it is: A professional-grade, high-capacity stand mixer aimed at avid hobbyists, large families, or small commercial users.
- Key features: Larger 5-quart (or more) mixing bowl, enhanced motor torque for heavy loads, and precise speed control for more thorough mixing.
- Price: $400 to $500
- Dimensions: Slightly larger at around 15" H x 9" W x 15" D, requiring more dedicated counter space.
- Materials/Construction: Features a more robust, heavier-duty construction than the 404, often including reinforced gears and a heavier base for stability during intense use.
- Style: A more substantial, professional appearance, often available in premium finishes like brushed stainless steel and matte black.
- Pros: High-powered motor easily handles large and dense batches. A larger bowl increases capacity significantly. The durable build is designed for frequent, intensive use. Excellent for serious bakers.
- Cons: More expensive than the 404. Bigger size and heavier weight take up more space and make it harder to move. May be overpowered for someone who only bakes occasionally.
The 604 is built for enthusiastic bakers who frequently tackle large recipes, work with heavy doughs, and demand professional-level performance from their appliances.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/stand-mixers/604.html
KitchenAid 404 vs. KitchenAid 604 Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is size. The KitchenAid 404 has a smaller footprint (approx. 14" x 8" x 14") and a 4.5-quart bowl, perfect for standard kitchen countertops and typical home baking recipes. It easily fits under most cabinets.
The KitchenAid 604 is slightly larger and taller (approx. 15" x 9" x 15"), with a 5-quart or larger bowl. While the extra inch or two may not seem like much, it has more visual weight and requires more dedicated counter real estate. Its increased capacity is its main selling point, allowing for double batches of cookies or large loaves of bread at once.
Materials & Construction
Both models are built to last with die-cast metal bodies that provide stability and reduce vibration. The KitchenAid 404 is known for its durability and will last for years with proper care.
The KitchenAid 604 takes durability a step further. It has a more robust construction with a heavier base and reinforced internal components like gears. This heavier build is designed to support its more powerful motor and handle the stress of kneading thick doughs or mixing large, heavy batches on a regular basis without straining.
Price & Value
Priced between $300 and $400, the KitchenAid 404 offers fantastic value for most home users. It delivers professional results and legendary reliability for a mid-range price, making it a sound long-term investment for anyone who bakes regularly.
The KitchenAid 604, running from $400 to $500, represents an investment in power and capacity. For a user who regularly pushes the limits of a smaller mixer - or for whom time saved by making larger batches is crucial - the extra cost is justified. It provides the value of semi-professional equipment for a sub-commercial price.
Style & Versatility
Both mixers share the iconic KitchenAid silhouette. The 404 is famous for its extensive color palette, allowing you to choose a model that perfectly matches your kitchen's personality, from classic Empire Red to subtle Aqua Sky.
The 604 typically comes in a more curated selection of premium finishes - think brushed metallics and sophisticated mattes. Its aesthetic is less about cheerful color and more about communicating professional power and performance, suiting modern, industrial, or professional-style kitchens perfectly.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these KitchenAid mixers are excellent, but they are engineered for different levels of baking intensity.
Choose the KitchenAid 404 if:
- You are a home baker who enjoys making single batches of cookies, cakes, or bread.
- Kitchen counter space is limited.
- Your budget is under $400.
- You want a wide variety of color options to match your decor.
Choose the KitchenAid 604 if:
- You bake frequently, in large quantities, or for a large family.
- You often work with heavy, dense doughs for bread or pizza.
- You have ample counter space and appreciate the appliance's power.
- You are a serious baking hobbyist who wants professional-grade performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 404 and 604?
The primary differences are motor power, bowl capacity, and price. The 604 has a more powerful motor and a larger bowl designed for bigger, tougher jobs, and it costs more. The 404 is the standard home model, perfect for everyday baking with a smaller capacity and a more accessible price.
Which mixer is better for a beginner baker?
The KitchenAid 404 is an excellent choice for a beginner. It's user-friendly, powerful enough for almost any standard recipe, and offers the reliability KitchenAid is known for, making it a great appliance to grow with.
Can the 404 handle bread dough?
Yes, the 404 can handle standard bread dough recipes just fine. However, if you plan to frequently bake large, dense, or heavy bread like sourdough or rye, the more powerful motor in the 604 will perform better and with less strain over the long run.
Is the KitchenAid 604 worth the extra money?
If you bake several times a week, prepare double batches, or work with heavy doughs, the 604 is absolutely worth the extra money. The added power and capacity will save you time and provide more consistent results for demanding tasks.
Do both mixers use the same attachments?
Yes, one of the best features of the KitchenAid system is its universal power hub. Attachments like the meat grinder, pasta maker, and food processor fit both the 404 and 604 models, making either one a versatile kitchen appliance.
Which one is quieter?
While both are engineered for efficient performance, the 604's more powerful motor might produce a slightly deeper or louder sound when working through very heavy mixtures. For most tasks, the sound difference is minimal.
How do I clean these stand mixers?
Cleaning is simple for both models. The stainless steel bowls and most standard attachments (like the dough hook and flat beater) are typically dishwasher-safe. The mixer's body should be wiped down with a damp cloth. Always unplug the unit before cleaning.
What is the warranty on KitchenAid mixers?
Both models typically come with KitchenAid's standard 1-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. Be sure to check with your specific retailer for their policies and options for extended coverage.
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