The KitchenAid 5KSM150 (Classic Plus) and the 5KSM175 (Artisan) are two of the brand's most popular tilt-head mixers, but they differ primarily in included accessories, motor efficiency, and price. While both share a 5-quart capacity and a 325-watt motor, the 5KSM175 comes with extra tools like a pouring shield and flex edge beater and often features a more efficient motor for quieter, more consistent power.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid stand mixer for your kitchen.
KitchenAid 5KSM150 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 5KSM150, often marketed as the Classic Plus, is the dependable workhorse of the brand's lineup. For decades, it has been the go-to choice for home bakers who need a reliable machine for everyday tasks. Its straightforward design, powerful performance, and sturdy build make it an excellent entry point into the world of premium stand mixers without an overwhelming number of features.
- What it is: A durable 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer designed for most home baking and cooking tasks.
- Key features: 325-watt motor with 10 speeds, planetary mixing action for thorough ingredient incorporation, and a multipurpose attachment hub. It typically includes a flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook.
- Price: Typically around $300-$350.
- Style: Features the iconic KitchenAid tilt-head silhouette. Available in a wide, but sometimes more limited, range of classic colors.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a full die-cast metal body and durable metal gears designed for long-term use.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Proven, reliable design trusted for decades. Powerful enough for most common recipes. Simple and intuitive to operate.
- Cons: Includes fewer accessories out of the box. The motor can feel strained under very heavy, dense doughs used frequently. Color selection might be less extensive than the Artisan series.
This mixer is ideal for hobby bakers or households needing a high-quality stand mixer for common tasks like mixing batters, whipping cream, and kneading occasional bread doughs.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/p.5-quart-stand-mixer.kSM150.html
KitchenAid 5KSM175 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 5KSM175, widely known as the Artisan Series, is a step up from the Classic Plus. It's designed for the serious home baker who needs more versatility and power for frequent or more demanding recipes. While it shares the same core platform as the 150, its enhanced features, quieter operation, and additional included accessories make it a more comprehensive package.
- What it is: An upgraded 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer with enhanced features and more included accessories for frequent or ambitious bakers.
- Key features: A more efficient 325-watt motor for quieter and cooler operation under load, 10 speeds, and a wider range of included accessories, often including a flex edge beater and a pouring shield in addition to the standard attachments.
- Price: Generally ranges from $350 to $400.
- Style: The same iconic tilt-head design, but often available in a much broader spectrum of premium and trendy colors and finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable die-cast metal frame, with a slightly improved motor and gear system for enhanced performance and longevity.
- Pros: Quieter and more efficient motor handles heavy loads like bread dough more comfortably. Comes with valuable extra accessories. Widest variety of color options to match any kitchen decor. Represents a great balance of features and price for serious home cooks.
- Cons: Higher price point. The extra features and accessories may not be necessary for a casual baker.
The 5KSM175 Artisan series is for the user who bakes often, regularly works with dense doughs, and wants the convenience and versatility of a complete accessory set from the start.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/p.5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer.kSM175.html
KitchenAid 5KSM150 vs. 5KSM175 Comparison
Motor, Power & Performance
While both the 5KSM150 and 5KSM175 list a 325-watt motor, the Artisan 175 model features design improvements that make it more efficient. This means it can handle heavy loads, like dense bread or cookie doughs, with less strain and heat buildup. Users often report the 175 runs quieter and feels smoother during tough jobs. For standard cake batters or whipping cream, the performance difference is minimal, but for regular bread bakers, the improved motor of the 175 is a noticeable advantage.
Included Accessories
This is one of the most significant practical differences. The 5KSM150 Classic Plus comes with the essentials: a coated flat beater, a wire whip, and a dough hook. The 5KSM175 Artisan typically includes those three plus a pouring shield to minimize messes and a flex edge beater. The flex edge beater is a major benefit, as its silicone edge scrapes the sides of the bowl as it mixes, reducing the need to stop and manually scrape down ingredients. Purchased separately, these extra accessories can be costly, adding to the value of the 175 package.
Price & Value
The 5KSM150 costs around $50 less than the 5KSM175, making it a great choice for those on a tighter budget. It delivers the core KitchenAid experience and durability without extra frills. The 5KSM175, however, offers compelling value. The price increase is largely justified by the inclusion of the pouring shield and flex edge beater, which together can cost nearly the price difference if bought separately. When you factor in the improved motor, the 175 provides better overall value for frequent-use home bakers.
Style & Aesthetics
Both mixers feature the timeless tilt-head design that has made KitchenAid an icon in kitchen decor. Structurally, they are identical and will take up the same amount of counter space. The main aesthetic difference is color availability. The 5KSM175 Artisan series is famous for its vast array of color options, from bold modern hues to subtle matte finishes and limited-edition shades. While the 5KSM150 is available in several popular colors, its selection is generally more limited.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both mixers are excellent choices, but they cater to different types of home cooks and bakers.
Choose the KitchenAid 5KSM150 if:
- You're an occasional baker who primarily makes cakes, cookies, and other light batters.
- Budget is your top priority, and you want the legendary KitchenAid quality at a lower price point.
- You don't mind buying extra accessories later if you find you need them.
- You plan on sticking to basic mixing tasks and don't need the most robust motor.
Choose the KitchenAid 5KSM175 if:
- You bake frequently and regularly tackle heavy, dense bread or pasta doughs.
- You want the convenience of the included pouring shield and flex edge beater right away.
- A quieter motor and a broader choice of colors are important to you.
- You're looking for the best overall value for a machine you plan to use for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 5KSM150 and 5KSM175?
The principal differences are the included accessories and motor efficiency. The 5KSM175 (Artisan) comes with more accessories like a pouring shield and flex edge beater and has a slightly improved motor that runs quieter and cooler under load. It also comes in a wider range of colors.
Are the bowls and attachments interchangeable between the 150 and 175?
Yes. Both are 5-quart tilt-head models, so their mixing bowls, flat beaters, dough hooks, and wire whisks are fully interchangeable.
Is the KitchenAid 5KSM175 really more powerful?
Both models use a 325-watt motor, but the 5KSM175's motor is considered more efficient. This means it maintains its speed better and runs cooler when working with tough mixtures, giving it a performance edge for heavy-duty tasks.
Which model is better for making bread dough?
While both can handle bread dough, the 5KSM175 is the better choice for frequent bread bakers. Its more efficient motor is less likely to strain or overheat during the long kneading process required for dense doughs.
Are the extra accessories with the 5KSM175 worth the cost?
For most users, yes. The flex edge beater significantly reduces the need to scrape down the bowl, and the pouring shield helps prevent flour explosions. Buying these items separately often costs more than the initial price difference between the two mixers.
Do both models fit on a standard countertop?
Yes, both mixers share virtually the same dimensions and footprint, fitting comfortably under standard-height kitchen cabinets on a countertop.
Which model has more color options?
The 5KSM175 Artisan series by far. It's renowned for its expansive and ever-changing color palette, with dozens of shades to choose from, while the 5KSM150 offers a more limited, classic selection.
Can I use other official KitchenAid attachments on both models?
Absolutely. Both models feature the universal power hub on the front, which is compatible with all official KitchenAid attachments like the pasta roller, meat grinder, and spiralizer.
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