The KitchenAid 5KSM185PS and the 5KSM175PS are two very similar stand mixers from the brand's iconic Artisan series, but they differ primarily in capacity and price. The 5KSM185PS features a larger 5-quart bowl and a slightly higher price point, positioning it for serious bakers, while the more budget-friendly 5KSM175PS has a 4.8-quart bowl ideal for standard household baking.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid mixer for your kitchen.
KitchenAid 5KSM185PS Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 5KSM185PS is a professional-grade stand mixer designed for the enthusiastic home baker who frequently works with large batches or dense doughs. As part of the premium Artisan lineup, it features a sturdier build and a larger capacity to handle more demanding culinary tasks without compromising on the classic KitchenAid style.
- What it is: A powerful tilt-head stand mixer with a large 5-quart bowl, designed for heavy-duty home use.
- Key features: 5-quart stainless steel bowl, powerful 325-watt motor, 10-speed control, compatibility with over 15 KitchenAid attachments.
- Price: Around $450 - $500.
- Capacity: 5 quarts (e.g., mix dough for up to 9 dozen cookies or 4.5 loaves of bread in a single batch).
- Materials/Construction: Durable die-cast metal body that provides stability and reduces vibration. Includes a sturdy stainless steel bowl.
- Pros: Larger capacity is great for big families or batch baking. Robust motor handles stiff doughs with ease. Extremely durable and built to last. Versatile functionality with a huge range of optional attachments.
- Cons: Higher price point compared to the 175PS. Heavier and takes up more valuable counter space. Might be overkill for casual bakers making smaller recipes.
The 5KSM185PS is built for bakers who need that extra power and capacity for ambitious projects, from sourdough starters to large batches of holiday cookies.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-stand-mixers/5ksm185ps.html
KitchenAid 5KSM175PS Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid 5KSM175PS is one of the most popular stand mixers in the world, striking the perfect balance between performance, size, and price for the everyday home cook. It’s also an Artisan series model, offering an identical iconic look and compatibility with all attachments, but in a slightly more compact and affordable package.
- What it is: A versatile and widely popular tilt-head stand mixer with a 4.8-quart bowl, perfect for most home baking and cooking needs.
- Key features: 4.8-quart stainless steel bowl, 300 to 325-watt motor, 10-speed control slider, tilt-head design for easy bowl access, compatible with all KitchenAid attachments.
- Price: Around $350 - $400.
- Capacity: 4.8 quarts (e.g., mix dough for about 8 dozen cookies or 4 loaves of bread).
- Materials/Construction: Solid die-cast metal frame for stability. Comes with a polished stainless steel bowl.
- Pros: More budget-friendly price point. Slightly smaller footprint is ideal for kitchens with limited counter space. Plenty of power for common tasks like cakes, cookies, and lighter doughs. Huge selection of available colors.
- Cons: The slightly smaller bowl capacity can be limiting for very large recipes. May struggle slightly more with extremely dense, heavy doughs compared to the 185PS.
This is the workhorse mixer for individuals, couples, or small families who want legendary KitchenAid performance for everyday baking projects.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-stand-mixers/5ksm175ps.html
KitchenAid 5KSM185PS vs. 5KSM175PS Comparison
Capacity & Dimensions
The most significant difference is the bowl size. The 5KSM185PS comes with a 5-quart bowl, while the 5KSM175PS features a 4.8-quart bowl. While a 0.2-quart difference sounds negligible, it can be the deciding factor when doubling a recipe or whipping a large volume of egg whites. The 5KSM185PS allows you to mix dough for roughly one extra dozen cookies per batch.
In terms of physical size, both models are nearly identical in footprint and height. However, the larger model feels more substantial and is slightly heavier, which contributes to its stability but makes it harder to move from a pantry to the counter.
Performance & Power
Both models feature powerful motors, typically rated between 300 and 325 watts. They can both knead bread dough, whip cream, and mix heavy batters. However, the 5KSM185PS is engineered to handle its larger capacity more efficiently, giving it a slight performance edge with consistently dense mixtures. For everyday tasks like making cakes, muffins, and mashed potatoes, you are unlikely to notice any performance difference.
Materials & Construction
You can't go wrong with either model here. Both mixers are built with the same legendary KitchenAid quality, featuring full die-cast metal bodies. This heavy construction ensures the mixer won't "walk" across your counter during heavy mixing sessions and is designed to last for decades. The stainless steel bowls included with both are durable, easy to clean, and non-reactive.
Price & Value
Price is a major consideration. The 5KSM175PS is generally about $100 cheaper than the 5KSM185PS. For many home cooks, the value lies with the 175PS, as it delivers 95% of the same performance for significantly less money. The extra cost for the 185PS is only justified if you truly need the extra half-quart of capacity for frequent large-batch baking.
Who Each One Works Best For
The choice ultimately comes down to your specific baking habits. The 5KSM185PS is made for the dedicated baker - someone running a home-based baking business, hosting frequent large gatherings, or working with complex bread doughs multiple times a week. Its larger capacity is a practical feature that saves time and effort.
The 5KSM175PS is the mixer for everyone else. It's the standard for a reason: it's powerful enough for nearly any recipe a typical household will tackle, comes in countless colors to match any decor, and offers an excellent balance of price and performance. It’s perfect for weekly baking, holiday treats, and everyday food prep.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these KitchenAid stand mixers are fantastic investments that will last for years, but they cater to slightly different needs.
Choose the KitchenAid 5KSM185PS if:
- You regularly double recipes or bake for large crowds.
- You frequently work with very heavy, dense doughs like artisan breads or stiff cookie batters.
- Maximum capacity is your top priority, and you have ample counter space.
- You are an enthusiast baker who is willing to pay a premium for top-tier home performance.
Choose the KitchenAid 5KSM175PS if:
- You're an everyday home cook baking standard-sized batches.
- You want the classic KitchenAid experience at a more accessible price point.
- Kitchen counter space is at a premium.
- You value having the widest possible selection of color options for a personalized look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the 5KSM185PS and 5KSM175PS?
The primary differences are bowl capacity and price. The 185PS has a larger 5-quart bowl and is more expensive, while the 175PS has a 4.8-quart bowl and is more budget-friendly. Their motor power and core construction are nearly identical.
Can I use the same attachments on both mixer models?
Yes. Both the 5KSM185PS and 5KSM175PS feature the signature power hub at the front of the mixer head, which is compatible with all of KitchenAid's stand mixer attachments, like the food grinder, pasta roller, and spiralizer attachment.
Is the 5KSM185PS really more powerful?
While both are rated for similar wattage, the 185PS is designed to handle its larger 5-quart capacity at maximum load more effectively. This gives it a minor performance advantage for very dense doughs, but for most recipes, the difference is unnoticeable.
Which KitchenAid mixer is better for making bread?
Both models are excellent for making bread. The 5KSM185PS has the edge if you plan to make very large loaves or multiple loaves at once due to its slightly larger bowl capacity. However, the 5KSM175PS is more than capable of kneading standard-sized bread doughs.
How much practical difference does the 0.2-quart capacity make?
It depends on what you're making. For a batch of cookies, it can mean the difference between getting 8 dozen or 9 dozen. For whipping cream, it gives you a little extra headspace to prevent splashing. For most users, it’s a minor difference, but for dedicated batch bakers, every bit of space counts.
Will my old KitchenAid bowl fit on these new models?
Generally, bowls for 4.5-quart and 5-quart tilt-head mixers are interchangeable. A 4.8-quart bowl from a 175PS model should fit a 185PS base, and vice versa. Always check compatibility for your specific bowl to be sure.
Are the color options the same for both models?
KitchenAid offers a vast array of colors for the Artisan series, but specific shades can sometimes be exclusive to one model or retailer. The 5KSM175PS, being the more mainstream model, often has the widest and most varied color selection available.
Is the higher price for the 5KSM185PS worth it?
It's only worth it if you regularly find your current mixer's capacity to be a limiting factor. If you bake large quantities or for big events, the time saved by a larger bowl often justifies the extra cost. Otherwise, you can save money and get nearly the same exceptional experience with the 5KSM175PS.
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