The KitchenAid Artisan 125 and Artisan 175 are iconic stand mixers that differ primarily in motor power, capacity, and price. The Artisan 125 is the more compact, entry-level option with a 250-watt motor and a 4.5-quart bowl, while the Artisan 175 is the more powerful step-up model, boasting a 325-watt motor and a larger 5-quart bowl for bigger batches and heavier doughs.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which KitchenAid mixer is the right fit for your kitchen.
KitchenAid Artisan 125 Stand Mixer
The Artisan 125 is often considered the perfect entry point into the premium KitchenAid ecosystem. It delivers the brand's signature performance and die-cast metal durability in a slightly more compact and affordable package, making it ideal for standard home baking tasks from whipping cream to mixing cake batter and light doughs.
- What it is: A tilt-head stand mixer designed for everyday baking for small-to-medium-sized households.
- Key features: 250-watt motor, 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl, 10-speed control, and planetary mixing action for thorough ingredient incorporation.
- Price: Typically around $350 - $400 USD.
- Dimensions: Designed to fit comfortably on standard countertops without sacrificing power. It's slightly more compact than its 175 counterpart.
- Materials/Construction: Features the classic, durable die-cast all-metal construction KitchenAid is known for, ensuring stability and a long lifespan.
- Style: Iconic retro design with a tilt-head for easy bowl and beater access, available in a wide variety of signature colors.
- Pros: More affordable price point. More compact size is great for smaller kitchens. Powerful enough for most common baking recipes. Shares the same timeless design as more expensive models.
- Cons: Smaller 4.5-quart bowl capacity may be limiting for large batches. The 250-watt motor may struggle with very stiff or heavy doughs, like dense bread.
The Artisan 125 is a fantastic choice for casual bakers or smaller families who want a reliable, high-quality mixer for everyday tasks without needing maximum capacity.
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KitchenAid Artisan 175 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Artisan 175 is a step-up model built for serious home bakers and enthusiasts who need more power and capacity. With a larger bowl and a more robust motor, it's designed to handle everything from double batches of cookie dough to multiple loaves of bread with ease, making it a true workhorse in the kitchen.
- What it is: A high-performance tilt-head stand mixer for frequent use, large batches, and demanding recipes.
- Key features: More powerful 325-watt motor, a larger 5-quart stainless steel bowl, 10-speed settings, and planetary mixing action. It often comes with additional accessories, such as a pouring shield or flex edge beater.
- Price: Usually priced between $450 - $550 USD.
- Dimensions: Has a slightly larger footprint than the 125 due to its larger bowl and motor, requiring a bit more counter space.
- Materials/Construction: Built with the same sturdy die-cast metal body as the 125, designed for stability and durability even when kneading heavy loads.
- Style: Employs the same beloved vintage-inspired Artisan design, available in an extensive range of colors to match any kitchen decor.
- Pros: Increased power handles heavy doughs like sourdough and brioche effortlessly. The larger 5-quart bowl is perfect for big families or batch baking. Often includes more accessories for added value.
- Cons: Higher price point. Takes up more counter space. The extra power and capacity may be overkill for someone who only bakes occasionally.
This mixer is ideal for frequent bakers, larger families, or anyone who doesn't want to be limited by capacity and regularly tackles heavy, dense doughs.
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Artisan 125 vs. Artisan 175 Comparison
Capacity & Power
The most significant difference lies here. The Artisan 125 features a 4.5-quart bowl and a 250-watt motor, which is perfectly sufficient for making a batch of a dozen cookies or a single loaf of bread. It's a capable machine for most standard recipes.
The Artisan 175 elevates performance with its 5-quart bowl and 325-watt motor. That extra half-quart capacity means you can mix dough for up to 9 dozen cookies or 4.5 loaves of bread in one go. The more powerful motor doesn't just allow for larger batches, it provides more torque to knead dense bread doughs or mix stiff batters without straining, ensuring a longer lifespan under heavy use.
Materials & Construction
Both models are built to last and share the same core construction principles. They feature a full die-cast metal body, which not only gives them their signature heft and stability but also protects the internal motor and gearing for decades of use. The mixing bowls are made from polished stainless steel, which is durable, easy to clean, and non-reactive.
Because they share the same fundamental build quality, you can expect exceptional durability from either model. The choice between them isn't about which is "better made" but which has the right power specifications for your needs.
Price & Value
The Artisan 125 comes in at a lower price point, generally saving you around $100-$150 compared to the 175. This makes it a great value for someone entering the world of stand mixers or who knows their baking needs are moderate. You get the quality and style of a KitchenAid without paying for capacity you may never use.
The higher cost of the Artisan 175 is a direct investment in power and capacity. For a serious baker, this premium translates to better value over the long term. The ability to handle larger recipes and tougher doughs without stress makes it a more versatile and future-proof tool for culinary ambitions.
Style & Aesthetics
Visually, the mixers are nearly identical. Both sport the timeless, curved silhouette of the Artisan series and feature the popular tilt-head design for easy access to the bowl and beater. Both are offered in a massive spectrum of colors, from Empire Red to Aqua Sky, allowing them to serve as a stylish centerpiece in any kitchen.
The only noticeable aesthetic difference is their physical size. The 175 stands slightly taller and has a wider bowl, giving it a more substantial presence on the counter.
Who Each One Works Best For
The decision ultimately comes down to your baking habits. The Artisan 125 is perfect for individuals or couples, casual bakers who make cakes and cookies on weekends, and those with tighter kitchen space or budgets. It handles all the basics with grace and reliability.
The Artisan 175 is geared toward dedicated home chefs, large families, and anyone who bakes multiple times a week. If you frequently make bread, double up on recipes for parties or holidays, or simply want the most powerful and versatile tilt-head mixer in the Artisan series, the 175 is the clear choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both KitchenAid mixers are excellent machines, but they serve different users and baking styles.
Choose the KitchenAid Artisan 125 if:
- You're a casual baker or new to using a stand mixer.
- You primarily make standard-sized batches of cookies, batters, or occasional light doughs.
- Kitchen counter space is limited.
- You're working with a smaller budget but still want premium quality.
Choose the KitchenAid Artisan 175 if:
- You are a frequent and serious home baker.
- You regularly make large batches of dough or double up recipes.
- You love baking dense doughs like whole wheat bread or sourdough.
- You view your mixer as a long-term culinary investment and want maximum versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid Artisan 125 and 175?
The key differences are power and capacity. The 175 has a more powerful 325-watt motor and a larger 5-quart bowl, while the 125 has a 250-watt motor and a 4.5-quart bowl. This makes the 175 better suited for larger batches and heavier doughs.
Can the KitchenAid Artisan 125 handle bread dough?
Yes, the Artisan 125 can handle bread dough for smaller, single-loaf recipes. However, for frequent bread making or using very dense, heavy doughs, the more powerful Artisan 175 is the recommended choice to avoid straining the motor over time.
Are the attachments and bowls interchangeable between the 125 and 175?
Most standard attachments that connect to the power hub (like the pasta maker or meat grinder) are compatible with both models. However, the mixing tools (beaters, whisks, dough hooks) and bowls are specific to their bowl size and are generally not interchangeable between the 4.5-quart and 5-quart models.
Is the Artisan 175 worth the extra money?
If you regularly bake in large quantities or tackle tough mixing jobs, the extra power and capacity of the Artisan 175 are absolutely worth the investment. For casual bakers, the Artisan 125 provides excellent performance and value.
Which KitchenAid mixer is better for a beginner?
The Artisan 125 is an excellent choice for a beginner. It offers the full KitchenAid experience with enough power and capacity for most common recipes, making it a perfect introduction to high-quality stand mixers without being overwhelming.
How many colors does each model come in?
Both models are part of the Artisan series and are famous for their extensive color palettes. You can typically find both in dozens of colors, from classic neutrals to bold, vibrant shades, though specific availability may vary by retailer.
How much counter space do I need for these mixers?
Both are considered countertop appliances. The Artisan 125 has a slightly smaller footprint. You should budget about 14 inches of depth and about 9 inches of width. The Artisan 175 is very similar but slightly larger, so ensure you have enough vertical clearance for the tilt-head mechanism to operate (around 17-18 inches).
How do you clean an Artisan mixer?
The stainless steel bowl, dough hook, and flat beater are typically dishwasher safe. The wire whip should be hand-washed. The body of the mixer can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Always check the user manual for specific care instructions for your model.
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