The KitchenAid Artisan 193 and the Artisan 185 are both iconic stand mixers, but the key differences come down to motor power, price, and aesthetics. The Artisan 193 features an upgraded 325-watt motor, a sleeker design, and a wider range of modern colors, while the Artisan 185 has a reliable 300-watt motor, a classic look, and a slightly lower price point.
Here’s a detailed look at both models to help you find the right KitchenAid mixer for your kitchen.
KitchenAid Artisan 193 Stand Mixer
The Artisan 193 is a slightly modernized take on KitchenAid's classic stand mixer. With a more powerful motor and an expanded color palette, it's designed for frequent bakers who work with heavier doughs and want a stand mixer that matches a contemporary kitchen aesthetic.
- What it is: A high-performance 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer with enhanced power.
- Key features: 325-watt motor, 5-quart stainless steel bowl, 10 speed settings, and a tilt-head design for easy access to the bowl and attachments.
- Price: Around $450–$500, depending on the retailer and finish.
- Style: A sleek, modernized silhouette with contemporary lines and a wide range of available colors, including trendy matte finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Durable die-cast metal body that provides stability and reduces motor noise.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14.3" x 8.7" x 14.3", fitting comfortably on standard countertops.
- Pros: More powerful motor handles dense bread doughs with ease. Wider selection of modern and unique colors. Sleeker design updates a classic look. Runs quietly and efficiently.
- Cons: Higher price point. The performance difference may not be noticeable for light-duty baking.
The Artisan 193 is for the home baker who tackles everything from airy meringues to heavy sourdough and values having the latest features and style options.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-5-quart-stand-mixer-5ksm195ps
KitchenAid Artisan 185 Stand Mixer
The Artisan 185 is the classic, reliable workhorse that made KitchenAid a household name. Praised for its durability and consistent performance, it delivers professional-level results at a slightly more accessible price point, making it a fantastic choice for everyday baking needs and traditional kitchens.
- What it is: The classic 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer known for its reliability and performance.
- Key features: 300-watt motor, 5-quart stainless steel bowl, 10 speed settings, and a classic tilt-head design.
- Price: Typically costs between $400–$450, offering a slightly more budget-friendly option.
- Style: Features the iconic, timeless KitchenAid design with a more rounded shape and a focus on classic colorways.
- Materials/Construction: Built with the same sturdy die-cast metal body as the 193, ensuring long-lasting stability.
- Dimensions: Nearly identical to the 193 at approximately 14.2" x 8.7" x 14.2".
- Pros: Excellent value for proven performance. Easily handles most home baking tasks. Classic design fits in any kitchen. Often available at a lower price.
- Cons: The 300W motor can struggle with very stiff or large batches of dough. Fewer trendy color options compared to the 193 model.
The Artisan 185 is perfect for occasional to regular home bakers who want legendary KitchenAid quality and reliability without needing the extra power for commercial-style baking.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-5-quart-stand-mixer-5ksm185ps
KitchenAid Artisan 193 vs. 185 Comparison
Motor &, Performance
The most functional difference is the motor power. The Artisan 193 comes with a 325-watt motor, while the Artisan 185 is equipped with a 300-watt motor. While a 25-watt difference seems small, it provides the 193 with extra torque for tackling dense, heavy doughs for bread or large cookie batches without straining.
For everyday tasks like whipping cream, mixing cakes, or making occasional batches of cookies, the performance of the Artisan 185 is more than sufficient. However, if you are a frequent bread baker or regularly make double batches, the extra power in the Artisan 193 offers a noticeable advantage in efficiency and long-term durability.
Design &, Aesthetics
Both mixers share the iconic KitchenAid silhouette, but with subtle variations. The Artisan 193 has a slightly more modern design with sleeker, more angular lines and a trim band that has a more contemporary finish. It’s also available in a wider array of modern colors, including plenty of matte and textured options that align with current kitchen design trends.
The Artisan 185 holds onto the classic, more rounded profile that has been a kitchen staple for decades. Its color palette leans more toward traditional, glossy finishes. Your choice here is purely about style - the modern appeal of the 193 versus the timeless charm of the 185.
Features &, Attachments
Both the Artisan 193 and 185 models are functionally identical in their core features. Both use a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, offer 10 speeds, and employ the user-friendly tilt-head design. Most importantly, both models are fully compatible with KitchenAid's extensive lineup of over 15 hub attachments, from pasta rollers to meat grinders. You won't lose any versatility by choosing one over the other.
Price &, Value
The Artisan 185 is consistently priced lower than the Artisan 193, usually by about $50 to $100 depending on sales and retailers. This makes it an excellent value proposition, you get most of the performance and all of the brand's reliability for less money. The Artisan 193 commands a higher price for its more powerful motor and updated stylistic options. The value of the 193 comes from its ability to handle more challenging tasks, making it a better long-term investment for serious home cooks.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both mixers are outstanding kitchen tools, but they cater to slightly different users and priorities.
Choose the Artisan 193 if:
- You're an avid baker who frequently makes heavy bread or pasta dough.
- A modern aesthetic is important, and you want access to the latest colors and matte finishes.
- You're willing to pay a premium for a bit of extra power and a more contemporary look.
- You plan on using the mixer for large batches or extended periods regularly.
Choose the Artisan 185 if:
- You are an occasional to moderate home baker who mostly makes cakes, cookies, and lighter doughs.
- You prioritize value and want the trusted KitchenAid performance at a lower cost.
- You prefer the classic, timeless look of the original KitchenAid stand mixer.
- You consider the mixer a functional tool more than a design statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Artisan 193 and 185?
The three main differences are motor power (325 watts for the 193 vs. 300 watts for the 185), design (modern vs. classic), and price (the 193 is typically more expensive).
Are the attachments interchangeable between the 193 and 185?
Yes. Both the Artisan 193 and 185 share the same attachment hub, meaning they are both compatible with the full range of official KitchenAid attachments.
Is the 325-watt motor in the Artisan 193 a big upgrade?
For some users, yes. If you regularly knead dense bread dough or mix large, stiff batches of ingredients, the extra 25 watts provides more torque, which prevents the motor from straining and leads to a smoother mixing process.
Which KitchenAid Artisan model is better for baking bread?
The Artisan 193 is slightly better for baking bread due to its stronger motor. It can handle heavy, low-hydration doughs more easily without overheating or struggling, which is better for the motor's longevity.
Do both models have a die-cast metal body?
Yes, both models are constructed with a durable die-cast metal body. This heavy construction gives them stability on the countertop during operation and is a key reason for their long lifespan.
Why is the Artisan 193 more expensive than the 185?
The higher price tag for the Artisan 193 reflects its upgraded motor, modernized design elements, and a wider variety of premium and trendy color finishes.
Are there any size differences on the countertop?
No, the size difference is negligible. The dimensions of both mixers are nearly identical, and they will take up the same amount of space on your kitchen counter.
How many quarts is the bowl for each model?
Both the Artisan 193 and 185 models come standard with a 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl, which is large enough to mix dough for 9 dozen cookies or 4 loaves of bread in a single batch.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
