The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125 and the 5KSM175 are nearly identical, sharing the same motor, bowl size, and core performance, but the 5KSM175 includes subtle design refinements and potentially quieter operation for a slightly higher price. Essentially, the 5KSM125 is the classic, great-value original, while the 5KSM175 is the incrementally updated version for those who appreciate small enhancements.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer for your kitchen.
KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125
The Artisan 5KSM125 is the iconic, reliable stand mixer that has become a staple in home kitchens around the world. It provides the perfect balance of power, capacity, and timeless style, making it the go-to choice for ambitious home bakers and cooks. With a powerful motor and a generous bowl size, it easily handles tasks from kneading dense bread dough to whipping delicate meringues.
- What it is: A classic 4.8-quart tilt-head stand mixer designed for a wide range of everyday home baking tasks.
- Key features: 325-watt motor, 4.8-quart stainless steel bowl, 10-speed slide control, and a tilt-head design for easy access to the bowl and attachments.
- Price: Typically ranges from $350 to $400.
- Style: The iconic KitchenAid silhouette with a retro-inspired design, available in a vast selection of classic and contemporary colors.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable die-cast metal body that provides stability and longevity, and a polished stainless steel work bowl.
- Pros: Excellent value for money, proven reliability and performance, wide array of color options, and compatible with dozens of KitchenAid attachments.
- Cons: Lacks some of the minor refinements of the 5KSM175 and may offer a more basic set of included accessories depending on the retailer.
The 5KSM125 is the ideal choice for most home bakers who value proven performance and classic design and want the best overall value.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-stand-mixer-5ksm125.html
KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175
The Artisan 5KSM175 is a slightly enhanced version of the classic 125 model, offering the same core power and capacity but with a few modest upgrades. Geared towards baking enthusiasts who appreciate small improvements, this model often features subtle design tweaks, an enhanced control interface, or potentially quieter motor performance. It's the same reliable workhorse, just with a few extra bells and whistles.
- What it is: An upgraded 4.8-quart tilt-head stand mixer with the same engine as the 125 but with small refinements for an improved user experience.
- Key features: 325-watt motor, 4.8-quart stainless steel bowl, 10-speed control, and a tilt-head design. It may also feature a slightly smoother control interface than the 125.
- Price: Usually priced from $400 to $450.
- Style: Features the same timeless design, but is sometimes offered in exclusive colors or finishes and may have subtle visual updates to the trim band or touchpoints.
- Materials/Construction: Identical high-quality die-cast metal body and stainless steel bowl, ensuring the same stability and durability as the 125.
- Pros: Offers all the benefits of the classic model plus minor user-focused refinements, potentially quieter operation, and may come with more included accessories.
- Cons: Costs more than the 125 for upgrades that don't change the core mixing performance.
The 5KSM175 is perfect for the dedicated home chef who is willing to pay a small premium for the absolute latest version with incremental design improvements.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-stand-mixer-5ksm175.html
KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125 vs. 5KSM175 Comparison
Materials & Construction
Both the Artisan 5KSM125 and 5KSM175 are built to a very high standard, featuring a full die-cast metal body. This heavy construction gives them excellent stability on the countertop, preventing them from "walking" even when kneading heavy doughs. The mixing bowls on both are made from durable, easy-to-clean stainless steel. In terms of sheer build quality and longevity, you can expect identical performance from both mixers.
Performance & Features
At their core, these two mixers are functionally identical. Both are powered by the same direct-drive 325-watt motor, offer 10 speeds for precision control, and use a 4.8-quart bowl. They will knead bread, cream butter, and whip egg whites with the exact same power and capacity. The primary difference lies in subtle refinements on the 5KSM175, which may include slightly smoother controls or newer internal components designed to reduce operational noise. However, these improvements are incremental and do not affect the mixer's core performance.
Style & Versatility
The iconic style of the KitchenAid Artisan is a major selling point, and both models deliver a timeless aesthetic that serves as a beautiful countertop display piece. Both are available in a huge spectrum of colors, allowing you to match any kitchen decor, from a rustic farmhouse feel to a sleek, modern look. The 5KSM175 will sometimes debut with special edition colors or finishes that aren't available for the 125, but the basic color roster is extensive for both. Crucially, both models are compatible with the full range of KitchenAid hub attachments, from pasta makers to meat grinders.
Price & Value
This is the most significant differentiating factor. The Artisan 5KSM125 typically costs about $50 less than the 5KSM175. Because the core performance, build quality, and motor are identical, the 5KSM125 offers a better pure value proposition. You get 99% of the machine for a lower price. The extra cost for the 5KSM175 buys you those small refinements - a choice that depends entirely on personal preference and budget.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Artisan mixers are fantastic, long-lasting investments, but they cater to slightly different priorities.
Choose the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125 if:
- You're looking for the best overall value for your money.
- You want a proven, reliable workhorse for all your essential baking tasks.
- You prioritize performance over minor design or sound-level enhancements.
- You are budget-conscious and want the classic KitchenAid experience without the extra cost.
Choose the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175 if:
- You want the most current version with any recent refinements.
- You are willing to pay a premium for potentially quieter operation.
- You have your eye on an exclusive color or finish that is only available on the 175 model.
- You value the subtle design tweaks and a slightly more premium user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid 5KSM125 and 5KSM175?
The main difference is that the 5KSM175 is an incrementally updated version of the 5KSM125. While they share the same motor, bowl size, and fundamental design, the 5KSM175 often includes minor enhancements like a smoother control interface, potentially quieter performance, and sometimes exclusive color options for a slightly higher price.
Is the motor in the 5KSM175 more powerful?
No, both models feature the same powerful and reliable 325-watt motor. Their ability to handle dense doughs and heavy mixtures is identical.
Which model is better for kneading bread dough?
Both the 5KSM125 and the 5KSM175 perform equally well for kneading bread dough. Their 4.8-quart capacity is suitable for most home recipes, and the 325-watt motor provides ample power for the task.
Are the attachments and mixing bowls interchangeable between the two?
Yes. Both mixers are part of the Artisan tilt-head family and use the same attachment power hub and bowl-lift mechanism. This means all official KitchenAid attachments (like the pasta roller or food grinder) and 4.8-quart bowls designed for tilt-head models will fit both machines.
Is the 5KSM175 worth the extra money?
This depends on your priorities. If you are looking for the best performance-for-price ratio, the 5KSM125 is the better value. If you value the absolute newest model with the latest small refinements and a potentially quieter motor, the small price premium for the 5KSM175 may be worth it to you.
Do these Artisan mixers ever go on sale?
Yes, both models frequently see discounts during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and around major holidays. It's always a good idea to check prices at different retailers if you're looking for a deal.
Which model has more color options?
Both models are famous for a vast color selection. While the core colors are available for both, KitchenAid sometimes releases special edition or trending colors exclusively on newer models like the 5KSM175 first.
Can I use a glass bowl on both mixers?
Yes, official KitchenAid 4.8-quart glass or ceramic bowls designed for their tilt-head stand mixers will fit securely on both the 5KSM125 and the 5KSM175 models.
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