The KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer and the Ankarsrum Assistent Original are two of the most respected machines in the home baking world, but they serve different users. The KitchenAid is an iconic, versatile mixer known for its classic design, vast color selection, and planetary mixing action perfect for everyday baking, while the Ankarsrum is a Swedish-engineered powerhouse with a unique rotating bowl design that excels at handling heavy bread doughs and large batches.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which of these premium stand mixers from KitchenAid and Ankarsrum belongs on your counter.
KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Artisan is arguably the most recognizable stand mixer on the market, functioning as both a reliable workhorse and a statement piece of kitchen decor. It's famous for its user-friendly tilt-head design and its extensive ecosystem of attachments that can transform it from a mixer into a pasta maker, meat grinder, or even an ice cream machine. For decades, it has been the go-to choice for home cooks who need a capable, do-it-all mixer.
- What it is: An iconic, tilt-head stand mixer known for its high-quality construction and vast color selection.
- Key features: 5-quart capacity, traditional planetary mixing action (beater spins while orbiting the bowl), powerful 325-watt motor, and a power hub for over a dozen optional attachments.
- Price: Around $379 to $449, depending on color and included accessories.
- Style: Retro-inspired, timeless design available in dozens of colors, from bold reds to subtle pastels, making it a design centerpiece.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable die-cast metal body that provides stability and reduces vibration. Comes with a stainless steel bowl and coated metal beaters.
- Pros: Huge range of color options to match any kitchen, very intuitive and easy to use, massive ecosystem of attachments, widely available, and a lower entry price point.
- Cons: The 325-watt motor can sometimes struggle or heat up with very stiff, heavy bread doughs. Its tall profile can be a challenge for storage under standard cabinets. Can be quite loud during operation.
The KitchenAid Artisan is ideal for hobbyist bakers and home cooks who want a stylish, versatile machine for tasks like making cookies, cakes, whipped cream, and occasional bread batches.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/artisan-series
Ankarsrum Assistent Original Stand Mixer
The Ankarsrum Assistent Original is a legendary stand mixer from Sweden, known for its radically different design and incredible durability. Instead of a tilting head and planetary action, the Ankarsrum features a stationary mixing arm while the bowl itself rotates. This unique mechanism, combined with a powerful 600-watt motor, allows it to knead massive quantities of heavy dough without straining, making it a favorite among serious bread bakers.
- What it is: A high-performance, Swedish-made stand mixer with a unique rotating-bowl design built for power and longevity.
- Key features: Large 7-liter (~7.4-quart) stainless steel bowl, powerful and quiet 600-watt motor, and a unique design featuring a dough roller, dough knife, and dough hook for optimal kneading. Comes with a secondary bowl and whisks for lighter tasks.
- Price: Typically ranges from $500 to $700.
- Style: Sleek, minimalist Scandinavian design with a focus on function. More compact and horizontal than the KitchenAid, with clean lines and a range of sophisticated matte and gloss finishes.
- Materials/Construction: Features a robust all-metal build and high-quality components designed for decades of use. The craftsmanship reflects its Scandinavian heritage of durability.
- Pros: Extremely powerful and handles large, heavy batches of dough with ease. Significantly quieter operation than most stand mixers. A more compact footprint makes it easier to store. Built to last for generations.
- Cons: Higher price point. The unique design has a steeper learning curve for users accustomed to traditional mixers. The accessory ecosystem is less extensive than KitchenAid's.
The Ankarsrum is built for the passionate baker, especially those who frequently make bread, pizza dough, or other heavy mixtures and prioritize power, capacity, and quiet efficiency over aesthetics.
Shop this product: ankarsrum.com/us/assistent-original
KitchenAid Artisan vs. Ankarsrum Comparison
Performance & Capacity
This is where the two mixers differ most. The KitchenAid Artisan's 325-watt motor and planetary action are excellent for all-purpose baking - whipping egg whites, creaming butter and sugar, and mixing cake batters. It can handle bread dough, but larger or lower-hydration batches can cause the motor to strain or the head to bounce. Its 5-quart bowl is suitable for most home baking recipes.
The Ankarsrum, with its 600-watt motor and rotating bowl, is an entirely different beast. The motor is directly below the bowl, providing exceptional torque for kneading. It mimics the gentle-yet-firm action of kneading by hand and can handle up to 11 pounds of dough without breaking a sweat. Its 7.4-quart bowl is significantly larger, making it perfect for bulk baking. For bread, there is no contest: the Ankarsrum is superior.
Materials & Construction
Both machines are built to last with high-quality metal construction. The KitchenAid's die-cast metal body gives it a solid, stable presence on the counter. It’s a proven design that holds up well to regular use, making it feel like a premium appliance.
The Ankarsrum takes durability to another level. Its all-metal housing and Swedish engineering are designed for relentless performance over many years. The components feel robust and precisely made, and it operates with a smooth confidence that suggests it will outlive most other kitchen appliances. The brand’s focus on longevity and repairability makes it a true long-term investment.
Dimensions & Scale
The KitchenAid Artisan has a significant vertical footprint, standing about 14 inches tall. This can make it difficult to fit under some kitchen cabinets, and its 26-pound weight means you won't want to move it often.
The Ankarsrum is designed horizontally, measuring just 12 inches high. Its more compact, stout profile makes it much easier to slide under standard cabinets for storage. Though still heavy at around 20 pounds, its smaller vertical size makes it a better fit for kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
Price & Value
With a starting price under $400, the KitchenAid Artisan is more financially accessible. For the money, you get a beautiful, highly capable machine with an unparalleled range of attachments. It offers tremendous value for the home baker who does a bit of everything.
The Ankarsrum's $700 price tag positions it as a premium, specialist tool. While the upfront cost is high, its value lies in its superior power, durability, and capacity. For a dedicated bread baker, the investment pays off in an unstressed motor, perfectly developed gluten, and a machine that will likely never need replacing.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetics are a huge part of the KitchenAid appeal. With an endless library of colors and a timeless retro design, it’s a decorative element as much as a functional one. Its versatility is legendary, thanks to the power hub that supports attachments for everything from making juice to grinding grains.
The Ankarsrum has a sleek, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic that is more functional and understated. While stylish in its own right, it doesn't try to be the vibrant centerpiece KitchenAid does. It also has a solid range of attachments for grinding, slicing, and spiralizing, but the ecosystem isn't as vast or widely marketed as KitchenAid’s.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both stand mixers are leaders in their class, but they are engineered for distinctly different needs and priorities.
Choose the KitchenAid Artisan if:
- You prioritize style and want your mixer to be a colorful centerpiece in your kitchen.
- You are an all-purpose home baker who makes cakes, cookies, and frosting more often than bread.
- You want access to the widest possible range of official and third-party attachments.
- Your budget is under $500, and you value brand recognition and ease of use.
Choose the Ankarsrum if:
- You are a serious bread baker and frequently work with large, wet, or stiff doughs.
- You need a machine with a large capacity for batch baking.
- You value a quiet motor, premium engineering, and long-term durability over aesthetics.
- You are prepared to invest in a specialized tool that excels at its primary function.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between how the KitchenAid and Ankarsrum mix?
The KitchenAid uses a planetary mixing action, where the beater spins on its own axis while also orbiting around the stationary bowl. The Ankarsrum uses a unique system where the large bowl rotates, bringing the ingredients to a stationary dough hook or roller, which is more powerful and gentle on dough.
Which stand mixer is better for making bread?
The Ankarsrum is widely considered the superior choice for bread baking. Its powerful motor and specialized kneading tools can handle very large and heavy doughs without straining, leading to better gluten development.
Is the Ankarsrum mixer worth the high price?
For dedicated bread bakers or those who frequently bake in large quantities, the Ankarsrum's durability, power, and capacity make it a worthwhile long-term investment. For the casual home cook, the KitchenAid Artisan often provides better overall value.
Can the KitchenAid Artisan handle bread dough at all?
Yes, the KitchenAid Artisan can handle bread dough. It performs well with smaller batches and moderately hydrated doughs. However, it can struggle with double batches or very stiff doughs like bagels, which can strain the motor over time.
Which one is quieter?
The Ankarsrum is significantly quieter than the KitchenAid during operation. Its direct-drive motor is engineered for smooth, low-noise performance, even under heavy load.
Which model is easier to use?
The KitchenAid Artisan is more intuitive for beginners because its tilt-head design is what most people picture when they think of a stand mixer. The Ankarsrum has a slight learning curve due to its unique mechanics, but users report it's easy to master after a few uses.
How do the attachments compare?
KitchenAid has a far more extensive and well-known ecosystem of attachments for its power hub, including pasta rollers, food grinders, and spiralizers. The Ankarsrum also offers various attachments but its selection is more focused on core food preparation tasks.
Which stand mixer is easier to clean?
Both are relatively easy to clean. The Ankarsrum’s open-top bowl design provides unobstructed access, which some users find simpler for adding ingredients and scraping down the sides. Many components for both mixers are dishwasher-safe.
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