The KitchenAid Bowl Lift 5.5 Quart and 7 Quart Stand Mixers are both powerhouse machines, but they differ primarily in batch capacity, motor power, and physical footprint. The 5.5 Quart is the versatile workhorse for most home kitchens, while the 7 Quart is a step up in size and power, built for large-volume baking and handling dense doughs with ease.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid bowl lift mixer for your culinary projects.
KitchenAid Bowl Lift 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer
The 5.5-Quart Bowl Lift mixer is designed as the ideal all-rounder for avid home bakers. It provides a perfect balance of professional-grade stability and a manageable size that fits comfortably in most kitchens, offering ample power for everything from whipping egg whites to kneading bread dough for a single-loaf recipe.
- What it is: A stable, high-performance bowl-lift stand mixer designed for small-to-medium batch home baking.
- Key features: 5.5-quart stainless steel bowl, approximately 275-watt motor, 11 mixing speeds, planetary mixing action for thorough ingredient incorporation, and a power hub for over 10 optional attachments.
- Price: Around $400 - $500
- Dimensions: Approximately 14.5" H x 8.7" W x 14" D, making it suitable for countertop placement under standard kitchen cabinets.
- Materials/Construction: Durable die-cast metal body that provides stability and reduces vibration, with a polished stainless steel bowl.
- Pros: More compact design fits easily in most kitchens. Lower price point provides great value. Powerful enough for the majority of home baking tasks. Stable bowl-lift design is great for heavy mixes.
- Cons: Bowl capacity may be limiting for double batches or holiday baking. Motor can feel strained with very dense doughs compared to the 7-quart model.
This mixer is ideal for bakers who routinely tackle standard recipes and prefer a powerful machine without the extra bulk and cost of a near-commercial unit.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/bowl-lift/ksm55
KitchenAid Bowl Lift 7 Quart Stand Mixer
The 7-Quart Bowl Lift mixer is a professional-grade machine built for those who bake frequently, in large volumes, or with challenging ingredients. Its larger capacity and more powerful motor make it the go-to choice for serious hobbyists, recipe developers, and even small catering operations who demand consistent, heavy-duty performance.
- What it is: A high-capacity, high-performance bowl-lift stand mixer designed for large batches and dense, heavy doughs.
- Key features: 7-quart stainless steel bowl, a more powerful motor (approximately 325 watts), precise speed control, and the same versatile power hub for attachments.
- Price: Around $500 - $700
- Dimensions: Approximately 16" H x 8.7" W x 16" D. It requires more dedicated counter or storage space.
- Materials/Construction: Features the same robust die-cast metal construction as the 5.5-quart model, ensuring stability and long-term durability.
- Pros: Extra-large capacity handles double batches or up to 14 dozen cookies at once. More powerful motor kneads heavy bread and bagel doughs without straining. Professional-grade power and feel.
- Cons: Higher price point. Taller and deeper design may not fit under all kitchen cabinets. Potentially overkill for bakers who only make single batches.
The 7-quart model is perfect for anyone who never wants to worry about batch size limits or motor strain, particularly those baking for large families, events, or small businesses.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/bowl-lift/ksm70sl
KitchenAid Bowl Lift 5.5 Quart vs. 7 Quart Stand Mixer Comparison
Capacity & Batch Size
The most significant difference is capacity. The 5.5 quart bowl is ample for standard recipes - think a dozen cupcakes, a single loaf of bread, or a batch of 9 dozen cookies. It's the right size for weekly baking and typical family needs.
The 7 quart bowl is designed for serious volume. It can handle up to 14 dozen cookies, multiple loaves of bread, or doubled-up cake recipes. If you find yourself consistently needing to split your batches or if you do extensive holiday baking, the 7-quart capacity is much more practical.
Power & Performance
Both mixers are incredibly capable, but the 7-quart model has a more powerful motor (around 325 watts compared to the 5.5-quart's 275 watts). This extra power becomes important when working with very low-hydration, dense doughs like bagels or artisanal breads. The 7-quart mixer can knead these tough doughs for extended periods with less motor strain.
For most cookie doughs, cake batters, and standard yeast breads, the 5.5-quart mixer has more than enough power to get the job done efficiently. The performance difference is most noticeable at the extreme ends of baking.
Dimensions & Footprint
Measure your space before you buy. The 5.5-quart model stands about 14.5 inches tall, allowing it to tuck neatly under most standard upper kitchen cabinets (which typically have about 18 inches of clearance). Its 14-inch depth is also more manageable on a standard countertop.
The 7-quart mixer is a bigger machine, standing around 16 inches tall and nearly 16 inches deep. This extra size can be prohibitive for smaller kitchens or those who want to keep their mixer on the counter. Always double-check your under-cabinet height if you plan to store it there.
Price & Value
The 5.5-quart model typically costs $100-$200 less than its 7-quart counterpart. For the everyday home baker, it offers fantastic value, providing professional-level stability and power at a more accessible price. The 7-quart's higher price tag is a direct investment in capacity and power. For those who will use the extra space and strength, it's a worthwhile upgrade that pays off in convenience and long-term durability under heavy use.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these KitchenAid mixers are excellent machines, but they cater to different types of bakers.
Choose the KitchenAid Bowl Lift 5.5 Quart if:
- You primarily bake standard-sized batches for your family.
- You have limited counter space or need your mixer to fit under cabinets.
- You bake occasionally or a few times a week, but not in huge volumes.
- Your budget is under $500 and you want the best value for home use.
Choose the KitchenAid Bowl Lift 7 Quart if:
- You frequently double recipes, bake for holidays, or supply treats for events.
- You regularly make heavy, dense bread doughs and need extra motor power.
- You have a spacious kitchen with a dedicated spot for a large appliance.
- You view your mixer as a long-term, professional-grade investment for serious baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the 5.5 and 7 quart models?
The four main differences are capacity, power, size, and price. The 7-quart model has a larger bowl, a slightly more powerful motor for dense doughs, a bigger physical footprint, and a higher price tag. The 5.5-quart is more compact and affordable, making it ideal for standard home use.
Is the 7-quart model too big for a single batch of cookies?
While the 7-quart mixer can handle smaller batches, it may not be as efficient. The larger bowl and beater might struggle to properly incorporate very small quantities of ingredients. The 5.5-quart model is better suited for consistently small-to-standard batch sizes.
Will my existing KitchenAid attachments fit both models?
Attachments that fit into the front power hub - like the pasta roller, meat grinder, or spiralizer - are universal and will fit both the 5.5 and 7-quart models. However, bowls and beaters (flat beater, dough hook, wire whip) are size-specific and are not interchangeable between the two mixers.
Can the 5.5-quart mixer handle bread dough?
Absolutely. The 5.5-quart bowl-lift mixer is well-equipped to handle standard bread dough recipes. Its powerful motor and stable design provide excellent kneading action. The 7-quart simply offers more power and capacity for larger loaves or denser, low-hydration sourdoughs.
How much counter space do I need for each mixer?
For the 5.5-quart mixer, you'll want a space that is at least 10 inches wide and 15 inches deep, with about 15 inches of vertical clearance. For the 7-quart mixer, plan for a space at least 10 inches wide and 17 inches deep, with at least 17 inches of vertical clearance.
Is the larger motor on the 7-quart model worth the extra cost?
It depends on what you bake. If you regularly make heavy bread or bagel doughs, the extra motor power prevents strain and ensures a longer lifespan for your machine, making it a worthy investment. If you mostly make cakes, cookies, and whipped creams, the power of the 5.5-quart model is more than sufficient.
What comes in the box with each mixer?
Both models typically ship with a stainless steel bowl, a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a wire whip. Specific included accessories can sometimes vary by retailer or special edition packages.
Which one is better for a beginner?
For a beginner, the KitchenAid Bowl Lift 5.5 Quart is the perfect starting point. It offers professional-grade features without being overwhelming in size or price, and it has more than enough capacity and power for someone learning to bake.
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