The KitchenAid KSM60 and KSM70 are functionally identical stand mixers, both featuring the same powerful 325-watt motor, 5-quart capacity, and tilt-head design. The primary difference lies in aesthetics and price, with the KSM60 offering a classic, traditional look at a slightly lower cost, while the KSM70 features a more modern, sleek design with premium color finishes for a higher price.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right KitchenAid stand mixer for your kitchen.
KitchenAid KSM60 Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid KSM60 is the quintessential stand mixer that has become a staple in homes for decades. Known for its powerful performance and timeless design, it's a reliable workhorse built for everything from whipping egg whites to kneading dense bread dough. Its classic tilt-head style provides easy access to the bowl and attachments, making it a favorite among home bakers who value both function and tradition.
- What it is: A versatile and iconic 5-quart stand mixer designed for everyday home use.
- Key features: 325-watt motor, tilt-head design for easy bowl access, 10-speed settings for precise control, compatibility with over 15 optional attachments.
- Price: Around $350–$400, depending on the retailer and color.
- Dimensions: 14" H x 8.75" W x 13.9" D.
- Materials/Construction: Durable die-cast metal body with a polished 5-quart stainless steel bowl.
- Style: Classic and traditional look with rounded edges, available in dozens of signature KitchenAid colors.
- Pros: Excellent value for proven performance, slightly more affordable, iconic design that fits many kitchen styles, solid and stable construction.
- Cons: Aesthetically less modern than the KSM70, design can feel a bit bulky on smaller countertops.
The KSM60 is ideal for home cooks who prioritize reliable performance and classic style without needing the absolute latest design elements.
Shop this product: https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-mixers/stand-mixers/p.ksm60.html
KitchenAid KSM70 Artisan Design Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid KSM70 takes everything that makes the KSM60 great - the power, capacity, and reliability - and wraps it in a more contemporary package. It features sleeker lines, a slightly more refined finish, and is often released in modern, vibrant color palettes. It's designed for the style-conscious baker who wants the same powerful performance but with an updated look that complements a modern kitchen.
- What it is: A design-forward 5-quart stand mixer with the same engine as the classic KSM60.
- Key features: Robust 325-watt motor, convenient tilt-head mechanism, 10 variable speeds, compatibility with all classic KitchenAid hub attachments.
- Price: Typically priced slightly higher, around $400–$450.
- Dimensions: Slightly taller than the KSM60, often around 14.1" H x 9.3" W x 14.3" D.
- Materials/Construction: The same durable die-cast metal construction and a 5-quart stainless steel bowl.
- Style: Sleek and modern with refined lines and aesthetic accents, available in a range of contemporary and premium colors.
- Pros: Aesthetically elevated modern design, complements contemporary kitchens, available in unique color options, same reliable performance.
- Cons: Costs more for essentially cosmetic upgrades, slightly larger footprint may not suit all spaces.
This mixer is perfect for those who see their stand mixer as a permanent countertop feature and are willing to pay a premium for high-end design.
Shop this product: https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-mixers/stand-mixers/p.ksm70.html
KitchenAid KSM60 vs. KSM70 Comparison
Performance & Power
There is absolutely no functional difference between the KSM60 and the KSM70 in terms of performance. Both models are equipped with the exact same 325-watt motor, 10-speed control, and planetary mixing action that ensures all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. A KSM60 will knead heavy bread dough, whip a meringue, or cream butter and sugar just as effectively and efficiently as a KSM70.
Your decision should not be based on which one you think will perform better. If your primary concern is power and capability, both mixers are equal.
Capacity & Dimensions
Both mixers feature a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, which is large enough to mix dough for 9 dozen cookies or 4 loaves of bread in a single batch. This makes them ideal for most home bakers, from casual cookie makers to avid bread enthusiasts. The bowls and the essential included attachments (flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip) are interchangeable between the two models.
In terms of countertop footprint, they are very similar. The KSM70 can sometimes be fractionally larger or taller due to its more stylized design, but the difference is minimal and both will fit comfortably under standard kitchen cabinets.
Style & Aesthetics
This is the main battleground. The KSM60 has the classic, iconic KitchenAid silhouette - durable, sturdy, and a bit utilitarian but with a friendly, rounded shape that's recognized worldwide. It comes in an enormous range of colors to match nearly any kitchen decor preference, from Empire Red to Aqua Sky.
The KSM70 is all about a refined visual. It presents a more modern, streamlined look with sleeker lines and often comes in premium or matte finishes. If your kitchen has a contemporary, minimalist, or high-design aesthetic, the KSM70's updated look is likely a better fit. Its design is less about retro charm and more about modern elegance.
Price & Value
The KSM60 offers better pure value. Given that the mechanical and performance components are identical, you get the same mixing power for about $50 less. This makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers or those who simply need a reliable mixer and aren't concerned with paying extra for aesthetics.
The KSM70 carries a price premium for its design. You are paying extra for the modern look, sleeker lines, and often more specialized color options. If the mixer is a permanent fixture on your counter and its appearance is a high priority, that extra cost may be well worth it to you.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the KSM60 and KSM70 are excellent, durable machines, but they appeal to different design sensibilities and budgets.
Choose the KitchenAid KSM60 if:
- You want the best performance for the price and value is a top priority.
- You prefer the classic, timeless KitchenAid look that has been popular for generations.
- You see your mixer as a functional tool more than a decorative piece.
- You plan to store your mixer in a cabinet when it's not in use.
Choose the KitchenAid KSM70 if:
- Aesthetics are a top priority and you want a mixer that complements a modern kitchen.
- You plan to keep your mixer on the countertop as a statement piece.
- You prefer sleek, streamlined designs over classic, rounded shapes.
- You're willing to pay a premium for specific premium color finishes and an updated look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the KitchenAid KSM60 and KSM70?
The only significant difference is their aesthetic design and price. The KSM70 features a more modern, streamlined look for a higher price, while the KSM60 has the classic, iconic KitchenAid appearance for less. Their motor, capacity, and performance are identical.
Are the attachments for the KSM60 and KSM70 interchangeable?
Yes. Both models feature the same power hub and bowl-lift mechanism, so all attachments, from beaters and dough hooks to specialized extras like the pasta maker or meat grinder, are fully interchangeable.
Is the KSM70 motor more powerful than the KSM60?
No, the motor performance is exactly the same. Both models use a powerful 325-watt motor that can handle the same range of heavy-duty and delicate mixing tasks.
Which mixer is better for making bread dough?
Both are equally excellent for making bread dough. With their 325-watt motors and durable dough hooks, they will knead even stiff doughs with consistent, reliable results. Your choice between them will not affect your bread-making capability.
Which KitchenAid is quieter?
Because their internal mechanics and motor are identical, the noise level during operation is comparable. Neither model is significantly quieter than the other.
What comes in the box with each mixer?
Both mixers typically ship with a 5-quart stainless steel bowl, a flat beater, a dough hook, and a wire whip. Some special edition bundles may include additional accessories like a pouring shield or a scraper beater.
Why is the KSM70 more expensive if it performs the same?
The higher price of the KSM70 is purely for its design. You are paying for the modern aesthetics, sleeker lines, and often more contemporary or exclusive color options that differentiate it from the classic look of the KSM60.
Will my old KitchenAid bowl fit on these models?
If you have a 5-quart bowl from a previous tilt-head KitchenAid model like it, it should be compatible with both the KSM60 and KSM70. Bowls from bowl-lift models will not work.
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