The KitchenAid KSM96 and KSM97 series stand mixers are extremely similar, but the main difference comes down to capacity and price. The KSM96 is a 4.5-quart tilt-head mixer, perfect for standard home baking, while the KSM97 offers a larger 5-quart bowl for bigger batches at a slightly higher cost, along with some minor internal refinements.
Here’s a detailed look at both models to help you decide which KitchenAid mixer is the right one for your kitchen.
KitchenAid KSM96 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid KSM96 is the quintessential tilt-head stand mixer, offering a perfect balance of power, size, and value for the majority of home bakers. Its durable construction and iconic design have made it a beloved fixture in kitchens for decades, capable of handling everything from cookie dough to bread with consistent, reliable performance.
- What it is: A classic 4.5-quart tilt-head stand mixer designed for everyday home use.
- Key features: Stainless steel 4.5-quart bowl, 325-watt motor, 10-speed control, and tilt-head design for easy bowl access. Includes a coated flat beater, wire whip, and coated dough hook.
- Price: Around $300 - $350, depending on color and retailer.
- Style: Classic yet modern aesthetic available in a wide range of popular colors to match any kitchen decor.
- Capacity: Handles enough dough for approximately 6-8 dozen cookies or 3 loaves of bread in a single batch.
- Pros: Excellent value for the price. Reliable and powerful motor for most home baking tasks. Tilt-head design is very user-friendly. Compact footprint works well in smaller kitchens.
- Cons: The 4.5-quart bowl can be limiting for double batches or large holiday baking projects. May struggle slightly with very dense, large quantities of dough.
The KSM96 is ideal for the home baker who makes standard-sized recipes and wants the legendary KitchenAid performance without paying a premium for extra capacity they don't need.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/stand-mixers/tilt-head-stand-mixers.html
KitchenAid KSM97 Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid KSM97 is a step-up model that provides serious home bakers with extra capacity and slightly enhanced internal components. It shares the same powerful motor and user-friendly tilt-head design as its smaller sibling but increases the bowl size to 5 quarts, making it better suited for larger recipes, double batches, and more frequent use.
- What it is: An upgraded 5-quart capacity tilt-head stand mixer for more serious or frequent home bakers.
- Key features: Larger 5-quart stainless steel bowl, 325-watt motor, 10-speed settings, and an improved gear mechanism for potentially quieter operation. Comes with a flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook.
- Price: Ranges from $350 - $400.
- Style: Identical iconic KitchenAid design, available in a variety of classic finishes.
- Capacity: Capable of mixing dough for up to 9 dozen cookies or 4 loaves of bread in one go.
- Pros: The extra half-quart of capacity provides valuable versatility for larger recipes. Improved gear system may offer quieter and smoother long-term performance. Still fits in a similar footprint to the 4.5-quart model.
- Cons: Higher price point for what is essentially just a larger bowl. Can feel too large for single, small-batch recipes.
The KSM97 serves bakers who frequently tackle big projects or often find themselves needing to make concurrent batches in a smaller mixer.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers.html
KitchenAid KSM96 vs. KSM97 Comparison
Capacity & Batch Size
This is the most significant difference between the two models. The KSM96's 4.5-quart bowl is ample for weeknight dinners and typical dessert recipes. You can comfortably make a batch of cookies, a single loaf of bread, or mashed potatoes for the family. Its volume is perfectly adequate for the average household.
The KSM97’s 5-quart bowl might not sound substantially larger, but that extra half quart makes a real difference. It allows you to double a standard cookie recipe with room to prevent ingredients from creeping up the side of the bowl. It's also better suited for larger, airier doughs that need room to rise, like brioche or multiple loaves of sourdough. If you bake for holidays, bigger gatherings, or weekly meal-preps, the KSM97’s capacity is a worthwhile upgrade.
Power & Performance
Both the KSM96 and KSM97 are equipped with the same powerful 325-watt motor. For nearly all tasks, from whipping cream to kneading stiff dough, their performance will feel identical. You will not notice a power difference between them during everyday use. The motor provides more than enough torque to handle dense breads and thick batters in either bowl size.
While the KSM97 features a refined gear mechanism that might lead to slightly quieter or smoother operation over years of heavy use, the average user is unlikely to notice a major difference. Both mixers are built to the same high standards KitchenAid is known for.
Price & Value
You can typically expect to pay about $50 more for the KSM97. For dedicated bakers, this modest price increase is easily justified by the added capacity and flexibility. That extra half quart can be a time-saver, preventing the need for tedious back-to-back batches.
However, for the occasional baker or those with smaller households, the KSM96 offers superior value. You get the same motor, same build quality, and same iconic design for less money. If you have never felt constrained by a standard-sized mixing bowl, the KSM96 is absolutely the more sensible financial choice.
Design & Attachments
Visually, the mixers are virtually indistinguishable apart from their bowls. They share the same timeless tilt-head stand mixer body and weigh approximately the same. Both come standard with the three essential tools: a flat beater, a wire whip, and a dough hook.
A huge advantage of the KitchenAid system is that accessories are largely interchangeable. A flat beater from a KSM96 will work on a KSM97 and vice versa, as will the power hub attachments like meat grinders and pasta makers. The bowls, however, are unique to their respective models due to their different sizes.
Who Each One Works Best For
The KSM96 is the perfect all-around mixer for most kitchens. It is ideal for couples, small families, and anyone who bakes on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule for themselves or a few others. If your baking projects primarily involve single batches of cookies, one or two birthday cakes a year, and the occasional loaf of bread, this model will serve you perfectly for decades.
The KSM97 is tailored for the avid home baker, large families, or anyone who regularly entertains. If you find yourself consistently making double batches, baking for holidays or bake sales, or enjoy working with large yeasted doughs, the extra space is invaluable. It’s for the person whose love for baking pushes the limits of standard kitchen equipment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both models are fantastic investments that will last for years, but they are designed for slightly different home cooks.
Choose the KSM96 if:
- You're a casual or standard home baker.
- You typically make single batches of recipes.
- Getting the best value for your money is a top priority.
- Your kitchen is small and you need a compact, efficient appliance.
Choose the KSM97 if:
- You are a frequent and passionate baker who works with large recipes.
- You often find yourself needing to make double batches of cookies or bread.
- The flexibility of extra bowl capacity is worth a modest price increase.
- You bake for large family gatherings, potlucks, or holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the KitchenAid KSM96 and KSM97?
The primary difference is capacity. The KSM96 has a 4.5-quart bowl, while the KSM97 has a slightly larger 5-quart bowl. This makes the KSM97 better suited for bigger batches. They both share the same 325-watt motor.
Is the KSM97 mixer more powerful than the KSM96?
No, both models feature the exact same 325-watt motor and 10-speed settings. Their power and mixing performance are virtually identical, the KSM97 simply provides more room for your ingredients.
Can I use KSM96 attachments on a KSM97 mixer?
Yes, the included beaters, whips, and dough hooks are interchangeable between these two models because they use the same size beater shaft. Attachments for the power hub on the front of the mixer are also universally compatible.
Is the extra capacity in the KSM97 worth the money?
This depends entirely on your cooking habits. If you frequently feel limited by bowl size when doubling recipes, the extra ~$50 is a great investment for the convenience. If you rarely make large batches, the standard 4.5-quart KSM96 is a better value.
Are the KSM96 and KSM97 the same physical size?
The mixer bodies have nearly identical footprints and height. The only noticeable size difference is the mixing bowl itself. Both will take up about the same amount of counter space.
Which KitchenAid mixer is better for making bread dough?
Both can handle bread dough well, but the KSM97 is a better choice for avid bread bakers. The 5-quart bowl provides more room for the dough to be properly kneaded and won’t “climb” the dough hook as easily with larger recipes.
Is it possible to put the bowls and attachments in the dishwasher?
Yes, the stainless steel bowls, coated flat beaters, and coated dough hooks that come with both models are generally dishwasher-safe. However, the standard wire whip is typically made of aluminum and should always be washed by hand to prevent oxidization and darkening.
Do these mixers come with a warranty?
Yes, KitchenAid typically offers a one-year, hassle-free replacement warranty for their stand mixers, which covers defects in materials and workmanship.
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