The KitchenAid Artisan and Custom Metallic mixers are nearly identical in power and performance, but differ significantly in their finish, style, and price. The Artisan is the brand's popular workhorse, available in a massive range of standard enamel colors, while the Custom series focuses on premium, design-forward metallic finishes for a higher cost.
Here’s a complete look at what separates these two iconic mixers from KitchenAid, so you can decide which one deserves a spot on your countertop.
KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer
The Artisan Series 5-Quart mixer is the quintessential stand mixer that home bakers and cooks have relied on for decades. Known for its powerful 325-watt motor, user-friendly tilt-head design, and legendary durability, it strikes the perfect balance between performance and accessibility. It's most famous for its vast spectrum of color options, allowing it to be a functional tool that also adds a pop of personality to any kitchen.
- What it is: A best-selling 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer designed for everyday household baking and cooking tasks.
- Key features: 325-watt motor, 10-speed control, tilt-head design for easy bowl and beater access, and a multi-purpose attachment hub for accessories like grinders and pasta makers.
- Price: Typically around $449.99
- Style: Classic, retro-inspired silhouette with a glossy enamel finish. Available in dozens of colors from neutrals to bold hues.
- Materials/Construction: Built with a durable die-cast metal body and comes standard with a 5-quart polished stainless steel bowl, a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a 6-wire whip.
- Pros: A proven track record of reliability and longevity. Huge selection of colors to match any decor. Excellent value for the performance. Compatible with over a dozen official KitchenAid attachments.
- Cons: Heavy and requires significant counter space. Can be noisy on its highest settings. The tilt-head mechanism can sometimes get stuck or require adjustment over time.
The Artisan is the go-to for passionate home cooks who want a powerful kitchen staple with a timeless look and the flexibility of numerous color choices.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/p.artisan-series-5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer
KitchenAid Custom Metallic Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Custom Metallic takes the same powerful engineering and reliable frame of the Artisan and wraps it in a more luxurious, high-end finish. This series is designed for users who view their kitchen appliances as statement pieces. While mechanically the same as its sibling, its unique, lustrous coatings like Satin Copper and Frosted Pearl demand more attention and a higher price tag.
- What it is: A premium version of the 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer, distinguished by its unique metallic and satin finishes.
- Key features: Features the same 325-watt motor, 10 speeds, and attachment hub as the Artisan Series. The distinguishing feature is its premium exterior coating.
- Price: Ranges from $499.99 to over $600, depending on the specific finish.
- Style: Elevated and sophisticated. Its metallic finishes give it a contemporary, almost architectural feel that stands out from the classic enamel of the Artisan models.
- Materials/Construction: The same die-cast metal body, but covered with a multi-step painting and finishing process for its metallic look. It often comes standard with a 5-quart glass bowl with measurement markings.
- Pros: Stunning and unique design acts as a kitchen centerpiece. Identical performance and reliability to the trusted Artisan model. The included glass bowl is practical for seeing ingredients and is microwave-safe.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point for a purely aesthetic upgrade. Premium finishes can be more prone to showing smudges or fingerprints. A more limited color palette compared to the standard Artisan line.
This mixer is ideal for the design-conscious cook who prioritizes aesthetics alongside performance and is willing to invest in an appliance that elevates their kitchen's style.
Shop this product: kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/stand-mixers/p.custom-metallic-series-5-quart-tilt-head-stand-mixer
KitchenAid Artisan vs. Custom Metallic Comparison
Style & Aesthetic
This is the primary dividing line between the two mixers. The Artisan series is a classic choice, offering a massive catalog of gloss enamel colors that can be fun, bright, or understated. It’s perfect for adding a pop of color - like Empire Red or Aqua Sky - or seamlessly blending with existing appliances.
The Custom Metallic series is all about sophistication. Its finishes, like Satin Copper or Chrome, are designed to catch the light and mimic the appearance of high-end metals. This makes it less a "pop" of color and more of an integrated, luxurious element in a modern or industrial kitchen design. The choice here isn't about which is better, but which style best reflects your kitchen's personality.
Performance & Construction
Internally, there is no difference between the Artisan and the Custom Metallic models. Both are built on the same tried-and-true platform that has made KitchenAid a household name. They share the same 325-watt motor capable of handling everything from whipping delicate egg whites to kneading heavy bread dough.
Their die-cast metal construction ensures they remain stable on the countertop and built to last for years. Attachments designed for the power hub will work on both mixers without any issue. Functionally, buying one over the other will not change what you can make or how effectively you can make it.
Dimensions & Capacity
Both the Artisan and the Custom stand mixers have the exact same countertop footprint and scale. Measuring about 14 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 14 inches deep, they are substantial machines that require dedicated space. They both feature a 5-quart bowl, which is the ideal size for most households - it's large enough to mix dough for 9 dozen cookies or 4.5 loaves of bread in a single batch.
Price & Value
The Artisan mixer typically retails for around $450, offering incredible value by packing professional-grade durability and performance into a consumer-friendly machine. Its price is stable and well-established. The Custom Metallic mixer's price starts around $500 and can go higher, commanding a premium of $50 to $150 over the Artisan.
The extra cost is entirely for the premium finish and the often-included glass bowl. If your priority is getting the best "bang-for-your-buck" performance, the Artisan is the clear winner. If you see the mixer as a piece of decor and are willing to pay for a specific aesthetic, the Custom provides that added value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both mixers deliver the same trusted KitchenAid performance, so the choice comes down to your personal style and budget.
Choose the Artisan if:
- You prioritize proven performance and excellent value over aesthetics.
- You want the largest possible selection of colors to find your perfect match.
- You prefer the classic, fun, and glossy look that started a kitchen revolution.
- You want an iconic kitchen tool without paying a premium for a special finish.
Choose the Custom Metallic if:
- Aesthetics are your main priority, and you want your mixer to be a kitchen showpiece.
- You love the elevated, sophisticated look of materials like satin copper or brushed chrome.
- Your budget is flexible and you see the extra cost as an investment in your kitchen's design.
- You prefer the practicality of a glass bowl with measurement markings for your baking projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the KitchenAid Artisan and Custom?
The core difference is aesthetic and price. Both mixers share the same motor, construction, and performance. The Custom series features premium metallic or satin finishes at a higher cost, while the Artisan offers a wider variety of classic enamel colors at a lower price point.
Do the Artisan and Custom mixers use the same attachments?
Yes, both models feature the same universal Power Hub on the front of the mixer head. All official KitchenAid stand mixer attachments, such as a pasta roller or a meat grinder, are compatible with both the Artisan and Custom series.
Is the motor more powerful in the Custom Metallic mixer?
No, both the standard Artisan and the Custom Metallic series mixers typically use the same 325-watt motor. It is a sufficient amount of power for a variety of tasks from bread dough to whipped cream. There's no performance advantage to choosing the Custom.
Is the Custom Metallic mixer worth the extra price?
It depends on your priorities. If you value design and want an appliance that doubles as kitchen decor, the stunning finish can absolutely be worth the extra money. If you are focused purely on function and performance, the Artisan delivers identical results for less.
Which model has more color options?
The standard Artisan model has many more color choices. While the Custom comes in specialized hues, the Artisan offers a wider range of standard gloss finishes and matte textures.
Are the included bowls interchangeable?
Yes. The standard stainless steel bowl that comes with the Artisan and the glass bowl from the Custom Metallic are interchangeable. You can use any KitchenAid-branded 5-quart tilt-head bowl on either machine.
Does the finish on the Custom Metallic scratch easily?
The custom metallic finish is designed to be tough, but careful use is recommended to prevent scratches. It could show wear more than glossy or matte enamel, and using gentle cleaning sponges or rags is highly recommended to keep it free from grime.
Which one is better for handling heavy doughs?
Both models perform equally well when handling cookie dough or bread dough. For more intense or professional use, a stronger mixer might be required. However, either model should suffice for typical home baking needs.
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