KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer Review

It seems like quarantine has everybody baking. If ya’ll follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve hopped on this trend big time – especially now that I have the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer.

No, this post is not sponsored. I just seriously cannot stop baking.

But try mashing up bananas for banana bread by hand or folding your dry ingredients in while making large batches of cookies – and you’ll quickly realize why most household bakers own a stand mixer.

Which up until last month, I did not.

I knew when shopping for a mixer I’d want to go the KitchenAid Artisan route – they’re a staple in most home and professional kitchens alike. But as I was shopping, I noticed KitchenAid had both a classic size (with a 5qt bowl) and a new mini size (with a 3.5qt bowl). As a small apartment renter – I was intrigued.

Could this Artisan Mini help me bake all the same baked goods as the larger size – all while taking up less space in my already cramped kitchen?

Let’s talk about it

Curious if the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer is as good as the full size? Find out in this KitchenAid Artisan Mini review!

Specs of the KitchenAid Mini Stand Mixer

The key differences in the Mini version of KitchenAid’s Artisan Stand Mixer vs its classic size сome down to the size of the bowl, the footprint of the mixer itself, and the weight of the machine.

The Mini mixer has a 3.5qt bowl vs the classic 5qt. The Mini Artisan Stand Mixer is also 20% smaller and 25% lighter than the classic size. Considering the classic mixer rings in at a whopping 25 pounds – this size and weight reduction is no small difference.

Pricing for both the Mini and the classic Artisan mixers will vary depending on the retailer you purchase from, the time of year (these mixers DO go on sale seasonally!), as well as the color you choose (some colors are limited and thus more expensive). That being said. The Mini tends to run somewhere in the realm of $50-$100 cheaper than the classic size.

What can you make using the Mini version of the stand mixer?

After using my Artisan Mini for over a month, I can confidently say the average amateur home baker can make just about anything in the Mini compared to the classic.

The KitchenAid Artisan Mini boasts being able to make five dozen cookies – which is at least 3 dozen more than my household needs at any given time. I’m able to whip up multiple tiered cakes, tart dough, fillings, etc with no problem.

Does the KitchenAid Mini Stand Mixer struggle to mix anything specific?

Transparently there is one recipe that my KitchenAid Artisan Mini struggles with…

Pasta dough.

Many KitchenAid Artisan’s struggle with a “walking” motion when utilizing the dough hook to knead doughs, and my Mini absolutely began to “walk” when kneading pasta dough. The Mini size really struggled with the quantity of the dough (I utilized a pretty standard size recipe – no unreasonably sized batches) and I was pretty concerned the dough would just fly out the top of the bowl.

That being said – we got through it and the dough came out just fine. Pasta dough truly has been my only “problem” recipe my KitchenAid Artisan Mini struggled with.

Curious if the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer is as good as the full size? Find out in this KitchenAid Artisan Mini review!

Who should choose the Mini stand mixer instead of the classic size?

The KitchenAid Artisan Mini really is ideal for smaller size families who do not need to bake in larger batches. If you’ve got a smaller kitchen or apartment – the Artisan Mini is amazing because you still get a powerful mixer, but at a reduced footprint.

Is the KitchenAid Mini Stand Mixer worth it or should I just get the full size?

The KitchenAid Artisan Mini is honestly not that much cheaper than the classic size – realistically between $50-$100 less expensive. Given this, it really doesn’t make sense to get the Mini size if you’re only trying to save money rather than save space.

The KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer is a powerful kitchen tool that packs the same punch as its larger counterpart – its primary benefit really is the smaller size.

Got a small kitchen and not many mouths to feed? Go for the Artisan Mini. Have a medium-large size kitchen and don’t mind your appliance utilizing a little extra space? Full size all the way.

Let me know if you have either of these mixers in the comments down below!

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Curious if the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer is as good as the full size? Find out in this KitchenAid Artisan Mini review!
Curious if the KitchenAid Artisan Mini Stand Mixer is as good as the full size? Find out in this KitchenAid Artisan Mini review!