In a hurry? Here's a quick summary -
But we also have heaps of research, detail, and facts below ...
And a table with EVERYTHING further down ;
KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer
KitchenAid Commercial Stand Mixer
Have you noticed that there’s a big difference in the stand mixers used by home cooks and the professional chefs / bakers?
The professional stand mixers are a lot larger, and have a bowl that lifts up to the paddles.
KitchenAid smaller models have a tilt up head, that brings the paddle down to the bowl.
KitchenAid Bowl Lift Design
Are The Pro Line And Commercial KitchenAid Stand Mixers really just for the Pros?
KitchenAid Largest Capacity Bowls
Absolutely not!
Let’s look at this in more detail. Most people think of KitchenAid – it’s the iconic stand mixer that everyone recognizes! And many think of the KitchenAid Artisan, or KitchenAid Mini when they think of a home stand mixer.
But if you need to process a lot more food, you don’t have to stand in front of it all day!
The KitchenAid Commercial and the KitchenAid Pro Line stand mixers have a larger bowl capacity. But more importantly, were designed for continuous use, and to do heavier work.
Why Would I Need That?
Some people just make more food every day. For example, if you have a large family, you’ll need to make a lot more mashed potatoes.
And if you bake bread daily, you may want the larger capacity. Big enough to allow you to make more bread at a time, and having a stronger motor that can handle heavy daily use.
Of course, it’s not just loaves of bread. How often do you make pizza dough, rolls, or a lot of chocolate chip cookies?
Some people do catering part time, and others enjoy making food for events. They would absolutely need the larger capacity, and the stronger motor as well.
And, for bulk food prep! So much demand for this! Have you seen the current ‘freezer cooking’ craze?
There are many options even within that. I love that I can make big savings doing this.
Some people ‘Cook Two, Freeze One’. That builds up the meals in their freezer without really investing much more time, or effort.
Many people do weekly meal planning. This saves time and money, by prepping in season ingredients all at once, at the start of the week.
There is also ‘Once A Month’ Freezer cooking, where complete meals are made, and frozen, to thaw and use each night.
And there is the prep and freeze in bulk now, to cook later.
Examples of this could be that you make a lot of pizza dough, and freeze in portions, maybe even along with the toppings. Then you use it when required, without having to start making your pizza dough each night you have pizza! Or making a lot of meatballs, and tomato sauce, then using them for different variations, cooking as needed.
Or maybe you’ve been cooking a lot from scratch lately? Now you’re wondering…
What Stand Mixer Is Right For You?
Are there differences that might mean you choose a KitchenAid Commercial Stand Mixer, over the KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer?
Let’s explore the KitchenAid Pro Line, and KitchenAid Commercial models in more depth.
Stand Mixer Features
KitchenAid designed their stand mixers with more powerful motors. And they have a better control of the mix speed, than other brands.
The better motor means you can handle larger batches of food without burning out the appliance, especially in both of these models.
KitchenAid brand stand mixers maintain a steady and consistent speed no matter what they are doing. Their motor is also quieter than non-KitchenAid brands.
KitchenAid 10 Speed Slide Control
Many standard brand stand mixers are difficult to clean. With the KitchenAid, you can wash most of the attachments in the dishwasher. And the actual mixer itself can be easily kept clean by simply wiping down the main unit.
The KitchenAid stand mixers, of course, have their famous planetary mixing action. That allows you get a more thorough mix faster. This is important when you're making items that need to stay cool such as sausage. And when mixing things like cornbread, you can mix it for a shorter period of time, producing a more tender bread to go with your chilli.
KitchenAid Power Hub
A really important feature with all KitchenAid stand mixers, is that they all have the power hub.
It’s a special slot in the main head of the unit that allows you to plug in an amazing variety of attachments that are driven by the main motor.
Almost all of the attachments are available for all the mixers. So, if you had bought some for your old KitchenAid mixer, and wanted to upgrade to the Pro or Commercial line, they would still work. All of these attachments allow you to expand your cooking prep work.
Now, I don’t just mean do one or two more things. No, I mean the stand mixer plus attachments, is like having another person in your kitchen, doing the grunt work for you. And not complaining!!!
KitchenAid PowerKnead Dough Hook
For example, you can knead dough with the dough hook.
And with the slicer attachment, you can slice potatoes, not your fingers.
Dice Slice Shred or Julienne
I could go on… (and on, and on) but rather than make this lengthy, we have a whole article here on the KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachments.
Kitchen Aid Pro Line Stand Mixer weighs 32 pounds
KitchenAid Commercial Stand Mixer weighs 30 pounds
What’s The Difference Between Pro Line and Commercial?
Pouring Shield
Pro Line has an open top bowl. It comes with a pouring shield, which is great if you’re doing something messy.
Commercial model is also open, and has an optional wire cage covering the top. If you get this, there is a special attachment to allow you to pour directly into the bowl while the mixer is running. It looks like a chute.
Stainless Steel Bowl Guard
The Commercial has an 8-quart bowl, the Pro Line has a 7-quart size bowl.
It’s important to know that you would never actually put in 7 or 8 quarts as that would go to the top of the bowl.
So you would want the 8 quart if you're processing a lot of food, as the sides are taller and it reduces splashing. The shape of the 8 quart is designed more than just having extra volume, but also for ease of handling, and storage.
In some reviews, some people have been able to use the 8-quart bowl on the Pro Line model. You can also get a separate 3 quart or 5 quart bowl for the Pro Line model.
That way, you can make smaller batches in a smaller bowl, or mix in the bowl, and chill in the refrigerator for later use. That is a little more difficult with the larger bowl size.
The 8-quart bowl that comes on the Commercial model is NSF certified. That stands for National Sanitation Foundation, and means the bowl is safe for commercial production.
Both the Pro Line motor and Commercial motor are the same, each having the 1.3hp DC motor.
The home kitchen mixers are usually rated with watts. For example, the Artisan rates around 325 Watts.
But because the Pro and Commercial use a different more professional motor, it’s rated in horsepower (HP). It’s a DC motor instead of an AC motor.
And you can read more about it in our article here – AC vs DC. That article also covers the difference in Bowl Lift or Head Tilt, which you might be interested in.
I promise not to bore you with the details. The bottom line is that DC motors have better speed and torque control, which is important when you have a large batch of dough that’s not easy to mix.
So what it torque? It’s the force required to rotate objects.
You don’t need much torque in mixing up mashed potatoes or whipping up cream.
But when you’re kneading dough or slicing hard root vegetables, you need the mixer to dig in its heels and push when things get tough. This also allows the motor to regulate how much force it’s sending out, so the speed stays consistent.
Have you ever had another stand mixer that would kind of lug along?
Or the mixer started moving around the counter while the motor tried to get the beater to move through something tough?
One that was mixing, but with an inconsistent speed.
A common problem here is motor fade. That will not happen with the heavy-duty motors.
That’s why KitchenAid is the best brand for heavy-duty work. And the Pro Line and Commercial stand mixers have an even better motor than the Artisan and Mini.
Now that you know that neither the Pro Line, nor the Commercial Stand Mixer is just for the professionals, you can evaluate how much you would use the Kitchen Aid stand mixer.
What Is Special About KitchenAid Stand Mixers?
Let’s take a step back and answer the question about why KitchenAid has the best stand mixers on the market.
Some may feel the price can be double what you would pay for a cheap brand. However, the other brand isn’t made from sturdy metal instead of plastic.
Because it’s heavier, it will also stay put on your counter when mixing or kneading.
KitchenAid Stand Mixers were designed by Hobart, which are the standard mixers in commercial kitchens. The motors run smoothly and don’t burn out easily. They can handle long periods of time at low torque, kneading dense whole wheat bread.
Finally, the other brands don’t offer the power hub, which allows you to hook up attachments, to expand the functionality of the stand mixer.
KitchenAid Attachments offer slicers, grain grinders, pasta makers, spiralizers, juicers and so many more.
The only one that you need to be careful of is the ice cream maker.
Make absolutely sure that you’re ordering the correct model. It is a special bowl that gets frozen.
And for the Pro Line, or Commercial models you need the bowl that works with the bowl-lift stand rather than the head-tilt stand.
All other attachments that plug into the power hub, are guaranteed by KitchenAid, under their Attachment Fit Guarantee
Why Buy KitchenAid Commercial?
The KitchenAid Commercial was designed to be closest to the Hobart mixer. Its motor has more torque for kneading dough all day long. It was designed to process more than 8 pounds of dough at a time. Where the Artisan usually only handles about 2-3 pounds of dough at a time!
So, if you’re going to do a lot of baking, then you will want the Commercial Stand Mixer on your counter.
The investment is a lot less than if you bought an industry level commercial kitchen stand mixer. With the KitchenAid KSMC8950B 8-quart stand mixer, you’re getting commercial quality, at slightly more than a home appliance price.
That doesn’t mean you can’t do small batches. The KitchenAid Commercial handled the two-egg test well.
That’s where you use the wire whisk and beat two eggs. Some mixers can’t handle small amounts at the very bottom of the bowl.
KitchenAid Commercial Stand Mixer
The KitchenAid Commercial Stand Mixer includes the standard three attachments: whisk, paddle, and PowerKnead™ spiral dough hook.
It also weighs 2 pounds less than the Pro Line Stand Mixer. So if you do have to be lifting and moving the stand mixer around, you may want the lighter model.
This PowerKnead™ dough hook is a different one than the one the Artisan and Mini are shipped with. It is a special design to handle larger quantities, making kneading faster and easier.
And it is the only KitchenAid Stand Mixer to come with speed control.
The Commercial comes in four colors:
Why Buy Kitchenaid Pro Line?
The Pro Line is a bit less expensive than the Commercial. You will usually save about $150.
Its large 7 Quart bowl is 1 quart smaller than the Commercial model, but definitely sufficient for most home uses. You will be able to handle whatever you need to do, and the pouring shield reduces any potential for messes.
KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer
The Pro Line comes as standard with the steel wire whip, flat beater and the PowerKnead™ spiral dough hook.
You can choose from 4 colors:
Sugar Pearl Silver
Onyx Black
Candy Apple Red
Medallion Silver
Sometimes there is an extra color available in Amazon.
Why Not Get an Artisan or Mini?
You can’t go wrong with the Artisan or Mini, if you’re doing normal home cooking or baking.
It’s really a matter of how much work you want your stand mixer to do. How long will it work at a time?
And how often?
How much will you be making with it?
The Pro Line, and Commercial are for people with large families, or who make a lot of food all at once, as we discussed above.
Maybe you bake cookies regularly for fund raisers, but don’t want to be a commercial baker, or do heavier mixing.
Smaller models - Artisan and Mini can handle only about ¼ of the amount that the Commercial can.
Bigger Pro Line is in between, and can handle about ⅓ more than the Artisan.
An example that KitchenAid use is that the Artisan can mix 9 dozen cookies.
The Pro Line can mix 13 dozen cookies.
And the Commercial can mix even more than that.
The Artisan and Mini are obviously smaller in footprint and weight. That can be critical if you are short of space! They also come in a lot more colors, and this can be important to people who want to keep it on their bench in their kitchen.
It is an icon after all!
And you can color match to the many other KitchenAid appliances available.
If you’re just planning on using it for smaller amounts, than you will want to check out my reviews on the Artisan and the Mini.
Care For Your Stand Mixers
Since you're making an investment in a stand mixer that will last for decades, you will want to take good care of it.
When you're using an attachment, read the directions on keeping it clean.
You should never wash the pasta rollers.
And the PowerKnead™ spiral dough hook should be hand washed.
To keep everything in good working order, the mixer should be allowed to cool down regularly when undergoing heavy use. And you should turn it on regularly to keep the grease moving about. Regularly wipe off the mixer with a soft cloth, soap and water to keep its color looking new.
A KitchenAid Stand Mixer is packed with enough grease to last its lifetime.
KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment
The KitchenAid Commercial and Pro Line Stand Mixers are designed for people who do a lot more cooking and baking than the normal home cook. You may be a small caterer, or have a large family.
It’s also great if you do everything from scratch or buy food in bulk.
You can process and preserve large amounts at once instead of taking all day to do smaller batches. And you definitely want a kitchen appliance that can keep up with you in the kitchen.
KitchenAid Pro Line vs KitchenAid Commercial
Features | Pro Line | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
Weight | 32 lbs | 30 lbs |
Height Width Length | 16.5" | 16.5" |
Bowl Size | 7 Quart | 8 Quart (also 5 & 7) |
Included Accessories | Wire Whisk | Wire Whisk |
Colors | Sugar Pearl Silver | Empire Red |
Speeds | 10 Soft Start | 10 Soft Start |
Flour Capacity | 16 cups | 16 cups |
Pouring Shield | Included | Not Available |
Wire Cage | Not Available | Optional Extra |
NSF | No | Yes |
Warranty | 5 Year Home Use | 2 Year Commercial |
Speed Control Protection | No | Yes |
Bowl Lift | Yes | Yes |
Price |
You really can’t go wrong with either of these KitchenAid Stand Mixers.
But I have got to say my personal favorite is the Commercial. I think once you get to investing this amount of money, in a stand mixer you will enjoy for decades, you really will appreciate the improvements the Commercial offers.
Now which is best for you?
The KitchenAid Commercial Stand Mixer?
If these are not the right fit for you, in your kitchen, check out these articles to help you decide…
Compare KitchenAid Classic Plus Stand Mixer To KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer
Compare KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer To KitchenAid Classic Plus Stand Mixer
Conclusion
The KitchenAid brand is the top brand of Stand Mixer.
It was designed by Hobart, and this is the standard for commercial kitchens.
The motor is the most powerful of the kitchen appliance brands. It has ten speeds and smooth transitions between speeds. And I love the smooth gradual start, which is essential to avoid the flour clouds!
Plus, with the Power Hub, you can add in a large number of attachments that will increase your productivity. And it’s not only productivity. It’s just plain fun to make all the exciting things that the attachments let you do. Healthier to make your own, and saves heaps of time, and money!
Imagine making pasta or zoodles in no time, while the bread you made from the wheat you just ground is baking.
You may also check other KitchenAid product reviews like the Coffee Brewer, Food Processor and Spiralizer.
After *patiently* waiting over 20yrs, 2020 surprised me and I ordered my dream mixer – the 8qt Commercial! What I would LOVE clarification on, is whether or not attachments work on my model. I find the wording “Fits All KitchenAid Attachments” in some places but not on others to be worrisome and do not want to break it. What has your experience been?
Hi Elizabeth,
Your new KitchenAid Commercial Stand Mixer will give you decades of happy use – Congratulations!
And yes, it has the same Power Hub into which the attachments fit, so the attachments will work for your stand mixer. The only thing to be aware of is specific attachments like the ice cream bowl which do differ. All the regular KitchenAid Stand Mixer Attachments that connect to the Power Hub will do a great job for you!
You may find this article about attachments useful – https://cookloveeat.com/kitchenaid-stand-mixer-attachments