We are going to compare the KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer vs. KitchenAid Classic Plus Stand Mixer.
So we will look at the differences, benefits, and conclude which is best!!!
Don’t miss the conclusion !!! 😀
Do you need to know which is better for you? The KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer vs. KitchenAid Classic Plus Stand Mixer? Here we go ….
Of course, a KitchenAid Stand Mixer can be found at the top of every “Must Have Bridal Registry Items” list!
And it can also be found on thousands of wishlists every December!
It’s a kitchen countertop staple!
Something many of us have fond memories of using with grandma to make those perfect holiday cookies!
And no household is complete without one! To skip the appliance would be like forgoing a refrigerator, or an oven – it simply shouldn’t be done!
With the current renaissance of home cooking and emphasis on whole food meals, the KitchenAid Mixer is regarded as one of the must-have appliances!
KitchenAid offers a variety of KitchenAid Stand mixer models. And there are many differences between them!
Some models are better suited for specific baking projects, so it is important that to choose the Kitchenaid Mixer Model that fits your household needs…
For instance, did you know that not all KitchenAid models are suited for making bread?
Or that some mixers can handle a half dozen batches of cookies?
And some simply can’t?
Did you know a batch of cookies is a dozen?
So, let’s go take a look at the differences in two of Kitchenaid’s most popular mixers, the Kitchenaid Classic Mixer and the KitchenAid Classic Plus Mixer.
KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer: A Great Cook’s Secret Weapon!
So – there are two types of stand mixers- tilt head and bowl lift.
Simply put, a tilt-head style allows the top of the mixer to tip back- giving you full access to the bowl.
In a bowl lift model, the bowl clicks in and must be removed to access the full bowl.
The two Kitchenaid Mixers we are comparing today are both tilt-head style mixers.
A stand mixer is a must if you do any sort of home cooking.
If you enjoy making an occasional loaf of bread, meatballs, homemade pasta, shredded chicken or muffins, a stand mixer will make the job much easier!
The main benefit you get from a stand mixer (as opposed to the traditional two-beater model.. Or gasp elbow grease!) is that it rotates in two directions.
The mixing attachment spins the ingredients around in the bowl, in a planetary motion. And the paddle spins in the other direction.
This means the ingredients are effectively and thoroughly mixed, getting to all areas of the bowl.
For most jobs, you don’t need to scrape the sides with a spatula- which means free time for you to do other things! And a better result, in your cooking, and baking!
Homemade marshmallows, pasta, mashed potatoes and shredded chicken! Even if you don’t consider yourself a baker, there are many other handy things your KitchenAid mixer can do besides baking cookies. Check out this post for full recipes of “non-baking” mixer recipes!
A stand mixer takes the grunt work out of stirring and kneading. It mixes more thoroughly than can be done by hand. Plus, the sleek design of a KitchenAid stand mixer looks very appealing on the counter top!
Benefits of Buying a Kitchenaid Brand Mixer
When choosing any appliance, it is important to choose a brand and company that you know and trust.
A mixer is no different, it is an investment in your household, so it worth doing a little research to pick the correct one.
The KitchenAid brand has been around for ages and is the most recognized brand in stand mixers (as well as other small kitchen appliances.
And for good reason!
When?
The first KitchenAid stand mixer made its debut in 1919, so it’s safe to say that they’ve had a few years to get it right.
In fact, I would bet that when someone says, “counter-mixer” or “table-mixer”, you immediately think of the sleek, classic KitchenAid design.
You know the one – bold colors, seamless, bullet shaped top and sparkling stainless bowl.
Of course, there are other brands and styles available, but when it comes to choosing a mixer, one of the best brands out there, is KitchenAid.
Where?
Like all KitchenAid appliances, the Classic and the Classic Plus are built with US craftsmanship in Greenville, Ohio.
The KitchenAid brand is known for its sturdy, all metal construction and metal gears, so you be sure that either mixer is a product that will last.
Many of us know or have heard people that have held onto their beloved KitchenAid mixer for decades.
A Kitchen Aid mixer is an investment, so it is key to pick the right model for your household.
With its long history and memorable tradition in our kitchens and in our hearts, the only question left is, which KitchenAid mixer model is right for you?
Kitchenaid’s Classic and Classic Plus
When comparing KitchenAid stand mixers, the KitchenAid Classic Mixer and the KitchenAid Classic Plus Mixer are actually very similar.
The Classic Mixer and the Classic Plus are both basic KitchenAid models, without extra bells and whistles found on higher-end KitchenAid mixers.
As we will discuss later, the main difference between the Classic Plus and the Classic are horsepower and price.
Weighing in at 25 pounds, they take up the same footprint at 14 inches high, 8.75 inches wide, and a little over 14 inches deep. You do need more clearance to tilt the head back- so make sure you have adequate overhead space when using your mixer.
Both are tilt-head models, with a 4.5-quart bowl. They do not have a splash guard, or a handle on the bowl.
The head locks and unlocks to tilt back, which gives you full access to the contents of the bowl.
This also makes it easy to quickly switch out attachments and accessories.
The attachments can make your KitchenAid Stand Mixer into a multi-purpose kitchen wizard!
These two Kitchenaid models both have ten speeds, which assures you can complete a variety of cooking tasks, from whipping cream to mixing a batch of cookie dough.
KitchenAid Stand Mixer Speed Uses
Here is a breakdown of what the different speeds are ideal for:
- 1The lowest speed is ideal at the beginning of your mixing process. Use this low speed to minimize splashes, splatters and the ever annoying “flour cloud”.
TIP: The bowl cover is a MUST purchase! The splash guard does not come standard on either the Classic Mixer or the Classic Plus, but can be purchased separately.
It is highly recommended to do so, as even the most careful of baker can have a puff of flour disaster! It is well worth the initial investment- you will find you want to use it with every recipe! Add the bowl cover to your cart now!
Make sure you check your model number, as there are a couple of pouring shields.
- 2Low speed for heavy batters. If you do make the occasional loaf of bread, use this speed- and don’t go any higher. You also start mashed potatoes at this speed, and when you initially add flour into your shortening for doughs.
- 3Use this speed for medium heavy cookie batters. Also used for making meringues. Can be used to mix shortening and sugar.
- 4This speed is ideal for finishing off your cake batter. Beat, whip and cream at speed 6.
- 5If a recipe calls for fast beating, use this speed. Also use this speed to whip egg whites or cream.
- 6Speed 10! Use this speed to whip egg whites and cream- small amounts only!
As you can see, a general rule of thumb is the lower the speed, the “heavier” the batter / ingredients you are mixing. Use lower speeds when incorporating additional items like chocolate chips, coconut flakes or raisins into your batter.
What Else Should You Know?
The purchase of both models includes a flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook.
These accessories are nylon coated. The flat beater and dough hook are dishwasher safe.
TIP: Rinse all attachments immediately with hot water.
Be especially careful with the whip – rinse and clean it immediately, and do not soak in the sink.
If you have issues with the whip – if it looks “tarnished” or doesn’t seem to get clean, you can use a cloth soaked in white vinegar or soak the whip (for a few minutes only) in white vinegar to restore its original condition.
These elements are technically burnished steel, and need just a little more TLC to keep them functioning for the life of your appliance!
The power hub really allows this machine to be a multi-function accessory in the kitchen. There are over 15 other attachments (that are sold separately).
One neat feature of both the Classic Mixer and the Classic Plus is the ability to adjust the beater height.
If you find that there are ingredients at the bottom of your bowl that are unmixed, or if the beater is scraping the bottom of the bowl, you can adjust it.
You can locate the adjustment screw under the head of the mixer. Simply turn the screw, and adjust the beater up or down to your needs.
When resting, there should be a small space between the bowl and the beater.
The horsepower of either model is perfectly adequate for the average home baker and actually, cuts down on overuse on power consumption.
Let’s compare these Kitchenaid Stand Mixers further:
Which One is Right for Me: The Classic Mixer or the Classic Plus?
KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer
The Classic Mixer is the most basic stand mixer that KitchenAid offers. It is made for the beginner or a small family. Although you can get away with a loaf of bread every now and then, it is not recommended for that use.
Specifications from the KitchenAid website indicate that the classic model is capable of mixing 3 loaves, 6 dozen batches of cookies, or 6 pounds of potatoes.
However, reviewers on Amazon urge bakers to use about HALF of that recommendation, to avoid overstressing the motor.
A more realistic amount would be 3 dozen batches of cookies, 3 pounds of potatoes! And bread kneading should mostly be avoided, although this model can handle kneading a single loaf now and then.
KitchenAid Classic Plus Stand Mixer
The Classic Plus Mixer has almost the same specifications as the Classic, but at 275 watts of horsepower, it has slightly more power.
This extra boost in power means it can handle kneading dough – although it still should be used occasionally for bread use.
The KitchenAid Classic Plus can handle the same volume as the KitchenAid Classic. That is 3 loaves, 6 dozen batches of cookies, or 6 pounds of potatoes. However, just as with the Classic, it is recommended to use about half of that amount at a time. With the extra boost in power, it can handle occasional kneading of bread, but again, not for daily bread making use.
TIP: Whole wheat batter is especially hard on the motor.
In addition to more horsepower, the Classic Plus can often be found for a better price than the Classic mixer, as it is often part of seasonal deals and sales.
Either the Classic or the Classic plus is perfectly adequate for small families and for those who simply enjoy baking and cooking at home.
These models are meant for preparing small quantities of food.
They can make tasks like mixing meatloaf, shredding chicken and whipping egg whites a breeze.
Tip: When it comes to how much, use half of the recommendations from Kitchenaid, to ensure that you don’t overload the bowl.
Between these two models, there are thousands of positive 5-star reviews. There are many, many home cooks pleased with how easy their Kitchenaid mixer is to use. And they are thrilled with how much better their cooking is now that they have it!
When to Splurge on a Larger Model
Neither the Classic or the Classic Plus is suited for those who consider themselves more than a novice or occasional bakers. These models are great for the average baker, but not good for serious bakers – especially if you plan on baking bread frequently.
If you love the taste of homemade bread, and frequently whip up a loaf or two (as in daily or weekly) you would be better off with one of the other models. You should choose one with a higher horsepower. One that is better equipped to handle frequently kneading bread.
Additionally, if you cook for a large group, or have a large household, you would be better off with a larger model.
The Classic and the Classic Plus can handle small batches, good for smaller households.
Should you be planning to turn your love of baking into a small, income producing hobby, you should purchase a different model. Because the one-year warranty is voided if you use it for commercial use, no matter how small a quantity!
If you need a more powerful mixer, check out our reviews on Kitchenaid’s more powerful models like the Artisan,Professional, Pro Line.
Purchasing: Where’s the Best Deal?
Both Models are available on the KitchenAid website for $349 and can be found at large department stores for approximately $250 to $300.
However, the best deals for both models of the mixer are found on Amazon.com
Slightly more powerful, the Kitchenaid Classic Plus can be purchased in three colors (White, Red or Silver)
The Kitchenaid Classic Mixer is available in two colors (Black and White).
These Kitchenaid Mixers are backed by Kitchenaid’s one-year warranty, which basically covers any manufacturer’s defects.
Most colors can be purchased with free shipping. Even free 2-Day shipping if you are an Amazon Prime member.
You also have the option to add on an additional 2 or 3-year warranty sold by SquareTrade.
Also, these products are sold directly by Kitchenaid through Amazon!
So you can be sure you are getting and authentic Kitchenaid mixer with the quality and craftsmanship these products are known for!
In Conclusion
Neither of these Kitchenaid Models will allow you to bake dozens of loaves of bread each day! But both the Kitchenaid Classic Mixer and the KitchenAid Classic Plus are excellent stand mixers for average household use.
And since the Kitchenaid Classic Plus offers a boost in horsepower and can be purchased for a lower price than the Classic Plus Mixer, it is our conclusion that the best option for the average household cook is the Kitchenaid Classic Plus.