KitchenAid’s Artisan Plus gives the tilt-head stand mixer its biggest upgrade in 50 years

KitchenAid, a name synonymous with countertop mixing excellence, has unveiled its most significant upgrade to the iconic stand mixer in over five decades. The new Artisan Plus model introduces several thoughtful refinements that elevate the experience for both amateur and professional home cooks.

The standout feature of the Artisan Plus is its first-ever integrated LED bowl light. This innovative addition eliminates the guesswork often associated with mixing tasks, providing clear visibility into the bowl's contents. Whether you're adjusting the consistency of a batter or ensuring even distribution of ingredients, the bowl light ensures that you can see exactly what you're doing, reducing the likelihood of mistakes and enhancing precision.

In addition to the bowl light, the Artisan Plus offers a finer speed control system, known as Precision Speed Control. This feature provides 11 distinct speed settings, allowing users to fine-tune their mixing process with unprecedented accuracy. Gone are the days of jumping between broad presets; now, users can gradually increase or decrease the speed to achieve the perfect tempo for any recipe. This level of control is particularly valuable when working with delicate ingredients, such as egg whites or dough, which can benefit from a more measured approach.

Another notable improvement is the introduction of a 1/2 Fold Speed setting. This gentle cadence is ideal for mixing ingredients that are prone to bruising or breaking, such as berries or egg whites. The 1/2 Fold Speed ensures that these delicate items are mixed without causing damage, resulting in a smoother and more consistent texture.

The Artisan Plus also features a double flex edge beater with silicone edges. This design maintains consistent contact with the bowl as it turns, minimizing the need for frequent scraping and interruptions in the mixing process. This feature not only saves time but also ensures a more uniform result, as ingredients are continuously incorporated without gaps.

For those who have experienced the occasional messy start to a mixing session, the Soft Start feature is a welcome addition. Soft Start gradually increases the mixer's speed, preventing sudden eruptions of powdery ingredients and ensuring a cleaner, more controlled beginning to any task.

The Artisan Plus is not just a technological marvel but also boasts a sleek and premium appearance. All tools, including the bowl, whisk, dough hook, flat beater, and flex edge beater, are made of dishwasher-safe stainless steel. This material not only adds a sophisticated look but also provides a cooler, more comfortable grip for users.

These improvements make the Artisan Plus an appealing choice for cooks who already appreciate the KitchenAid brand and its familiar rhythm but seek greater finesse and precision in their mixing tasks. The new model remains compatible with all existing hub-powered attachments in the KitchenAid ecosystem, ensuring that users can continue to enjoy the full range of tools they already own.

In conclusion, the KitchenAid Artisan Plus represents a significant evolution in the company's iconic stand mixer line. With its innovative features, such as the bowl light, Precision Speed Control, and 1/2 Fold Speed, the Artisan Plus offers a more refined and efficient mixing experience. These enhancements, combined with the sleek design and premium materials, position the Artisan Plus as a must-have addition to any serious cook's kitchen. As KitchenAid continues to refine its legendary product, the Artisan Plus ensures that the brand's legacy of excellence endures for generations to come.