There is a $100 price difference between the Artisan Plus and Artisan models. However, the Artisan Plus\u2019s features are small but mighty, and make the cost difference seem like a bargain, especially in higher-stakes recipe scenarios. This upgraded model has a more powerful 350-watt motor compared to the Artisan series model\u2019s 325 watts. With the Artisan Plus\u2019s increased intensity also comes the new precision speed control. Twist the knob of the Artisan Plus and you engage half-speed settings, so you can move between two and 2.5, all the way up to 11. Previous generations capped out at 10 speeds.<\/p>\n
The Artisan Plus\u2019s \u201cSoft Start\u201d feature gently transitions between speeds. Coupled with the LED light situated above the mixing bowl, it makes managing the most delicate of recipes exact. While I compared the Artisan Plus and Artisan series models, I found that the addition of the bowl light and precision mixing speeds alone made it worth the slightly higher price point. I\u2019d often stop mixing to visually check progress with my Artisan series stand mixer, while the Artisan Plus could chug right along without breaking its stride thanks to its light.<\/p>\n Taking a glance at the KitchenAid attachments of yesteryear, it\u2019s evident that the Artisan Plus is an upgrade. Its whire whip, dough hook, flat beater, and new double-edge beater attachment are all stainless steel, sleek, and heavy. Apart from what I had on hand for the \u201964 mixer (most attachments were lost to time), the older mixers had a combination of aluminum and powder-coated attachments to work with. All attachments, regardless of mixer generation, are designed to be top-rack dishwasher-safe; that\u2019s still the case with the Artisan Plus\u2019s extras, too.<\/p>\n 1964 KitchenAid<\/p>\n <\/span>Photograph: Julia Forbes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n 1990 KitchenAid<\/p>\n <\/span>Photograph: Julia Forbes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n 2017 KitchenAid<\/p>\n <\/span>Photograph: Julia Forbes<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n I set up each mixer side by side and had them all make the same recipe at the same time. While my pseudo test kitchen was chaotic, it was insightful to see the generational differences in action and even the slight design changes over time. The Artisan Plus\u2019s footprint did not take up any more space compared to previous generations. It also doesn\u2019t look fundamentally different from the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer, or even the 1990s model.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nMix-and-Match<\/h2>\n
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