The two stand mixers in the KitchenAid Pro 600 vs Artisan comparison are popular options. But, which one should you choose?
KitchenAid Pro 600 – Click here to check price
KitchenAid Artisan – Click here to check price
That’s the question that we’ve answered with our extensive research below. Now, relax, and read the passage below before you make your decision.
Table of Contents
Appearance and Design
The KitchenAid Pro 600 is an upgraded version of the very popular Artisan stand mixer. So, it should come as no surprise that the 600 has a more modern and functional look. It is certainly more flashy than its predecessor. While the Artisan line is a little on the bulky side, the designers streamlined the Pro 600. Just take a look at it, you’ll find a slick look with defined and well-cut edges. Really, the whole design screams precision and efficiency.
Mixing Head Differences
More than their appearance, these stand mixers also display differences in their operation. For example, the KitchenAid Artisan features a tilting head mechanism. Here, the bowl rests on the base of the machine. And the head can be tilted to achieve the desired position for the mixing process. In simple terms, the bowl is stationary while the head is flexible.
The Pro 600 has a reverse design. The head is fixed and doesn’t move. At the same time, you can adjust the bowl via a crank (or lift handle) to suit the mixing needs of the owner.
But, what does all this mean for you? As expected, each of these design mechanisms has its pros and cons.
The tilt-head design of the Artisan mixer provides increased ease of use. Users claim the tilt-head makes it very easy to attach other accessories to the mixer. It’s also very easy to remove those same accessories when finished using them. But there is a downside to Artisan tilt-head. Since the head is held in place by a locking pin, the mixer becomes less stable under heavy use. Heavy use refers to mixing large batches of ingredients.
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But the 600’s bowl-lift design and fixed motorhead ensure the mixer remains stable. Even under intense and large workloads. Unfortunately, its static nature and sturdy build make cleaning more difficult. And the attachment and removal accessories a cumbersome venture.
Despite these differences, both KitchenAid stand mixers have a few similarities. For one, the mixing bowls are fitted with handles for better grip and easy transfer of the mixture or batter. Also, both come with a pouring shield or guard on the bowls. This helps to prevent or minimize the splatter of ingredients while mixing or pouring.
Construction
The KitchenAid Pro 600 is superior to the Artisan in terms of quality of construction. It possesses a gear system completely made of steel. This steel gear system ensures its reliability and durability. This compares favorably to the all-plastic gear transmission of the Artisan.
The mixing bowls of both mixers are constructed from stainless steel. Owners of KitchenAid Artisan mixers desiring glass bowls can buy them separately. However, a special Artisan series known as Artisan Design comes with glass rather than stainless bowls.
Size
Placing the two models side by side gives the impression that the Pro 600 is much taller than than the Artisan. However, if the tilt-head of the Artisan is adjusted to its full height, it becomes the taller of the two machines.
The Artisan is usually lauded for its smaller footprint. It is shorter than the Pro when the tilt-head is at its lowest position. And that translates into a smaller storage space and increased storage options.
Click here to see the KitchenAid Pro 600
Click here to see the KitchenAid Artisan
Color
The amazing range of color options is arguably the biggest reason why the Artisan is the most popular model of all KitchenAid stand mixers. With more than 30 crowd-pleasing colors, the Artisan offers users an impressive number of options to choose from. Still, the Pro 600 is available in at least 10 different colors. So, even if you go for the Pro model you should be able to find a color that makes you smile.
Weight
Due to its internal metal construction, the KitchenAid Pro 600 is heavier than the Artisan.
Bowl Size or Volume
The Artisan has a bowl volume of 5 quart while the Pro 600 comes with a larger 6-quart bowl. So, if you entertain large crowds or take part in bake sales, this is the obvious choice.
Soft Start and Electronic Speed Sensor
While both mixers come with with the same number of speed settings. It is the Pro 600 that goes a step further with the Soft Start feature. With the slow start, the machine starts slowly and gradually increases speed. This delayed motion or helps ensure that mixing ingredients do not splash on the user and kitchen surfaces.
The Pro 600 is also designed with an electronic speed sensor. This sensor monitors the thickness of the bowl’s contents. Then it adjusts the speed of the mixer to ensure the resulting mixture is smooth and consistent.
Motor Protection
The Pro 600 is well-suited to heavy workloads. However, in the event that it is becoming overworked it has a fail safe. If the motor starts to overheat, it will automatically shut itself off. This helps to protect the motor against overloading.
Included Accessories
Both mixers come with a wire whip or whisk, a dough hook, and a flat beater. However, the design of these accessories and the build material differ. If you choose the KitchenAid Artisan you get a C-shaped hook, a 6-wire whisk, and a flat beater, all coated with nylon.
The Pro 600 ups the ante with a spiral dough hook that does a better job at kneading dough than the Artisan’s C-hook. It also comes with an 11-wire whip, and a flat beater, all made of burnished metal. The nylon-coated accessories of the Artisan are dishwasher safe. Unfortunately the Pro 600’s burnished counterparts are not.
There is good news if you go with the Pro 600 though. The burnished accessories tend to last longer than nylon-coated ones.
Click here to get more details for the KitchenAid Pro 600
Click here to get more details for the KitchenAid Artisan
Power and Performance
Fitted with powerful motors, these KitchenAid mixers come with a long power cords. Yet the Artisan has a substantive power of 325 watts, the Pro 600 is much more powerful with a rating of 575 watts.
Both mixers perform exceptionally well for small to medium cooking and baking projects. But, the Pro 600 has more than just an “edge” when it comes to larger batches. The Pro has better stability, features, better accessories, and a more powerful motor. So while both can handle a small or medium workload, the champ (Pro 600) reveals itself with large loads. The Artisan lags behind here.
The general consensus among KitchenAid users is that the Artisan struggles with bread-making. It is better suited to cakes and cookies. The Pro 600, according to a large number of reviewers, is far better at kneading dough and making bread. Not even grainy bread is a problem for this powerhouse.
Noise
The KitchenAid Pro 600 is reputedly noisier than the Artisan. This can be attributed to its more powerful motor and metal construction.
Warranty
Both KitchenAid mixers come with a one-year warranty.
Pros and Cons of the KitchenAid Pro 600
Pros
- Superior construction
- Larger volume
- Greater power and capacity
- Recommended for large and difficult projects
- Increased durability
- Has in-built speed sensor
- Motor protection
- Soft start feature
Cons
- Fewer color options
- Fewer storage options
- Noisier
- Heavier
Pros and Cons of the KitchenAid Artisan
Pros
- Wider range of color options
- Suitable for normal household use
- Easily stored
- Quieter
- Lighter
Cons
- Virtually made from plastic
- Smaller volume
- Reduced power and capacity
- Less stable
Summary
When it comes to the two stand mixers in the KitchenAid Pro 600 vs Artisan comparison I would choose the Pro 600. That is, of course, if money weren’t an issue. It is simply the superior machine with better features. Those features include an all-metal drive system, more powerful motor, and superior construction. The soft start feature is very thoughtful. With it, you won’t have to worry about getting batter or dough mix all over the place. Now, both come with a 1-year warranty. I’m not impressed with that. But, I do think that the the Pro 600 is more likely to stand the test of time.
KitchenAid Pro 600 – Click here to buy
KitchenAid Artisan – Click here to buy
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