Compared to their other mixers, some would say that the KitchenAid Classic stand mixer looks rather dull. But does that make it the runt of the litter – or is it more “like a basic Rolls-Royce”?
Take a peek under the hood and find out what makes one happy customer wax poetic over her Classic, actually comparing it to this icon of automobiles…
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KitchenAid Classic Mixer Features
Tilt-head Type: Users are generally grateful for the tilt-head design of the Kitchen Aid Classic, stating that it provides easy access to both bowl and beaters, though it will require a little extra clearance.
Motor: KitchenAid Classic mixers feature the least powerful motors of all KitchenAid mixers – ranging between 250 and 300 watts.
Accessories: Their accessories also vary slightly. While the stainless steel whip is the same for all series, the flat beater and dough hook are nylon-coated for the Classic and burnished metal for the other two series.
4 ½-Quart Bowl Capacity: The KitchenAid mixer Classic model comes with a handle-free 4 ½-quart brushed stainless steel bowl, making the bowl harder to maneuver and remove from its base which may concern people with weak fingers like mine. An 8-cup average capacity allows you to mix 3 ¾ loaves of bread, 6 ¾ dozen cookies, or 6 ½ pounds of mashed potatoes.
Planetary Mixing Action: The trademarked KitchenAid planetary mixing action guarantees the highest beater-to-bowl coverage in the industry. The beater’s spiralling action to 59 different touching points within the bowl ensures maximum mixing efficiency, in other words less time in the kitchen!
Mixing Speeds: The KitchenAid Classic 4 ½-qt stand mixer’s 10-Speed Solid-State Control with direct-drive transmission ranging from a very slow stir to a very fast whip means better control when you add ingredients. It also makes it easier to achieve perfect results.
Direct Drive Transmission: Adding direct drive transmission to this mixer made it possible to build a more powerful stand mixer in a smaller appliance. It is more efficient than regular transmission in that it requires less space as well as fewer parts.
Warranty: All Classic series mixers come with a one-year warranty.
Kitchen Aid Classic Series
KitchenAid Classic K45SS
The KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer weighs 25 lbs and has the smallest motor of the bunch (250-watt). Three accessories are included with this series:
.nylon-coated flat beater;
.nylon-coated C-shape dough hook;
.stainless steel 6-wire whip.
KitchenAid Classic Plus KSM75
The KitchenAid KSM75WH Classic Plus Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer sports a 275-watt motor (25 watts more than the Classic) and also weighs 25 lbs. Accessories include the same stainless steel 6-wire whip, but the burnished metal flat beater and dough hook are not dishwasher safe.
Click here for the Classic Plus.
KitchenAid Ultra Power KSM95
With a slightly more powerful 300-watt motor, the KitchenAid KSM95 4.5-quart Ultra Power Tilt-head Stand Mixer is also a little heavier (26 lbs). Like the Classic Plus, accessories include a stainless steel 6-wire whip, but the flat beater and dough hook are burnished metal and must be washed by hand.
Click here for the Ultra Power.
KitchenAid Classic Color
While the KSM95 Ultra Power now comes in Onyx Black only, the KSM75 Classic Plus comes in Silver or White, while the K45SS Classic is available in Onyx Black or White.
KitchenAid Classic Mixer Attachments (Optional)
Citrus Juicer JE
Dough Hook K45DH
Flat Beater Burnished K5THB
Food Grinder FGA
Food Tray FT
Fruit & Vegetable Strainer Parts FVSP
Fruit & Vegetable Strainer & Grinder FVSFGA
Gourmet Specialty Attachment Pack KGSA
Ice Cream Maker KICA0WH
Mixer Attachment Pack w/ Citrus Juicer KN12AP
Mixer Attachment Pack FPPA
Pasta Excellence Kit KPEX
Pasta Cutter KPCA
Ravioli Maker KRAV
Roto Slicer w/ Shredder RSVA
Sausage Stuffer Kit SSA
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Polished KN13PB
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl KB3SS
Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl K5THSBP
Wire Whip K45WW
Kitchen Aid Classic Mixer Reviews
Pros
The KitchenAid Classic boasts hundreds of highly positive reviews on Amazon. Here are the features consumers enjoy the most:
Motor: Customers have commented on the strength of their Classic mixer’s motor.
Dimensions: 14-1/8″D x 8-3/4″W x 13-15/16″H
Optional Attachments: The fact that optional attachments can be purchased to extend the versatility of KitchenAid mixers is also a plus, enabling homemakers to use their mixer for tasks like grinding, making pasta or frozen desserts, shredding, plus a slew of other uses, without buying separate small appliances.
Manufacturing: Owners also appreciate the reliability of their KitchenAid Classic mixer, stressing how solidly it is built – in the USA!
Cons
Bowl: This may be the Classic’s weakest point:
.at 4 ½ quarts, it has the smallest bowl of all KitchenAid stand mixers. It can handle single recipes like a champ but won’t always allow for doubling (the Artisan offers greater capacity);
.the slightly narrower diameter makes it harder to add ingredients;
.the lack of a handle makes it more difficulty to empty as well as to remove it from its base.
Motor: Equipped with 250-, 275- and 300-watt motors, Classic KitchenAid mixers can truly hold their own in the kitchen. The drawback is that none of them is built to mix a lot of heavy dough. Serious bread or pizza makers may want to consider instead a KitchenAid Professional stand mixer.
Color: Colors are limited to White, Black or Silver depending on model.
Our Recommendation
KitchenAid Classic 4.5-qt stand mixers are a perfect fit if you don’t bake for a lot of people, specially if you are not much into kneading heavy doughs. But bear in mind that a bowl with comfortable handle is much more user-friendly if you have weak fingers.
Love to bake bread or pizza? Have a look at the KitchenAid Artisan mixer. For a little extra, you will have a more powerful stand mixer – and wait till you see the colors…!
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