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The KitchenAid Artisan (model KSM150PS) is the stand mixer most people picture when they think of one. It has been around for decades, comes in more than 20 colors, and it consistently ranks among Amazon's best-selling stand mixers.
Popularity is not the same as being right for everyone, though. Here is what the Artisan does well, where it falls short, and when the smaller Classic or the bigger bowl-lift model is the better buy.
Our Verdict
The Artisan is still the default stand mixer for most home bakers. It is sturdy, simple to use and works with a huge range of attachments. If you knead heavy bread dough every week, step up to a bowl-lift model.
Best for: home bakers who make cookies, cakes, whipped cream and the occasional loaf of bread.
Skip it if: you bake large batches of stiff bread dough every week, or your upper cabinets are too low for a tilt-head.
How we review: we have not lab-tested this product ourselves. This review is based on the manufacturer's specifications, the Amazon listing and recurring themes in buyer reviews, checked in October 2026.
Key Specs
| Model | KSM150PS |
|---|---|
| Type | Tilt-head stand mixer |
| Bowl | 5-quart stainless steel, dishwasher safe |
| Speeds | 10 |
| Power | 325 W |
| Mixing action | 59 touchpoints around the bowl |
| In the box | Flat beater, dough hook, wire whip, pouring shield |
| Attachments | Power hub for 10+ optional attachments (sold separately) |
| Dimensions | 14.3" W x 9.3" D x 14" H |
| Weight | About 24 lb |
| Warranty | 1-year hassle-free replacement |
Pros
- Durable metal construction that stays put while mixing
- 5-quart bowl handles about 9 dozen cookies in one batch
- Tilt-head design gives easy access to the bowl
- Power hub works with pasta rollers, food grinders and more
- More than 20 colors to match your kitchen
Cons
- Heavy, so it really needs a permanent spot on the counter
- Tilt-head needs clearance under upper cabinets
- Some reviewers report units that stopped working
- Bowl-lift models have more power for stiff dough
Design and build
The Artisan has a metal body and a tilt-head design. You lift the head back to add ingredients or swap attachments, then lock it in place while mixing. KitchenAid describes 59 touchpoints around the bowl, meaning the beater reaches most of the bowl as it spins, so you scrape down less often.
Bowl, speeds and mixing
The 5-quart stainless steel bowl has a comfortable handle and is dishwasher safe. KitchenAid says it can mix up to 9 dozen cookies in a single batch. There are 10 speeds, from a gentle stir for dry ingredients to fast whipping for cream and egg whites. A pouring shield is included to reduce splatter when you add flour or liquids.
Attachments
The front power hub is what turns a mixer into a kitchen system. KitchenAid offers more than 10 hub-powered attachments, sold separately, including pasta rollers, food grinders, spiralizers and an ice cream bowl. They fit across KitchenAid stand mixers, so they stay useful if you upgrade later.
Size and weight
At about 24 pounds, the Artisan is not something you want to lift in and out of a cupboard. It is 14 inches tall with the head down, and the head tilts up, so measure the space under your upper cabinets before you choose a spot.
What Buyers Say
Owners consistently praise the mixing performance, the ease of use and the versatility, from cookie dough to mashed potatoes. Many call it the gold standard of stand mixers, love the color choices and say it is worth the price.
Opinions differ on reliability. Many owners are happy with how it holds up, but some say their mixer stopped working, so keep your receipt and warranty information.
Alternatives Worth Considering
KitchenAid Classic 4.5-Qt (K45SS)
The budget version of the same tilt-head design, with a 4.5-quart bowl (about 8 dozen cookies), 10 speeds, and a flat beater, dough hook and 6-wire whip in the box. A good choice for smaller households.
KitchenAid 5.5-Qt Bowl-Lift (KSM55)
KitchenAid says it delivers twice the power in the bowl compared with the KSM150. It adds 11 speeds, including a 1/2 speed for folding, a 5.5-quart bowl and a 3-point locking bowl. Better for frequent bread bakers.
Should You Buy the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer?
The Artisan is the right mixer for most people who bake regularly. It is well built, easy to use and expandable with attachments. Choose the Classic if you want to save money and bake smaller batches, or a bowl-lift model if heavy bread dough is your main use.
Check the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer on Amazon
Comparing options? See all five of our kitchen picks on one page: 5 Kitchen Appliances Worth the Counter Space. You may also like our Breville Barista Express review. Choosing between models? Read Artisan vs Classic.
FAQ
What is the difference between the KitchenAid Artisan and Classic?
The Artisan has a larger 5-quart bowl with a handle, comes in many more colors and includes a pouring shield. The Classic has a 4.5-quart bowl and a lower price. Both have 10 speeds and the same tilt-head design.
Tilt-head or bowl-lift: which is better?
Tilt-head mixers like the Artisan give easier access to the bowl and fit under more cabinets when the head is down. Bowl-lift models are taller and more powerful, which suits heavy, frequent bread baking.
Is the Artisan bowl dishwasher safe?
Yes. KitchenAid lists the 5-quart stainless steel bowl as dishwasher safe.
Do KitchenAid attachments fit the Artisan?
Yes. The power hub works with KitchenAid's hub-powered attachments, which are sold separately.
Affiliate Disclosure: Smart Home Shields is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Product details and availability on Amazon change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
