For a lot of us, a KitchenAid stand mixer is pure kitchen goals; it’s an appliance many of us aspire to have. But they can be pricey… so it’s hard to know if it’s worth it.
When it comes to stand mixers there’s also a couple of configurations; notably the tilt stand mixer or one with a bowl lift.
Review: KitchenAid Artisan tilt head stand mixer: KSM-150PSOB
I wanted to see what’s so special about a KitchenAid stand mixer, so I recently bought the KitchenAid KSM-150PSOB Artisan Series 5-Qt. Stand Mixer to find out for myself. I chose the tilt head, because my old mixer had the bowl lift.
I’ll tell you what I used it for and how it worked out, its pros and cons, how the tilt head design compares to the lift version, and if I can recommend this for you.
KitchenAid Artisan tilt head stand mixer: What’s in the Box?
The KitchenAid KSM-150PSOB… which I’m going to shorten for now to the KSM-150, the mixer motor body comes with a 5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl; this is a bit on the smaller side, as there are also 7-8 quart mixers out there, but this seems like a good mix between capacity and space saving. KitchenAid claims it can handle 9 dozen cookies or 4 loaves of bread in a single batch, but I think that seems like a bit of a stretch.
Attachments: KitchenAid Artisan tilt head stand mixer
There’s three main attachments: a whisk attachment, a batter beater, and a dough hook. In truth, this is really all you need for baking and mixing. There’s also a see-through splash guard with spout. Worth noting, Kitchen Aid mixers also generally have a separate port called the Power Hub for accessories like pasta rollers and a grinder too, so you can expand your kitchen tools as budget allows.
Out of the box, the first thing I noticed was that this mixer is pretty heavy. It’s made of steel, I think and it feels solid; this is something that seems like you’ll have it for your whole life.
The KitchenAid KSM-150 stand mixer has that tilt-head, which allows you to access the mixing bowl without having to struggle it past the mixing head, or without relying on a lift mechanism. There’s a tilt lock, which prevents the unit from tilting while running.
Using the mixer is straightforward: lock the bowl into place by twisting it. Add your attachment and these simply push and turn to lock; they go in easily. The lower the head and get to work.
Speeds & power: KitchenAid Artisan tilt head stand mixer
The mixer has 10 speeds, using a lever. You need to toggle it in between the number stops to get all 10 speeds.
In my uses, mixing different batters, making a pie crust and even bread dough, the speeds and power was more than enough.
I tried it with a big batch of cookie dough; about 4 dozen, and to be honest, it sounded and seemed like the KitchenAid was struggling. It got the job tone with this stiff dough in the end.
The splash guard will keep everything in the mixing bowl where you want it, with an opening for adding ingredients while the machine is running.
Cleaning the KitchenAid Artisan mixer
When it comes to cleanup, the bowl can go in the dishwasher, as can the dough hook and the batter beater, but the whisk is hand wash only if you don’t want to discolour.
Full disclosure, on another model I own I’ve put mine in the dishwasher for years and yes it discolours but that doesn’t bother me as much as not being able to put it in the dishwasher would.
Should I choose a tilt head or a bowl lift stand mixer?
How does this compare to a stand mixer with a bowl lift mechanism? In all honesty there’s actually not a lot of operational difference. The only difference truly is in how you lock in the bowl. The mixer itself operates exactly the same. Where you might choose one of these over another is if you plan to store or use it under an upper cabinet. The bowl lift model will allow you easier access without needing to pull out the mixer for clearance.
Overall review: KitchenAid Artisan tilt head stand mixer
Overall, I have to say this is a great mixer.
On the plus side, it was powerful enough for me and easily managed pie crust, bread dough and cake batter. I like the design; it’s not overly large and the colors are cute, the bowl seems solid and durable too. The attachments are all I need and seem to work well. I also like the option of the power port for optional attachments.
On the down sides, it is heavy, so once you place it, it’s made to stay put, and you do need to make sure you have clearance above to operate the tilt head.
Bottom line, this mixer is a solid workhorse and it makes so many kitchen jobs so much easier. If you cook or bake a lot you absolutely need one of these KitchenAid KSM-150s.
Sells for about $429USD and you can get it from many retailers including Amazon.
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