KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer

The KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer is well suited to light tasks such as whipping cream and blending cake batter. This stand mixer looks similar to the more expensive KitchenAid Artisan but it has a less powerful motor (250 watts vs. 325 watts) and a 4.5-quart bowl. It comes with a flat beater, dough hook and whisk. Several power attachments are also available for purchase. This model carries a one-year warranty.

Performance

Lots of bang for your buck. Reviewers and owners alike say the KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer outperforms more expensive mixers when kneading bread dough, mixing cookie dough or whipping cream. However, some owners complain that the motor isn't quite powerful enough for kneading bread dough on a regular basis.

Professional reviewers, such as the editors at Cook's Illustrated magazine, agree. During testing, the Classic Series mixer performed well at creaming and whipping but editors say it's not "cut out for kneading dough." Furthermore, heavy jobs caused the machine to shake a lot. Still, editors say, "While not as powerful as more expensive KitchenAid models, this mixer is a great value."

Owners posting to Amazon.com, Viewpoints.com and Walmart.com are overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer; many say they have been using theirs for a decade or longer. On the other hand, several reviewers say that while older units tended to last for decades, newer units aren't built with the same quality. Users complain about plastic inner components that wear down easily with use. Still, most reviewers agree that the KitchenAid Classic Series is the best value when it comes to budget-priced stand mixers.

Ease of use

Saves time and effort. Owners praise the KitchenAid Classic for its ease of use and say the dishwasher-safe components make the unit easy to clean (with the exception of the wire whip). The mixer also receives praise for its simple controls and adjustable mixer arm, which reduces the need to scrape the sides of the bowl as you combine ingredients.

The Classic Series' bowl lacks a handle, which may be a drawback for some users. A few owners also say it's hard to add ingredients while the mixer is in use without creating a mess. A pouring shield -- available for separate purchase -- can help to alleviate this problem.

Appearance

Sleek styling, but only available in one color. Much like the KitchenAid Artisan Series, many users praise the classic design of the KitchenAid Classic Series. That's a good thing, because the mixer takes up a lot of space, and most reviewers say it's too heavy to move frequently. One key difference between these two KitchenAid mixer lines is that the Classic is only available in white.

Noise

Not too loud. In professional tests, the KitchenAid Classic was relatively quiet compared to other stand mixers. User reviews don't often note noise levels.

The bottom line

The KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer is a top choice because it excels at mixing and whipping jobs, although it struggles a bit with heavy-duty jobs such as kneading bread dough. Its 4.5-quart bowl is fine for most basic needs, but large quantities strain the motor. If you need a larger mixer, the KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixer (*Est. $350) has a 5-quart mixing bowl.