Researched comparisonLast updated September 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
The Cuisinart SM-50NAS is the lowest price at $290.81 and lists a 5.5 quart bowl, 500 watts, 12 speeds, and a 3 year warranty. The KitchenAid Classic 4.5 quart ($299.99) is the smallest bowl and the middle price. The KitchenAid Artisan 5 quart ($379.95) costs the most and lists metal construction and over 20 colors. All three are tilt-head mixers available on Amazon.
- Cuisinart SM-50NAS: best for bakers who want a 5.5 quart bowl, 12 speeds and 500 watts of die-cast metal power with a 3 year warranty.
- KitchenAid Classic K45SS: best for casual bakers who want a smaller 4.5 quart bowl and 10 speeds.
- KitchenAid Artisan KSM150PS: best for bakers who want a 5 quart bowl and a choice of 20+ colors.
Prices as of September 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT, except the Cuisinart price, checked October 1, 2026, 3:25 pm CT.
A stand mixer handles bread dough, cookie batter, and whipped cream far more easily than a hand mixer. This comparison puts the KitchenAid Artisan and KitchenAid Classic side by side with a Cuisinart on price, bowl size, speeds, and warranty.
How We Chose
We compared two KitchenAid models because they are the two most common KitchenAid choices, plus one Cuisinart. All three are tilt-head mixers with a stainless steel bowl, and all three offers are available on Amazon. We also looked at Breville, Smeg, Kenwood, and Bosch, but the offers we found were from third-party sellers or bundles, so we left them out. The bowl sizes are not identical: 4.5 quarts for the Classic, 5 for the Artisan, and 5.5 for the Cuisinart. The manufacturers give different specs: Cuisinart lists 500 watts and a 3 year limited warranty, KitchenAid lists 275 watts for the Classic and 325 watts for the Artisan, and KitchenAid’s U.S. warranty document lists a 1 year full warranty. Mixer prices change by color, and the Cuisinart price is for the White Linen color. The Cuisinart color we first listed is no longer on Cuisinart’s site, so we switched to the White Linen SM-50NAS, which Amazon.com sells. Specifications and warranty terms come from each manufacturer’s own pages where we could read them, and each table cell names its source. This is a researched comparison, not a hands-on test, so we make no claims about how well any of them handles heavy dough or how long they last. Prices are Amazon prices checked in September and October 2026 and can change.
The Lineup
Prices as of September 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT, except the Cuisinart price, checked October 1, 2026, 3:25 pm CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Amazon may show a different seller than the brand or Amazon.com. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Cuisinart Stand Mixer, 12 Speed, 5.5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl, White Linen (SM-50NAS)
$290.81 as of Oct 1, 2026, 3:25 pm CT on Amazon · lowest price, 3 year warranty
Best for: bakers who want a 5.5 quart bowl, 12 speeds and 500 watts of die-cast metal power with a 3 year warranty.
The listing describes a 5.5 quart stainless steel bowl, a 500 watt motor, die-cast metal construction, 12 speeds, and a tilt-back head with one power outlet for optional attachments. It includes a chef’s whisk, dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and a splash guard with pour spout, and it states a limited 3 year warranty. Optional attachments, such as a pasta roller and an ice cream attachment, are sold separately. The price shown is for the White Linen color (model SM-50NAS), which Amazon.com sells. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer K45SS, Onyx Black
$299.99 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · smallest bowl
Best for: casual bakers who want a smaller 4.5 quart bowl and 10 speeds.
The listing describes durable metal construction with 59 touchpoints around the bowl, a 4.5 quart stainless steel bowl that it says mixes up to 8 dozen cookies in a batch, a tilt-head design, and 10 speeds. It says more than 10 attachments are available separately. The box includes the bowl, a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a 6-wire whip. KitchenAid’s Classic vs Artisan page lists a 275 watt motor. KitchenAid’s U.S. warranty document lists a 1 year full warranty with hassle-free replacement. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Tilt-Head Stand Mixer KSM150PS, Black Matte
$379.95 as of Sep 30, 2026, 6:27 pm CT on Amazon · highest price, 20+ colors
Best for: bakers who want a 5 quart bowl and a choice of 20+ colors.
The listing describes metal construction with 59 touchpoints around the bowl, a 5 quart stainless steel bowl that it says mixes 9 dozen cookies in a single batch, a tilt-head design, 10 speeds, and over 20 colors. Attachments are sold separately. KitchenAid’s spec table lists a 325 watt motor. KitchenAid’s U.S. warranty document lists a 1 year full warranty with hassle-free replacement. The price shown is for the Black Matte color. It is available on Amazon.
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
If price and warranty matter most, the Cuisinart is the lowest price and carries a 3 year limited warranty on Cuisinart’s page, against 1 year for each KitchenAid. If you want the KitchenAid name on a smaller bowl, the Classic is the cheaper KitchenAid. If you want the larger KitchenAid bowl and the widest color range, the Artisan costs the most. Think about how much you bake and how much counter space you have before you choose. We did not test any of them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the KitchenAid Artisan and the KitchenAid Classic?
The listings show the Artisan with a 5 quart bowl and over 20 colors, and the Classic with a 4.5 quart bowl. Both list a tilt-head design, 10 speeds, and metal construction, and the Artisan costs more here.
Does the Cuisinart stand mixer have a warranty?
Yes. The Cuisinart listing states a limited 3 year warranty and tells you to refer to the user manual for warranty policies. The KitchenAid listings state a 1 year warranty, and KitchenAid’s U.S. stand mixer warranty document lists a 1 year full warranty.
What comes with each stand mixer?
The Cuisinart listing lists a chef’s whisk, dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and splash guard with pour spout. The KitchenAid Classic listing lists a coated flat beater, a coated dough hook, and a 6-wire whip.
Can you add attachments to these stand mixers?
The Cuisinart and KitchenAid listings both say optional attachments such as pasta rollers and ice cream attachments are sold separately. Check which attachments fit the exact model before you buy.
