What’s the best stand mixer? Cuisinart or KitchenAid? This is a question that has been debated since these brands first entered the market. Both brands offer quality products, but they are different in their features and performance level. The difference between these two models can be seen through their price range, size of bowl, motor power (watts), mixing speed (rpm), warranty length, number of speeds/functions and attachments. In this blog post we will compare both mixers to help you decide which one is a better fit for your needs!
What is Cuisinart Stand Mixer?
The Cuisinart stand mixer is a kitchen appliance that has been manufactured in the United States since 1973. It is sold by Conair Corporation. The Cuisinart stand mixer features an ergonomic handle for ease of use and comes with 12 pre-set speeds, as well as two turbo boost buttons for flexibility. It also includes a dough hook and whisks for various tasks. The mixer has a 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl with an ergonomic handle, as well as a clear plastic splash guard that prevents ingredients from spraying out of the bowl while mixing. A color-coded band on top of the machine indicates which speed is selected or activated by pressing the turbo boost buttons. It has dishwasher-safe attachments and measures approximately 13 inches by 9-1/2 inches by 16 inches.
Pros:
- Has more speeds and features than the KitchenAid stand mixer.
- An ergonomic handle makes mixing easier and less time-consuming.
- Comes with a one-year warranty, as well as a free recipe book.
Cons:
- Slightly pricier than the KitchenAid stand mixer.
What is KitchenAid Stand Mixer?
The KitchenAid stand mixer is made exclusively by Whirlpool Corporation, which was founded near London, Ontario, Canada in 1911. The KitchenAid brand name was introduced to the American public in 1918. The first Model KA had one speed and no attachments; it had many design flaws due to cost-cutting measures throughout its production cycle. Now the company offers dozens of models with a wide range of accessories and attachments. The KitchenAid stand mixer comes with four pre-set speeds, as well as a power boost button. It includes a 7-quart polished stainless steel bowl, as well as a splash guard that prevents ingredients from spraying out of the bowl while mixing. The mixer has a motor with 325 watts of power and measures approximately 16 inches high by 13 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches deep.
Pros:
- A long forty-foot power cord is easier to work with, especially when baking on large counters or tables.
- Has more attachments available for purchase by consumers to make the versatility of this appliance even greater.
Cons:
- Weighs more than the Cuisinart stand mixer.
- Doesn’t have as many speeds available for consumers to choose from.
Cuisinart Vs. Kitchenaid Stand Mixers In Comparison
Design and Appearance
A cuisinart stand mixer is slightly wider and longer than the KitchenAid stand mixer. The cuisinart stand mixer has a clear splash guard, as well as an ergonomic handle for comfortability. KitchenAid stand mixer comes with a power cord that’s forty feet long which makes it easier to work with, no matter what surface you’re working on.
KitchenAid offers more attachments for consumers to choose from including a meat grinder set and pasta press, while Cuisinart doesn’t offer any additional attachments besides its dough hook and whisk. Sixteen pounds of Cuisinart’s total weight can be attributed to its stainless steel bowl, while seven pounds of the total weight of the KitchenAid model can be contributed to its polished steel bowl. The KitchenAid bowl is 7 quarts, while the Cuisinart bowl holds 4.5 quarts.
Speed
Although the KitchenAid stand mixer offers four pre-set speeds, compared to the twelve speeds offered by the Cuisinart stand mixer, the KitchenAid stand mixer weighs significantly less than the Cuisinart stand mixer with only one speed available for consumers to use.
Features
Both models come with a splash guard over the bowl to help keep ingredients from flying out of the bowl or off the beater.
Both KitchenAid and Cuisinart have separate attachments available for purchase by consumers including pasta makers, food grinders, and meat grinder sets.
Cuisinart offers more than twelve speeds for users whereas KitchenAid only has four pre-set speeds. The Cuisinart model is slightly wider and longer than KitchenAid’s model which allows it to perform better under intense mixing conditions that may require extra stability. Cuisinart comes with an additional one year warranty included in its price tag, while KitchenAid’s is an additional three years when purchasing it at local retailers. Cuisinart mixer is made up of sixteen pounds which is almost twice the weight of KitchenAid’s model.
Price
Pricing is always a concern when making large purchases such as a KitchenAid vs. Cuisinart stand mixer, especially when you’re looking to save money. Depending on where you choose to purchase either of these mixers from, KitchenAid costs around $300 whereas the Cuisinart model can range between $100 and $300 depending on which retailer it’s being purchased from.
Weight
The main difference between the two models is their weight. The Cuisinart weighs sixteen pounds while KitchenAid’s model weighs closer to seven pounds. Both have pre-set speeds but only one speed may be used with the Cuisinart model while four speeds are available for users who purchase the KitchenAid mixer. The attachments for both models allow consumers to easily change out their accessories for various types of recipes including meat, pasta, and grating. Cuisinart comes with an additional one year warranty included in its price tag while KitchenAid’s is an additional three years when purchasing it at local retailers.
Which is Better?
The KitchenAid stand mixer is a great choice for those who are looking for pre-set speeds, or who already own enough attachments that they would outweigh the benefit of twelve possible speeds with the Cuisinart stand mixer. On the other hand, those looking for multiple speeds should consider purchasing the Cuisinart stand mixer because it offers convenience and ease that can’t be found within other models on today’s market.
Conclusion
The Cuisinart stand mixer is a better choice for those who want multiple speeds and an additional warranty. KitchenAid’s model is the better choice for those looking for pre-set speeds and don’t mind investing more money than they would on the Cuisinart stand mixer.
However, if saving money is your main concern then it’s probably best to purchase both models and see which one works best for you. The only way that will happen however is if you test each one out at your local retailer or showroom whenever possible. If not, then carefully read through consumer reviews of each product online before making a decision. You should also take into consideration the number of attachments available as well as any other features that may be important to you when purchasing either model.
When it’s all said and done, the Cuisinart stand mixer is better than KitchenAid’s model in almost every way possible so it would be the best choice to make if you’re looking for a new mixer today. Since both models are available at local retailers however, testing them out before making a purchase should always be your first priority just in case you find that one of these two mixers isn’t up to par with what you’re searching for.
No matter which one you choose, you can rest assured knowing that both brands offer quality products for your mixing needs. Whether their features will meet your expectations or not depends on how much money you have allocated to spend as well as what exactly you’ll be using your new mixer for.
