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I have the tilt one. I have to pull it out of the space between counter and cupboards but it's not a big deal. I like the sturdiness of the lock of the tilt when I mix at high speed; but I assume the bowl-lift is as stable?

What I want to suggest to you is buying an extra bowl (or 2, if your budget permits) as you can do your whole cake from batter to filling to topping without having to stop to wash...

Good luck!

By the way, the model I have, the tilt-head one, the space is very narrow between the bowl and the top part of the mixer... maybe check if it is the same with the bowl-lift? just makes it easier to drop in ingredients while mixing.

Jen, I think you need to know how strong a motor you need and where you want to use it and store it. Unlike Faith, I didn't want mine on the counter. I wanted to store it on a waist-high shelf in my pantry so I wouldn't have to bend and lift to get it out. I was limited by shelf height... so I chose the tilt-head. Since I don't use it everyday, I preserve my uncluttered counters but then again, I do have to carry it to the nearest counter to use it. I use mine for cakes etc. but I knead my bread by hand so the lower power works fine for me.

I have a KA Artisan with the tilt head. I also noticed that the bowl lift one was more expensive. I'm not sure what the difference with that particular design feature can mean in terms of pricing, so I would look at the wattage instead (mine is 325w). That's probably more important in terms of using it to make food. You can then determine what kind of space you are working with and what works better for you.

The tilt head will require more space for the tilting but it's also easier to attach the paddle, whisk, or the dough hook. But it's also harder to put ingredients in while the machine is running.

I recieved the bowl-lift as a gift and returned it for another color. I was then able to see the tilt and lift side by side. The tilt has a smaller footprint, good for the tiny kitchens and little counter space. The lift was a bit taller and wider, and the scraping of the metals as it was lifting was like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.

The lift just seems a little unnecessary to me. My tilty kitchen aid has been good to me.

I, as well, always wondered what was the difference.
I have a tilt-head model. I bake often and it works for my needs.

My mom has the tilt-head, which I used a lot before I moved out on my own. I bought the bowl-lift version for myself.

The things that annoy me about the bowl-lift version are how difficult it is to add ingredients and to scrape down the sides of the bowl. The tilt-head has much easier access, and it is easier to remove the bowl without taking the mixing attachment off.

My mom has one of the lower power tilt-head models, and she still makes bread dough in it on occasion. So I think one of the higher powered tilt-head models would be fully functional. But you should consider what you intend to use it for and pick a power based on that.

I was always under the impression that the lift bowl is bigger than the tilt one and could therefore handle a larger volume of whatever you are mixing. I would also check the strength of the motors on them. That could explain the difference.

I have the bowl-lift and I love it. I haven't used them side by side, but I believe the bowl on the bowl-lift model is bigger, and I find it smoother and less cumbersome to lift/lower the bowl than tilt that heavy head.

I have an old lift one, it was a friend's hand me down--she got it from her grandmother and decided she wanted a colored one (I'm glad she gave it to me, but I think she was foolish in buying a new one. She bought the tilt mainly for looks as she doesn't cook, but her husband does some. ) The old one she gave me is so heavy, but it doesn't vibrate and move on the countertop at high speeds. I also like the ability to lower the bowl to add ingredients. The tilt version is a little nice in the fact the bowl is easier to remove once finished. It's funny, i thought the bowl lift was the old school version as tilt is all i see in stores now.

I had a tilt-head (KA Artisan Empire Red) for many years, and it was perfectly serviceable, although eventually the hinge became loose and the paddle started scraping the bottom of the bowl. I upgraded to the bowl-lift (KA Pro5 Blue Willow) for a more powerful motor and a bigger bowl.

I don't really find it more difficult to add ingredients from a small bowl or measuring cup, and the bowl-scraping is only slightly more inconvenient. I prefer the stability of the drop-bowl, and of course the fact that I no longer get flecks of porcelain chipping off of the bottom of the paddle mixed into my dough.

The lift bowl is so that you can place a bowl of hot or ice water below the mixing bowl.

I've never used a bowl-lift model, but if you don't plan to store it on the counter, I find that the tilt is somewhat annoying to move around since you pretty much have to pick it up by the base.

After years of working in restaurants I prefer the lift version because of ease of use and added power. However, I do think they take up more space and cost more.

the bowl-lift models do have a larger capacity mixing bowl and a higher-watt motor.

that being said, i got the artisan (the higher-wattage of the tilt-head models, i think with a 5qt bowl), and have been nothing but happy with it. someone above made a good point that it's easier to get at ingredients in it by lifting the head rather than lowering the bowl.

My understanding is that the bowl-lift Pro model is preferred by frequent bread-bakers. The tilt-head Artisan (which I've got, and love) jitters all over the counter when you knead dough with it for any length of time, and the Pro, I hear, doesn't.

I own the tilt version and I use it for everything, bread to whipping cream. I love mine and have had no problems with it, but I can't tell you the number of times I have pinched my fingers tilting to get the bowl out. (yeah, I know, I never learn). I really can't think of anything I would complain about, however--if I were going to buy another one I would get the bowl-lift model, simply because the bowl is larger. Many times, I have wished that I had the slightly larger bowl. Whatever you decide, my take is that you really can't go wrong with a Kitchenaid--happy baking!

If you bake a lot of bread I recommend the lift head. My tilt head lock broke, which renders my Kitchenaid pretty much useless for kneading.

I have the bowl-lift and love it; my mom has the tilt-head and I've found that mine mixes more evenly and I don't have to scrape the sides down much. With hers you have to stop, tilt the head back, and scrape the sides *all* the time. I'm not sure if the rotation of the mixing head on mine gets closer to the sides of the bowl? Go for the bowl-lift!

(And to anyone who has the cabinet space to spare, I also have an appliance lift that lets me stow the whole kit and caboodle under the counter and then easily lift it and lock the shelf in place when I'm using it. Best $40 I spent in the kitchen.)

My parents had one of each, but their tilt head was significantly older than the bowl lift so I can't speak to the power difference. I will say that I found the tilt head model much easier to use. In the bowl lift I have to take off the mixer every time I want to move the bowl and adding things to the bowl while mixing is just a pain.

I've used both as well, and I prefer the tilt-head. It's shorter, lighter, and a bit less unwieldy, so if you can't keep your mixer on your counter, the tilt-head is a bit easier on your back. Also, I find that I can get into the bowl with a spatula better with a tilt-head than I can with the bowl-lift; there's more space for my hand.

Please get the bowl lift!
The bowl is not only bigger (I cannot make a full batch of sugar cookie dough in the head tilt, I have to pound it down with my fists, literally) it is a million times more stable and if you make bread at all, you would always regret not having the bowl lift!
Also, I got mine at Khols during a super sale, and got it for less than the tilt head.
Go big or go home!

Pro tilt-head
-tilt head is easier to handle and move around. if you plan to store it and take it out for use, it's lighter. i'm a big wimp and I can barely pick up the lift bowl one.
-easier to scrape down the sides of bowl, add stuff to mixture in bowl
-more color options (so many nice colors)

Pro bowl-lift mixer

-more powerful (higher wattage motor) which is better for A. kneading bread B. using attachments (like making pasta or grinding meat)
-bigger bowl
-bowl-lifiting lever less likely to break than tilt-head

because I wanted to knead bread and use the attachments frequently, I chose the bowl-lift. However, the tilt-heads are much nicer looking and every time I'm in Williams Sonoma, I look at them enviously.

As someone else mentioned, check the wattage more than anything. Generally speaking, tilt models are lower wattage, and lift models are higher wattage.

For most household use, this will not matter. But for example if you want to use it to make whole wheat bread, dough, buns or the likes, then this matters quite a lot! I had an old lift model from Costco about 13 years ago and it was only 275W and was not able to do whole wheat dough. When in doubt, check the recipe book that comes with it - if there is a recipe for whole wheat bread, then you are in business. If not, then not.

I eventually sold my 275W lift model for the newer 450W Costco lift model, and it does WW dough no problem.

@sabrinaa The bowl is not necessarily bigger in the bowl lift. The tilt head offers a 4.5 qt or a 5 qt. The bowl lift offers a 5 qt or a 6 qt.

Do you do a lot of baking? If so, go for the biggest bowl you can afford - the top is the 6 quart bowl lift models.

If you're going to be storing it and taking it out every time (vs. leaving it out on the counter), it turns out that the tilt head is something like 27 lbs. versus the bowl lifts' 29 lbs. or something like that. You're not going to notice the difference.

They all take the same attachments. So the real decision is based on personal preference and what you're going to be using it for. I don't think any of the wattages are wimpy - I grew up with an early 1970's model with about 325W that I had no problem kneading dough in. And, though my cinnamon bun recipe fits a lot better in the 6 qt bowl, I'm not as pleased with the kneading it does (half the time all it does is spins, rather than kneads) as I was in the 5 qt.

KitchenAid does actually offer a lot of information on their site. Pull a couple of them to compare, and look at the "performance" and "includes" tabs.

I have a bowl lift. It's a little annoying to get the bowl on precisely, but since I've never used the other kind I don't know if it has the same problem.

I am the proud owner of one of each. The tilt comes in 4 and 5 quart bowls and the lift bowl is 6 quarts which is better suited for a professional setting. Both are fabulous!

Buy a Bosch. It's a much better and stronger machine.

While I think the tilt head might be a little more convienent I think power is the more important issue. Other then that I would suggest not buying a new one. After you figure out what you want keep an eye out on Craigslist and pick one up there. I managed to pick up a Hobart-KitchenAid mixer for $50. I know the fact that it's a Hobart-KitchenAid means it old (mine has 1985 stamped on the bottom) but it also means it's a better quality then a newer one. No plastic inside this one. I've had it for about six months now without a single problem.

Having used both, spouse and I prefer the stability and power of the bowl-lift. Also, the bowl-lift can stay in its place under the cabinets while in use.

Ditto the poster above who suggests buying used. You'll save a fortune and most likely get a better mixer. Spouse has picked up several and refurbished them as DIY projects --and he's a not-really-mechanically-inclined type. Most used mixers need one of three common repairs at most: 1) a new worm gear ($13), 2) the lift screw adjusted to keep the beater from hitting the bowl (free, 10 second repair--and you'd be amazed how many people sell their mixer thinking it's broken...and who still want to sell it even after you tell them it's an easy fix), or 3) a metal gear housing cover to replace a noisy plastic one ($5).

There is an abundance of info on the net about KitchenAid repair and several parts providers.

If you're going to buy new, run the serial number through Google and look at the complaints that come up. Many of these are easy fixes, too, and will yield a machine that's basically similar to a Hobart model. Also keep in mind that KitchenAid makes different models for big box retailers, even though they may carry the same name (Artisan), there can be differences with internals (gear material, etc).

Wait, bowl-lift ones come in colors too. My roommate has a pink one! The 6-qt models are the ones the don't come in colors.
That being said, I love my 6-qt charcoal bowl-lift one. And I'd agree with those that mention they're more stable than the tilt ones.
For the people who said it's hard to drop in ingredients or scrape the sides without lowering the bowl in a lift one:
kitchenaid makes a plastic splatter-guard-type-thing that fits around the rim of the bowl to keep stuff from flying out of big batches-which also has a "chute" area to pour in more ingredients easily.
And there's also a paddle with scrapers on the sides- kinda like squeegees- that scrape as they mix!

I have the bowl lift and my mother has the tilt-head. I have used both extensively.
To be quite honest, I have actually told people that I wish they (KA) would come out with a version that has both options.
The lift is wonderful but I would like to be able to tilt the head back too!! I guess I want the best of both worlds!

I have a tilt head and like being able to lock down the head when mixing sturdy bread dough or moving the machine. The tilt head slips under the cupboards easier and out of the way. I use the mixer more for grinding my own meat than actually cooking. If i had a choice, i'd choose a machine with two rotary beaters rather than the single paddle. Two beaters do a better job of breaking up clumps and not shoving ingredients out of the bowl during mixing. I get frustrated when the paddle throws flour and sugar out onto the counter. You might test run a friend's kitchaid mixer and a double beater, stand mixer before buying.

@jennipenni

There are 3 different sizes of bowl lifts!

Pro 450 series - 4.5 qt
Commercial 5, Professional 5, and Pro 500 series - 5 quart
Professional 600 series - 6 qt

Tilt heads come in 4.5 or 5 quart.

My mom had an artisan (the tipping one) for 30 years, but when it died, she got the professional one (bowl-lift). I never got used to turning a crank to lift the bowl, and I really like my artisan mixer--though I miss the 6 qt capacity of Mom's. What I really like about the artisan one is that I find removing the bowl without removing the beater easier; I always find I have to remove the beater before I remove the bowl on the professional mixers (unless that's just something I haven't figured out yet).

I have a tilt but would prefer the lift ones. The lift models are definitely sturdier feeling and have more "oomph" to them as far as stability and power (make a heavy bread or marshmallows in the tilt models and you'll definitely hear that motor straining and the head trying to come up, even with the lock on!) I liked that you could use significantly larger bowls with the lift models as well. If I had a choice, definitely go with the pro model. Not as cool of color choices is your only drawback.

Totally off the Kitchenaid fan club (which I will openly admit I'm a part of here!) but Sunbeam of all brands makes a tilt head mixer than the mixer is stationary and the bowl slowly turns. No where near as much pizazz and power as Kitchenaid but I used it for a while and it did a darn good job mixing everything (no bit on the bottom or sides left unmixed like my Kitchenaid sometimes does)

I think if you're getting it on Amazon the bowl lift is cheaper, depending on what size/power you're getting. And different colors are more or less expensive than each other. My parents went in together to buy me one and I know my mom would have gotten the tilt-head if it had been cheaper.

I've have no problem with scraping or bowl removal while the paddle is in on mine. It is super stable and I can make a double batch of bagel dough (12-16 bagels) in it without it budging an inch (though the wind from the fan will blow your pilot light out if it's close to the stove!).

When I had to decide between the Artisan (the tilt) and the Professional (the bowl lift), I was in a bit of a quandary. But I had been told by many friends that the bowl lift tended to have more metal gears than hard plastic, and that the one downside of it was that if removing the bowl and the attachment, you'd have to drag the whisk (for example) through the bowl's contents to detach and remove. And I'm okay with that.

Too, I wanted a workhorse of a mixer for breads and pasta doughs and mashed potatoes. I'm very happy with my Professional (bowl lift).

I went with the tilt model, I hadn't even thought of the difference in how you would remove the bowl & attachments. I tend to lift the head slowly to whip the batter off the beater and I ended up buying a 2nd bowl.

I have the tilt model, and before the lock for the tilt head broke, I loved it. Unfortunately, I've only had it for a couple of years, so the warranty is useless, and there's no reason why it should have broken. We took it apart, and it appears the latch for the tilt head is pretty flimsy. A tiny piece of it just broke off, rendering the whole machine almost useless. Without the head locking, the entire machine vibrates and the screws come out. Makes whipping frosting almost as enjoyable as doing it by hand. I have photos of the tilt head mechanism if anyone wants to see. Worth $300? Definitely not.