Would You Buy a “Mini” KitchenAid Stand Mixer?

updated May 1, 2019

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KitchenAids are big and clunky, but that’s not a bad thing. The weight comes from a powerful motor, and the clunkiness … well, I can’t think of a better shape for such an appliance. It is what it is, which is why I can’t quite wrap my head around the appeal of the mini version that KitchenAid will soon market to millennials and boomers.

So what, exactly, do they mean when they say “mini”? In terms of specs, the “Artisan Mini model is 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the classic Artisan.” The bowl size? Three-and-a-half quarts. Standard attachments will fit this model, which I think was a thoughtful touch on the part of the manufacturer. Thanks to that, the mini will operate with the same amount of power as the classic series — which is wonderful to hear.

The reasoning behind hitting the mixer with the shrink ray has to do with the increase in one- and two-person homes. Because millennials are waiting longer to start families, and more and more boomers are becoming empty-nesters, the thought is that they might not need to turn out quite as many cookies per batch.

(Image credit: Leanne Bertram)

I’m definitely biased (I bake a lot), but the thought of a stand mixer that’s smaller than normal just doesn’t appeal to me. I can’t remember the last time I whipped up a batch of cookies that I expected to be consumed in one sitting — I always freeze some. And cakes? The amount of Swiss meringue buttercream required to frost a four-layer nine-inch cake probably wouldn’t fit in a three-and-a-half-quart bowl. But again, I am probably not the kind of person they’re targeting for this particular mixer.

Retailing at $399.99, the mini isn’t a lot cheaper than the five-quart model, which can be yours for $429.99. I was initially surprised to see this, but I suppose it makes sense given the fact that you’re getting, essentially, the same motor. Even so, I’m getting ready to buy a new mixer soon (my hand-me-down is slowly dying), and I’d rather save up just a little extra dough so I can buy a model that will let me make a little more dough in the future. I know my friends and family will appreciate that decision, too — even if I do live in a two-person household!

What do you think? Does a mini stand mixer have a place in your kitchen, or are you still dreaming of purchasing a larger model?

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