KitchenAid Introduces Artisan Plus Stand Mixer with Updated Features

KitchenAid has introduced the Artisan Plus tilt-head stand mixer, the first significant revision to its base model since the early 1950s. The update was announced on March 30, 2026. The mixer is priced at $500 and available at retailers including KitchenAid, Sur La Table, Williams-Sonoma, and Crate & Barrel.

The Artisan Plus features a 350-watt motor, an increase from the 325 watts in the prior Artisan model. It includes half-speed settings, allowing adjustments from two to 2.5 up to 11 speeds, compared to the previous maximum of 10. A soft start function provides gradual speed transitions.

The model offers a crinkle finish in Wild Blueberry and Sun-Dried Tomato colors, along with Iron Ore Bronze and Oat options. This textured coating is matte and cleans similarly to metallic finishes on earlier models. An LED light above the bowl activates when the head is tilted, illuminating the contents during mixing.

Attachments include stainless steel wire whip, dough hook, flat beater, and a new double-flex edge beater. The double-flex edge beater has scrapers on both sides to reduce manual scraping. All attachments are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.

Testing involved comparing the Artisan Plus with models from 1963, the 1990s, and 2017. All mixers performed bread dough tasks simultaneously. The Artisan Plus showed better incorporation of ingredients due to its speed controls and motor power. Noise and stability were similar across models at high speeds, with tilt heads bouncing during dense dough mixing.

The Artisan Plus handled thicker doughs more thoroughly but may not suit daily commercial-level use. KitchenAid's bowl-lift models are recommended for denser recipes and larger batches.

The pouring shield now features rubber grips for secure placement, an improvement over previous designs that rested loosely. The mixer's footprint remains comparable to earlier generations. KitchenAid stand mixers have been produced since 1919, with design changes including expanded color options and attachments over time.