(checked 2026-10-10)The listing pools all KSM150PS colors (about 23,200 ratings).
The default pick of nearly every expert: simple, stable, repairable and good at almost everything. It is less happy with stiff bread dough, and its first speed is fast enough to throw flour.
Top complaints
- Strains or walks with stiff dough
Serious Eats says the tilt-head Artisan struggles with stiffer bread and pizza dough and tends to walk if you bake lots of bread. Food Network saw it jump on the counter with heavier breads at higher speeds.
- Durability and reliability split owners
Amazon's review summary says customers disagree on durability and reliability (durability: 227 positive vs 198 negative mentions). Low-star Walmart reviews describe a paddle coating peeling, overheating with a burning smell, a screeching motor, and a latch that sticks.
- Fast first speed, no half speed
Wirecutter says it has one of the fastest first speeds it has tested, so dry ingredients can puff out as a flour cloud. Serious Eats also finds the tapered, footed bowl harder to scrape.
What owners love
- Handles almost any recipe
Wirecutter has used it since 2013 for cookie dough, bagel dough, batters and pizza dough without stalling, wobbling or failing, including a 15-minute bagel knead where the motor stayed cool.
Source: Wirecutter - Simple two-lever design
One lever locks the head and one sets the speed, which Wirecutter calls great for beginners. Ease of use is a positive aspect on Amazon.
- Repairable, with many colors and attachments
Wirecutter notes repair support, DIY regreasing and about two dozen colors. Food Network says it has the most color options of any brand it tested.
Source: Wirecutter, Food Network
- You knead stiff bread or pizza dough often
- You want a gentle half speed for folding
- You want more than a 1-year warranty
- Cakes, cookies and whipped cream
- First stand mixer for most home bakers
- Using KitchenAid attachments
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick for over a decade: sturdy, relatively quiet and easy to use. Its flaws are the lack of a half speed, a fast first speed and only a 1-year warranty.
- Serious Eats: Best for casual bakers. It creams and whips well but its 325 W motor struggles a bit with stiffer doughs.
- Food Network: Best overall for everyday baking, but it jumped on the counter with heavier bread doughs at higher speeds.