GoKawiilKitchenAid is giving its iconic stand mixer a refresh. The company recently launched the Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, a redesigned model packed with upgrades that home bakers will appreciate -- and we had a chance to try it before launch.
The highlights: an integrated LED bowl light that illuminates your ingredients from above, a precision speed dial for more granular control and a soft-start feature that ramps up gradually so flour doesn't end up on your ceiling the moment you hit the switch.
I took the reimagined Artisan Plus for a spin. While the new features are a welcome upgrade to the premium stand mixer, there's still one feature we've been hoping for that hasn't arrived yet.
The built-in LED light is the first of its kind and my favorite feature. Corin Cesaric-Epple/CNET
New features on the Artisan Plus
The 1/2 speed setting is new to the Artisan Plus. Corin Cesaric-Epple/CNET
The Artisan Plus also includes a double-flex edge beater that scrapes the bowl while mixing, a secure-fit pouring shield and stainless steel accessories. If you already own additional KitchenAid stand mixer accessories, don't fret: They're compatible with the Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, too.
In a press release, Chad Ries, global head of product, brand and insights at KitchenAid Small Appliances, described the Artisan Plus as "the most premium stand-mixer option in KitchenAid brand history."
My favorite addition is the built-in LED light that automatically turns on when the tilt head is in the down position. It's small, but it does a great job illuminating the stainless steel bowl. I especially like that it works automatically, so there's no need for extra buttons on the sleek design.
The Artisan Plus has 11 speeds in total, including a half-fold speed designed for light or fragile ingredients. It's available in 15 colors, but four -- oat, sundried tomato, wild blueberry and iron ore bronze -- are exclusive to the Artisan Plus.
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