Cooks considering purchasing a new Kitchen Aid Artisan stand mixer should understand that this mixer has limitations; causing it to fall short of what the manufacturer claims it can do. While the design is attractive and it outwardly appears to be a great mixer, the engineering leaves a lot to be desired.
If you are more than an occasional or weekend cook, or plan to mix anything heavier than a muffin batter, you should instead invest in the Kitchen Aid 6 quart mixer. This professional grade mixer is sturdy, time-tested, and adaptable for different functions. With ten speed settings, it has the power to knead heavy dough without walking across the counter. The lid/shield has a handy feeding chute, to facilitate adding while mixing. Overall, the Professional 6 quart has proven itself more reliable than the Artisan.
The Artisan does serve one purpose well; it's an attractive, streamlined stand mixer, available in several colors and finishes. If it just needs to sit on the counter and look nice, you're all set. Past purchasers have often found that the motor seems to break down, sometimes causing a smoking smell, when the mixer gets bogged down or runs too long in a heavy mix. This appears to be due to a plastic gear box cover that heats up and breaks during heavier use. Until Kitchen Aid corrects this design flaw, the Artisan really isn't reliable for regular users.
Visit an online feedback forum to learn more about different mixer brands and models. Most major retailers allow customers to leave some sort of rating for other kitchen appliance shoppers to consider before making their purchase.
This can give you a great idea of the true value of a particular mixer, as opposed to reading a product description described by a professional advertiser. You may even discover some tips and ideas for making the most of your new stand mixer!