The Kitchenaid Artisan mixer range is arguably the most iconic and most popular selection of stand mixers. They are reliable, stylish and make preparing your favourite food simple and straightforward.
The Kitchenaid stand mixer range includes many models and sometimes it is not immediately clear what the differences are between them. Many find this is the case with the KSM150 and the KSM160.
Below we are taking a closer look at these two stand mixer options so you can decide which is the best mixer for your needs.
Key similarities
Dimensions
Both machines have the same dimensions of 35.3cm height, 22.1cm width and 35.8cm depth. The gross weight of both is exactly the same at 10.6kg too. They both look the same and will take up the same amount of space in your kitchen.
Planetary Mixing Action
These 2 Kitchenaid mixers both use planetary mixing action which means it rotates on an axis. This is versatile and can be used to effectively mix a wide range of ingredients from egg whites to cookie dough.
Planetary mixing action ensures all the ingredients are fully incorporated. It helps to make quick work of mixing ingredients.
10 Speed Variable
Both of these KitchenAid mixers have 10 speed options. Having a range of speeds to adjust between will help to create the desired consistency when mixing different ingredients.
It is powerful enough to mix wet and dry ingredients and can do everything from whipping cream to kneading dough. Each model has the same control lever to change between speeds.
Full Metal Construction
The full metal construction is seen on both of the KitchenAid stand mixers. This makes them stable, durable and long-lasting.
Tilt-Head
The tilt head design that is seen on both of these mixers gives the ability to use the stand mixers underneath standard kitchen cabinets which is convenient if you have limited kitchen space.
The tilt head also makes it easier to access the beaters meaning you can switch between the dough hook and flat beater with minimal effort. The head locks into place when mixing to avoid mess and accidents.
Standard Whisk Inclusions
Both models include a flat beater, stainless steel wire whisk and dough hook as standard.
The two models also include a pouring shield which makes it easy to add ingredients into the mixer without splashing. You can also purchase additional attachments for each.
5 Year Warranty
Both models are covered with a full 5 year parts and labour warranty. This warranty protects against manufacturer’s faults for household use.
Key differences
Mixing Bowls
The KSM160 includes 2 mixing bowls of different sizes. One is 4.8L stainless steel bowl with handle and the other is 2.8L stainless steel mixing bowl with handle and pouring shield.
Whereas the other Kitchenaid Artisan mixer comes with one 4.8L bowl with handle and pouring shield.
The larger 4.8L bowl is listed to have a mixing capacity of yeast dough up to a mixed weight of 1.15kg (2 x 450g loaves). Some people prefer to mix ingredients in a glass bowl but these stand mixers both come with stainless steel bowls as standard.
Colour Range
One of the other difference is the colours you can buy the mixer in. While this is purely an aesthetic factor it may be an important consideration for some customers.
The 160 is available in 16 colours, giving you plenty of option and making it easy to find a style that suits your existing kitchen decor. The 150 model is available in 10 colours so there is still a good selection but not quite as much available option.
Price
One of the key differences between these two models is how much they will cost you to buy.
At the time of writing, the KSM150 is available for $629.00 while the KSM160 will cost you $799.00.
Considering the difference between them and their performance is so small it’s difficult to see where this big price difference comes from.
Making your selection
As you can see, our Kitchenaid KSM10 vs KSM160 comparison shows that these two products are very similar.
Aside from the inclusion of an additional mixing bowl for preparing small dishes, the increased colour selection and the higher price of the KSM160 the two models are virtually identical.
They offer the same power, the same speed variables and the same functions. They are more or less the same Kitchenaid mixer.
With this in mind, we’d recommend the KSM150 as we struggle to see how an extra bowl is worth an additional $170.
If you were to get additional accessories or features we could understand the higher price but knowing you will enjoy the same powerful results from the cheaper option that is the one we recommend you choose.
