Some of my favorite childhood memories involve one of the best KitchenAid stand mixers. When I moved into my first apartment, it was a right of passage to receive a KitchenAid mixer of my own: an older version of the KitchenAid Classic Plus 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer handed down from my dad that lasted me for years. (If your family is loyal to another kitchen appliance brand, check out our picks for the best stand mixer to make your own baking memories.)
Over the years, I encountered the KitchenAid Classic Plus again and again: in homes of my family members, as a cook in professional kitchens, and most recently as a product tester writing our guide to the best KitchenAid stand mixers. Through years and years of experience, I can confidently say it's one of the best gadgets you can buy for the money.
The least expensive model made by KitchenAid, the Classic Plus has all the quality components of more expensive mixers but it's compact, efficient, and powerful enough to accomplish most tasks for casual bakers.
What we like
What we don't like
Design and specs
Wattage conveys the power of the motor: the gist is that lower-wattage models have less powerful motors than higher-wattage models. KitchenAid stand mixers range from 250 to 970 watts, and the Classic Plus is on the lower end of that spectrum with a 275-watt motor. This is perfectly adequate for common tasks like making cookies, brownies, whipped cream, cake, and the occasional bread loaf.
However, if you're someone who bakes every week or regularly makes really tough, stiff doughs, you'll want to choose a model with 400 watts or above.
Basic mixing
For our guide to the best KitchenAid stand mixers, I tested a new version of the KitchenAid Classic Plus and used it to mix cookie dough, whip egg whites, and knead hefty bagel dough. The mixer comes with three attachments for accomplishing each of these tasks: a paddle mixer, a whisk, and a dough hook.
The stand mixer is super easy to operate and use. There are just two levers: one to lock the mixer head in place for safer operation, and one to adjust the speed. The lowest speed gently mixes in delicate ingredients (like chocolate chips for cookie dough) and the highest speed tackles tough tasks like kneading bread dough. For most uses, you won't need to go past speed 7 or so.
Weight and capacity
Performance-wise, it excelled at mixing cookie dough and whipping egg whites, but struggled a bit through the bagel dough. While the dough ultimately came together fine, I wouldn't trust it with double batches and I'd probably limit these tough tasks to just a couple times a year for the longevity of the mixer.
At 25 pounds, it's a hefty mixer. And while it's lighter than most other KitchenAid models, it's still a task to move it around. The mixer itself is made of enamel-coated metal, which is super durable and heavy. You can wipe the body down easily after use with a damp cloth. The mixing bowl is fairly light made of smooth metal that is very easy to clean. I usually just throw it in the dishwasher.
Cons to consider
Determine whether the wattage suits your needs. This isn't something you want to find out by experimenting; burning out the motor is a repairable issue, but one that will cost you (sometimes almost as much as a new stand mixer). I really would caution anyone who thinks they'll be using their stand mixer weekly or for lots of bread to choose a more powerful model from our guide to the best KitchenAids or the best stand mixers.
Another thing that peeves me about stand mixer advertising is that the actual usable capacity is much smaller than the state capacity. The KitchenAid Classic Plus claims a 4.5-quart capacity, but the functional capacity is actually closer to 3 quarts. It'll accommodate single batches of most recipes, but don't expect to be doubling up on recipes in this mixer.
What are your alternatives?
- Best overall: KitchenAid 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer – See at Amazon
The KitchenAid 5-Quart Stand Mixer is a sturdy, durable stand mixer that takes up a relatively small amount of counter space while offering ultimate versatility. - Best value: Cuisinart 5.5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer – See at Amazon
For an impressive stand mixer at a lower price point, the Cuisinart Tilt Head has a powerful motor for mixing and kneading tough doughs, but is surprisingly light and compact. - Best for beginners: Breville The Bakery Chef Stand Mixer – See at Breville
The Breville Bakery Chef stand mixer was designed with ease of use and versatility in mind. It performs well thanks to a powerful motor, built-in timer, and a bowl light.
The bottom line
For the occasional or beginner baker, this is a great model to get started with. It's made with the same metal parts as more expensive KitchenAid stand mixers, has a strong motor, and a relatively roomy work bowl. If a stand mixer seems out of reach for you, one of our best hand mixers might be a better choice. It'll take up less real estate on your counter and is great if you aren't ready to invest in a KitchenAid.
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