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Pros
sleek and muted design, compact, high-quality attachments
Cons
no handle on main bowl, slowest setting still fast

Read the full olive best stand mixers review.

How easy is the KitchenAid Classic to use?

This model works just like other KitchenAid stand mixers, but if you’re unfamiliar, useful graphics and text are printed on the machine to help guide you. Alternatively, the manual is detailed and comprehensive.

There are 10 speeds to choose from, plus a half-speed that's ideal for getting mixtures started. These are controlled using the lever found on the side of the tilt head. Although the speed doesn’t gradually increase like it does on some of the other models we’ve tested, there isn’t any aggressive jolting, either.

As with all KitchenAid models, the tilt head is a little weighty. But, it’s easy to find purchase to lift it, and it locks into place with an audible click.

The bowl and attachment are fitted with a simple twist-and-lock mechanism. The lack of handle on the bowl is a disappointing omission, as this is usually particularly helpful when unlocking the bowl from the stand and inverting the bowl to remove every last drop. The attachments all fit well and remain secure. The hooks to attach and detach them are all long enough to keep fingers clean after the attachment has been used, too.

All the attachments fit the bowl well, and during our cardamom buns and meringue tests, all the ingredients were fully incorporated. We found that even after adjusting the height of the attachment spindle, we had to scrape down the bowl when making the chocolate fudge cake, albeit only once.

Results

The Classic is a little slow to bring dough mixtures together, which results in a slightly tight, overworked bun when baked. We feel the stand mixer is equally slow to whip egg whites for meringue. Overall, we feel the machine needs a little more oomph.

Despite having to scrape down the bowl, the chocolate fudge cake batter is smooth, which results in a moist, evenly risen cake.

olive’s take: should you buy the KitchenAid Classic?

Classic by name and nature, this KitchenAid model is basic, but it does everything one would need. It’s equipped with all the attachments needed to get a home baker started and is uncomplicated to use. Its 275-watt motor means it doesn’t quite have the horsepower of some of the other models on the market, but for standard cake making and whisking tasks, this has little affect other than having to wait a little longer.

KitchenAid Classic specifications

Wattage: 275w
Product weight: 11.5kg
Size (cm): H 35.3 x W 35.8 x D 22.1cm
Speed settings: 10
Capacity of bowl(s): 4.3 litres
Attachments included: dough hook, balloon whisk, flat beater

Lydia AndersonProduct Testing Lead

KitchenAid Classic stand mixer review

Pros

Cons

Vegetarian recipe ideas

Easy baking ideas

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