The KitchenAid Artisan 125, 175, and 185 are essentially the same 300W/4.8L tilt-head mixer, differing only in included accessories, bowl count, and tool material quality. The 125 is the basic model with a single bowl and standard coated tools, the 175 adds a second 3L bowl, a pouring shield, and a flex-edge beater, while the 185 features professional-grade solid stainless steel accessories and a dual-bowl setup for maximum durability.
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Key Differences at a Glance
1. The Artisan 125: The Essential Entry Point
Last update on 2026-03-09 at 12:13 / // Source: Amazon
The 125 is designed for the baker who wants the legendary KitchenAid performance without the extra “frills.” It is the most affordable way to get an Artisan mixer on your counter.
- Best for: Beginners or those who already own extra bowls/attachments.
- What’s missing: You only get one bowl and no pouring shield, so flour puffs are more likely during mixing.
2. The Artisan 175: The Versatile Bundle
Last update on 2026-03-09 at 08:50 / // Source: Amazon
The 175 is the “sweet spot” for most home bakers. It provides the most immediate functionality out of the box by including tools that solve common baking frustrations.
- The 3L Bowl: Allows you to whip egg whites or cream in one bowl while your main batter is in the other.
- Flex-Edge Beater: Features a silicone edge that scrapes the bowl for you—no more stopping the machine to use a spatula.
- Best for: Frequent bakers who want the most convenient workflow.
3. The Artisan 185: The Premium Workhorse
Last update on 2026-03-09 at 13:13 / // Source: Amazon
The 185 is the “luxury” version of the mixer. While it shares the dual-bowl setup of the 175, it focuses on material quality rather than extra gadgets.
- Stainless Steel Tools: Unlike the 125 and 175 (which use coated aluminum), the 185 features solid stainless steel tools. They won’t chip over time and are much heavier and more durable.
- Dishwasher King: This is the only model where every single part—including the wire whisk—is 100% dishwasher safe.
- Best for: The “buy it for life” crowd and those who hate hand-washing delicate attachments.
Feature Breakdown at a Glance
- Bowl Count: * 125: One (4.8L)
- 175 & 185: Two (4.8L & 3L)
- Tool Material: * 125 & 175: Coated Aluminum (Hand-wash recommended)
- 185: Solid Stainless Steel (Dishwasher safe)
- Pouring Shield: * 125: Not included
- 175 & 185: Included
- Flex-Edge Beater: * 175: Included
- 125 & 185: Not included
Final Verdict: If you want the best value for money and love convenience, the Artisan 175 is the winner. However, if you want a “legacy” machine with tools that will never chip or wear out, the Artisan 185 is worth the extra investment.
Difference Between Kitchenaid Artisan 125 vs 175 vs 185
The key difference between the Kitchenaid Artisan 125 vs 175 and 185 stand mixer is mainly in the accessories each individual model comes with. Artisan 125 is the base model that comes with only one 4.8L bowl while the Kitchenaid Artisan 175 and 185 come with two mixing bowls. One big bowl of 4.8l and a 3L bowl for any extra baking.
- The other thing that distinguishes the 125 from 175 and 185 is the fact that the 125 doesn’t come with a flex edge beater and a pouring shield to reduce messes unlike the 175 and 185. However, thanks to the multipurpose attachment hub, you can buy a flat edge beater as an extra attachment separately.
- The other difference is the option of colours/finish (e.g matte) readily available with each model. For instance, several of the high-quality colours are just readily available in 185 mixer and the Kitchenaid Artisan 175. The125 has fewer colour options in comparison to the premium 175 and 185.
As we have highlighted above that differences would be the accessories that are included with the mixer, and definitely the assortment of colours/finishes available. The 175/185/models come accessorized with the flex edge beater attachment and that is extremely popular. Nevertheless, separate from that the differences are be mainly aesthetic, and also would rely on the colour of mixer you would like or whether you’ve a choice for the stainless attachments.
Key Differences: 125 vs. 175
The KitchenAid Artisan 125 and 175 are essentially the same 300W/4.8L tilt-head mixer, differing only in included accessories, bowl count, and color variety. The 125 is the basic model with a single bowl and standard three-piece tool kit, while the 175 adds a second 3L bowl, a pouring shield, and a flex-edge beater for more versatile baking.
Related: See our Kenwood KMix Vs Kitchenaid Artisan Stand Mixer Reviews for more details.
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- Included Bowls:
- Artisan 125: Comes with a single 4.8L brushed stainless steel bowl.
- Artisan 175: Includes two bowls: the standard 4.8L polished bowl (with an ergonomic handle) and an additional 3L stainless steel bowl for smaller tasks.
- Specialty Attachments:
- Artisan 125: Includes the three standard tools: wire whisk, flat beater, and dough hook.
- Artisan 175: Includes the three standard tools plus a Flex-Edge Beater (which has a silicone edge to scrape the bowl while mixing) and a transparent Pouring Shield to prevent splashes.
- Color Selection:
- Artisan 125: Usually available in a limited range of core colors (like Empire Red, Onyx Black, Contour Silver, and Almond Cream).
- Artisan 175: Available in a much wider “rainbow” of colors and premium finishes, making it the go-to for specific kitchen aesthetics.
- Price Point:
- Artisan 125: Typically the most affordable Artisan model (around £349–£399).
- Artisan 175: Generally costs more due to the extra accessories (typically £469–£549).
Which one should you choose?
| Choose the Artisan 125 if… | Choose the Artisan 175 if… |
| You want the lowest entry price for a full-sized Artisan mixer. | You want the most versatile out-of-the-box kit. |
| You already own (or plan to buy) third-party attachments and bowls. | You often make recipes that require two bowls (e.g., whipping whites separately). |
| You prefer a minimalist setup without extra plastic shields or beaters. | You want the Flex-Edge Beater to avoid manual scraping with a spatula. |
Summary Verdict:
The 125 is perfect if you just want the iconic mixer and intend to build your collection of attachments later. However, the 175 is widely considered the “standard” choice because the second bowl and pouring shield are incredibly practical for everyday baking.
Key Differences: 185 vs. 175
The KitchenAid Artisan 175 and 185 are essentially the same 300W/4.8L tilt-head mixer, differing only in included accessories, bowl count, and tool material quality. The 175 is the versatile bundle that adds a 3L bowl and a flex-edge beater to the standard kit, while the 185 features professional-grade solid stainless steel accessories and a superior finish for maximum durability.
- Accessory Material (The Biggest Difference):
- Artisan 175: Features coated aluminum tools (Whisk, Flat Beater, Dough Hook). These are durable but the coating can chip over time if knocked or mishandled.
- Artisan 185: Features premium solid stainless steel tools. They are heavier, more robust, and will never chip, peel, or discolor.
- Dishwasher Safety:
- Artisan 175: The bowls are dishwasher safe, but the coated tools are generally recommended for hand-washing to preserve the finish.
- Artisan 185: Every attachment (including the wire whisk) is solid stainless steel and 100% dishwasher safe.
- Included Specialty Tools:
- Artisan 175: Includes a Flex-Edge Beater (with a silicone spatula edge for scraping the bowl) and a Pouring Shield.
- Artisan 185: Includes a Pouring Shield, but typically does not include the Flex-Edge Beater in the box.
- Aesthetic & Finish:
- Artisan 175: Usually features a “black” or color-matched plastic knob on the speed control and attachment hub.
- Artisan 185: Often features a premium chrome-plated knob and hub cover for a more high-end “Cast Iron” or metallic look.
Which one should you choose?
| Choose the Artisan 175 if… | Choose the Artisan 185 if… |
| You want the best out-of-the-box value with the most attachments. | You want a “buy it for life” machine with the most durable tools. |
| You frequently make batters or frostings and want the Flex-Edge Beater. | You prefer to put everything in the dishwasher without worrying about chipping. |
| You want the widest variety of vibrant color options (like Almond Cream). | You prefer premium finishes (like Cast Iron Black) and a metallic look. |
Summary Verdict:
The 175 is the “Baker’s Favorite” because of the useful Flex-Edge beater and extra bowl. However, the 185 is the “Luxury Workhorse”—while it lacks the flex beater, the upgrade to solid stainless steel tools makes it a more durable, low-maintenance investment for the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the motor more powerful in the 175 or 185 compared to the 125?
No. All three models (5KSM125, 5KSM175, and 5KSM185) use the exact same 300W direct-drive motor and internal gearing. You are paying for the “bundle” of accessories and the material quality of the tools, not for a stronger machine.
Can I use 185 stainless steel tools on a 125 or 175 mixer?
Yes. All 4.8L tilt-head Artisan mixers share the same attachment hub and beater shaft. You can buy the stainless steel whisk, beater, or dough hook separately and they will fit any of these models perfectly.
Which parts are actually dishwasher safe?
Artisan 185: Everything in the box is dishwasher safe (both bowls and all three stainless steel tools).
- Artisan 125 & 175: The bowls and the nylon-coated dough hook/flat beater are usually dishwasher safe, but the wire whisk (which has an aluminum head) must be hand-washed to prevent it from turning grey/oxidizing.
Why does the 185 often cost more if it has fewer tools than the 175?
The 185 includes solid stainless steel attachments. These are significantly more expensive to manufacture than the coated aluminum tools found with the 175. While the 175 gives you “more” (like the Flex-Edge Beater), the 185 gives you “better” (lifelong durability and easier cleaning).
Do they all have the same warranty?
Yes. In the UK and Europe, all three models come with a 5-year KitchenAid guarantee, covering you against any manufacturing defects in the motor or construction.
Is the 3L bowl included with the 175 and 185 actually useful?
Yes. It is one of the most-cited benefits. It allows you to whip a small amount of egg whites or cream without having to wash the large 4.8L bowl mid-recipe. It also fits inside the larger bowl for compact storage.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Artisan 125 | Artisan 175 | Artisan 185 |
| Bowls Included | 1 (4.8L) | 2 (4.8L & 3L) | 2 (4.8L & 3L) |
| Tool Material | Coated Aluminum | Coated Aluminum | Solid Stainless Steel |
| Flex-Edge Beater | No | Yes | No |
| Pouring Shield | No | Yes | Yes |
| Knob/Hub Finish | Plastic | Plastic | Chrome/Metal |
