Introduction
When it comes to stand mixers, many bakers face a common dilemma: balancing the need for power and capacity with the desire for something that doesn’t take up half the kitchen counter. Enter the KitchenAid Artisan Mini KSM3316X Stand Mixer — a compact powerhouse designed to offer the same reliability and performance as its larger counterparts, but in a smaller, more accessible package. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced home chef looking to downsize, this mixer promises to meet your needs without sacrificing performance. But does it live up to the KitchenAid legacy? Let’s dive in.
Retails around $380 – 450, depending on options
Whipping
5/5
Kneading
4/5
Beating
5/5
Ease of usE
5/5
price/valUE
4/5
Key Specs at a Glance
- Motor Power: 250 watts
- Speed Settings: 10-speed settings, plus a “pulse” function
- Bowl Capacity: 3.5-quart stainless steel bowl
- Body Material: Primarily metal with a smooth, durable finish
- Attachments Included: Flat beater, dough hook, wire whisk
- Weight and Dimensions: Weighs 17.3 pounds, dimensions of 12.3 x 7.8 x 12.3 inches
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
KitchenAid Artisan Mini KSM3316X Build Quality
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini shares the familiar look and feel of larger KitchenAid models but is designed to be smaller and lighter. Its overall construction is strong, with a metal body that enhances durability. The mixer is well-balanced, not too heavy but sturdy enough to stay in place during heavy mixing.
The 3.5-quart bowl is smaller than that of larger models, but it remains large enough for most home baking tasks. The stainless steel construction offers a premium look and feel, ensuring long-lasting durability. It features a sleek, polished finish available in various colors to match your kitchen’s style, from classic red to neutral shades like black and silver.
While the body is predominantly metal, it features some plastic components, such as the motor housing, which are designed with a focus on strength and longevity.
The mixer fits perfectly on countertops without overwhelming smaller kitchens, making it ideal for apartments and compact cooking spaces. It is available in stunning colors, including Empire Red, Ice, Black Matte, and Contour Silver, that complement any kitchen aesthetic.
Power and Mixing Ability
With 250 watts of motor power, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini isn’t the most powerful stand mixer available, but it provides enough strength to handle most baking tasks. The 10-speed settings offer a range from slow stirring to high-speed mixing, allowing you to adjust the power for different ingredients and recipes.
Despite its smaller motor, this stand mixer performs well at tasks like beating, whipping, and light kneading. It can easily handle soft bread dough and cookie dough. However, it shows its limits with very dense or large batches of heavy dough — such as pizza dough or thicker bread doughs — as it may start to strain under the load.
In short, this mixer is excellent for daily baking but might not handle very heavy-duty, professional-level tasks.
Ease of Use
Using the KitchenAid Artisan Mini is very easy. The controls are straightforward, with a simple lever to adjust speeds and a lever to lock or unlock the bowl. When we tested it by whipping cream, it performed flawlessly on the highest setting, quickly reaching stiff peaks in less than 2 minutes. We also baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies, and the flat beater attachment did a great job mixing all the ingredients evenly without overworking the dough.
Kneading dough was also a positive experience — although the mixer is on the smaller side, it handled standard bread dough easily. It may need a brief pause when working with very stiff doughs, but for the average home baker, it should be sufficient.
The “pulse” function is a useful feature when you need short bursts of speed to mix ingredients more evenly or when you require a quick speed boost. One feature we really like is the easy-to-lock mechanism for the bowl, making it quick and safe to add ingredients without worrying about spills. The noise level is moderate, similar to other mixers in this class, and not too loud.
Cleaning & Maintenance
KitchenAid Artisan Mini KSM3316X Cleanup
Cleaning the mixer is a straightforward process. The bowl and attachments (beater, whisk, dough hook) are all dishwasher-safe, making cleanup after baking easy. For stubborn dough or batter, let the attachments and bowl soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen residue. The main unit can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and there are no hard-to-reach spots that trap batter or flour. Its compact size means you won’t have to struggle to reach under the bowl or around the machine for cleaning.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your KitchenAid Artisan Mini in top condition, here are a few maintenance tips:
- Regularly wipe down the machine after each use to prevent batter or dough from drying on the body.
- Grease the tilt-head mechanism periodically to ensure smooth operation of the lifting and lowering.
- Check the motor and attachments for any wear and tear, and replace if necessary.
- Avoid overloading the mixer, as the 250-watt motor can get strained with weighty doughs.
Pros & Cons
PROS
Perfect for smaller kitchens or users who want a more portable mixer.
The metal body and stainless steel bowl offer durability and style.
Handles a variety of baking tasks, from beating to kneading.
10-speed options provides flexibility for different baking needs.
Fits any kitchen style with a wide range of color choices.
Proven durability backed by KitchenAid’s reputation.
CONS
At 3.5 quarts, the bowl is smaller than some other stand mixers
Limited motor power may struggle with heavy-duty or large batches.
Premium pricing compared to budget stand mixers.
Who It’s Best For
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini KSM3316X is ideal for:
- Home bakers with smaller kitchen spaces or who prefer a compact mixer.
- Casual to intermediate bakers who mostly bake for a small family or for personal use.
- Bakers looking for a stylish, reliable, and powerful small mixer that doesn’t take up too much counter space.
Who Should Avoid It:
- Professional bakers or those who bake large quantities of heavy dough.
- Users who require a larger mixing bowl or a more powerful motor for heavy-duty tasks like pizza dough or large batches of bread.
- Anyone looking for a budget stand mixer: Though a great product, it comes at a premium compared to other smaller stand mixers.
Comparison With Other Mixers
Compared to the Hamilton Beach 63391 Stand Mixer, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini excels in build quality and motor strength, featuring a more powerful 250-watt motor and a sturdier metal body. However, the Hamilton Beach mixer is available at a much lower price, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious buyers.
In comparison to the Cuisinart SM-50, the KitchenAid Artisan Mini features a smaller bowl and slightly lower motor power, but excels in its compact size and superior build quality. The Cuisinart offers more power and a 5.5-quart bowl, making it ideal for larger batches, but the Artisan Mini is better for those needing a smaller, more portable machine.
Final Verdict
The KitchenAid Artisan Mini KSM3316X Stand Mixer is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact yet capable stand mixer. Its versatility, modern design, and user-friendly features make it ideal for smaller baking tasks, from whipping cream to mixing cookie dough. While it may not be suitable for large or heavy batches, it works well for everyday baking needs. If space is limited and you’re looking for a dependable stand mixer, the Artisan Mini is definitely worth considering.
Check out our Ultimate Stand Mixer Buyer’s Guide to discover key features that enhance your baking results.
Video Review
Credit – KitchenAid
FAQs
