KitchenAid Classic K45 Tilt Head Stand Mixer

Key Specs (KitchenAid Classic)

• Motor Power: 275 watts
• Speed Settings: 10 variable speed settings for a range of mixing needs
• Bowl Capacity: 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl
• Body Material: Metal body with plastic components
• Attachments: Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip
• Weight and Dimensions: Weighs 25 pounds with dimensions of 14.1 x 8.7 x 13.9 inches
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship

The KitchenAid Classic and KitchenAid Classic Plus are very similar models, with only subtle differences that can sometimes cause confusion among buyers. The “Plus” designation typically indicates minor improvements or refinements over the base Classic model. In practice, the differences are so minimal that many retailers, as well as KitchenAid documentation, sometimes use the terms interchangeably.

For practical purposes, they’re essentially the same mixer with minor cosmetic and ergonomic refinements in the “Plus” version. The plus variety has the following two additional features:

• Bowl with a more ergonomic handle design
• Slightly refined construction details and finish

If you’re choosing between these two models, focus more on price and availability than on features, as the performance difference is negligible. Both offer the same mixing capability, motor power, and attachment compatibility.

KitchenAid Classic K45 Build Quality

The KitchenAid Classic K45 Stand Mixer is a durable machine with a solid metal body that feels sturdy, although it includes plastic parts in areas like the speed control dial and head. The 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl is a solid choice for most home bakers, providing enough capacity for moderate batches. The bowl lift mechanism offers a stable feel when mixing heavier ingredients, and it’s easy to lift and remove the bowl when needed.

The mixer’s compact design allows it to take up minimal counter space, but its 25-pound weight ensures it remains steady during use. It’s not as lightweight as some other models, but the weight is balanced to achieve both durability and stability.

Available in classic White and Onyx Black, it fits seamlessly into most kitchen aesthetics, although color options are more limited than those of the Artisan series.

Power and Mixing Ability

The KitchenAid Classic K45 features a 275-watt motor, which is less powerful than some higher-end mixers, but still enough for most everyday tasks like beating, mixing, and kneading. The 10-speed options provide flexibility, letting you choose the right speed for your recipe—from slow stirring to fast whipping.

When handling heavy doughs, the dough hook attachment can manage standard bread or pizza dough, but the motor might struggle with very dense or large batches. This is an area where the Classic K45 is slightly less powerful than its more expensive competitors. However, for small batches of bread or pizza dough, it works perfectly.

For lighter tasks like making cake batter or cookies, the Classic K45 works very well, mixing ingredients smoothly without overmixing or under-mixing. Overall, it’s an excellent mixer for moderate use and typical home baking tasks.

Ease of Use

The KitchenAid Classic K45 Stand Mixer is very easy to operate. The 10-speed dial lets you quickly adjust the speed with a simple turn, making it easy to start slow and gradually go faster. This helps prevent ingredients from splattering, especially when you’re mixing thick ingredients or adding flour.

Here’s a look at how the mixer handles some common baking tasks:

• Beating Cookies: The flat beater worked perfectly for mixing cookie dough. It easily incorporated the butter, sugar, and flour without the need to stop to scrape the bowl, thanks to its excellent coverage.
• Whipping Cream: The wire whip attachment effortlessly produced perfectly whipped cream in less than a minute. It also quickly whipped egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Kneading Bread Dough: The dough hook performed well with bread dough, although it struggled a bit with denser, stickier mixtures. In our test, we occasionally had to stop and assist, but it still performed decently for most standard bread recipes.

The locking head mechanism makes it easy to add ingredients without worrying about the bowl or head moving, and the overall layout is simple, making this mixer very user-friendly. There’s little to no learning curve involved, and even beginners can jump right in without trouble.

Noise Level

The noise level is moderate for a stand mixer. It’s quieter than some of the more powerful mixers but still makes a noticeable hum when mixing. At higher speeds, the noise gets louder, but it’s not overwhelmingly loud.

Cleaning & Maintenance

KitchenAid Classic K45 Cleanup

Cleaning the KitchenAid Classic K45 is straightforward, thanks to its dishwasher-safe attachments (flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook). The 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl is also dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean after each use. For stubborn dough or batter, let the attachments and bowl soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen residue. The mixer’s base can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any food splatters or residue.

Cleaning is quick and simple. The stainless steel bowl and all three attachments can be washed on the top rack of a dishwasher, but hand washing with warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge is recommended to protect their finish over time. For stubborn dough or batter, let the attachments and bowl soak in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to loosen residue.

The head and body only need to be wiped with a damp cloth. Carefully wipe around the attachment hub to remove any food particles that may have been thrown up during mixing. Never immerse the mixer head, base, or motor body in water or run it under a faucet, as this can severely damage the motor and electrical components.

Maintenance Tips

To keep the KitchenAid Classic K45 in top working condition:

• Regularly wipe down the mixer’s body to keep it looking clean and free of food residue.
• Lubricate the tilt-up and down mechanism periodically to ensure smooth operation.
• Avoid excessively thick or large batches that can strain the motor.
• Store attachments correctly when not in use to avoid damage or rust.

Pros & Cons

Who It’s Best For?

The KitchenAid Classic K45 Stand Mixer is ideal for:

• Casual bakers seeking a dependable, everyday mixer for tasks such as beating, mixing, and whipping.
• Home bakers who bake in small to medium quantities and don’t require a high-powered, commercial-grade mixer.
• Those on a budget seeking a quality mixer at a more affordable price.

It may not be the best option for:

• Serious bakers who frequently handle heavy dough or large batches.
• People with larger families or those who bake in bulk might find the 4.5-quart bowl insufficient for large quantities.
• Color customization is important to your kitchen aesthetic.

Comparison With Other Mixers

Compared to the Cuisinart SM-70, the KitchenAid Classic K45 is a more affordable choice with similar motor power (275 watts). However, the Cuisinart mixer provides a larger 7-quart bowl, making it better for bigger batches. The KitchenAid Classic suits casual bakers or those with limited counter space, while the Cuisinart may be better for those who often make large batches of dough.

Compared to the Hamilton Beach 63325, the KitchenAid Classic K45 is distinguished by its metal construction and greater durability. The Hamilton Beach is more budget-friendly but doesn’t match the same level of build quality or long-term performance that KitchenAid provides.

Final Verdict

The KitchenAid Classic K45 Stand Mixer is a reliable, affordable choice for home bakers. With its sturdy build, easy-to-use design, and dependable performance for most baking needs, it provides excellent value for the price. Although it may struggle with heavy doughs or large batches, it easily handles everyday tasks such as whipping cream, mixing batters, and kneading lighter doughs. If you’re a casual baker seeking a dependable, budget-friendly mixer, the K45 is a solid option to consider.

Check out our Ultimate Stand Mixer Buyer’s Guide to discover key features that enhance your baking results.

Video Review

Credit – KitchenAid

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