Quick Overview
The KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PSVB) is a beloved kitchen staple for home bakers. It blends classic design with reliable mechanical performance, a 5‑quart stainless steel bowl, and more than 10 available attachments that expand its functionality far beyond mixing. This article dives deep into the features, specs, pros/cons, and real-use tips so you can decide if it’s the right centerpiece for your kitchen.
What’s in the box
- 5-Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with handle
- Coated Flat Beater
- Coated Dough Hook
- 6-Wire Whip
- Pouring Shield
Key Specifications
- Model
- KSM150PSVB (Artisan, Blue Velvet)
- Capacity
- 5 Quarts — up to 9 dozen cookies (single batch, flat beater)
- Motor
- 325 Watts
- Speeds
- 10 speed settings
- Weight
- Approximately 22.8 lb
- Dimensions
- 14.1″ D × 8.7″ W × 13.9″ H
- Material
- Die-cast metal body with stainless steel bowl
Performance & Build
KitchenAid builds these mixers with an all-metal construction that gives them the heft and stability needed for consistent mixing. The planetary mixing action ensures the beater reaches more of the bowl’s surface with 59 touchpoints, which leads to even incorporation of ingredients. The tilt-head design gives easy access to the bowl when adding ingredients or swapping attachments.
Speed Control & Versatility
The 10-speed control range makes the Artisan suitable for tasks from gentle folding and mixing to rapid whipping. While the motor (325 W) is not industrial strength, it handles most home baking tasks — cookie doughs, cake batters, frostings, and even most bread doughs when used correctly. If you regularly knead very heavy doughs, consider using shorter cycles and the dough hook to avoid stressing the motor.
Attachments & Expandability
One of the most compelling reasons people buy KitchenAid mixers is the wide ecosystem of attachments. Over a dozen attachments are available (sold separately): pasta rollers, grinders, spiralizers, ice cream makers, grain mills, and more. These make the mixer an investment that can adapt as your culinary interests expand.
Design & Color Options
The Blue Velvet finish on the KSM150PSVB is striking without being flashy. KitchenAid offers this Artisan series in 20+ colorways (seasonal colors may change), which makes it easy to match to your kitchen palette. The mixer is countertop-friendly and designed to be left on display rather than stored away.
Pros & Cons
- Relatively heavy (about 22.8 lb) — not ideal for moving around frequently.
- Basic motor compared with heavier-duty, commercial-grade mixers.
- Many useful attachments sold separately (additional cost).
Who Should Buy This?
Buy the Artisan KSM150PSVB if you are a home cook or baker who values durability, a classic aesthetic, and the ability to expand functionality over time. It suits families and hobbyist bakers who bake medium-to-large batches. If you run a small bakery or need to mix very large/heavy batches every day, a commercial mixer could be a better choice.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Use the recommended attachments for each task: dough hook for bread, whisk for creams, flat beater for batters.
- When kneading heavy doughs, use shorter kneading bursts and allow short rest intervals so the motor doesn’t overheat.
- Measure ingredients precisely and scrape the bowl as needed for even mixing.
- Consider a pouring shield (included) to reduce splatter when adding dry ingredients or liquids.
Recipes & Ideas — 5 Things to Try First
- Classic chocolate chip cookie dough — large batches for a crowd.
- Soft sandwich bread — knead with the dough hook until smooth and elastic.
- Whipped cream and stabilized ganache — use the wire whip on speed 8+.
- Homemade pasta — attach a pasta roller for tagliatelle and fettuccine.
- Ice cream base — pair with the ice cream maker attachment for churned treats.
Comparison Snapshot
If you compare the Artisan 5‑quart with other small stand mixers, you’ll find it sits in a sweet spot of capacity, build quality, and expandability. Smaller mini mixers sacrifice capacity; larger commercial mixers offer strength but at a higher cost and footprint.
FAQ
- Does the bowl go in the dishwasher?
- Yes — the stainless steel bowl is dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended for best results).
- Can I make bread with this mixer?
- Yes — the dough hook and 325 W motor are capable of mixing most home bread recipes. For very heavy or very large batches, knead in smaller batches or use shorter cycles.
- How many colors are available?
- KitchenAid offers the Artisan line in 20+ color options; availability changes by region and season.
Final Verdict
The KitchenAid Artisan Series 5‑Quart Tilt‑Head Mixer (KSM150PSVB) in Blue Velvet is a highly recommended purchase for home bakers who want a blend of aesthetics, performance, and future-proof expandability. It’s reliable, attractive, and backed by a large ecosystem of attachments that turn it into more than just a mixer — it becomes a multi-purpose kitchen tool.
Ready to buy? Purchase the KitchenAid Artisan on Amazon