When it comes to stand mixers, Ankarsrum and KitchenAid are two names that often come up—but they couldn’t be more different. Whether you’re a passionate home baker, a small bakery owner, or just starting your culinary journey, choosing the right mixer can make a world of difference in your kitchen.
In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between these two popular brands to help you decide which one is the best fit for your baking needs.
Design & Aesthetics
Ankarsrum:
Made in Sweden, the Ankarsrum has a sleek, minimalist, and modern design. It offers a unique aesthetic that stands out, especially with its rotating bowl mechanism. It’s available in a variety of soft, matte colors that blend beautifully into any kitchen.
KitchenAid:
Known for its classic, retro design, the KitchenAid is iconic in American kitchens. It has a traditional look with a tilt-head or bowl-lift mechanism, and comes in a wide range of bold and neutral colors.
🧁 Verdict: Both are visually appealing, but the choice here depends on your design preferences—modern Scandinavian vs classic American.
Mixing Action
Ankarsrum:
Features a rotating bowl with stationary attachments. This setup results in very even mixing and allows for better visibility and control of ingredients as they’re being worked.
KitchenAid:
Uses planetary mixing, where the beater moves around the stationary bowl. It’s efficient, but often requires scraping down the sides to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
🧁 Verdict: The Ankarsrum shines with heavy doughs and offers more visibility, while KitchenAid’s planetary mixing works well for general-purpose baking.
Power & Capacity
Ankarsrum:
Boasts a powerful 600-watt motor capable of mixing up to 11 pounds of dough—ideal for bread makers and batch bakers. Despite its strength, it operates quietly.
KitchenAid:
Power varies depending on the model (typically between 250 to 500 watts). Higher-end models handle thicker doughs better, but may struggle under heavy use.
🧁 Verdict: For serious bakers or frequent large batches, Ankarsrum is the clear winner.
Attachments & Versatility
Ankarsrum:
Comes with a wide range of included accessories—dough hook, roller, scraper, and more. It also offers optional add-ons like pasta rollers, meat grinders, and blenders.
KitchenAid:
Famous for its massive variety of optional attachments, including pasta makers, spiralizers, ice cream makers, and food processors.
🧁 Verdict: KitchenAid edges ahead if you want to turn your mixer into a multi-purpose kitchen tool. However, Ankarsrum’s attachments are high-quality and geared toward serious bakers.
Durability & Longevity
Ankarsrum:
Built with all-metal construction, the Ankarsrum is known to last for decades. Many users report using the same unit for over 20 years with minimal issues.
KitchenAid:
Durability varies by model. Higher-end KitchenAids are solid, but entry-level models can wear out faster with frequent heavy use.
🧁 Verdict: Ankarsrum takes the crown for long-term reliability and rugged construction.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
Ankarsrum:
Takes a bit of time to get used to due to its unique design, but many users find it more intuitive and easier to clean once they get the hang of it.
KitchenAid:
Plug-and-play. It’s familiar and easy to operate right out of the box, but some attachments can be tricky to clean thoroughly.
🧁 Verdict: KitchenAid wins for ease of use at the beginning; Ankarsrum rewards those who take time to learn.
Final Thoughts
Choose the Ankarsrum if...
- You bake bread or large batches often
- You value durability and quiet performance
- You want a unique, long-term investment
Choose the KitchenAid if...
- You want a versatile tool with tons of optional attachments
- You bake casually and prefer familiarity
- You love the classic American look
Both mixers have loyal followings—and for good reason. Your choice ultimately depends on how you bake, what you value in a kitchen appliance, and how long you plan to use it.