KitchenAid Versus Kenwood, Which is Better?
Apple or Windows, Dyson or iRobot… KitchenAid or Kenwood? The debate often gets heated and splits buyers into two camps whenever the giants of the household world get pitted against each other.
For those of you who have been scratching your head or Googling your next appliance purchase for whipping up decadents sweet treats, I hope this article helps you in making your all-important decision. As the proud owner of BOTH a KitchenAid Artisan and Kenwood Titanium XL mixer for the past 3 years, I’ve put both mixers through their paces over the years and have collated my observations in this post for you. Whichever mixer you decide to purchase is entirely up to you and what’s important to you in the kitchen. I’ve analysed both machines from various aspects and hope the following observations help you get closer to picking the machine that’s the sweetest fit for you.
Price:
So the 2 machines that I own sit pretty closely in the price region. The KitchenAid Artisan 4.8L which I have currently retails at $899 but the cheapest I’ve managed to find online from an Australian retailer is $627 AUD. The Kenwood Titanium XL currently retails at $999 but by shopping around online, I’ve managed to find one at $799 and the slightly lower range Chef XL at only $499.
What I do want to highlight is that whilst the KitchenAid seems like the cheaper option at first glance, The Kenwood Chef XL and Titanium XL (basically, anything with an XL in the name) has a capacity of 6.7 Litres as opposed to the 4.8L KitchenAid Artisan.
You might ask, ‘Isn’t there a larger capacity KitchenAid model?”. Well yes, there absolutely is. Howeever, ff you wanted to purchase a larger capacity 6.9 litre KitchenAid machine, be prepared to fork out a cool $1,199 AUD per unit (the lowest I could find in my Google search).
So.. in discussing price, if we were comparing apples to apples, if would seem that the Kenwood provides a better bang for your buck in terms of volume.
Design:
There’s no denying… the KitchenAid is just beautiful. They come in almost any colour, tone, finish, pattern and has the ability to elevate the look and feel of any kitchen. Those slick lines and curvy edges have the ability to melt your heart into a buttery mess.
The Kenwood however, has a more utilitarian aesthetic. It is by no means ugly, but it certainly doesn’t scream “cool and sexy” like its counterpart.
Functionality:
In terms of power and mixing speed options, the Kenwood Titanium XL shows off with a powerful 1000W motor whilst the KitchenAid Artisan utilises a 325W motor. Don’t get me wrong, 325W is certainly more than sufficient for any home baker but when both machines are powered up at the same time, the Kenwood Titanium observably has a stronger mixing capability. The Kenwood also wins in terms of speed options. The speed dial gives a wider range of mixing speeds whilst the KitchenAid provides a sufficient, albeit narrower speed range.
Additionally, my Kenwood Titanium comes with a quirky, fun light function which illuminates the contents of my mixing bowl. Whilst this isn’t an absolute necessity for most bakers (in which a Chef XL model would suffice), I personally love it for filming my Cake Tutorials and Recipes.
Attachments:
Both mixers come kitted out with similar attachments such as a dough hook, beater, and balloon whisk, with the addition of a splashguard. The Kenwood mixer differs in that it also comes with a folding attachment, which truth be told, hardly ever gets used in my kitchen for the fact that this function is easily replicated with the beater on the lowest speed.
It is also worthwhile mentioning that the finish and durability of the Kenwood attachments are noticeably better than that of the KitchenAid’s. In the years that I’ve had both machines, my KitchenAid balloon whisk has had to be replaced when one of the prongs suddenly became detached midway through mixing up a cake (something that warranty took care of thankfully). The KitchenAid dough hook has also gotten a little tight and harder to attach and detach as the years have gone by. All Kenwood attachments have remained in perfect condition and attachment and detachment has remained the seamless despite being thrown in the dishwasher on a weekly basis.
Durability:
Both mixers have never given me any issues in the years that I’ve owned them and continue to whirr and operate as well as ever despite weekly use. The only noticeable deterioration has been in the attachments (as mentioned above) and in the noise levels in the KitchenAid mixer getting slightly louder in recent times.
Noise:
Comparing the two, the KitchenAid certainly has a noisier engine than the Kenwood mixer. Also as mentioned, I’ve noticed the KitchenAid getting increasingly louder the longer I’ve owned it. So with that said, I much prefer using my Kenwood mixer when I need to whip up some cheeky midnight treats without disturbing my kids after bedtime.
IN SUMMARY…
I’ll leave you with my final thoughts on the matter… For a similar price range, I personally would say that that the Kenwood XL (Chef or Titanium) is a better mixer from a utilitarian perspective. The larger capacity bowl, stronger attachments, wider speed options and lower noise levels would mean that the Kenwood Titanium XL ticks all the boxes if you’re an avid baker who bakes often, and in large batches.
However, this kind of utilitarian machine might not be for everyone. If you’re a home baker who is looking for a stylish machine to complement your abode, then the KitchenAid will more than meet your needs. The KitchenAid would also be suitable if you don’t tend to bake large batches of cake at a time. I personally love using my KitchenAid for my weekend loaf cakes, small batch sponges and whipped mousses and in reality, find myself using my snazzy KitchenAid sidekick a little more frequently than the Kenwood (which is reserved for more bigger “project” bakes).
Remember that within each family of Kenwood and KitchenAid exist different models that may suit your specific requirements to a tee. At the end of the day, it comes down to how you’re going to use it, what’s important to you and which machine better suits your budget.
And if you really can’t choose, then well… perhaps one day you’ll wind up getting both! 😉
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Amanda, I’m with you. I have both mixers and find that the Kenwood is the real work horse. Whilst the Kitchen Aid is good, it’s more about looks as I have it on display on my kitchen bench. When I talk about them, I compare them to cars. One is shiny and showy and the other is reliable and well used.
Perfect analogy, I’, so glad you think so too 🙂 I also know that there are many who think differently and thats totally ok. But it’s a great way to explain it and I appreciate your input!
Thank you for publishing this article comparing the Kenwood and Kitchen aid mixers. You helped confirm my gut feeling in my quest to replace my 2nd Kitchen aid mixer that died on me.
happy this helped!
Hi there!
I read a stand mixer comparison on ur website of a KA and Kenwood. I rly liked and appreciated this review
I do HV a Q, if u don’t mind 🙂
Basically, I’m unsure about the mixer I wanna buy
I bake once or twice a month and bake very large batches (Like a double or triple batch). I don’t make bread often. I only bake bread like twice a year, I’m more of a cake n Cookie guy. I don’t care about color and looks. I just want somethin strong and durable. I want a stand mixer that will last for about 5 years without breaking down and having to get it repaired.
Do u think that the Kenwood is a Good option?
There r some reviews that mention that Kenwood can’t mix properly as compared to a kitchen aid.
That makes me doubt my purchase.
Another factor is that, in the UK, were I will be buying a mixer from, a XL Kenwood costs the same as a standard KA mixer. I don’t HV the budget to by a large KA.
So I’m kinda bein forced to buy a Kenwood
I’m just not sure
Acc. to u, who has used a Kenwood for 3 years, is the Kenwood a good option for some1 like me?
I wud luv to get feedback. It wud mean the world to me. Tysm
Looking forward to ur reply!
Hello! I personally find the Chef XL Kenwood so good for large batches. When I use a KA for large batches, the engine sounds strained, loud and it also overflows out the sides (on the regular sized bowl). If I were in your shoes, Id be happy with a Chef XL. If there is an option for an extended warranty and it isnt expensive, I would probably lean towards getting extended warranty too as we bakers need a lot of assurance cause we use our machines a lot. Hope this helps!
So Kenwood is better for larger batches?
Hi I have both KA and Kenwood in mind . I don’t mind the look and Go for durability.According to your information, what if I don’t make big batch all the time , is Kenwood Also good ?
We decided we want to try home made bread and pizza dough, but we didn’t have a mixer. I’m the kind that over-studies everything. I spent a month on the Internet comparing 4-5 quart/liter mixers. This review did not discuss the difference in the metal gearing, weight, 2 other topside power options, stability, precision controls, retractable cord, etc., etc., of the Kenwood Chef compared to the KA. The Kenwood Chef we bought only has 750 watts…I think it’s the 4.5 quart US version. The difference in the strength, ease of attachment and durability of the Chef’s hook, whip, beaters is exponential and the spatter shield was included. The pizzas and breads she made in the first week reinforced my decision. But all those attachments are not sold in the US. Price here was $425 USD.
Hello, it is good to find your review between the 2 brands! The only thing I am wondering if the better comparison would have been the Kenwood Chef (non XL) with the similar 4.6L capacity bowl, for the sake of a more even comparison of power and size (also differing size and quality of the attachments). I do realize it is still unfair to ask as you are comparing similar price tier which is still a very valid comparison point, as for similar cost you get a more robust machine.
Would you say that the XL 6.7L bowls are still perfectly fine for regular batches of cakes etc, I am a hobby baker and wondering if it would struggle with a smaller volume recipe in terms of mixing etc?
Either way it was still a helpful review 🙂
I have had my Kenwood for about 8 years and love it.
But my dough hook got stuck and would not release . I could not find anyone that could work on Kenwood to help me.
My husband finally got the hook to release.
Before using it again I am wondering if I need to spray a dry lubricant in the connection area.
I know WD40 could gum it up that is why I am thinking about a dry lub.
Can you give my any info on who I can contact Re servicing my Kenwood in California?
You can use silicon food grade grease, this is very popular with coffee machine enthusiasts.
In 1972, my mother bought a Kenwood Chef. The one with the very large stainless bowl. I think she bought every attachment too. This machine is now mine and is STILL going strong after more than 50 years as a family workhorse. I have a feeling that it could be out if warranty by now.
Keep that machine as the newer machines areno where as reliable. I used my new Kenwood Titanium XL 3 times and had to have a new motor . l have also had my whisk replaced 3 times as the wires are not really strong, 3 times is ridiculous when l use it sometimes twice a week and then sometimes twice a month. Compared to the old 70’s model they are not nearly as robust.
I was looking to update after having my Kenwood for 40 years but maybe I’ll just hang onto it. It’s not as pretty as a KitchenAid but is still going strong.
Ik heb de kenwood xl maar twijfel om de kitchenaid aan te schaffen omdat de kenwood op hoge snelheid niet alleen te laten is want hij danst van de kast. Is dit ook zo met kitchenaid of niet? Ik twijfel enkel over de wattage want die van mij is 1300 whatt en kitchenaid heeft maar 300.
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Thank you for your review on both these mixers. I have been doing a lot of searching on the internet to give me an idea of which would be better for me, and I think this article has given me a more unbiased opinion.
My mom had a sunbeam mixer she got for wedding gift that lasted 50 years but by time I married the sunbeam didn’t last 10 years so being so old you probably got the best made one. I came across this checking to see what was available in England comparable to my much loved KA I’ve been using 20 years now and kenwood spends like the one. Question can owners do repairs if needed on their own?
Kenwood all the way for me. Unless I have the £££ to splash out on a larger la I can just use my kenwood. It handles most things, even cookie dough with huge chunks of chocolate.
Like the reviewer above I am still using my mother’s Kenwood after 50 years. I’m thinking about updating so I can get attachments and a splash shield and a mixer that works at slower speeds. I found your review very informative and it has made up my mind about which brand I will go for. Thank you.