Few kitchen gadgets inspire as much loyalty as a good stand mixer. If you love baking, the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER Stand Mixer with 4.8 litre bowl in Empire Red is the kind of appliance that can happily live on your worktop for years. In this guide we’ll look at what to expect from a stand mixer like this, how to choose between the different KitchenAid Artisan models, and which alternatives are worth a look if you’re torn between colours or prices.
Why a stand mixer transforms home baking
Once you’ve used a decent stand mixer, it’s hard to go back. Instead of juggling bowls and a hand whisk, you can get butter and sugar creamed, dough kneaded or meringue whipped while you prepare tins or clear up. A 4.8 litre bowl, like the one on the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER, is ideal for typical UK home baking – big enough for a family cake or a batch of brioche, but not so big that it’s awkward to store or clean.
Because the machine does the heavy work, it also opens up recipes that can be daunting by hand, such as enriched doughs, glossy Swiss meringue or long-whisked sponge mixtures. That’s the real appeal of investing in this sort of appliance: it makes ambitious baking feel achievable on a weeknight.
Meet the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER
The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER Stand Mixer in Empire Red is a classic tilt-head model with a 4.8 litre bowl, and it sits squarely in the premium end of the market. With an excellent average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from around 1,959 reviews, it’s clearly doing something right with real-world users. The bold red finish is designed to be a focal point on the counter rather than something you hide away.
If you want all the detail on performance, attachments and long-term ownership, it’s worth taking a look at our full review of the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER Stand Mixer. Here, we’ll focus more on how to choose if this is the right kind of mixer for you, and how it compares with similar Artisan models.
How to choose the right KitchenAid Artisan model
The Artisan range can look confusing at first glance: similar shapes, similar bowls, just different model codes and colours. In practice, once you’re looking at 4.8 litre Artisan stand mixers, you’re mainly choosing between subtle feature differences and aesthetics, not wildly different performance levels.
Here are some key points to think about when deciding which Artisan is right for you:
- Bowl size and type: around 4.8 litres is ideal for most households, and all of the alternatives here share that same practical capacity.
- Included accessories: some models, like the 5KSM175 series, tend to ship with a slightly richer accessory bundle than the most basic 125-series mixers.
- Colour and finish: these mixers are designed to be seen, so it’s worth picking a colour you’ll enjoy for years.
- Budget: prices can vary significantly between colours and model codes, even when the core mechanics are similar.
The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER ticks the box for a generous accessory set and a bright, statement colour. If you prefer something subtler, or you’re trying to stick to a particular budget, there are excellent alternatives in the same family.
Comparing the best KitchenAid Artisan alternatives
Because the Artisan range is so broad, it makes sense to narrow down to a few closely related options if you’re hovering over the “buy” button. All of the alternatives below sit in the same Food Mixer category and share the premium feel that people expect from this brand.
Almond Cream elegance: KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBAC
If you like the idea of the 5KSM175 series but want a softer, more traditional look than bold red, the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBAC Stand Mixer with 4.8 Litre Bowl in Almond Cream is a lovely alternative. It shares the same overall concept and sits at a similar price point (around £480 at the time of writing in the supplied data), but the cream finish blends effortlessly into classic or neutral kitchens.
This is ideal if you’d like the full 175-series feature set but want the mixer to complement pale stone worktops, soft greys or Shaker-style cabinetry. If you’re comparing it directly with the Empire Red version, it really does come down to what you want the mixer to do visually in your space.
Stylish silver: KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BCU
For something a little more understated and often keenly priced, the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BCU Stand Mixer in Silver is well worth a look. The 125 series typically strips things back slightly in terms of bundled extras, which helps bring the price down (shown here around £429), while still offering that solid Artisan build quality.
This can be a smart choice if you’re focused on getting the core mixing performance without paying extra for accessories you might not use immediately. You can always add more attachments later once you know which tasks you love most.
Timeless cream: KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BAC
If cream is your colour but you’d rather opt for the more pared-back 125 series, the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BAC Stand Mixer in Almond Cream is another attractive option. In the information provided it sits at a higher price point (around £549), reflecting how prices can fluctuate between colours and configurations.
Functionally, you’re still getting that reliable Artisan performance and a 4.9 average rating, which suggests owners are very happy with it in daily use. This is the kind of mixer that suits a warm, neutral kitchen and blends nicely with wooden accents and traditional ranges.
Empire Red, simpler spec: KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BER
Love the bold Empire Red but don’t need the full 175-series spec? The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BER Stand Mixer gives you the same striking colour in a slightly simpler bundle. Again, it shares the same excellent user rating, which is reassuring if you’re drawn to this colour but wondering how the stripped-back spec holds up.
This can be a clever compromise if you want that iconic red statement on the worktop while prioritising value. When you compare it with the 5KSM175PSBER, think of it as the same design language with a more minimal approach to supplied accessories.
What it’s actually like to live with a 4.8L stand mixer
Numbers on a spec sheet only tell you so much. In everyday use, a 4.8 litre stand mixer like the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER or any of its close siblings is about convenience as much as capacity.
You can typically mix a standard sponge cake, a dozen cupcakes or a loaf of bread in one go without feeling like you’re pushing the limits of the bowl. There’s enough room that ingredients don’t leap out when you start mixing gently, yet it’s still compact enough to sit under most British wall units without issue.
Tilt-head mixers are especially user-friendly because you can lift the head to scrape down the sides, swap attachments or add ingredients without wrestling with the bowl. If you’ve never used one before, you’ll quickly get used to leaving it to work while you line tins or wash up – that’s where time savings really add up.
Key features to look for in a premium stand mixer
Whether you’re leaning towards the Empire Red 5KSM175PSBER or another Artisan model, certain features are particularly important in real kitchens:
- Planetary mixing action for thorough coverage of the bowl, minimising unmixed pockets of flour or butter.
- Smooth speed control so you can start slowly (to avoid flour clouds) and build up to a vigorous whip for meringues and cream.
- Solid, weighty base to keep the mixer steady during heavy dough tasks.
- Easy-clean surfaces, ideally with gentle curves rather than awkward crevices where flour and icing sugar can collect.
- Attachments you’ll actually use, such as a beater for cakes and biscuits, a dough hook for bread, and a whisk for meringues and whipped cream.
The KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER is designed to tick these boxes in a way that feels reassuringly sturdy. If you’re curious how it handles tougher tasks or long-term wear, read our in-depth review of the 5KSM175PSBER Stand Mixer for more performance-focused insight.
Choosing the right colour for your kitchen
Because these mixers are built to last, colour choice is more important than it first appears. The bold Empire Red of the 5KSM175PSBER and 5KSM125BER demands attention and adds a vibrant accent to otherwise neutral spaces. It pairs brilliantly with monochrome kitchens and modern, minimal schemes that benefit from a splash of colour.
The Almond Cream options – the 5KSM175PSBAC and 5KSM125BAC – are more timeless and forgiving. They work well with natural materials, soft colours and traditional cabinets, helping the mixer feel like part of the kitchen furniture rather than a gadget.
Meanwhile, the Silver 5KSM125BCU is a safe, contemporary choice that suits everything from sleek gloss units to industrial-style spaces with stainless steel appliances. It’s also a good option if several people in the household have different tastes and you want something neutral.
Practical tips for getting the best from a stand mixer
Once your new mixer is on the counter, a few simple habits can make a big difference to how much you enjoy it:
- Start slow: Always begin on the lowest speed when adding dry ingredients, then gradually increase to avoid mess.
- Use the right attachment: The flat beater is usually best for cakes and biscuits, the dough hook for bread and pizza, and the whisk for eggs and cream.
- Scrape down the bowl: Even with good planetary action, it’s worth pausing once or twice to scrape the sides for an even mix.
- Don’t overload: Check the guidance for maximum flour or dough quantities and stay within them, especially for tough, heavy doughs.
- Clean as you go: Washing the bowl and attachments soon after use makes cleanup much easier and keeps everything looking new.
Cleaning and caring for your mixer
Looking after a stand mixer is mostly about gentle but regular cleaning. Wipe the body with a soft, damp cloth after use to prevent splatters from hardening. Most metal bowls and standard beaters are designed to be easy to hand-wash; always check what the manufacturer recommends before putting anything in the dishwasher.
It’s sensible to dry metal attachments thoroughly before storing them to keep them looking their best. If your mixer is going to live out on the worktop, a cover can help keep dust away and protect that glossy paint or metallic finish.
Is the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER right for you?
If you enjoy baking regularly and want a mixer that feels like a permanent part of the kitchen, the KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PSBER with its 4.8 litre bowl and striking Empire Red finish is a compelling option. Its excellent user rating and long-established design make it a safe choice if you’re ready to invest in a premium stand mixer.
However, if you’d prefer a softer colour or a different balance of price and features, don’t overlook the close relatives: the 5KSM175PSBAC in Almond Cream, the more affordable 5KSM125BCU in Silver, or the 5KSM125BAC and 5KSM125BER if you like the 125-series approach.
Whichever model you’re drawn to, a good stand mixer should make baking easier, more enjoyable and more consistent. Explore the linked in-depth reviews to see how each specific model behaves in real use, then choose the one that best suits your kitchen, your style and the kind of baking you love to do.