KitchenAid is giving its iconic stand mixer a refresh. The company recently launched the Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, a redesigned model packed with upgrades that home bakers will appreciate -- and we had a chance to try it before launch.

The highlights: an integrated LED bowl light that illuminates your ingredients from above, a precision speed dial for more granular control and a soft-start feature that ramps up gradually so flour doesn't end up on your ceiling the moment you hit the switch.

I took the reimagined Artisan Plus for a spin. While the new features are a welcome upgrade to the premium stand mixer, there's still one feature we've been hoping for that hasn't arrived yet. 

New features on the Artisan Plus

The Artisan Plus also includes a double-flex edge beater that scrapes the bowl while mixing, a secure-fit pouring shield and stainless steel accessories. If you already own additional KitchenAid stand mixer accessories, don't fret: They're compatible with the Artisan Plus Stand Mixer, too.

In a press release, Chad Ries, global head of product, brand and insights at KitchenAid Small Appliances, described the Artisan Plus as "the most premium stand-mixer option in KitchenAid brand history."

My favorite addition is the built-in LED light that automatically turns on when the tilt head is in the down position. It's small, but it does a great job illuminating the stainless steel bowl. I especially like that it works automatically, so there's no need for extra buttons on the sleek design.

The Artisan Plus has 11 speeds in total, including a half-fold speed designed for light or fragile ingredients. It's available in 15 colors, but four -- oat, sundried tomato, wild blueberry and iron ore bronze -- are exclusive to the Artisan Plus.

KitchenAid's Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer was named CNET's top pick for best stand mixers of 2026. 

After some hands-on time with the newest mixer in the lineup, we can confidently say the brand has elevated an already excellent baking companion without sacrificing the features or design that made the KitchenAid mixer an instant classic decades ago.

The one feature we're still waiting for

The Artisan Plus represents a significant upgrade to the previous model, but there's still one smart feature we think would take it over the top: a smart weight sensor. 

Several years ago, GE Profile launched the world's first stand mixer with a built-in scale/weight sensor. This integration allows home cooks and bakers to add ingredients to the bowl without having to measure them carefully beforehand. You can then tare the scale to add your next ingredient -- flour, sugar, yeast, etc. -- without having to bust out a kitchen scale or measuring cup.

Here's hoping the next iteration of KitchenAid's legendary mixer puts GE Profile's industry-first innovation to use. 

The Artisan Plus Stand Mixer is now available for $600 at KitchenAid.