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KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) product photo
Stand Mixers

KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS)

The Classic Series (model K45SS) is KitchenAid's entry point into the tilt-head lineup: a 4.5-quart stainless steel bowl, a 275-watt motor, and 10 speeds across 59 touchpoints around the bowl for thorough mixing. It comes with a flat beater, dough hook and wire whip, and the power hub accepts the same optional attachments (pasta rollers, meat grinders, and more) as pricier KitchenAid mixers. The bowl is smaller and the motor less powerful than the Artisan, so it suits everyday baking — cookies, cakes, the occasional loaf — more than large or frequent bread batches.

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Best for: Everyday baking · First KitchenAid mixer · Attachment compatibility on a budget

How it scores

Reviewed by Mara Ellison, Kitchen-Gear Editor

Ease of use5/5
Performance4/5
Durability4/5
Easy to clean4/5
Value for money5/5

Pros & cons

  • Lower entry price than the Artisan
  • Full KitchenAid attachment compatibility
  • Reliable tilt-head design
  • Dishwasher-safe bowl and attachments
  • Smaller 4.5-quart bowl
  • Less powerful motor than the Artisan or Pro lines
  • Not built for large or frequent bread batches

In depth

The KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) is built for repeat use rather than occasional use: it runs at 275W, a 4.5 qt capacity, serving about 2-4, and ease of use lands at 5/5. Lower entry price than the artisan is what most reviewers single out. On cleanup, dishwasher-safe parts keep cleanup mostly hands-off.

Everyday baking, First KitchenAid mixer, Attachment compatibility on a budget get the most out of the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS). If smaller 4.5-quart bowl is a dealbreaker for you (or less powerful motor than the artisan or pro lines is), it's worth comparing against the related picks below before buying.

Compared to the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer, the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) edges it out on value for money (5/5 vs 4/5). If versatile matters more to you than lower entry price than the artisan, the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Qt Stand Mixer is the one to check next.

Where it sits in Stand Mixers

Here is how the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) compares with other stand mixers we list.

ProductCapacity
Cuisinart SM-50 5.5-Qt Stand Mixer5.5 qt
KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) (this page)4.5 qt
ZACME 7-Quart Stand Mixer7 qt

Comparison is across the 5 stand mixers in the Kantan Prep catalog, not the whole market. Check current prices on Amazon.

Full specifications

Capacity4.5 qt
MaterialStainless steel bowl, metal body
Wattage275
Voltage120
Dimensions (in)14.1 x 8.7 x 14
Weight (lbs)22.3
ColorWhite
Controlsmanual dial
FunctionsMix, Knead, Whip
IncludedFlat beater, Dough hook, Wire whip
Dishwasher safeYes
Warranty1 year
NoiseMedium
PowerCorded electric
FootprintMedium

Common questions

Where can I check the current price of the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS)?

Prices on Amazon change often, so use the Check price on Amazon button to see the current price and any available options before you buy.

Who is the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) best for?

Best for: Everyday baking, First KitchenAid mixer, Attachment compatibility on a budget. If that profile doesn't fit, the Cuisinart SM-50 5.5-Qt Stand Mixer covers similar ground and is worth a look.

Is the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Qt Stand Mixer (K45SS) worth it?

At a 5/5 value-for-money score in our comparison, it's one of the stronger picks in its category — the main tradeoff to weigh is smaller 4.5-quart bowl.

📖 Want the full rundown? Read our Stand Mixers buying guide.

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