What's the difference between Professional 600 and Artisan models?
The Professional 600 features a 575-watt motor (vs 325 watts), 6-quart bowl (vs 5-quart), bowl-lift design (vs tilt-head), and all-metal construction. It delivers 60% more power and 20% more capacity than Artisan models, justifying the higher price for serious bakers who regularly handle heavy doughs or large batches.
Is the KP26M1XLC model still available?
The KP26M1XLC that I've used for 18 years has been discontinued. The current replacement is the KSM55 Professional 600 Series, which maintains the same 575-watt motor, 6-quart capacity, and bowl-lift design that made the original model exceptional. All links in this review point to the current replacement model.
Bowl-lift vs tilt-head: which is better?
Bowl-lift offers superior stability for heavy mixing, easier bowl access during operation, and better leverage for thick doughs. Tilt-head provides easier bowl attachment/removal and requires less vertical clearance. For serious bakers handling heavy doughs regularly, bowl-lift is the better choice. For casual bakers prioritizing convenience, tilt-head works fine.
Can this mixer handle pizza dough?
Absolutely. After 18 years of weekly pizza dough, including high-hydration Neapolitan-style and thick Sicilian doughs, this mixer handles it effortlessly. The 575-watt motor and bowl-lift stability make it ideal for dough work that would strain lesser mixers. This is the ultimate pizza dough test, and the Pro 600 passes easily.
How long will this mixer last?
With regular home use (2-3 times weekly), expect 20-30 years of reliable service. Mine is 18 years old with zero motor issues. Some owners report 40+ years with their KitchenAid mixers. The all-metal construction and commercial-grade motor justify the premium price through decades of use.
Is the 6-quart capacity worth the extra cost?
For serious bakers who regularly double recipes or make large batches, absolutely. The 20% additional capacity over 5-quart models eliminates batch splitting and saves significant time. For occasional bakers making single batches, the 5-quart Artisan may be more cost-effective.
What attachments work with the KitchenAid Professional 600?
The Professional 600 is compatible with all KitchenAid hub attachments including pasta makers (pasta roller, fettuccine cutter, spaghetti cutter), meat grinders, food grinders, ice cream makers, grain mills, spiralizers, and vegetable sheet cutters. Over 15 attachments turn this mixer into a complete kitchen system. The attachment hub is universal across all KitchenAid stand mixers, so your investment in attachments transfers if you ever upgrade models.
KitchenAid Professional 600 vs 7 Qt: which should I buy?
The Professional 600 (6 qt) handles most serious home baking needs including double batches of bread dough and large cookie batches. The 7 Qt model (KSM70) offers 17% more capacity for very large batches, useful if you regularly bake for crowds or run a home bakery. For most serious home bakers, the 6 Qt Professional 600 hits the sweet spot of capacity, power, and value. Choose the 7 Qt only if you consistently max out a 6-quart bowl.