kitchenaid-k400-review

Kitchenaid K400 Review

A robust blender that not only looks fantastic but also performs very well.
  • Performance
  • Build Quality and Durability
  • Variable Speed Settings
  • Ease of Use and Cleaning
  • Design and Aesthetics
4.6/5Overall Score

Quick Summary

The K400 blender comes in a variety of colors, and its superior style will fit most kitchens. It's easy to operate and did well in most tests, except for chopping nuts uniformly. It's not as expensive as other luxury blenders, but it's still an excellent device.

Specs
  • Dishwasher safe: Yes
  • Weight: 12 pounds
  • Motor: 1200 watts
  • Speed settings: 5
  • Size: 56 oz
  • Type: family-sized blender
  • Programs: Ice Crush, Icy Drinks, Smoothie, Cleaning
  • Material: Metal base, glass pitcher, stainless steel blades
  • Dimensions: 9.02 x 7.59 x 15.8 inches
Pros
  • Blends ingredients quickly.
  • Creates bar quality ice.
  • Dishwasher safe.
  • Feels very well-built.
  • Can blend hot liquids.
Cons
  • The lid is difficult to clean.
  • Creates foamy smoothies that aren't the smoothest.
KitchenAid K400 Review

In this comprehensive review of the KitchenAid K400 Blender, we put this classic blender through its paces on a range of industry standards. It’s certain that this model blender is among the most widely available, but can you honestly say that it’s also among the best? It’s not perfect, but it gets very close. You can tell right away that the KitchenAid K400 Blender is built to last because of its strong construction. Its good appearance makes it a nice complement to the Artisan, the best stand mixer available.

KitchenAid’s Color of the Year announcement is usually something we look forward to, and this year was no exception. We think the 2022 shade “Beetroot” is one of the greatest because of its deep yet bright semi-matte finish, which stands out without being over the top.

The KitchenAid K400 Blender is another popular option; it has been around for a long time and is a classic in the KitchenAid portfolio, making it a favored blender among people who value both form and function. We were excited to test out the K400, and getting to use the beetroot color was a nice bonus. Here is how well it functioned.

The blender jug is the only thing included with this model; any additional cups or attachments will have to be purchased separately. You should go elsewhere if you require a larger blending jug or don’t want to shell out extra cash for blending cups, as these are not included with the K400.

KitchenAid K400: One-minute review 

If you’re looking for a KitchenAid K400 blender in the middle of the price range, go no further than the Artisan K400. It goes nicely with the other compact kitchen appliances offered by KitchenAid and comes in seven different colors in the United States (nine in Australia, twelve in the United Kingdom). This sleek device isn’t just all show and no go, though; it’s also rather strong, which is why it made our list of the finest blenders.

The base is made of the sturdy die-cast metal that is signature to KitchenAid appliances; having such a solid foundation is comforting while the blender is whirring away at full speed.

There are three different pre-set blending programs available on the KitchenAid Artisan K400: ice crush, frosty drink, and smoothie. A single dial on the front of the blender controls its five adjustable speeds, and the same dial also provides access to the other settings.

Artisan K400 Blender: Price and Availability

The K400 is KitchenAid’s mid-range blender, and it has all the functionality you’d expect, as well as the brand’s signature design and a variety of attractive color options. You can get a less expensive blender from the same manufacturer if that’s what you’d like.

KitchenAid sells these, as do many other stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Design

KitchenAid combines appealing design with solid, reliable parts, and this blender is no exception.

Die-cast metal base weighs 12 lb/5.4kg (6.6kg for UK model owing to glass jug). It’s not simple to move, but the high-end design and color options make it a desired appliance.

7.6 x 9 x 15.8 inches (19.3 x 22.9 x 40.1cm) is a standard blender size (w x d x h). Unlike many blenders, it doesn’t come with a lot of attachments you’ll need to keep. Personal blending cups are optional and cost more than the first purchase.

One button controls start/stop for the center dial’s settings and programs. Five variable speeds, a pulse setting, and three preset programs are available. Each preloaded program has a little icon. There’s also a software that cleans the blender jug using fast speeds, rapid power pulses, and dish soap.

The blender’s three-part blending mechanism combines a ribbed jug, an asymmetric blade, and Intelli-Speed motor control to maintain ideal speed and power.

In the US and Australia, the jug is plastic, but in the UK it’s glass. The handle can be on the left or right side, depending on your dominant hand, and both are dishwasher safe. A glass jug can prevent staining, but it’s simpler to break if dropped.

KitchenAid K400: Setup

The KitchenAid K400 comes in a large, recyclable cardboard box (not recyclable). Depending on your lifting ability, you may require support.

This blender receives full scores for setup: it takes no time at all to get the device operating. It comes with a handbook and a card explaining the primary functions, including blending modes. Set the blender body near a plug, place the jug on the base, and screw on the cover.

KitchenAid K400

The base contains pulsating rates and mixing routines. Once the blender is plugged in, crank the dial to your desired setting and a white light surrounding the little circular button on the right should start pulsing. If the room is bright, the light is very white, making this difficult to see. When it’s ready, push the button to start mixing. It may take a few tries since the button isn’t the most sensitive, but it should take seconds once you’ve added your ingredients.

KitchenAid K400: Performance

We tested this blender by using the preset smoothie program. It crushed spinach and pineapple to make a smooth, aerated smoothie without pieces. Smoothie making is a programmed program that ends automatically when it’s done. The blender attained an average noise level of 84dB, and the jug’s pouring lip operated properly without spilling.

We filled the KitchenAid K400 with water and blended it at full speed to test for leaks. No leaks, thankfully.

The Ice Crush application crushed our ice cubes evenly and quietly (84dB). The blender only struggled with hazelnuts. The nuts weren’t equally cut, so we ended up with chopped nuts, powder, and some larger bits. If we’d kept mixing, it would have all converted to powder. No blender we tested was good at this. A spoon was needed to remove nut powder from behind the blade.

We developed a rich, glossy, wonderfully emulsified mayonnaise. The blender mixed nicely even with two egg yolks and 10ml of vinegar in the jug, which previous versions struggled with. The lid’s detachable center cap is a decent size for pouring into during mixing, with little splashing or spitting. We made mayo at speed level 2, which was quieter at 78dB.

After creating mayonnaise, we utilized the cleaning program, which removed most of the oily residue. The container is also dishwasher safe.

KitchenAid K400: Final Thoughts

This is a secure pick if you want a large, powerful blender for smoothies, soups, and beverages. Three months in, the performance is still as amazing as when we unboxed it. It’s a lovely gadget that comes in many colors, so it’ll stand out in your kitchen.

If you have limited countertop space or require a smaller blender, this won’t work for you. Despite its boasts and preset tasks, it’s not a great food processor, so if you want to produce sauces and nut butters, the KitchenAid K400 isn’t the greatest choice. 

Compared To Other Blenders

The KitchenAid K400 is a fantastic all-purpose blender. Like other KitchenAid blenders we’ve examined, it can blend hot soups and mixtures. It’s well-built and feels quality, but its primary container is smaller than Vitamix or Ninja models.

  • Vitamix Explorian E310:– Vitamix Explorian E310 beats KitchenAid K400. Vitamix makes smoothies and almond butter better. It features a tamper, is better built, and makes snow-like smashed ice faster. Cleaning is easier.
  • Vitamix A3500:- The A3500 beats the K400. The Vitamix is well-made and has a tamper. In addition to a speed dial, it contains preset mode buttons and a companion app. It’s easy to clean and makes excellent smoothies and almond butter. It creates great crushed ice. KitchenAid makes smoothies faster.
  • Vitamix 5200:– Is superior than KitchenAid K400 for most purposes. The Vitamix’s strong engine makes nut butter, smoothies, and ice-crushing easier. It’s better-built and easier to clean than the KitchenAid. KitchenAid isn’t as big and has a shorter pitcher.
Daniel Wisdom
Daniel Wisdom

Writer Daniel Wisdom specializes in technology reporting and evaluation. He works as an independent contractor. He's based in Bleomfontein and has written on smartphones and other electronic devices.

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