KitchenAid's covetable walnut wood bowl is back - it's a masterclass in quiet luxury

It's official: KitchenAid's sell-out walnut wooden bowl is back. This time, it's paired with a soft porcelain finish on the brand's best-selling Artisan design. In my opinion, it's one of the most elegant models KitchenAid has added to its permanent collection.

If you recognise the walnut wood bowl, that's because it was the star of KitchenAid's limited-edition Evergreen Stand Mixer two years ago. The warm walnut finish quickly became one of the brand's most coveted details, bringing organic textures to the kitchen on top of the performance that has secured KitchenAid's place as the nation's favourite stand mixer.

However, when the Evergreen sold out, the bowl disappeared too. And you can ask anyone close to me, I haven't stopped talking about it since. Which is why this latest launch is so exciting. It combines the Artisan design I already love with the walnut wood bowl I thought I'd missed out on forever. I've even had the chance to put it to the test myself.

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KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer with Walnut Bowl review

You'll spot in the specifications that this is almost identical to the Artisan. It comes with all the same accessories as the normal range, but with the addition of the walnut wood bowl:

Who would the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer with Walnut Bowl suit?

• Aesthetic-driven bakers and design enthusiasts - the walnut wood bowl makes a stunning kitchen statement
• Bread bakers and artisan recipes - the walnut wood bowl has been praised for how well it creates a natural non-stick for bread doughs
• Slow bakers and careful cleaners - the bowl needs to be hand washed (and even oiled on occasion), so suits bakers who don't mind a little maintenance

KitchenAid stand mixers have long been loved by serious bakers. There's no denying that they strike an iconic silhouette on the counter, which is only enhanced by the striking wooden bowl. I have mine in a modern kitchen, but I could imagine it making a beautiful statement in a cosy cottage or farmhouse kitchen.

KitchenAid stand mixers have become famous for good reason. They're the model that the Great British Bake Off uses, because they work well across a range of functions. The walnut wood bowl has had some specific praise for its natural non-stick which is brilliant if you make stickier loaves, such as sourdough, brioche, and focaccia.

There are a few maintenance notes to account for though. Unlike KitchenAid's stainless steel bowls, this cannot go in the dishwasher, so needs to be carefully washed by hand and occasionally oiled to keep the wood in good condition. Also, as a wooden item, it can't be put in the freezer before whipping cream or egg whites, so isn't perfect for cold baking enthusiasts.

What is the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer with Walnut Bowl like to use?

I've tested several versions of the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer over the years, and they've consistently impressed me with their combination of power, style and reliability. This latest edition, with its walnut wooden bowl, brings something slightly different to the range: a warmer, more tactile design that feels made to sit proudly on a kitchen worktop.

My typical stand mixer tests cover everything I would expect a keen baker to make at home: bread (including both a classic white loaf and sourdough), cake batter, cookie dough and whipped cream. These recipes allow me to test the full capabilities of the mixer, from the strength of the motor and stability of the bowl to how evenly each attachment works. They also give me a chance to assess how practical the KitchenAid accessories are in everyday use.

As expected, this KitchenAid sailed through my tests. The first thing I noticed was how smoothly dough released from the wooden bowl. When making focaccia, I found it easy to lift the dough away from the sides without needing to scrape stubborn patches out with a spatula. I noticed the same with cookie dough, which can often cling to the sides of a mixer bowl and make transferring the mixture more frustrating. Here, the smoother finish made the process noticeably easier.

Whipping cream was equally impressive, with the whisk attachment creating a light, even texture in a short amount of time. One thing worth noting, however, is that the wooden bowl can't be chilled before use. Unlike a stainless steel bowl, wood is an insulating natural material, so if you're someone who likes to pop your bowl in the freezer before whipping cream, this isn't the model for you.

The lack of a handle was the biggest practical difference I noticed during testing. When scraping out the last of my mixtures, I found myself wishing I had something to grip while holding a spatula in the other hand. It wasn't a dealbreaker, especially because the bowl isn't particularly heavy to manoeuvre, but it is something to consider if you're used to the convenience of a handled mixer bowl.

For cakes and cookies, I used the standard beater attachment, and both mixtures were combined thoroughly. The attachment reached right down to the bottom of the bowl, leaving no pockets of unmixed flour behind. I was initially cautious about using chocolate and richer ingredients against the wooden surface, but the bowl felt robust throughout testing.

Like any wooden kitchenware, it does require slightly more consideration than stainless steel. While it feels durable, wood can absorb oils over time, so I would avoid using it regularly for particularly greasy mixtures or heavily spiced batters that could affect the appearance of the finish. For everyday baking, though, it adds a beautiful, natural element to the KitchenAid experience while still delivering the performance you'd expect from the Artisan range.

Should you buy the KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer with Walnut Bowl?

The KitchenAid Artisan Wooden Bowl Stand Mixer is a beautiful example of how a practical kitchen appliance can also become a design feature. Throughout testing, it delivered the same impressive performance I've come to expect from the Artisan range, handling everything from bread dough to delicate whipped cream with ease.

The wooden bowl does come with a few considerations. It isn't quite as practical as stainless steel for every baking task, particularly if you regularly work with oily mixtures or rely on chilled bowls for whipping cream. However, for everyday baking, the smooth finish, easy release and warm walnut design make it a genuinely special addition to the kitchen.

If you're already a KitchenAid fan and want a stand mixer that makes a statement , this is one of the most elegant versions I've tested. It combines the reliability of the Artisan range with a unique material choice that makes even simple baking feel a little more special.