topic Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin?? in Kitchen

Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Karlakaye — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 17:47:24 GMT

After a zillion years, I am really thinking about getting a KitchenAid stand mixer. The problem of storage has always stood in my way and it's still a problem that I would have to figure out. There are just the two of us at home now, but I do bake about a dozen batches of cookies to take to friends and neighbors during the holidays (have already made five this season). Every year I mix them all with my little hand mixer---which works fairly well.

I have no idea where to begin or where to buy. I see Costco has one on sale----6 qt professional for $289. Another option would be to buy Q egift cards today and buy one here. Every store or catalog seems to have them---Kohls, Chefs catalog, Target etc. Do they make models specifically for different stores??

So, what do you suggest-----wattage, size, features, place to look and/or buy. YIKES!!! I am about ready to talk myself out of it already---SEEMS OVERWHELMING!! I don't want to buy more than I need or can handle, but I just know I would enjoy the ease of mixing.

Thanks in advance for any and all insights and experience you might have.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Dusty1 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 18:06:01 GMT

$289 for the 6qt mixer is a good price. Is that with the lift bowl? I would just compare deals & get the biggest one you can find for your price range. They are going to take up the same amount of space. They are heavy & awkward to move if you plan to store it & get it in & out of a cupboard. The 5 qt is probably fine for you but there are a lot of deals/versions available so just see what you can get for your money.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Dusty1 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 18:08:08 GMT

I wanted to add. I would purchase locally if possible. If you have to return for any reason, shipping would be a lot!

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Karlakaye — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 18:18:42 GMT

Here's the Costco one description

This new KitchenAid 6 quart stand mixer is powerful, quiet, and built to last. Assembled with pride in Greenville, Ohio. This mixer can effectively mix up to 14 cups of all-purpose flour per recipe and whip up to 9 pounds of mashed potatoes. The powerful 1 horse power DC motor churns through heavy mixtures and double batches of cookie dough with ease. The professional bowl lift design makes adding ingredients a breeze. This stand mixer comes with a dishwasher safe flat beater and dough hook to make clean up fast and easy. Recommended hand wash only for the wire whip.

Attachments (Included):

White Coated Beater
White Coated Dough Hook
Stainless Steel 6 - Wire Whip

Features:

Colors available: Contour Silver, Empire Red, White or Onyx Black
6 Quart Narrow Bowl with Easy Pour Wide Top
14 Cup Flour Capacity
Plastic Knobs
Residential Attachment Hub
Embossed Trim Band
1.0 HP
High Performance Motor
High Performance Control
Polished Stainless Steel Bowl
Comfort Bowl Handle
Lift Lever Handle
Dimensions: 11.3" L x 14.6" D x 16.5" H
Weight: 25 lbs.
1 - Year Hassle Free Warranty
1 - Coat Finish

Model: KSM6573CER

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Carmie — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 18:33:16 GMT

I have had my KitchenAid mixer for over 35 years. When I purcased mine, there were only 2 models to choose from....the lift up bowl or the lift up head. I chose the stationary bowl with the head that lifts in white or almond.

I have never regretted my purchase. I was burning through 3-4 hand mixers a year because I bake a lot and use my mixer for heavy dough. Mine is only 250 watts and use it weekly for heavy dough.

I would suggest that you buy one that appeals to you. Choose a color that you like and just get it. The lift up bowl models are a little bigger and heavier, so maybe the stationary bowl with the lift up head would work better for you. I don't think wattage or HP matters for an every day baker. They all will work fine.

QVC always offers extras with their KitchenAid offers. you may get an attachment free. If that is important, wait for a TSV.

You can go wrong with the KitchenAid, no matter which one you choose. My son and I gifted my sister with a Kitchen Aid mixer and about 2 years later, it stopped running. We called KitchenAid and they sent her a new one and paid to ship the broken one back to them.

No matter which model you choose, you're going to love it.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Campion — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 18:40:56 GMT

A lot depends on how much bread, for example, you bake. If you do multiple loaves of heavy bread (ie, whole wheat) you'd want the 6qt which has a heavier motor. If you do a lot of cakes, egg whites, whipped cream and single family sized amounts of mashed potatoes (not a big amount for a crowd), the Artisan (tilt head) is fine.

I have the 6 qt because my husband liked homemade spelt bread, but now that I'm widowed, I don't need such a large machine and I'd really prefer the Artisan.

This time of year, you can find deals on all kinds of Kitchenaids. Kohls, BB and Beyond, Amazon and other sites (target, walmart) have all kinds of lowered prices.

If color is important, you'd want the Artisan which comes in the widest variety of colors. The 6qt comes in fewer colors.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Yahooey — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 18:45:36 GMT

I have a tilt head which is 325 watts and 5 qt capacity. I am an everyday holiday baker. I do love mine and with heavy thicker dough, it does hesitate. But that is a rare oddity. Your model is a lift bowl series which is already higher wattage and capacity than mine. The price seems good to me. Mine was the same price only because it was the special 90th Annivrsary edition and I wanted the bright candy apple red and glass bowl.

I would lift it if possible if moving it is a concern. I have to move mine every time I use it and it is a lighter model than yours. Enjoy! It does make bakibg so much more pleasant.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Karlakaye — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 19:46:02 GMT

Thanks so much for all your responses!!! They have been very very helpful---always know I can count on this board for good advice.

I am going to look at models in person, watch for good sales, and definitely have one in my kitchen in the next few weeks. Thanks again---and more ideas and answers are welcome----the more opinions and experience, the better!!

KK

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

depglass — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 19:54:26 GMT

I don't think you can go wrong with any of them, but if it were me I would get the one at Costco. (sorry for the bad grammar) Mine actually came from an estate auction and its been humming along for five years now. Kitchen Aid has such a good reputation that this is the only appliance I would buy used. Mine sits at the end of a counter that isn't in the hub of activity. No way could I move it in and out of storage.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Agent K — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:12:11 GMT

Amen. Due to our teeny kitchen, we are in fact looking for a rolling kitchen island to house the KitchenAid stand mixer!

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

rudy — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:33:34 GMT

Get the best model you can afford, because you are going to have it for a lifetime. I am using one that is over 25 years old and it is still a workhorse, just like new.

It's a purchase you won't regret.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Meowingkitty — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:41:50 GMT

I bought the one from Costco back in August and I love it. I don't bake a bunch but have made mashed potatoes, angel food cake, pumpkin bread and ginger bread and have been happy with it. I got it at Costco because if something went wrong I knew I would have no problem returning it. I checked out all the normal stores and Costco seemed to have the best one for the price.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

conlt — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:45:08 GMT

I have a 6 Qt and like it because I can mix 2 batches of cookies at a time. This makes cookie time a lot easier.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

justathought — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 21:20:01 GMT

That is a good price for the 6 qt. mixer.

I have a 6 qt. , 10 years old, never a problem with it.

Gave my daughter my 30 year old 5 qt. one, still works fine.

You won't go wrong with a Kitchenaid.

If there is only a few dollars difference between the 5 and 6 qt. go for the 6 qt. one,.

For once bigger is better!

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Lynneuk — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:50:36 GMT

My husband wanted to buy me jewelry after our son was born and I said " no thanks, I'd like a Kitchenaid" Been using it for 25 years and have to admit I'd like it to die so I can justify buying an orange or copper one,lol! Treat yourself, you won't be disappointed whichever one you get. Main reason to go with the Q is because of all the great colors.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

gulf coast girl — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 01:10:52 GMT

I love my kitchen aid mixer, I have the 5 quart, tilt back mixer. Mine is in the beautiful turquoise color. You will love it even more if you get the color that is your favorite. Why settle for ordinary when you can get FABULOUS!!!!!! Enjoy your mixer!!!

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

Ceci — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 03:01:15 GMT

Mine is about 15 yrs old and is the lift head. I think it is only 250 watts, not positive. It has made tons of cookies cakes and breads without any problem. I would never bother dragging it out for mashed potatoes. I use it most around the holidays so I keep it in my laundry room, lol! Takes up too much space in my small kitchen for the amount of time I use it. I drag it out around the holidays (this week will start using it). The hand mixer does everything else during the rest of the year.

I have used both the tilt head and the raised bowl. I do not like the raised bowl. I like tilting the head to check the batter, give it a mix by hand, add ingredients. My daughter has the raised bowl and I found it a pain to use.

I have no problem making any dough in the tilt head at 250 watts. Its never hesitated or had a problem with the toughest doughs. I've burned out many hand mixers trying to make dough, even the hand Kitchenaid. I would look for the best deal you could get. You won't have a problem making cookies with any wattage.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

HandJive — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 03:13:08 GMT

Psst, K41969

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

marky — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 03:13:34 GMT

Be sure to measure the distance between your counter top and the cabinets if you plan to store it there. I have a six quart lift bowl type and it will not fit under my cabinets. I love my mixer but I wish that I had purchased the five quart with the tilt head. Placing the mixer on a placemat will allow you to push and pull the mixer around on the counter to make it easier to use/store.

Re: Finally thinking about buying a KitchenAid stand mixer---where to begin??

anniebear — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 05:07:20 GMT

Don't talk yourself out of it! You will love it! I keep mine on the counter in the corner under the cabinets and slide it out a bit to use it. It's convenient that way and sits in a spot that's not otherwise useful for me. The only things I'd recommend are to get the most horsepower possible as it's going to last for a long time, and get one that comes with the scraper mixing blade. It's a newer version of the white mixing blade that's got a rubber spatula built into one of the side of the blade, and it's my favorite part of my mixer! I've been a participant in too many fights between spatulas and mixer blades in my kitchen to want to ever use mine without it! Mine is the tilt head type and it works well for me. I don't really know much about the lift bowl type, but just do your homework and investigate before buying. Buying locally will save you s/h charges but there are lots more colors available on the Q than anywhere else. Get what makes you happy!