I Got a KitchenAid Mixer

dimin · ‎03-11-2010

They are on sale everywhere for the 5 quart Artisan Tilt Head. The Q deal is really good with all the attachments. The blades are $30 when bought separately. However, I didn't get the Q one only because of returns. I got the one that that is green and only Target has it. It's pretty. Then I got the 6 quart lift bowl mixer Costco has so I have to return one. My son wants to test them both but I hope he doesn't I don't want to repack a box. The costco one, at least in the box, is a lot bigger and heavier. The bowl lift seems like a hassle too. I'll open the green one first. It's a color by Joanne Gaines. Not a fan but I bought what she sells. So so pretty. I like the small one because you an get different bowls and stuff. I only heard if you make bread it's not that powerful. I do want to use the meat grinder attachment if it works.

CamilleP · ‎03-09-2010

@dimin I had the smaller tilt-head mixer for decades, I bought mine from Meier & Frank's department store (another regional chain taken over by Macy's) back in the 80's. I hardly ever used it because it was so big it overwhelmed the cake mix in the box-sized baking I did. A few years ago, after I retired, I got the 6qt bowl lift model from Costco, because I planned to do more baking, being home full time. Since DH became a Type II diabetic, I wanted to make sugar-free cheesecake. I tried using my old, familiar 5qt mixer, and sadly, it just was not powerful enough to make a single cheesecake recipe, so I transferred the contents of the small bowl to the larger one, and hey-presto, no problemo! After storing both mixers for years, I recently bought a new kitchen appliance and had to make room in the pantry, so the small mixer, bowl, and all the paddles went to Goodwill. If you are going to return one, despite the lovely color, return the small green mixer. The larger mixer will power the attachments like the meat grinder better than the smaller, lower-powered mixer as well.

As a disclaimer, I spent many years helping my Mom, a professional baker of wedding cakes, and used her GIANT, floor-model KitchenAid mixers for cake, frosting, etc. That converted me to a countertop mixer from hand mixers, and I'm very grateful Costco made the largest home model such a reasonably-priced purchase.

(Now I need to talk myself out of buying a second 6qt in a kitchen-matching color from the Q next time they do a TSV and donating the horribly clashing red one that was all Costco had at the time......)

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

I have had the tilt head model for 46 years when they only came in two colors....white and almond.

I use mine several times a week and also make bread. I have the pasta attachment and a few others attachments that slice, shred, grind, etc. I also have an extra bowl and a few extra beaters and a few other accessories.

Mine is still running like brand new. When I bought mine, the lift bowl was avaliable, but I prefered the smaller tilt head model. It's a workhorse.

Whatever model you keep, you'll be happy. They're great mixers. I love the new colors, but I am waiting for mine to give out before buying a new one. I don't think that'll ever happen.

LizzieInSRQ · ‎12-27-2010

Yeah my 5 quart tilt head Artisan mixer does 2 pumpkin cheesecakes at a time no problem. Not sure why the other poster's 5 quart tilt head cant handle one. Cheesecake batter isnt even dry, its liquid so that makes no sense to me.

Ive made sausage balls ( very thick), double batch cookies, chocolate cake and icing, meringus for Pavlova, whipped cream etc....all with zero issue.

ninjawife · ‎11-15-2011

I got a 5 quart tilt head in white from my mom at my bridal shower 29 years ago. It was my favorite gift. I love mine and use it often.

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

I also bought the Costco KitchenAid last year. It's fantastic! Much more power and ease when mixing tough, heavy ingredients. We have an older KitchenAid mixer with a smaller motor that worked well enough when new, but in comparison to this newer model from Costco, there's no comparison as to which one is better, at least for me and my money! I'll also add an extra benefit from purchasing at Costco. Anything goes wrong, no matter when, it's returnable for a full refund even without your receipt. They can look it up on your account that it was purchased at Costco.

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!

DrakesMomma · ‎06-02-2010

My husband got me my KitchenAid the Christmas after I was diagnosed with cancer. That is coming up on 25 years ago. We have made lots of things together. We have made all 23 of my son's birthday cakes, pies, cheesecakes. About a year and a half ago I had to send her for service as she was leaking grease. It took about two and a half months but they repaired her for $29 and change. That included shipping both ways.

dimin · ‎03-11-2010

Thank-you for all the good feedback! No wonder I can't decide. Maybe I need to give my DH more credit, but I picture him making mashed potatoes or meat loaf and getting mad at the lift bowl (lack of patience), but I don't know. He's not here to ask, besides he won't be back for a couple of weeks. I really like the silver color on the Costco one too. I'm in the over 65 group so the tilt seems easier if I get weak(er) in my old age . I think that I keep both I will be a certified hoarder.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I have the profession version with the bowl lift. It stays out on the counter. I original had ivory, but bought black when we redid our kitchen, then passed the ivory one along to our son. I don't think he's ever used it. I rarely use mine anymore either since I'm not making big batches of cookies and no longer make traditional yeast dough recipes like bread and cinnamon rolls. But, for Thanksgiving dinners I'm glad to have it for the massive amount of mashed potatoes I make.