Kitchenaid Mixer

Autumn in NY · ‎09-22-2014

I'm about to purchase one for a gift, but I don't know which one to pick. Didn't realize there were different types.

Can someone give me advice on the best one?
Thank you

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I have had the tilt head and the bowl lift. If I had to choose one I would get the bowl lift. It is far better for large batches of dough, handles more volume, and is stronger for kneading bread doughs.

The tilt heads don't hold much flour. Also, my cabinets are far enough from the counter top that the bowl-lift head fits perfectly. The tilt head I would have to slide forward more for the tilt head to go up.

To me, the bowl lift is easy to use, and I never think about having to raise the bowl--I just do it. The bowl locks in securely and with the tilt heads a couple of times I didn't get the bowl screwed in tightly and set properly and it came out while mixing. THAT was scary!

The bowl lift bowl is wider and it is easier to add ingredients. They also use the spiral dough hook, which solves the problem of dough riding up the hook when kneading.

But ASK the person getting it which one they want and what color. It would be by far nicer than "surprising" them. These are expensive and last a long time, so get the recipient exactly what they would want! What a wonderful gift!!!!! GOOD for you!

Mothertrucker · ‎01-30-2015

I also have the pro model bowl lift..I thought I wanted the tilt head, but I got this with bonus points I get from work ,so I sort of took what I could get..

Am I ever glad I did! It is heavy duty and takes a lot of abuse...the bowl lift feature is very simple and secure mechanism..Easy to use

Autumn in NY · ‎09-22-2014

Thank you.

I wanted to surprise her. It's a bridal shower gift.

Her favorite color is pink, she doesn't bake much so I'm not sure if she needs all the bells and whistles. I see there's an Artisan series. Not sure what that is?

Mothertrucker · ‎01-30-2015

That's the entry level..and it comes in list of colors.Most likely tilt head?.lower wattage but perfectly fine for most home cooks

homedecor1 · ‎03-09-2010

I just bought the Artisan style for my niece at Macy's. She is a beginner cook/bake and I honestly don't see her using a lift-style 6 qt for heavy baking.

(she kids she's a "trophy wife" in training).

I bought Artisan for my DIL who is a good baker and this is the one she wanted as it has tilt-head and smaller footprint on counter.

i purchased both mixers at Macy's with all discounts/sales and free shipping came to $274.45 tax included. One selected SS color and the other a bright green, they have a lot of colors to choose from.

Tigriss · ‎03-12-2010

I would go with the largest, tilt head you plan to pay for because it does have a smaller foot print, considering that it generally stays on the counter, and pick a color you know she loves.

I would also get it from somewhere that it would be easy to return if you get the wrong color or she really hates it, but who would hate a Kitchenaid mixer!

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@Autumn in NY wrote:
Thank you.
I wanted to surprise her. It's a bridal shower gift.
Her favorite color is pink, she doesn't bake much so I'm not sure if she needs all the bells and whistles. I see there's an Artisan series. Not sure what that is?

Please ask her which one she would like. It is big, it probably will sit on the counter, and it should be her heart's desire for her new life.

nursejulia · ‎03-10-2010

I have the Artisan, which is tilt head, and I love it. It has the stainless steel bowl. My sister-in-law has one with the glass bowl, but finds the bowl very heavy.

Tigriss · ‎03-12-2010

Sams does have the pro one for $299. You can't beat that with a stick. She would have a machine that would tackle anything she could toss at it including a pro football team. It also comes in colors!