Kitchenaid Stand mixer - which size to get?
Am contemplating using some Christmas money to purchase a Kitchenaid stand mixer - which size would you guys recommend? I haven't researched them a lot and there seem to be a fair amount of options even beyond size! I'd love to have one like I've seen Giada, Ina and Ree Drummond use!
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njmarshall55
Oct 17, 2012 09:25 AM
Without going into specifics, get the largest one that you can. It's better to have the size and not need it, than to need the extra size and not have it.
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I've been using the same old 4.5 quart tilt head mixer for like 9 years. The only thing I ever had capacity issues with was when I would do 5 lbs of potatoes to mash in it for holidays. I bit the bullet and upgraded to a Pro 600 mixer a few weeks ago (screaming deal on Amazon)....still haven't plugged it in.
The biggest motivator for the move wasn't the potatoes, it was that I'm getting more into some of the attachments that I fear might burn out the motor of the smaller mixer, and the tilt head was always kind of annoying for things like breads, even if you locked it down.
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Several years ago, SIL was RAVING about her new KA stand mixer... 5 qt model. She does a LOT of holiday baking and went on and on about how nicely it worked while making her semi-famous chocolate chiffon cake and DREAMY butter cream frosting for that Thanksgiving. My first thought was... no way I'm spending $200+ for a mixer!?! She MADE me take the thing home on T-day with strict instructions to bring it back the followiing weekend. After mixing up double batches of doughs for 4-5 different kinda of cookies in no time, with no elbow grease required... I was hooked. Bought myself one for that Christmas... on sale at Boscov's for $199 (model that has tilt top) and a scratch-off coupon that took off an additional 15%!
It sat on my counter from day one. During cooler months, usually make pizza sometime over weekend... making the dough is a snap.
THEN, I made a great THRIFT STORE find! A "vintage", faded yellow, crank up/down model... larger capacity. Had paddle, whisk, and dough hook and ran very smoothly. I gave it a thorough cleaning, taped everything off and spray paiinted it flat black with paint meant for outdoor gas grills!?! Have no idea how old it is, but it's a work-horse and has larger capacity than newer one.
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Thanks for all the information everyone- very helpful. Can anyone tell me why the custom metallic artisan costs so much more!? I really like the look of the brushed nickel on the custom metallic. I think, at this stage- budgetary reasons are steering me to the artisan although I can see how the pro is the better piece of equipment for doughs.
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re: charmdesign
RudysEquipment_Supplies
Jan 9, 2012 01:10 PM
Its because those colors are much harder to produce without flaws in the finish.
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re: charmdesign
Scrapironchef
Jan 10, 2012 03:05 PM
You can always send it out later and get it a fancy paint job - http://un-amore.com/gallery.html
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re: Scrapironchef
Or, if you really want to dress it up...
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re: acgold7
Scrapironchef
Jan 11, 2012 11:38 AM
About 10 shots into the gallery is a flame paint job that makes the stick on one lok like stickers...
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re: vafarmwife
I noticed reports of this, so I dug around a little and it turns out there are two 7-qt models. The residential one is exclusive to WS until midyear. The Commercial one is NSF approved and is about $100 more, but according to the company they are identical. It's basically the same size as the 600, but a bit wider to accommodate the new bowl. KA claims this is an entirely new design, not just a re-badged 600. They now measure the power in HP and claim that because of an entirely new motor design, it is more powerful yet uses less electricity, so the new motor is rated only at 500W.
Also: the 610 and 620 appear to be only cosmetic upgrades of the 600, possibly made for specific retailers. In the spec sheets both claim to be 590 rather than 575 watts, but a close look at the photos shows the 620 to have 575 stamped on it, while the 610 does say 590. I have a hunch that at these levels, the exact numbers don't matter much.
Feedback on the 7qt on another forum shows that one user got one from WS that made horrible screeching sounds, as did the replacement. Finally she got one shipped to her direct from KA and she says it's whisper-quiet and she loves it.
Finally, you may remember that Hobart (The Original KitchenAid; they made the KA mixers as KA was their residential brand until they sold it a while ago, if I am understanding the history correctly) came out with a Commercial/Residential version of the 5-qt a few years back. It is supposed to be heavier-duty and sturdier than the KA version, and has a huge power head. But a look at the current specs shows that they are claiming 1/6 HP vs the 1.3HP of the new KA 7-qt, and if I am doing the calculations correctly it only tops out at about 350W. And oh yeah, it's $2,000.00.
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re: Dave5440
You're probably right, but I never thought wattage could be converted directly into HP. Here's the product page that talks about 500 watts on the 1.3 HP motor:
..and here's the spec sheet that says the Hobart is 1/6 HP, and draws 2.9 amps at 120V:
https://my.hobartcorp.com/resourcecen...
As you say, there could be a typo somewhere or my math could be wrong (W=VA, right?).
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re: acgold7
W=VA, right?
That is the correct equasion, but the main problem is the marketing department covers the ad type, so they tend to throw around a lot of BS.
I never thought wattage could be converted directly into HP
It's all related , it's all math after all
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horsepower
This thread is pretty good but drops off before the main respondent can explain the there is no difference between gas HP and electrical HP , 1HP is 1 HP. A horsepower is a definition of work done in a specific time period. 1 HP = 33,000 ft/lbs per min or 550ft/lbs per second, which the brilliant minds of years ago figured was 745 watts(I'm not being sarcastic here
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re: RudysEquipment_Supplies
RudysEquipment_Supplies
Jan 9, 2012 10:12 AM
Thought those pics would be bigger to read...Sorry. Might have to save pics to your computer actually read specs. 2nd photo shows a comparison between 6qt and the 7qt
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Candy
Jan 7, 2012 04:28 AM
I am giving my 20+yo stand to one nieces or nephews. I replacing it with a 7 qt. Cuisinart or Viking mixer. Kitchenaid has the most recognized name,the other two have the performance. There are a number of reasons that I want tge Cuisinart for, among them are depth of the bowl, the mixing shield and the timer. I have over mixed when baking and have had to clean up a mess in my oven. The timer shuts the mixer off when the suggested time is reached. The pouring shield covers the entire bowl, when adding dry ingredients such as flour, it it doesn't splash out and dust my counter. I am going to buy the 7b qt, 1,000 W. model.
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If you could swing the difference in price I'd go with a Bosch. They're much better built and they mix ingredients much better with the way their beaters work. Our KA let out magic smoke and we went Bosch and made all sorts of heavy dough breads and it never broke a sweat. We recently bought a newer model and gave the still working one to my niece. 15 years old and still going strong.
Look on the internet for the demo of the bosch whipping egg whites vs the KA.
jim
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re: mdgolfbum
Office Broccoli
Apr 5, 2012 11:52 AM
I just ordered a Bosch Universal Kitchen Machine. And called Whirlpool to ensure they are sending me a replacement KA Pro 610 (yes the one from Williams Sonoma). It overheated, turned off and went up in smoke. Only after 5.5 cups of bread flour. The dough was a bit stiff. Never again for bread. It works well for everything else.
Yes it does seem to have thermal overload protection.
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chowser
Jan 5, 2012 05:41 AM
If you're planning on making bread, especially stiffer doughs like bagels and brioche, I'd go w/ the pro600 at least. I have that and those doughs tax it. OTOH, my friend only does lighter doughs, up to cinnamon rolls, and has no problems w/ her artisan one. The drop bowl might be more inconvenient but the power is worth it. The older models supposedly had plastic parts but the more recent ones, past couple of years, don't, or at least according to the KA salesperson.
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On Amazon there were complaints about plastic gears on the 600, so I would get the 610 or 620 instead. I have the 610 and have not had any problems. The bowl is usually too big for one batch of anything, though. It is almost useless a single batch of egg whites or whipped cream, so if you bake lots of sweets I would get the 3q bowl attachment.
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re: MelissaMachete
I was under the impression that all the models went back to metal gears. My 5 qt says in large print on the box "All metal gears", this can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on what can happen while you are using it, if something dropped into the bowl while mixing at higher speed and jammed the tool the electrical overload can't react quick enough to shut it down and can result in a massive failure in the gearbox, while if you had just one plastic gear in the gearbox that gear would fail first everytime, if located in an easy to access spot it would be an easy repair. The other option is to have a shear pin or a purposely designed "weaker" gear that would fail first I don't know if they've done that but if I was going to warrenty something I would make sure that was designed in.
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re: Dave5440
RudysEquipment_Supplies
Jan 6, 2012 02:03 PM
The plastic gear is NOT in an easy spot..Its a pain to replace. See attached photo for an perfect example of why not to buy the artisan. Not to mention trying to pick out all the broken pieces or replacing all the grease.
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re: RudysEquipment_Supplies
RudysEquipment_Supplies
Jan 6, 2012 02:08 PM
If you can swing it the best Kitchen aid motor. The new 7qt. commercial.. $570 bucks though
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re: Dave5440
njmarshall55
Jan 10, 2012 12:35 PM
agreed! Rather have the capacity and not use it than need it and not have it.
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re: njmarshall55
sunshine842
Jan 10, 2012 12:45 PM
the only caveat I would give is that, with the 6-qt, I do sometimes have things that just aren't big enough to futz around with the big mixer -- a small batch of cookies, a small amount of whipped cream, etc.
I use the hand mixer for those (or a whisk...) -- but there are times that the big one is just, well, too big.
but for the medium- to large jobs, I wouldn't trade my KA for the world. I've kneaded every kind of dough you can imagine, enough chocolate chip dough to make 12 dozen cookies (twice a week for three years for hungry football players, no less), tons of mashed potatoes, and gallons of whipped cream...all stuff I'd never have the strength or patience to do by hand.
Better to match the size of your mixer to what you plan to do with it...the 7-quart wouldn't be much good for most single folks, for example...
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re: RudysEquipment_Supplies
The grease and broken peices wouldn't bother me, it's much cleaner that what I deal with all day, but not to put the gear where it isn't easy to replace is just bad design, the metal gear below looks quite substantial , did they add any mechanical overload protection to the 6qt?
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re: Dave5440
RudysEquipment_Supplies
Jan 6, 2012 02:50 PM
No there is no thermal over load on there mixers anymore..
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Get the biggest you can afford with the highest wattage, for some reason the under 6qt size goes from 250 to 450 watts and the 6qt is 475 to 575
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re: charmdesign
charmdesign, here's a good guide that compares all the KA models
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&n...As you look through the guide, think about how you'll be using your mixer to help determine the best mixer for your needs.
A very quick summary between the Artisan and the Pro 600 is the Artisan is a tilt head with a 5 quart capacity and its motor is 325 watts. The 600 is a bowl lift, 6 quart capacity and it's motor is 575 watts. Theoretically, the 600 should be able to handle heavier loads.
If you decide on the 600 and it's not available at your local Kohl's, try another or look online. There is a $50 rebate on the 600 that expires today, but keep in mind KA offers rebates on both machines several times yearly. If you can be patient, get your mixer during a rebate period.
Whichever model you select, the great thing about Kohl's is they will price match to other retailers and you can use multiple coupons to further reduce the price. Additionally, if you hit a Kohl's sale and get their cash back, it's usually a great deal after all the discounts (for example, right before Christmas, with sale prices, discounts and Kohl's cash back, members at slickdeals.net were reporting the Artisan for about $145 and the 600 at about $225.
I have both models and use the 600 the most due to bread doughs and capacity.
Happy choosing! Please let us know which one you selected.-
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re: Molly James
Can you re-link me it didn't work. Thanks for the tips. If you did say, pizza dough in the Artisan, would that work out okay? Just enough dough for two mediums pizzas I suppose.I guess I am wondering what the main issue with breads is- the dough on breads rising past the bowl capacity? So far leaning to the 5 qt since it's at Kohls. Want to check that guide you linked me to confirm my choice.
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re: charmdesign
I'd go with the larger/pro model, especially with dough. It's about the power of the motor, not the dough rising in the bowl. The pro model can handle bread doughs better.
Also, for making cakes, the larger bowl is big enough to hold the egg whites/yolks once they've been whipped, especially if you are using a recipe for 2 9-inch layers. Also, for things like home made marshmallows, the larger motor and bowl capacity is great.
I've seen the artisan on sale, have been tempted, but have held off until I can afford the larger model. -
re: charmdesign
Guide link http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=amb_link_... Ok, I see the link is still being parsed when I post. Try this: Google "Amazon Kitchenaid Guide" The link will take you to a consolidated KA standmixer page. On the left, the last text section is for Guides and Charts, click on Model Comparison.
In my experience, making pizza dough in the Artisan causes the machine to bounce around and "walk" a bit while kneading- not good if the machine is near the counter edge!
The 600 does have metal gears, and it's stronger motor is more capable of kneading heavier or more dense doughs.
I agree with the suggestion below if you get the 600, the 3 quart bowl is a great addition if you intend on using it for much smaller quantities.
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re: charmdesign
Your dough won't rise very well in the shape of the Artisan bowl no matter what. You'll get a much better rise if you put in in a wider and shallower bowl. It will rise eventually, but very slowly. Also, if you plan a day or two ahead you can let it rise over night in your refrigerator. The texture and flavor of dough gets much, much better the longer it is allowed to proof.
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RudysEquipment_Supplies
Dec 31, 2011 01:15 PM
If your gonna be doing any type of doughs def get the 6qt. the tilt heads dont have metal gears in them.
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I have the 6 qt. Pro as well. It has the most powerful motor.
Whatever you do, do *not* put the aluminum pieces (paddle, whisk) in the dishwasher.
Note that any gear you see on TV is not there because it is the best, but rather because it has been provided free by the manufacturer.
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re: Dave5440
Be very careful and check the specs. The ones at the Costco that I've seen are not the top model and have less horsepower.
If this is the one you are talking about, note that it is 5.5 qt, not 6.
which is not the same mixer as
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re: Dave5440
Yeah, I think there's no question that the older ones were more rugged. I had a 5 qt model that I used for years but the circuit board went haywire and now all speeds are the same. My first 6 qt model stripped its gears when I was grinding semi-frozen meat (even though they tell you to do this; I guess the meat was a little more than "semi" frozen). I replaced all the gears myself, but it was still really loud, so I bought another and it's louder than the first one. But both were refurbs and consequently much cheaper than new ones, so at least there's that.
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re: acgold7
nomadchowwoman
Dec 31, 2011 02:52 PM
What is the reason for this, acgold7? I know not to, and I never have, but on Christmas Day, someone put my whisk in the DW, where I discovered it the next morning when I was unloading. It looks the same. Is there anything I should be worried about?
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re: nomadchowwoman
The tines are stainless, but the hub is aluminum, and it turned dull grey the first time I washed it in the DW, before I even used it. Same with the flat beater and dough hook, which are all-aluminum. Took me hours to polish them up by hand to restore their shine.
The manual says not to put these in the DW, but it's buried in fine print. In my opinion it should be a big red sticker on the box.
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re: acgold7
sunshine842
Jan 6, 2012 02:10 PM
I did it, too -- I figure it's just cosmetic, so I'm not too fussed.
I have the 6-qt, 600W pro, by the way -- when I told a colleague that hubby had bought me the mac daddy mixer for Christmas, he looked horrified and asked if I'd let him sleep in the house yet...he didn't understand that for me, a 6-qt, 600W KA Pro was like giving Tim Taylor the entire Binford product line. (MORE POWER!!!)
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re: JoanN
tim irvine
Dec 31, 2011 03:36 PM
Ditto with my 35 year old K5. Never had a problem with any of the attachments going in the DW. Everything is either stainless or coated on baked on enamel. I can't see how a DW would hurt either.
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