Stand Mixer

[Free Rider]

Being the cheapskate that I am, I didn't want to spring for the KitchenAid Pro 6. I also didn't want the problems reported with the Artisan series. So I looked around and finally found a Hamilton Beach 6322x. So far I am pleased. For $170, I appear to have a machine that can do the task. Admittedly, I have only had it for a week and used it five times, but so far it has handled crêpe batter, cake batter, quick bread dough and pasta dough with absolutely no problem. Next I'm going to try egg whites and bread dough. Beyond that, the challenge will be how it holds up. I should mention that I used it three times in a row moving to thicker material each time and it never gave out. I was happy with that considering that I've heard that KitchenAid cuts out if you go for too long or use too high a speed.

[Mannlicher]

KitchenAid is not the only company making stand mixers. I have used other brands, but I always go back to the KitchenAid.

[Free Rider]

From what I've seen, I'm happier with my Hamilton Beach than many are with the new KitchenAid (aka Whirlpool). I picked the Hamilton Beach because it got Consumer Reports' "Best Value" in stand mixers. I have given it stiffer doughs and larger amounts and it still performs well, not a hesitation, not a funny smell. I use it about once a day, more on the weekends. We'll see how it stands up, so to speak, over the long term.

What have you tried that you didn't like?

[mudbug]

Originally Posted by Mannlicher

KitchenAid is not the only company making stand mixers. I have used other brands, but I always go back to the KitchenAid.

There is a difference in quality of the KitchenAid mixers depending on when they were made. About a decade ago or just a little less they changed hands and the quality noticably lessened. I noticed it before I knew they had changed hands and wondered what happened. Then when I found out, everything became clear - they were never going to be as well made as they were before. So I would personally stick with KitchenAid, but I would look for an older model that is built like a tank. They don't make 'em like they used to. And it's a shame because it was one of a dying breed of brands that you could count on because of the name alone.

[fairfieldchef]

Free Rider,

The Kitchen Aid mixer that we use in our kitchen just up and died yesterday. It was used a ton everyday. Still I'm sure my boss got her monies worth. It was over 30 years old!

[Free Rider]

Originally Posted by fairfieldchef

Free Rider,

The Kitchen Aid mixer that we use in our kitchen just up and died yesterday. It was used a ton everyday. Still I'm sure my boss got her monies worth. It was over 30 years old!

Those were the good days... pre-Whirlpool.

I also think it was a strategic decision to downgrade the quality. Most people these days buy hot pockets and don't need a quality stand mixer at home.

[Free Rider]

Btw, the Artisan series made by KitchenAid for the home now has plastic gears that strip easily. The Pro6 has metal gears, but plastic gear housing, which is not much better.

[oldschool1982]

Then I'd have to say I'm sure glad my 11 year old Pro-line Kitchen-Aide hasn't had one issue and still kicks butt like a mule I was considering on moving up to the 6qt but after reading some of the responses here. Now....Not a chance.

[kidziti]

I'm new to the forum and new to most of my kitchen as well. I'm just slightly distressed to hear of problems with the Kitchen Aid Artisan mixers, one of which I have (relatively new, and about to get a lot of use). Is this machine going to get me through Thanksgiving or do I need to sit down and have a cocktail?

Lee

[kokopuffs]

I'd search ebay for a used Hobart N50 5 qt mixer. They sell for well less than $500 and are worth the investment. Forget Kitchen Aid for my 6 qt KA lasted less than a year and the replacement immediately fried the switch when turned on for the very first time.

[ChefTorrie]

It should hold up... just make sure that when your doing heavier things like Yeast doughs... you dont over load it...

[MikeLM]

Bouthg my KA lift-bowl model in 1972. S.till going strong. Had it cleaned and oil changed about a year ago. No problems.

Mike

[Beemerchef]

Originally Posted by mudbug

There is a difference in quality of the KitchenAid mixers depending on when they were made. About a decade ago or just a little less they changed hands and the quality noticably lessened. I noticed it before I knew they had changed hands and wondered what happened. Then when I found out, everything became clear - they were never going to be as well made as they were before. So I would personally stick with KitchenAid, but I would look for an older model that is built like a tank. They don't make 'em like they used to. And it's a shame because it was one of a dying breed of brands that you could count on because of the name alone.

I agree... Ara

[cakerookie]

I have the kitchen aid 5 qt heavy duty and have never had a problem from bread doughs to meringues and everything in between it has stood the test.

Rgds Rook

[kokopuffs]

Yeah well when was it manufactured??