[bigdchef]

Hi, all. I just purchased a Kitchenaid mixer, not even used yet. It is the "Artisan" model. It has beaters made of a material that KA calls "Burnished". It looks like a coated metal of some sort. I'm concerned that the coating material might fleck off. It just doesn't look stable. The dough hook looks especially vulnerable already. Does anyone have any experience with this material? Does it perform satisfactorily?

Also, one last thing. When the beater head is raised, it's too tall to fit under my kitchen cabinet so to use the mixer I will need to move it out from under the cabinet. Would it be feasible to put the mixer on a material that would make it slide more easily over the countertop?

Thanks very much.

[kokopuffs]

Burnished means polished to a dull shine. It also means to hone without removing metal. My KA beaters were burnished although they turned darker with use. And nope, they weren't coated with anything; those beaters are solid thru and thru. So don't worry about flaking. Otherwise the FDA would have already interceded.

The mixer should NOT be placed onto a sliding mat otherwise it'll travel during use.

[Suzanne]

I've never had a problem with the "burnished" beaters, either at home or in professional use (mayonnaises, vinaigrettes, meringues, tuille batters). Actually, it's the white-painted ones I worry about flaking.

If you do put the machine on something moveable, remember that it could still move in operation, which you don't want to happen (whoops, right off the edge of the counter! ). You could make a pull-out shelf that is anchored to the wall at the back -- like a drawer on slides. Or you could just pull the mixer out when you use it, and push it back when you're done. More work each time, but less extra construction.


Koko, I was writing mine while you were posting yours -- but I see great minds think alike!

[KyleW]

I can't comment on the burnished beaters, mine were the white ones. I did have the counter problem in my last kitchen. I solved it by moving into a kitchen that has no counters I would agree with Suzanne. You don't want to put it on anything that will facilitate movement. It will do more than enough on its own when in use. If I didn't watch mine it would do the Cha-Cha right off the counter.

[Isa]

If your mixer moves on the counter and you're too busy to sit and look at it, place a long spoon just in fron t of it. When it'll falls you know it's time to push back the mixer.

[bigdchef]

Thanks to all who responded to my question about the mixer. I'll quit worrying and will deal with the counter situation.

[Marzoli]

I have the same cabinet problem, and yes, the mixer will move.
I did learn that the KA guarantee is good--I had to send mine back and they replaced it.
Worth the effort.

[henry]

I am considering purchasing the KA "Artisan" model also. It has 325 watts. The price at Amazon is $249, no tax, free shipping. Also, if purchased before May 31, you can select a free attachment, and I'm getting the slicer/shredder cones. Does anyone have any experience with these.

My wife wants the mixer and I want the slicer/shredder attachments. Also, she wants the bright red one. Hope that doesn't get lost on our countertop!!


ONe more equipment question. Since I'm getting the free shipping, would also like to order a new blender. Do you have any recommendations? Was condsidering the Waring, but would like to go with a lower price one if you guys have any recommendations. Would like it to crush ice.

When buying a blender, is wattage my biggest concern? Or bowl shape?

Thanks for the help!!

H.

[Suzanne]

The current issue of Fine Cooking has a comparison of blenders. You can't actually access it on the website, but you can get enough info to find the magazine.

In case you can't, their top pick overall was the Oster In2itive -- which is the only one they said crushes plain ice. For brute strength, they liked the Braun PowerMax model mx2050; best value was Hamilton Beach Blendmaster Ultra; and "oldie but goodie" was Waring Professional.

But try to get the article; very useful information.

[alexia]

Henry, I've had the same Waring blender for 40 years. The only problem I've had with it was that the gasket on the bottom dried out and/or disintegrated and it leaked.

Waring sent me a gasket kit (free) and then talked me through re-assembling it on the phone. I could have sent it back to them, too, but this was quicker and easier.

So if dependability and service are at issue, Waring gets my vote. Also I like equipment that has simple mechanical controls. Mine works on a twist timer.

[KyleW]

Henry - What does your wife want to do with the mixer? If she is going to do cakes, brownies etc. that one should be fine. If she is intending to do bread doughs, the 325 Watts is a little light. No amount of free shipping will make up for the aggrivation of having stripped gears or blown motors replaced.

[henry]

Thanks Kyle and Everyone for the responses.

My wife has been threatening bread, though I can't see her making a serious attempt at it. She hasn't used the bread machine in about 6 months. She is more of a brownies person, if you know what I mean.

I think she just wants a huge red albatross sitting out on the countertop to show off to her friends. We have a small powerful hand mixer that works quite well, but it spends most of its life in the cabinet. I do like the tilt-head feature rather than raising and lowering the bowl.

Kyle, what wattage would you recommend for avid bread work?


Is a 325-watt KA powerful enough to do a double chocolate chip cookie dough?

I decided on the Braun Power Max (rated a best buy for $50) blender, mostly to be used for protein drinks, smoothies for my son, and the occasional margarita.

You guys are really helpful! Thanks!

H.

[KyleW]

For bread I would not buy a mixer with less than 500 watts.

[kokopuffs]

My Kenwood mixer rated at 600 watts kneads my usual bread dough in about a minute's time whereas the KA PROFESSIONAL mixer rated at 525 watts took about 4 or 5 minutes for an equal amount of dough.

[Waz]

Lots of folks are reporting problems with new Kitchenaids. The quality has dropped considerably since Hobart sold them to Whirlpool. You can find lots of discussion on Google Groups about the problems.

My Hobart era KitchenAid (350 Watt) has taken a beating and still works great. I've loaded it with enough flour to make it get too hot to touch. Actually put cold towels on it to try to keep it cool. Of course that's only about 5 cups or so. My wife came to the rescue and bought me an Electrolux Magic Mill DLX. Sweet! It'll do 24 cups of flour at a time. Great for a serious home bread maker that doesn't want to step up to a Hobart.