Does anyone have a kitchenaid stand mixer?

[ChiTownZee]

There are so many models I'm not sure what would be right to have. Does anyone have the a lower wattage? I'm concerned the 250 watt wouldn't be enough power (i just assume this since they make such higher wattage mixers) and that the 4 1/2 quart bowl wouldn't be big enough (only because they make a 6 quart) Who has experience with these?

 

[Buckalew]

Aah!! I want one too!!!

 

[binny]

I have the 4 1/2 quart and I lOVE it!!

It is big enough for me to do most of my cooking, the bigger breads can be a challenge though.

 

[Kermit]

As long as you're spending the money, go ahead and get the best one you can. Especially if you ever see yourself making bread with it. I have one of the larger ones (can't remember the exact size, but I think it's the one just under the commercial size), and I love it. I was even able to make 5 loaves of bread at once with it one time.

 

[amid chaos]

I love mine....the only time I wished I had a bigger one was when I do the gingerbread house dough...I just take it to the restaurant.

 

[Tony-NJ]

through Amazon, I got the 250 Watt and the 4 1/2 qt bowl. I ordered it for Chris' Birthday next week. He's always wanted one. It's large enough for cookie dough. Unless you bake alot this one should be OK.

By the way - Amazon has them for $169 - NO TAX and NO SHIPPING!!! But the no shipping ends soon. Mine was delivered in 3 business days.

 

[ChiTownZee]

As long as you're spending the money, go ahead and get the best one you can.

Well that's the thing, I wouldn't be spending the money, it would be a gift, and beggers can't be choosers, you know? I just want to make sure that the 250 watt/ 4 1/2 quart would be OK for me, because I don't want to ask for of the stronger ones, because a.) seems greedy to me and b.) I probably wouldn't get it! LOL

bigger breads can be a challenge though.

What do you mean by that? Larger loaves or do you mean something about the recipe? I've never made bread dough

 

[binny]

I make this bread wreath at Christmas the recipe actually makes TWO BIG wreaths, this is one of those you make it once a year so you can forget what a pain in the butt it is to make for 364 days, KWIM? lol

Anyway thats the only time I have a hard time getting eveything to stay in the bowl it has all sorst of stuff in it and its a huge recipe.

For most things though it more than sufficient. I was like you, it was a gift and I felt like asking for more was pushing my luck lol

 

[ChiTownZee]

Originally posted by binny
....Anyway thats the only time I have a hard time getting eveything to stay in the bowl it has all sorst of stuff in it and its a huge recipe.....

But the 250 watts is ok?

 

[ChiTownZee]

Oh, and does this one have the "soft start" so flour doesn't go flying?

 

[GoldenGate]

Kitchen Aid is a great brand. My mother still uses one that is almost 50 years old and works fine.

 

[binny]

250 watts is fine. I havent had a problem with it at all. Seems to go through whatever I put in it. It doesnt have the soft start feature, but the first setting is really low so I havent had any issues with that.

Im a big Kitchen Aid Fan someday my whole kitchen will be filled with it. so afr I have the mixer, blender and the fridge. the Blender is GREAT!! Breaks up ice like nobodies business.

 

[ChiTownZee]

You should be in a Kitchenaid commercial! Do you have any of the attachments? The slicer and grater sound like they might be good. The whole reason I want one is because I have arthritis in my hands already and I can't even do cookie dough without taking breaks. Can I use it to mix meatballs?

 

[binny]

LOL My dh says that too


I cant see that you would have a problem making meatballs with it.
it mixes really well and it comes with the paddle too so that makes it easier to mix tougher foods.

I dont have any of the attatchments yet. I would love to have the grinder though. Thats actually about the only thing on my list this year ( except diamonds of course )


I dont know maybe I wouldnt use it as much as I think I would lol

 

[whirlsy]

I have one out in my front porch right now waiting for me, Its my christmas present,I got the 5 quart empire red and we only paid 159.00 at kohls, I had one of those bonus buys coupons for an additional 20 percent off and it went on sale from 279.00 to 199.00 plus the extra coupon, great buy it was we couldnt pass it up. I keep trying to get it early so i can use it during the holiday season who knows I may wear him down yet.

 

[WebmasterAlex]

I have the smaller one and it is just fine for everything I have wanted to do!

 

[Viviana]

I have the 5 qt (or 5 1/2??) and it works great. I do make bread every week and the recipe yields 4 nice size loaves. I bought mine about 11 years ago and it came with the pourer/shield that keeps ingredients from spilling out of the bowl. It also has the low speed starter.
I really love my kitchenaid. Enjoy yours when you get it !!!

Viviana

 

[Mark P.]

My wife just got one a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely loves it! She bakes alot, and has been really wanting one for quite some time, and it sure is making things easier for her.

I found the 5qt./325watt ARTISAN series on sale for $250 from Cooking.com. It offers free shipping, and we had it in about a week.

Here's the description on the site:
An update to KitchenAid's most popular small appliance is their latest masterpiece - the 5-qt. Artisan Series Stand Mixer. In comparison to their previous 4.5-qt., this one is larger in capacity and combines a 325-watt motor with a heavy duty transmission that supplies constant power even when mixing heavy bread dough. Convenient, the polished stainless steel bowl is sized to hold large batches and recipes, and with its wide open design, accommodates the beater from the tilt-back head once it's lowered into the bowl. The handle on the bowl is ergonomically designed, contoured to fit the hand, facilitating lifting and pouring. Like the other models, this one, too, features KitchenAid's unique mixing action - the beater moves clockwise while the shaft moves counterclockwise, enabling the beater to reach every area as it mixes. It features 10 speeds from a very high to a very low stir. Included with your new stand mixer is a clear, two-piece pouring shield that fits around the top of the bowl, preventing splashes. A large chute lets you add ingredients along the way. Accessories include a Wire Whip, Flat Beater and Dough Hook for versatility. The rugged, durable, all-metal construction promises many years of dependability, quiet operation, and cooking and baking bliss. (Sku: #185100)

Here's the link to check out if you like:
http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=185107

 

[whirlsy]

sorry but I just got the exact same one at kohls for 159.00 be sure and shop around.

 

[ChiTownZee]

I have another question, about the beaters. Are you supposed to use the dough hook for all "doughs"? Or just bread? Like if you are making cookie dough, which attachment would you use, the beater or the dough hook? What do you used your attachments for?