Investing in a Mixer: What are the Pros and Cons?

laylaleigh · Apr 30, 2008

I really want to get a mixer this year. For those of you that have one, what are the ins and outs? I am not sure with all the different watts. I would use mine for simple things, but I am starting to bake more and would like something that will last me.

I know that they sell them cheaper at Kohl's and Sam's. Are they different? How much do you use your mixer? Has it been worth the investment?

Thanks!!

astavnes · Apr 30, 2008

I use mine a lot for baking and I have the Kitchen Aid. It has been worth it for me.

I also just got an email from Bradsdeals.com that I subscribe to and it has a link for the KitchenAid mixer... I don't know if this price is better than the ones you have seen, but here it is.

5qt KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer $190

Amazon now has the KitchenAid Artisan Series Five-Quart Stand Mixer in Red on sale for $189.99, matching the lowest price not involving mail-in rebates that I've seen this year. The 325-watt mixer features 10 speeds, comes with a five-quart stainless steel bowl, and has a one-year warranty. Shipping is currently free and there's no sales tax (except KS, ND, WA).

chefjeanine · Apr 30, 2008

astavnes said:
Amazon now has the KitchenAid Artisan Series Five-Quart Stand Mixer in Red on sale for $189.99, matching the lowest price not involving mail-in rebates that I've seen this year. The 325-watt mixer features 10 speeds, comes with a five-quart stainless steel bowl, and has a one-year warranty. Shipping is currently free and there's no sales tax (except KS, ND, WA).

I got mine from Amazon. . .and purchased a Factory-Reconditioned model for a big savings. Love it!

vwpamperedchef · Apr 30, 2008

I have the KitchenAid Artisan as well, and OH MY it is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Worth every penny! I had some credit to Williams Sonoma so I used that to buy it. They have different models for each of the stores and when I inquired about Costco (because Williams Sonoma will beat the price) they told me it had to be the exact model number. I later went back to buy it and I was told they make "this one" exclusively for WS.

Anyway, I am not sure which model # I have but it is a black one and I just love it. I use it for everything. Baking and more.

Definately get yourself one. They last forever, or so I am told!

itsjustCarla · Apr 30, 2008

I wouldn't know what to do without my Kitchenaid mixer........LOVE IT!!!

ughubug · Apr 30, 2008

Love our Artisan! Received the shredder attachment for Christmas and it too is great

jbarnhill · Apr 30, 2008

we got a reconditioned one off of ebay for lots cheaper and we love it. My mom had/has a kitchenaid when I was growing up so that is all I have used but have no complaints. I just got the homemade ice cream attachment for christmas and like it alot too.

JoLynn

paroese · Apr 30, 2008

I have the red Kitchenaid Professional HD that my DH bought for me from Sam's Club. I LOVE it and could not live without it. :love: I don't remember how much he paid for it but it was definitely worth every penny!!

daniellemorgan · Apr 30, 2008

I received mine as a wedding gift and I LOVE IT!!!!!! I have the black one and I'm not sure about the price or wattage, but I do know that I got it from Target and they had a white one that was cheaper and lower in wattage. If it had come in black I would've gotten it, but it only came in white. I hope that helped.

Jennie4PC · Apr 30, 2008

I love my kitchen Aid. I am sure I have the cheapest one out there but it works great for what I use it for. My DH makes homemade rolls and cinnamon rolls with it.

pampchefrhondab · Apr 30, 2008

I LOVE my Kitchen Aid!! I have the basic white. I think it's the 250 watt. It is plenty for me. I don't mix any heavy bread mixes. I have had it for about 10 years w/no problems. I would never live w/o it!! I did buy an extra bowl for it w/a handle. The one that came w/it didn't have the handle. I really like the handle!

I've seen QVC have great deals on them.

susanr613 · Apr 30, 2008

I'm almost sold....what if i already have a food processor with a dough hook? Is it worth it to spend another $200 on the kitchenaid?

paroese · Apr 30, 2008

I had a food processor with a dough hook that I hardly ever use since I got the mixer. The mixer is soo much better. I'd definitely spend the $200 if you have it. I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

ljeffries · Apr 30, 2008

I use the mixer all the time! I just bought myself an extra stainless bowl for it.

janetupnorth · Apr 30, 2008

I have the KitchenAid Ultra Power in white - 120V - about 10 years old.Mine is the basic model and is great. I bought an extra bowl about 5-6 years ago - definitely worth it.I have the juicer attachment but never use it.I wish I had other attachments but not in the budget...more important things in life.

AnnieBee · Apr 30, 2008

I have a pretty big kitchen aid, and I love having the option to do huge batches of things. I think it is the professional, or something like that. I do not like the way it uses a lever to raise and lower the bowl though, I prefer the style where the whole top swings up.

Also, I got mine at BB&B with a 20% off coupon, and saved a lot of money!!

Kitchen Diva · Apr 30, 2008

I have one- it's royal blue and I LOVE it! I do wish I would have gotten the more pricier model, and I will buy my next one from Williams Sonoma, not the Military BX because I have had a couple issues with mine. However I do love mine and my next one will be a bit bigger with a bit more horse power!

susanr613 · Apr 30, 2008

ok i took the plunge....now maybe i can make chef stephanie's whole wheat bisquick mix!

mamidu · Apr 30, 2008

I LOVE my Kitchen Aid Mixer! My husband bought mine directly through Kitchen Aid. It is refurbished, and I don't mind that. My neighbor almost bought from them also but she ended up with a different model from Kohl's. (Black Friday Deal!)

KateD · Apr 30, 2008

I wanted a KitchenAid, but it wasn't in our budget... well, last year my parents and my husband's parents BOTH got me a KitchenAid (maybe I mentioned it once or twice?

). Amazing present (one turned into a set of dishes from Kohl's).I use mine for everything from cake mixes to whipped cream to pizza dough to huuuuugge batches of Sweet Potato Souffle (I freeze extra in quart bags with little baggies of topping because it is a special favorite of my husband!). I adore it.

laurieandjaffy · Apr 30, 2008

I have a kitchenaid. Not sure what model. It was my grandmothers and is almost 20 years old. I decorate cakes on the side and have made huge batches of icing with it. If it tore up tomorrow I couldn't complain.

rennea · Apr 30, 2008

I have one and LOVE it!!! Can't believe how much I use it

PamperedDor · Apr 30, 2008

ok - help me don't shoot me -

I have a kitchen aid - its brand new - never used - I actually got it from being on a talk show and being in the audience - so it was a gift -

I don't really bake - so give me other uses for it -besides looking good on my counter top -

Lets just say - I can sell PC on humor and jokes - I am so not a cook or baker - so my DH would love ideas to use that thing in the corner!!!

KateD · Apr 30, 2008

PamperedDor said:
ok - help me don't shoot me -

I have a kitchen aid - its brand new - never used - I actually got it from being on a talk show and being in the audience - so it was a gift -

I don't really bake - so give me other uses for it -besides looking good on my counter top -

Lets just say - I can sell PC on humor and jokes - I am so not a cook or baker - so my DH would love ideas to use that thing in the corner!!!

Use the whisk attachment to make homemade whipped cream for an extra great topping for a summer berry shortcake.
Use the mixer attachment for super-fluffy mashed potatoes (especially great for Thanksgiving sized batches!).
Use the whisk to mix up a big batch of impossibly airy eggs to scramble for a huge breakfast for dinner.
Use the dough hook to mix together a batch of homemade play-dough for the kiddos (the type you bake or the type you just keep sealed up). There are some recipes online.
Make your own marshmallows.
Mix up a huge batch of chicken salad for church picnics.
Make your own butter:

It's fantastic if you buy good cream. Put the cream in the mixer, and whip it as if you're making whipped cream. When it's thick enough, switch to the paddle and keep going. Eventually, the butter will coalesce out and most of the buttermilk will escape. Pour that off (save it for something) and keep going. When enough has come out, wash the butter under running water in a strainer to get off the rest of the buttermilk, and then shape it or pack it into a container and store it in the fridge or freezer as you would with any other butter. Adding sea salt is optional, to taste.

Click to expand...

pampermejolene · Apr 30, 2008

I got one for Christmas. It's red and pretty and super powerful! (The parents got me the professional one because I'm still debating cooking school and doing it as a side biz). Anyhow, I LOVE it!!

I know my mom got it at Kohl's when it was on sale and their was a rebate AND it was when you got free Kohl's cash for every $50 spent, so she ended up getting a heck of a deal on it! (This was probably a month or two before last Christmas, just keep an eye on the ads).

I used it a lot more in the winter, baking all the time. But I still use it to mix up my eggs etc for fritattas, whipping cream, etc.
And it's red and shiny and pretty on my counter

Sorry, I see shiny things and go crazy! :balloon:

Teresa Lynn · May 1, 2008

I love my mixer I wore my first one out. (be sure to send in your warranty /registration info card)
I called them to see about having it serviced, she took my info, called me back and asked if I had a color preference my original was the dark green.
I told her black (think maybe the green was discontinued or something) they shipped me brand new black one) and picked up my old one to refurbish.I have 2 extra bowls and love it.

itsjustCarla · May 1, 2008

KateD said:
I wanted a KitchenAid, but it wasn't in our budget... well, last year my parents and my husband's parents BOTH got me a KitchenAid (maybe I mentioned it once or twice? ). Amazing present (one turned into a set of dishes from Kohl's).

I use mine for everything from cake mixes to whipped cream to pizza dough to huuuuugge batches of Sweet Potato Souffle (I freeze extra in quart bags with little baggies of topping because it is a special favorite of my husband!). I adore it.

Sweet Potato Souffle??? Sounds wonderful......would you be willing to share the recipe???

vwpamperedchef · May 1, 2008

Mix meatloaf with it!

heather223 · May 1, 2008

I have the Artisan in Black. I :love: it! I got mine from Linens N Things and used a 20% coupon.

laylaleigh · May 1, 2008

Thank you for all the feed back. Now I just need to decide which one to get. DH will kill me if I take the plunge and never use it. I really wanted my food processor and I think I pull it out once every other month. I looked at Amazon, great prices!! I'll let you know what I find. They are on sale at Kohl's right now for Mother's Day.

Investing in a Mixer: What are the Pros and Cons?

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