I want a stand mixer... Advice and recommendations?

[Reinbeau]

I'm another KitchenAid fan, and since in your original post you said money wasn't necessarily an issue go for the 600 series, it's got a powerful motor that will beat its way through anything. Mine's named Martha, she lives on my counter, she's gunmetal grey and a dream to use.

While you're at it, get this beater blade to use with it - it's the one that KitchenAid should be selling with their mixer! Amazon.com has the best price I've found, free shipping as it's over $25.00.

 

[bulldog-girl]

I also have the Kitchen aid 600 series. I decided if I was goona spend the big money then go for the more powerful motor. I am glad I did. I use it a lot for bread dough. I have a bread machine, but if I want to do a lot of dough at a time I can double and triple recipes. I also bought a grain mill that attached to the kitchen aid and it works great. It is not a kitchen aid brand attachment but made to use on a kitchen aid. I want to get the meat grinder next. Maybe this mothers day!

I had never had a stand mixer before and we have been married 27 years. I never knew what I was missing. Once I got it I could not imagine not having one. I always say it is like going form 3 channel TV to 400 channels.

 

[MissPrissy]

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+ eleventy billion votes from me.

 

[Clay In Iowa]

Kitchen aid

No others need apply.

 

[sara]

Oh, and one thing occurred to me. Definitely get one of the better models. I received mine for a gift, and appreciate it very much. However there are two things I dislike about it. Sometimes I think it sounds like the motor bogs down a little when I make a double batch of cookies. Also mine didn't come with this plastic shield that you set in the top to keep flour and stuff from flying out of the bowl. My mom's better model has one. When this one dies I'll go for the 600 series

 

[DuckLady]

I feel the same about my Classic model. I love it and I am keeping it, but it was hard to do double batches of anything.

I received it in 1988 from my stepmom as part of her family tradition. All the daughters got a Kitchenaid from mom or stepmom when they got into cooking and needed a quality piece of equipment. (She gave me the shield to go with it and I was sure grateful!

) I have continued the tradition with my own two stepdaughters.

 

[MissPrissy]

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That makes me all warm and gooey inside. You're one of the best, Terrie.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

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What attachments are available for that model? Will an Artisan series one potentially do "more" (provided the attachments are purchased as necessary)?

 

[Reinbeau]

Here is the Artisan series, 525 watt motor.

Here is the 600 series, 575 watt motor.

I could notice the difference between the two, my friend has the Artisan, and it will strain under a heavy dough load, where the 600 Series plows right through it. That comparison was why I went with the 600.

Both those links should tell you about accessories available.

 

[DuckLady]

The 600 came with the beater, the hook and the whip as well as the shield.

And an instruction guide with recipes.