Kitchen Aid mixers - who has one and how would you rate it?

[Southernbelle]

I've had mine over 10 years now and I love it. I use it all the time!

 

[Katy]

Quote:
I have to disagree that using it to mix bread dough will wear it out. I've used mine for that probably more than anything else and it's still going strong.

Your machine is an older model that has metal gears...the new machines are made with plastic gears and if you read any of the reviews online for the new machines, one of the biggest complaints people have is the gears stripping out kneading bread dough.

My daughter's been using hers for 5+ years and so far she hasn't had any issues either. Maybe we've just been lucky......I just know they both get a work out.

 

[BettyR]

Quote:
Your machine is an older model that has metal gears...the new machines are made with plastic gears and if you read any of the reviews online for the new machines, one of the biggest complaints people have is the gears stripping out kneading bread dough.

My daughter's been using hers for 5+ years and so far she hasn't had any issues either. Maybe we've just been lucky......I just know they both get a work out.

I was looking to upgrade my machine last year and my son wanted to research the machines before I bought one because I used mine to make bread so often he didn't want me to spend that much money and then not be happy with it. So after all his research I decided to get the bread machine and keep my old mixer...and I'm very happy with the choice.

 

[Katy]

The one I want to upgrade to has metal gears. When I was looking at their website checking out what they had a few months ago, most all their higher priced models have the metal gears yet. I'm saving my pennies till I can upgrade. I've got a bread machine too, which I like ok, but I wouldn't trade my mixer for it.

 

[Sequin]

Thank you all soo much!!! VERY good advice from everyone(I knew I could count on my fellow BYC friends!!). So, if I make sure to get a model with metal gears and maybe a higher wattage motor I should be able to do a loaf of bread in it without too much stress ya think? I would like to be able to do yeast breads, as well as basic cakes, cookies, muffins, etc. Do you think this model will work for all general uses?

http://www.kitchenkaboodle.com/product_detail2.php?sku=KP26M1XOB!212&multi=1

 

[squeakyballs]

I have a used one. It was my grandma's, and then my mom's, and now it is mine.

The metal bowl twists into place, which is the style that Alton Brown recommends.

I must say that I love it! My wrists get sore easily, so I don't think I could make bread or pizza dough without it! Well, I could, I would just whine a lot

I just don't like cleaning it... I wish it could clean itself.

 

[oberhaslikid]

I wouldnt live without one now I love it.I have the meat grinder and we used it to grind some Venison this year.Its a tough little buger.

 

[halo]

I had a bread machine, and when it broke I got a Kitchen Aid (the heavy duty one) and like it SO much better than a bread machine. Besides I can make so much more stuff with it besides just bread. I love the kneading hook; it does a better job than the bread machine did. Its also very easy to clean. It is a pretty hefty machine. I just keep it on my counter permanently where I use it. Im sure I dont use it as much as a lot of people here do, but I suspect Ill probably have it for a long time.

Do shop on line, such as sites like Amazon. I got one at a great price, which included a mail in rebate for $50.

 

[Damummis]

I would be lost without mine. If I could have only one small appliance it would be a KA mixer, of course with ALL the attachments.

 

[Scoop]

Mine sits on my counter all the time, ready to go. I've also bought the meat grinder and I just love it. The meat grinder doesn't seem to stress the mixer out either.