I Don't know what KitchenAid Mixer to get?

Question

So i'm debating what KitchenAid to get, I think Costco sells a 5 (maybe 6) qt professional model for like $200. I don't mind buying the $300 model, but I probably wouldn't want to go anymore than that. I enjoy cooking a lot and have taken culinary classes, but honestly haven't spent much time baking. I usually only cook for about 2 people..sometimes 4..rarely 6+. Any recommendations what I should get? things I might experiment with: breads, pizza, sausage (I hear some have meat grinders or sausage maker attatchments), fresh pasta noodles. i can't think of anything else i'd use it for..my girlfriend might use it for cakes but again smaller batches..any recommendations on model type and size (I know other attachments can be added later, but they get expensive if its not already included)? Thanks a bunch
~Gavin

Answer 1

I understand your dilemma because I went through the very same just last year. I ended up getting the Artsian model and not the most expensive one. I worried and worried about having enough power, getting the most out of it versus the dollar issues. I am happy I saved the hundred bucks. I would rather put it into buying an attachment, down the line if I want or find that I want to. (of course there are Christmas and birthday lists to provide to loved ones and friends aren't there!)
I have found the one I have to be more than adequate and I am a 'foodie' who loves to bake and cook. If money is no issue, I'd probably have gotten the most expensive one, but I'm still not convinced that I would have. The only thing I don't like about it, is the fact that the bowl is so narrow on the bottom, it doesn't always mix everything as well I think it should. Oh well. I knew I would want a locking head and everything that the artisan model has. I think you would do fine with the artsian unless you start a home bakery or something like that! Good luck. (They are heavy, though, so plan on planting it somewhere easy to get to and use)

Answer 2

I think Kitchenaid ..Cuisinart are the top 2 but there are some good brands out there..I think it depends on what you want in a stand mixer.......I was looking at reviews last night...I've had my eye on a Kitchenaid for a long time..but just too much to spend on an appliance I use occasionally I have a Cuisinart hand mixer...I saw a review for a Rival sold at Walmart..under $50.00..If you replace it twice it is still less than the top rated mixers... Hope this helps.....

Answer 3

I have a red 5-quart KitchenAid mixer and it has the attachements that you mentioned. You can get a juicer and other items for it too. I use it for a lot. I can make a batch of cookie dough in it with no problem. I use it for bread, the dough hook is great as it helps reduce the kneading that has to be done. It is a nice strong mixer that is very versitile. When I got mine, I thought that I would only use it once in a while, yeah, right. I use it at least two to five times a week. I use it to make biscuits, bread, cakes, cookies, pancakes, waffles, you name it. It's a wonderful appliance. Good luck

Answer 4

The bigger the better I always say. Seriously, I come from a Culinary Backround, and you want the bigger one. You don't want to get the smaller one and than wish you should have bought the bigger one later. Kohl's has a really good deal and comes with a $20.00 refund. You can go to www.kitchenaid.com, and a lot of times if you go to qvc.com you can catch them on sale or at an introductory rate. My final suggestion go to the store and look at the in store display and play with them a little bit, get the feel if you like the one that adjusts to remove the bowl, or would you rather have the one that has the tilt back? Oh you can always ask a friend to let you borrow theirs, but I wouldn't let mind out.

Answer 5

When you buy a car and it's just you and your squeeze, the 2 seater with power under the hood is what you'd chose. The family man? The biggest thing he could afford because he's got a lot of baggage to handle. Here's another thought, will that Car or that SUV fit into your garage (cabinet/counter), and don't forget the luggage rack. Which is your scenario

Answer 6

I recommend the professional model myself. I have it and am single, but some times I make a big batch of something and I am never limited by the power or size of my machine. It really is an investment. You won't have to buy another one in your life, so buy the one you really want.

Answer 7

i am in loovvvee with my kitchen aid. i have the Artisan Model. If you dont want to spend too much, try ebaying it. thats where i bought mine. you can find the attatchments, mixer, and other goodies for it.


but i absolutley love my mixer. as a culinary student, i dont know where i would be without it. it's very dependable and has a huge color variety.

Answer 8

I say Go For It! and get the 6Qt Professional mixer. If you can afford to splurge, you might as well get the biggest and best. That way, you will never be limited by the capacity and/or power.

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0002Y5X9W/ref=s9_asin_title_1/002-5773545-7428009

Answer 9

I would get the biggest you can afford. I have one of the smaller ones, that have the pivot head - I wish I had gotten the bigger one with the locking arm for the bowl.

Answer 10

I would say go with the $200. Works great for just about anything you will do at home.