Need help picking a kitchenaid mixer?

Question

So I think it's time for me to add a kitchenaid mixer to my arsenal of kitchen stuff. Not something I plan on using 24-7, but will be thankful to have it when I need it. Anyway I usually cook for 2-4 people. On some occasions 6-8 people. I plan on using the mixer to make pizza dough, mash potatoes, and maybe some fresh pasta...so maybe whipping it out 1-2 times a month. My girlfriend might use it around the same frequency to make cakes, cookies, and I'm sure we might experiment making bread every now and then.
Anyway, what size & power would you recommend? Artisan, Classic, Accolade, Professional series? what are the pros and cons of using the different bowl loading types? I understand this is one of those purchases that typically lasts forever so I wanna make the right choice...all help is greatly appreciated. Thank You.
~G

Answer 1

We bought the Heavy Duty 5 qt stand mixer, and got the extended warranty. We've had a Kitchen Aid mixer for over 10 years but twice we had a problem with the gears grinding (our fault, we should have had a 6 qt the way my son likes to make pizza!). Because we got the warranty, Kitchen Aid sent us a NEW mixer both times. This last time, they upgraded us to a 6 qt Professional because it was the only one they could find in the Cobalt Blue that I wanted.
I would recommend either the 5 or 6 qt Professional if you are going to make pizza or bread on a regular basis; and don't forget that warranty! It is one of the best purchases we ever made. We also got the meat grinder attachment which has come in handy on several occasions. The mixer is one of the best purchases we have ever made.

Answer 2

For the amount of cooking you'll be doing, I reccommed a classic 4 qt mixer. There is usually some kind of package deal where either an ice cream maker or pasta attachment is included. Check around, because the prices very pretty widely.

The classic has a tilting head, which is nice for the home cook, as it gives you more room to get ingredients into the bowl. If you do a lot of baking, the pouring shield is also a nice accessory to pick up.

As to how long it will last; I have my grandmother's 4 qt kitchenaid which works just as well as my newer 5 qt.

It truly is a great investment.

Answer 3

I have the classic mixer and I use it a lot... My mother-in-law got the high end professional one and doesn't like that the top doesn't flip up to take the bowl out. Scrape or add ingriedients. I don't know how to describe it any other way.... My classic mixer has a bowl with a handle on it which is handy as well.... My sister in law has the classic w/o the handled bowl and she wished she had the handle.... I would say the classic would suit you just fine....

Answer 4

i personally own the professional - larger bowl and more mixing power. ( i also have an extra bowl and the pouring/mixing shield for it) i've had it for over 20 years and never had a problem with it. while you may now be cooking only for 2 to 4 people, you may find yourselves consistantly cooking for several more down the road and wish you would have invested in a stronger, larger capacity machine. you also ned to keep in mind the kind of things you will want to make - where the extra horsepower makes the work easier on the mixer and won't burn out the engine. i suggest you might like to go to a specialty shop - like a williams sonoma - that carries several models and speak with soneone on the staff who is an experienced baker/cook. the difference in price between the models versus the difference in horsepower can be quite significant in your decision. best of luck to you & enjoy your new kitchenaid!

Answer 5

I own the Classic Kitchen Aid mixer. I use it for everything. Each year I try to add one component to it like the pasta maker and last year I added the shield for adding dry ingredients. My next add on is the meat grinder. I use it to make cakes, breads and even in mixing things like meatloaf. It comes with a whisk, paddle and the dough hook. So it is a good starter. Good luck and have fun in the kitchen.

Answer 6

you also ned to keep in mind the kind of things you will want to make - where the extra horsepower makes the work easier on the mixer and won't burn out the engine.