What Stand Mixer Should I Buy?

[Jim White]

Our ancient KitchenAid Classic K45SS appears to be giving up the ghost. Today, while mixing a batch of bread dough, it began seriously struggling, and the motor overheated to the point of ozone smell in the kitchen lingering for several minutes. The motor seemed to stall several times, too. Also, the head kept wanting to pop up, as the lever to lock the head down didn't want to stay in place.

I suppose this shouldn't come as a huge surprise. Tomorrow is our 40th wedding anniversary, and there's at least a small chance it was a wedding gift. It more likely came a bit later, but I'd bet it's at least 25-30 years old.

I like the idea of KitchenAids because of all the attachments that are available, although I've not yet made the leap to using them.

There are loads of models out there now, even just among KitchenAids, so input from folks who've gone through this recently and are happy with what they've gotten (or even those upset, too, so I can know what to avoid) is greatly appreciated in advance.

Our main uses will be bread dough (only one or two loaves at a time), desserts and on holidays my wife's sweet potatoes with rum. The dying unit seems to be a 4.5 qt size and that size or just under should be fine.

[Spinaker]

I have the 5-quart. I use it sparingly. As you know, when you need it, there is nothing better. I would get another one if this one died. But it should last for a long time, as your did.

Happy anniversary.

[Jim White]

Thanks. Good info.

[ComfortablyNumb]

I'd stick with the Kitchen Aid. My wife uses one and you couldn't take it away. Our 40th will be in April.

[Jim White]

Congrats! Thanks.

[Jim White]

Wow. I was just at the KitchenAid website, and the 4.5 qt like I have is $199. The 5 qt Artisan high end model normally sells for $379. They have it marked down to $279 and will give an additional 10% off on your first purchase if you take their promo emails (which I presume I can end after purchasing...). May just pull that trigger tonight unless any bad news comes in on that one...

[Huskee]

I have the Artisan and it's a beast. We use ours nearly daily, but for sure a good 3 times per week and it might be around 8-10yrs old, never a single problem. I even have a meat grinder for it. If you can get that thing for $128 off (if my math is correct) then I think the answer if obvious!

[Sweaty Paul]

Love my Kitchen Aid. I bought the biggest one I could for those "it will probably never be needed" moments that pop up. Seems like your last one serves you well

[Huskee]

Another vote for another Kitchen Aide, they are workhorses. I admit though that I am unfamiliar with any other brand's longevity and dependability, never had a reason to try another.

[rickgregory]

Kitchenid. And there are always deals... for example Here's an Amazon "Renewed" (refurb) for $199 and here are some other places to check out.

The reason I say "Kitchenaid" is that the attachments are useful. For example, the metal meat grinder is incredibly useful for grinding burger meat, etc.

[grantgallagher]

Same. Wouldnt say anything other than KitchenAid. Thing is a workhorse beast. Love the pasta attachment.

[RonB]

I biught the 5 or 6 qt Kitchenaid sold by Costco. It's 8 to 10 YO and still going strong. The only attachment I have is the meat grinder, and that works well. I did get a paddle with a rubber edge to eliminate having to scrape down the bowl:

https://smile.amazon.com/KitchenAid-...%2C145&sr=8-10

Make sure it's one that fits the the mixer you buy.

[Jim White]

Thanks so much, Ron! My wife's only complaint on the KitchenAid is that it's not safe or easy to use a spatula while it's running. Her parents had an ancient Hamilton Beach stand mixer with the old rotary beaters, so a spatula could be used while it was running. Of course, that thing wasn't nearly as powerful or versatile, so this should be perfect.

[tbob4]

Jim White - I have been married for 31 years and I can’t remember when we didn’t have it the Kitchen Aid. No longer have the speed knob. Wife puts corks in it. I told my wife that I remember we used to get a spatula in the bowl. She said we never could. Must have been my mom’s.

[texastweeter]

they have paddle attachments with a built in spatula.

[SmokeyGator]

Look into rebuilding the beast! There are you tube videos showing the process.

But if it’s too involved or you just want something newer, I have the kitchenaid pro model. The largest one with the mixing bowl that drops down, as opposed to having the head unit tilt up. It’s a monster. Heavy. All metal gears. Can accept attachments. Powerful. Don’t use it much but when I do I’m glad I have it.

[snowswamp]

The videos are great. I’ve had to regrease my KitchenAid and it gave it a new life.

[Brewmaster]

I have had a Bosch for over 35 years, more powerful than a Kitchenaid, my buddy has one and my can grind meat easier than his, my wife uses it make bread with out a problem

[mnavarre]

We have the same mixer and had the same thing happen, motor struggling & overheating even with no load on it. I ended up repacking the gear housing with new grease and it's been running great ever since. If you're reasonably handy and have some basic hand tools it's not a hard repair, just kind of a pain in the butt.

[Skip]

I vote KA too. We got ours for a wedding gift in 1981 and still going strong. If we had to replace it I'd get the 6 qt Pro 600 series. I think it has metal gears. Good luck and Happy Anniversary!

[Mr. Bones]

I have th Pro in Candy Apple red, would replace it with th same, if it died on me...

[Jim White]

Thanks, everyone! Just ordered the Artisan 5 qt in Onyx Black. Will give the old one to my daughter to see if her mechanic husband can repack the gears with grease as per mnavarre.

Oh, and despite the mixer struggling, the bread (King Arthur Vermont Whole Wheat Oatmeal Honey), turned out great. Was my first cook of bread using a temp probe during the cook, but it hit temp within a minute or so of the suggested time in the recipe:





Far short of @Richard Chrz beauty, but I'll take it.

[surfdog]

Nice! That is a proper looking loaf right there.

[Sweaty Paul]

Nice and congratulations!

[Skip]

Nice bread Jim. I've made that recipe too. It's a keeper. Have fun with your new mixer!