SCM Discussion Forum

1. 

   MamaSnow
   Member

   We're in the market for a good quality stand mixer - something like a Kitchen Aid or a Bosch...I think my hubby has also looked at some Cuisinart ones? Any recommendations? If you have one, what type do you have and what do you like/dislike about it? We will be shipping it overseas where it will be difficult to replace it or get parts, so I need something that will be reliable and durable. My other big consideration is that it will be able to knead at enough bread dough to do at least 2 loaves at a time, as well as any other general mixing needs.

   I'd also love to know if you do have one of these types of mixers if there are any attachments you'd consider essential? I don't think we will be grinding wheat or anything. A meat grinder attachment was recommended by our colleagues where we are going since ground beef is not readily available. Any others that you'd be lost with out?

   Thanks!
   Jen

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
2. 

   jeaninpa
   Member

   I've had my Kitchen Aid for over thirty years now, and since I have ten children it's seen a bit of mixing!  It has never required any maintenance whatsoever and does a fabulous job.  Highly recommend.

   Jean

    

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
3. 

   Tristan
   Member

   I have a Bosch Universal and love it. It kneads 6 loaves easily with the dough hook (comes with it), but can whip a single egg with the whip attachment (usually comes with it). The only attachment I really want to buy still are the cookie paddles. I bought mine without the blender (it's cheaper that way and I had a blender.)

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
4. 

   houseofchaos
   Member

   I would highly recommend a Bosch.  Long lasting, good quality.  Kneads enough dough for four loaves at a time. We use the meat grinder attachment quite a bit, and also the food processor (but it certainly isn't necessary).  Cookie paddles are, though   :)   We process a lot of apples in autumn, so the berry press is good too (fast applesauce and apple juice).  You need the meat grinder attachment for the berry press to work.

   I haven't used the other brands mentioned, so cannot comment.

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
5. 

   sheraz
   Member

   I use my KitchenAid sometimes 6 times a day - we have the diet that requires that I make everything from scratch.  I LOVE it.  I now consider it my most essential kitchen tool.  =)  It comes with a cookie paddle, a whip, and a bread hook.  It is great!

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
6. 

   Cindie2dds
   Member

   When I went to a homeschool convention four years ago, I learned how to make bread using wheat berries.  I was told my Kitchen Aid couldn't keep up and I would need a Bosch.  I figured I'll use it until it gives up.  It's never gotten too hot and still works great!  I got my for a wedding present almost 20 years ago.

   Attachments:  The only one I use regularly is the pasta one.  I have a meat grinder, but I've never used it.

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
7. 

   Doug Smith
   SCM Team

   There's a big difference in models in the KitchenAid line. When you move up to the Professional 600 series you get a larger 6qt bowl, a much more powerful motor (575 watts vs 450 or 325 for the next models down), and a sturdier gear train. I think this is a huge factor for the longevity of the mixer and the ability to easily handle large amouts of dough.

   We use ours at least weekly for dough. We didn't bother with anything like the slicing attachment since we already have a food processor that does that so well. However, we did get the grinder attachment and I love to use it to make falafels. If you do get the grinder it's well worth it to get the larger food tray too.

   We picked up our pro model for a great price last year on one of Amazon.com's flash deals about a week before Christmas. I see they've occassionally be running deals on them again this year so that may be a place to watch.

   The higher end KitchenAid units and the Bosh units are both good solid products. It would be hard to go wrong with either.

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
8. 

   Linabean
   Member

   We have a cuisinart and we use it to make bread dough two to three times a week, two loaves at a time. It seems to work well. I also use it to help me make my special cakes and it works fine. Though, it dose seem to not get to the sides as well as a hand mixer would allow me to do. I usually need to scrape the side multiple times for batters for cakes, muffins, etc. maybe that is with most stand mixers? The only attachment we have right now is a food processor. It is used but it is smaller than I would like and it makes a HORRIBLE noise.
   Don't know if that helps you at all. Have fun picking out your mixer!

   -Miranda

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
9. 

   simple home
   Member

   I just bought the top of the line Kitchen Aid from QVC network. They ran an awesome special price this year. They might still have the same price if you check their website.

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
10. 

    LindseyD.
    Member

    I have an Artisan series Kitchen Aid in Apple Green, and I can't imagine my kitchen without it! I use it daily, some days multiple times. I also have the grain mill attachment and love that as well. I hope to add more attachments in the future. My bowl holds enough dough to knead two loaves at once. It is most definitely my favorite kitchen tool, and I highly recommend it! I bought mine off Amazon for $199.

     

    Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
11. 

    Laura.bora
    Member

    Here's another Kitchen Aid favorite.  I have one of the higher models as well.  The top tips up and the bowl is bigger.  I love the pasta maker and the grinder we use to make applesauce in the fall.  We use our kitchen aid at least once a day.  It's a must have for our kitchen! 

    Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
12. 

    missingtheshire
    Member

    I too love my Kitchen Aid, it handles everything we throw at it and then some - mine is one of those with a more powerful motor, and I have had no problems with it. I love the attachments that you can buy for it as well. I have a Kitchen Air blender and a mixer and am delighted with them. Linda

    Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
13. 

    RobinP
    Member

    I, too, have a Kitchen Aid Pro.  (Makes great butter out of the cream we get from our Jersey cows.)    My oldest son dropped the bowl last year which has given it a bit of a wobble but it still works great after many years.  I also have an Electrolux Assistant that I LOVE for my huge batches of bread.

    Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
14. 

    MamaSnow
    Member

    Thanks for the thoughts, all. I will let hubby read through them all and see what he thinks.

    Jen

    Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
15. 

    MelissaB
    Member

    I have a Kitchen Aid too.  Mine is the basic model and have had it for 16 years now.  I love it and use it all the time.  My mom has the same model that she got when my sister was born, so it's now 33 years old and she uses it regularly too.  My only qualm about my mixer, is I wish it had a bigger bowl.  I didn't know when I got it that I'd have four children, so knowing what I know now, I would have gotten a bigger one, but nonetheless it works wonderfully for me and I won't buy another one since this one works perfectly fine.

    Posted 1 year ago # Report Post

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