Refurbished Pro 600 Kitchen Aid Question

Decorating By cande Updated 24 Nov 2005 , 9:09pm by cake77

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cande Posted 22 Nov 2005 , 11:01pm
post #1 of 17

So, something just occurred to me. I was reading reviews for the Pro 600 KA on Epinions and saw a TON of really bad reviews. It looks like they were mainly for the older version, the 525 Watt and not the newer version, the 575 Watt.

Then I got to thinking... if KA's are so great, why are there so many refurbished ones everywhere right now? I mean, the refurbished ones are the ones people had problems with and the Manufacturer had to fix them, right?

I have read so many great reviews for the Artisans. But, I really want a Pro 600 and now I am just really uncertain, again. I keep waivering because it is such a big investment, and when I get one, I won't be able to fall back on the warranty (taking it outside the US or using a transformer voids the warranty). So, if they really are as bad as the many reviews I've read, it'll have been a huge waste of money.

Any thoughts? Talk amongst yourselves icon_biggrin.gif (lol)

16 replies
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SquirrellyCakes Posted 23 Nov 2005 , 4:18am
post #2 of 17

Well, not all are problem Kitchen Aids, some were just returned to the stores, some were damaged in shipping etc. So to resell them, they are refurbished. Some places allow trade ins to move up to a bigger model, etc. I wouldn't really worry about it. I know very few people that have ever had a problem with their Kitchen Aid unless they were abusing it in some form or manner. Just my opinion.
Hugs Squirrelly

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jdelectables Posted 23 Nov 2005 , 4:21am
post #3 of 17

I don't know but I just used my new Pro 600 KA tonight for the 1st time and made 12 c. of buttercream at one time with it! I loved it. It's the 575 watt one.
Julie

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cande Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 4:16pm
post #4 of 17

So you guys think I should ignore the bad reviews and go for it anyway? I need some advice for my indecisive self. I keep thinking I have made my decision, but then can't help but to research a little further and then find something that makes me think *STOP!* Don't do it. ugh.

Thanks for your input Squirrelly!


jdelectables, how loud is your machine? Anything you could compare it to? Quieter/louder than a vacuum machine? Did you get a good deal on it? Where'd you buy it?

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 4:25pm
post #5 of 17

OT, but those mixers are between $699 and $725 Canadian plus tax, geesh! Heehee, I know I have been a good girl all year ( icon_evil.gif ok, once in awhile) but I don't know that I could ever be that good, haha! Hubby is saying the next time we cross the border for a weekend, I should buy one. Even in U.S. dollars it will come in cheaper than that.
Hugs Squirrelly

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KayDay Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 4:34pm
post #6 of 17

I have had my Pro 600 for about 6-8 mos. now and wouldnt take anything for it. The sound depends on the speed you are using...mine purrs on the low setting but high is another story..lol. I agree that a lot of refurbished ones are ones that someone damaged or something and as most mixers are disposable (not worth fixing when they have a prob) that further attests to the quality of a KA. They are WORTH rebuilding! Mine was new from Dillards. They are expensive but mine has already paid for itself.

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katiecake Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 4:35pm
post #7 of 17

everyone in our family has refurbished kitchen maids, they are all years old now and no problems. Have heard of one refurbished one having some trouble but the owner admits to doing way too much bread dough at once icon_redface.gif

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Kiddiekakes Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 4:36pm
post #8 of 17

I agree with all the responses!!! For some of the bad reviews you have read about KA they are still the only one I would buy...The positive reviews out weigh the negative.I wouldn't buy a refurbished one,not knocking anyone who has it it is a great deal for those who can't afford a new one but you may have more issues with ones that have already been repaired compared to one that is new.I say ...Go ahead and buy your KA!!!

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Kiddiekakes Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 4:51pm
post #9 of 17

Katiecake,

I have heard that alot about mixing too much dough..

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 5:01pm
post #10 of 17

Well, I don't know how much baking you do, but for the majority of people, the 300 watt Ultra Power will do the trick. Not as big, granted but it is strong enough for nearly everything but kneading fondant, but unless you intend to do huge amounts of batter or icing or such, at a time, 300 watts will do the trick.
That is another option.
Personally I think in your case where you have to take it out of the country and it makes the warranty null, I would go for a refurbished one if the cost savings is substantial. If it is minimal then I would go new.
Hugs Squirrelly

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Cakepro Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 5:24pm
post #11 of 17

The other day I ordered a KA Pro6 - brand new - in Pearlized Metal for $175 including shipping from Amazon.com.

I was on cloud 9!!

Then 12 hours later they cancelled my order, citing a price mistake. GRRRRRRRRRR

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 5:27pm
post #12 of 17
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cakepro

The other day I ordered a KA Pro6 - brand new - in Pearlized Metal for $175 including shipping from Amazon.com.

I was on cloud 9!!

Then 12 hours later they cancelled my order, citing a price mistake. GRRRRRRRRRR



Good thing or I would have had to kill you, haha!
Seriously though, wouldn't that have been wonderful!
Hugs Squirrelly

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jdelectables Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 6:10pm
post #13 of 17

I got my KA 600 at Kohl's for about $320. I saw in the Kohl's ad today that they have them for $319.00 once you send in the $50 KA rebate. I have used it 4 x's since Tuesday night and it is wonderful. It is a little loud on the higher speeds but that doesn't bother me. That power has to make some noise!! I did 2 cake mixes plus 2 cake mix extenders together in it and it was awesome. Also, as I said, I did 12 c. buttercream in one batch and it was great.

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cande Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 7:48pm
post #14 of 17

Thanks for all of your responses guys!

Here's what keeps running through my head..."if you're gonna buy one, you should go all out and buy the big daddy, you're not going to get a second chance to upgrade"

but then I think to myself after reading all of the bad reviews about the big daddy..."if it has so many problems with large batches (which is what it was made for) why buy it, especially when it won't be under warranty"

Squirrelley, I know what you mean about the outrageous prices outside of the US. I was shocked when I saw that the normal price for the 275 watt KA here is...wait for it...$450 ON SALE aaagh...
(I can't even buy the Pro 600 series here b/C they only sell them to licensed professionals.)

So when I see that I can get one at home for around $300, the big daddy no less, then I think I should definitely do it...but then those darn bad reviews pop back up...


I think I just need to tell my DH we need to move back to the US, lol.


Thanks for listening to my indecisiveness. icon_rolleyes.gificon_razz.gificon_redface.gif

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 7:59pm
post #15 of 17

Wel, when you know the warranty isn't honoured because you are outside the U.S., I can sure see why you would be hesitant. The handmixer Kitchen Aid makes, is $90 here.
Wish I had shares in Kitchen Aid!
Hugs Squirrelly

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MelC Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 8:34pm
post #16 of 17

Keep in mind, that when they are complaining about big batches taxing the mixer, they mean REALLY HUGE batches! And cake batter is WAY different (and easier) than bread dough! If your only doing a couple of loaves of bread at a time, from what I've read, it'll be fine. Cake batter you can just about fill that puppy up and she'll still handle it (and face it 5 or 6 quarts of batter is a LOT of cake!)

I've got the 4.5 quart 325 watt, and my only complaint is that I should have gone bigger!

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cake77 Posted 24 Nov 2005 , 9:09pm
post #17 of 17

I have the professional 600, and I love it and have had no problems at all with it. I got it for christmas 2 yrs ago and don't regret it at all. I just wish that I had extra bowls. I make dinner rolls and bread with the dough hook several times a year, and have had no problems, but everything has it's limits, and you can't expect a KA to do the job of a Hobart.

I love my KA, and I would highly recommend it.

Wilma

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