I Know I Will Get "hate Mail" ( Ha Ha Ha) For Sayi
Decorating By drurys Updated 30 Jan 2006 , 3:11pm by tastycakes
Ok, So I know that most people are very attached and happy with their Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. And rightly so...I am not anti Kitchen-Aid by any means perhaps I am now a Hamilton Beach kinda girl 
BUT, I have got to just tell you something:
I just got a Hamilton Beach, all metal stand mixer in apple green from their eclectrics line. And HOLY COW! I love it , I love it, I love it... I just cant say enough about it!!! Everything about it is sooo great! I have been baking all sorts of stuff to just try it out...
It was cheaper than the KA and more power than the least expensive KA. It comes it great colors and, and, and, I could go on and on. I first saw it on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
So in case you did not want to buy a KA or couldnt afford it give this one a try! (I also tried the sunbeam and returned after my first batch of cookies)
This is simply my opinion and really of no importance!
Have a great Gals! This site is so fun and addicting 
I've been looking for a cheaper alternative to the KA ... thanks for the heads up!
good to know ... specially since I'll never be able to talk hubby in to a ka
Cool color! I looks kinda retro to me. I haven't heard of that kind of mixer. I hope you will enjoy it!
If you are very happy with it,, then more power to you..
I have a kitchen aide and have used it for 15 years and still works like new and I love it to death... I don't think I can live without it..
Well, happy baking regardless of what we have..
That you love it and it works well for you is all that matters! Happy mixing! I wouldn't spend the $$$ for a KA either so my hubby and son got me one for Christmas last year.
Debbie
I've wanted a KA forever, ever since I seen my grandmothers a long time ago. My heart was set on one, and once I was old enough to buy one, I couldn't because of the price....it took me until this past Christmas to get one...hubby told me I deserved whatever I wanted and if what I wanted was the KA then I would get it, but I had to wait until we got back in the states.... I can't say I have used it for making frosting, or even cakes, or things like that, but I have used it twice for making homemade ice cream.... it will get it's work out this coming month though.....78 cupcakes to do, and a birthday cake. I will never bite someone's head off for disagreeing with what I want and think, so DRURY you go for it girl....it's your money, and as long as you get use out of it it's great! Congratulations!
Whatever brand you buy I don't think matters! I have a KA, though. I love it to death, I can do 3 mixes at a time in it, huge batches of icing, and it cleans so easily. I've told my hubby that if it ever breaks down I'm going to be in the store the next day to replace it! It's just so much easier that the little hand mixer, which would've burned up long ago if I used it to make big batches of buttercream!
It sure looks cool! I am one who is very hard on the mixers.....I can't tell you how many I have burnt up over the years. My KA is the only one that has been able to withstand the use (or should that be ABuse??)! I agree with all the rest....if it works for you and you are happy with it.....that is all that matters!! Congrats on the new toy!
They do have nice colors.
I looked online to check out the price of these and it is actually a little more expensive than what I could buy a new KA for on ebay. I expected it to be a little cheaper. 
Maybe I need to check a few other online stores.
Thanks for the info.
Ok, So I know that most people are very attached and happy with their Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. And rightly so...I am not anti Kitchen-Aid by any means perhaps I am now a Hamilton Beach kinda girl
BUT, I have got to just tell you something:
I just got a Hamilton Beach, all metal stand mixer in apple green from their eclectrics line. And HOLY COW! I love it , I love it, I love it... I just cant say enough about it!!! Everything about it is sooo great! I have been baking all sorts of stuff to just try it out...
It was cheaper than the KA and more power than the least expensive KA. It comes it great colors and, and, and, I could go on and on. I first saw it on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
So in case you did not want to buy a KA or couldnt afford it give this one a try! (I also tried the sunbeam and returned after my first batch of cookies)
This is simply my opinion and really of no importance!
check it out at www.counterscaping.com
Have a great Gals! This site is so fun and addicting
Hi kiddo,
Kudos to you on your purchase, good for you, hope you have a long and fufilling relationship.
Regarding KA, I think that it isn't an elitist or snob factor type of issue, where recommending KA comes from, it is because they have been making mixers for 80 years. Some people still have their grandmother's and the machine has never needed a repair. So there is a long record or history of people being happy with this product.
Many of us have gone through more handmixers than homes or jobs or schools. Some of us had stand mixers that didn't even hold up for a year. I had a Sunbeam that lasted only 3 months. So in our search for a stand mixer that would give us our money's worth, we looked at the KA reputation for long service, the shows that use them and we thought that we would be getting a reliable machine. For many that has proven to be true. Since you can only recommend what you have, that is why people recommend KA.
But hey, if I had any other brand that held up like this one, was cheaper or even more expensive, I would be recommending it too. I think it is just that when you get into an appliance that costs more than $100, you want to make sure you will get your money's worth, so people play it safe. Doesn't mean there aren't other good ones out there at all.
We live in a time of disposable appliances and for many of us, we just cannot afford to replace these bigger items in a few months or a year or two.
For me, I have had the Ultra Power for more than 7 years with never a problem, so when hubby went looking for a larger machine for me, naturally he bought another Kitchen Aid. I think we do the same thing with manufacturers of cars, televisions, stereo equipment etc. We tend to stick with a brand name we have learned to trust.
Be happy with what you got and we wish you many years of happy service with it! It looks really good! Thanks for sharing this information, I am certain it will encourage others to go this route.
Hugs Squirrelly
just have to put my 2cents in.....i couldnt affort a ka, but i found a GE stand mixer at walmarts a couple of years ago for alot cheaper......i love it!!! it works sooo good!!!!! i can make 2 cake mixes at a time. also i make lots of peanut butter cookies and it works like a charm. the only minor thing is that i cant find a cover for it, so my flour and powder sugar flies out of it sometimes. oh well. the ka has a cover that fits perfect and that would be nice. when i buy a mixer for my commercial kitchen, i'll look into buying a ka but cost will depend on what i can get.
happy mixing
melody
I am one of those people who has thier grandmothers KA! She used it for many years and was a huge baker, baked her own bread, desserts, you name it. It was used daily. I am still using it and I use it 7-8 times a week! I think the quality speaks for itself. I'm glad you like your new mixer, but I will stick with my KA until it finally gives out, if it ever does!
My sister had one of those melodyscakes and she loved hers ... I let her use my KA because I bought a Delonghi which I love!! Yes, the Delonghi was very pricey, but my husband couldn't put up with the whimpering and whining everytime I saw one on the internet ... lol He told me he'd pay for half if I'd pay for half of the cost... if he thought he was going to get out to that deal, he was wrong 
I'm still not sure about my KA...I think it's because I bought it refurbished from the factory. I guess I got it in April of '05. This is the second one because the first one quit working after only 2 weeks. KA service is excellent though. They quickly replaced it and paid for the shipping even though I bought it through Ebay. But this replacement one seems like something may be wrong with it as well...but I don't know since I've not had a brand new one, only refurbished. It works well enough I guess but I think I'm gonna have to try something else just to ease my mind and say that I did - of course, I don't have the money to waste on "easing my mind" right now!
I'm still not sure about my KA...I think it's because I bought it refurbished from the factory. I guess I got it in April of '05. This is the second one because the first one quit working after only 2 weeks. KA service is excellent though. They quickly replaced it and paid for the shipping even though I bought it through Ebay. But this replacement one seems like something may be wrong with it as well...but I don't know since I've not had a brand new one, only refurbished. It works well enough I guess but I think I'm gonna have to try something else just to ease my mind and say that I did - of course, I don't have the money to waste on "easing my mind" right now!
Fytar, what is it doing that is worrying you and remind us, which one it is please? Maybe we can help?
Hugs Squirrelly
I've got the 5Qt 325 Watt Artisan. It's hard to describe the noise it makes.
-It kinda sounds like a buzzing/clacking noise when I turn it up.
-It really doesn't get any faster after #7 of the ten speeds that I have.
-The lock on the tilt head does not pull all the way forward - if I remember from the first one it is supposed to.
-I have to slooooowwwwwly ease the speed back down to stop it or it goes back into a louder buzzing/clacking noise. (None of the quick turn offs like you see the folks on TV do!)
-I've adjusted the depth of the beater/paddle several different times and it still doesn't mix the bottom of the bowl at times. Of course, if I put it too close to the bottom to make it scrape, it really makes a fuss.
I'm afraid to try anything heavier than the usual BC, royal icing, or cake batters.
I don't know, Squirrelly, I just think something is not right with it and I've been too busy using it to stop and call KA (that and the fact that it's usually well after 7pm when I start working with it because I do it after I get home from work.
When I first started decorating, I bought a cheap stand mixer (don't even remember the brand). It burned out after about 5 batches of icing!
I ended up buying a 350 watt General Electric stand mixer and I love it. It's a heavy-duty thing and weighs a ton! It came with the whisk, the dough hook and the regular paddle. I bought it on sale at a great price. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of a KA, but I decorate as a hobby and only do a few cakes each month.
Sammy
I've got the 5Qt 325 Watt Artisan. It's hard to describe the noise it makes.
-It kinda sounds like a buzzing/clacking noise when I turn it up.
-It really doesn't get any faster after #7 of the ten speeds that I have.
-The lock on the tilt head does not pull all the way forward - if I remember from the first one it is supposed to.
-I have to slooooowwwwwly ease the speed back down to stop it or it goes back into a louder buzzing/clacking noise. (None of the quick turn offs like you see the folks on TV do!)
-I've adjusted the depth of the beater/paddle several different times and it still doesn't mix the bottom of the bowl at times. Of course, if I put it too close to the bottom to make it scrape, it really makes a fuss.
I'm afraid to try anything heavier than the usual BC, royal icing, or cake batters.
I don't know, Squirrelly, I just think something is not right with it and I've been too busy using it to stop and call KA (that and the fact that it's usually well after 7pm when I start working with it because I do it after I get home from work.
I think a post entitled, do you have the 325 Watt 5 quart, drop down head Kitchen Aid, might get you the most responses on this.
But I can help you with a few things.
I have the Kitchen Aid 4.5 quart Ultra power, 300 watt Drop Down Head and the sliding mechanism does not go all the way to the end of the sliding lock zone, so that is ok and normal as long as it does lock.
With regards to the numbers, well there isn't much of a change in sound or power from 7-10 so that is likely normal also.
With any machine with this kind of mechanism for the speeds, you actually should do a gradual shut down or speed up, not just slide that thing as fast as you can. You can actually strip the mechanism if you go too fast both in speeding it up or slowing it down. There is a kind of slot that the speed sliding thing fits into as you go to each speed. If you stop in between numbers as you increase the speed does it still make this noise? That it shouldn't do. Think of it like a gear with teeth that a part fits into and almost locks into to maintain a certain speed, as you increase the speed you need to do it gradually. It is almost like stripping gears on a standard car if you go too fast.
The bowl design of these lift or tilt head models means that sometimes you have to scrape the bottom of the bowl in between as you mix, this is normal. It is really the design of the bottom of the bowl, the shape. With mine I also have to do this sometimes, especially with larger mixes where the flour at the bottom may not mix in as well.
So the only thing I would be concerned with is this buzzing clacking sound if it happens even when you increase or decrease speeds slowly or if it happens out of the blue.
Also, really these are meant for buttercream, cookies, piecrust, icings, cakes etc. For bread, there are limitation on the speed, look at your instruction book, even the 6 quart has a limitation of a speed of 2 with the doughhook.
I could never mix anything other than the smallest batch of marshmallow fondant with my 300W, they are not meant for this use. Some of the things we want to do, are just not meant for these machines, they are not dough presses or bread makers in the true sense of the words, though they can be used to make smaller portions of breads etc when following the instructions. I would not even attempt regular rolled fondant kneading in this machine.
Not to say that people don't do this, they do. People also overfill these and make doughs that are far too stiff for this purpose.
Hope that helps a bit kiddo. I just got a new 6 quart that made a bit of a weird grinding sound. The store has a new one on order and told me to use this one in the meantime unless there was a big problem. Well, the sound may even have just been something it did when first used, because I have used it twice since and it was fine. But like you, I am listening for this sound again, so likely better off getting the replacement. Haha, but who knows, this new one may do the same thing the first few times but because I am not used to it, it will worry me. I think part of it is we are afraid that something is wrong. Funny thing, with the 6 quart model, if you don't have enough batter or whatever in the bowl, the bottom of the bowl doesn't mix well either.
In your case, maybe something is wrong or maybe too, because it is refurbished you are more sensitive to the sounds it makes, I don't know.
Perhaps if you post about it again, others with the same model will be able to help?
Hugs Squirrelly
But hey, if I had any other brand that held up like this one, was cheaper or even more expensive, I would be recommending it too. I think it is just that when you get into an appliance that costs more than $100, you want to make sure you will get your money's worth, so people play it safe. Doesn't mean there aren't other good ones out there at all.
how true....but the way I look at it is things have to start somewhere, and who knows the one she has may be the next kitchenaid so to speak.....
I had a KA - not the most expensive one, and after about 7 years the motor went out on it. My husband (whom I love dearly) surprised me with a Bosch Kitchen Machine. It cost nearly double what a new KitchenAid would have. He got it at some gourmet store. I was excited to try it - but by the time I had used it only once I was in tears. The wisks did not touch the sides good enough so everything stuck and the dough hooks were a problem. He was so excited that he bought me something so nice that I didn't have the heart to tell him how much I didn't like it. I would try to use it when he was around but I used my little hand-held all the rest of the time. My daughter figured out that I didn't like it and told him. He was really nice - but disappointed that I hadn't told him sooner so we could have returned it.
He took apart my old KA that had been in a box in the barn waiting for a haul to the dump and he ordered a couple parts and....voila....I have my old KA back. It makes a little 'clinking' noise - but it has been working again for about 3 years.
I sold the Bosch in a yard sale.
But hey, if I had any other brand that held up like this one, was cheaper or even more expensive, I would be recommending it too. I think it is just that when you get into an appliance that costs more than $100, you want to make sure you will get your money's worth, so people play it safe. Doesn't mean there aren't other good ones out there at all.
how true....but the way I look at it is things have to start somewhere, and who knows the one she has may be the next kitchenaid so to speak.....
Exactly, or a Delonghi, a Bosch or a Hobart, who knows? Haha, personally I don't care what brand name I have of anything as long as it works, but look out if it doesn't, haha!
I did mean they play it safe because they know Kitchen Aid's reputation, didn't mean a thing against Hamilton Beach, just that as far as I know they haven't been making the mixers for as long so it is harder to determine how long they last. They may well last just as long or longer. In Canada, we haven't been able to buy this brand of appliances for that many years, like you have in the U.S.
Hugs Squirrelly
FYI . . . Consumer Reports did a test on the various mixers and the Hamilton Beach Eclectric mixer was there best buy for the money. On the Hamilton Beach website www.hamiltonbeach.com, it is shown for about $169.00 complete. The KA was tested as well as a few other brands that I didn't recognize. I probably will not get another mixer until my trusty Sunbeam blows up!! So far it has gotten through three Wilton cake decorating classes, many cakes, pies and my daughter's wedding cake!
I'm getting ready to take a different (from Wilton) cake decorating course so it should get me through it as well!!
Leslie
Squirrelly, thanks for that info. That makes me feel a bit better. As for the noise it makes, it does the clanking noise a lot more when it's on the lower settings (#1-3)...it really starts knocking at a lower speed if the BC is firm. So, that alone makes me not even attempt a bread dough much less fondant! I want to use it as long as I can.
Besides, my refrigerator went out yesterday morning and we just forked over $379 for one from Lowe's this morning! (It was marked down as a "Scratch and Dent" but I can't find anything wrong with it except a smudge of rubber that wiped right off!). It has 3 more cubic feet than my old one and it has glass shelves that are perfect for my larger sheet cakes! I hate I had to spend the money but I'm excited about having all the extra space. I'm telling you folks, you got to take advantage of those wearhouse mishaps!! I got my new smooth top stove (black and stainless steel finish) last year for $350 less just because it had a small crack in the molding on the very bottom of the pot drawer.
fytar, I am with you on the scratch and dents! We have a Sears outlet pretty close to us and all of our appliances are from there! My dishwasher was the consumer reports #1 model the year I got it and it was $200 off! Refridgerator is monstrous with only a scratch on the side - but it's always covered in kid art, $350 off! High efficiency washer and dryer - saved over $500 - they live in the basement anyway!!!! I just got my new stove last month, the ding is on the side, against a cabinet, $150 off. Hee, hee!
fytar, I am with you on the scratch and dents! We have a Sears outlet pretty close to us and all of our appliances are from there! My dishwasher was the consumer reports #1 model the year I got it and it was $200 off! Refridgerator is monstrous with only a scratch on the side - but it's always covered in kid art, $350 off! High efficiency washer and dryer - saved over $500 - they live in the basement anyway!!!! I just got my new stove last month, the ding is on the side, against a cabinet, $150 off. Hee, hee!
Tastycakes, that is so funny about the "kid art" covering the scratch! Lastnight when we were pricing two refrigerators side by side, we were thinking the smaller one would be our best bet (we will probably be selling it with the house within the year anyway) for the money - plus I noticed a dent and scratch on the side where the freezer door closes right about eye level and that would definately be noticeable but I'm thinking they'll knock some more money off! The first thing I said was, "Hey, we can put a magnet over that!!"
We went with the larger one though because it had lots more space and was only $30 more. But, if size hadn't mattered 
we probably would've gotten that one.
I see a lot of stuff that has dents or scratches on the sides which more often than not get covered up by the surrounding cabinets.
Squirrelly, thanks for that info. That makes me feel a bit better. As for the noise it makes, it does the clanking noise a lot more when it's on the lower settings (#1-3)...it really starts knocking at a lower speed if the BC is firm. So, that alone makes me not even attempt a bread dough much less fondant! I want to use it as long as I can.
Besides, my refrigerator went out yesterday morning and we just forked over $379 for one from Lowe's this morning! (It was marked down as a "Scratch and Dent" but I can't find anything wrong with it except a smudge of rubber that wiped right off!). It has 3 more cubic feet than my old one and it has glass shelves that are perfect for my larger sheet cakes! I hate I had to spend the money but I'm excited about having all the extra space. I'm telling you folks, you got to take advantage of those wearhouse mishaps!! I got my new smooth top stove (black and stainless steel finish) last year for $350 less just because it had a small crack in the molding on the very bottom of the pot drawer.
Hi kiddo,
May I ask, how much buttercream are you making in this machine? How much fat and how many cups of powdered sugar?
Well kiddo, we cannot get a fridge for under $900 here, so I am green, wow, my Kitchen Aid cost me much more than your fridge. Smart lady! Gee, what a deal! The little bar fridges cost around that here. Holy cow, you are a smart shopper!
Hugs SQuirrelly
Hi kiddo,
May I ask, how much buttercream are you making in this machine? How much fat and how many cups of powdered sugar?
I more often than not only use "The Best Whte Icing Ever" (http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1979-234-The-best-white-icing-ever.html) recipe here. I go ahead and cream together the crisco, flavorings and milk as the recipe indicates, but by the second cup of sugar it starts balling up/getting that crumbly look and the mixer starts bouncing and buzzing/clacking...as soon as I add more milk it calms back down. I know the recipe says to add more milk if needed, but you'd think it would be wet enough already. I don't know, maybe I'm just afraid I might tear it up. Maybe it is because in my mind I think of all the reasons it might have been "refurbished"...
Well kiddo, we cannot get a fridge for under $900 here, so I am green, wow, my Kitchen Aid cost me much more than your fridge. Smart lady! Gee, what a deal! The little bar fridges cost around that here. Holy cow, you are a smart shopper!
Hugs SQuirrelly
Well, I will try to do better and not complain about prices anymore, Squirrelly!
Hi kiddo,
May I ask, how much buttercream are you making in this machine? How much fat and how many cups of powdered sugar?
I more often than not only use "The Best Whte Icing Ever" (http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1979-234-The-best-white-icing-ever.html) recipe here. I go ahead and cream together the crisco, flavorings and milk as the recipe indicates, but by the second cup of sugar it starts balling up/getting that crumbly look and the mixer starts bouncing and buzzing/clacking...as soon as I add more milk it calms back down. I know the recipe says to add more milk if needed, but you'd think it would be wet enough already. I don't know, maybe I'm just afraid I might tear it up. Maybe it is because in my mind I think of all the reasons it might have been "refurbished"...
Well kiddo, we cannot get a fridge for under $900 here, so I am green, wow, my Kitchen Aid cost me much more than your fridge. Smart lady! Gee, what a deal! The little bar fridges cost around that here. Holy cow, you are a smart shopper!
Hugs SQuirrelly
Well, I will try to do better and not complain about prices anymore, Squirrelly!
Well kiddo, with my 300 watt, I use a recipe that takes 1/2 cup buttter, 1/2 cup shortening, 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 5 cups, sifted before you measure, powdered sugar, 2 tbsp. unwhipped whipping cream and whole milk to thin.
So after I have beaten the butter, shortening and vanilla together, I add one cup of powdered sugar at a time until all have been added, before adding any other liquid than the vanilla. I do mix it on 2-4 at most. Never get a funny sound at all, in fact it comes away from the bowl and though it is really thick, no problems. Then I add the cream. After I thin down with the milk. Once I get two separate batches made, I often combine them and mix again, to get the same consistency and the motor is fine.
So going by that, your machine should easily be able to handle this mixture without straining the motor. The fact it makes a funny sound is not right. You have a more powerful machine than my Kitchen Aid was, so it should work with this fine.
Hope that helps.
Hugs Squirrelly
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