I've had two Kitchen Aid Pro Series mixers and am so disappointed with them. I make my icing according to Sharon's Buttercream recipe and when I fill my mixer to much it makes a noise like it's about to die on me. This same thing happened with the previous same exact mixer and it ended up breaking. Now I was at BB&B and saw the Cusineart mixer which is the same amount of money but more horsepower (1000) then my Kitchen Aid pro (575). I also saw that Cupcake wars is using this mixer in their show and I have also seen Martha Stewart promote the brand on her show. What do you guys think? Do I stay with Kitchen Aid or do I throw in the towel and go with Cuisineart? Thanks in advance for the advice!

I don't know enough about Cusineart to comment, but I will say that I would take Martha Stewart's endorsement with a grain of salt - her recommendations are advertising, ie. she promotes whichever brand pays her the most to.

My KA lasted only three years. If it had been a Cuisinart it would have still been on warranty. KA stands behind their machine for one year, Cuisinart warranty is for 3. I will say I'm not thrilled with the dough hook on the Cuisinart, but I had the KA repaired and I'm still using it for bread dough and MMF. Everything else I do in the Cuisinart. I'm very happy with it.

My KA lasted only three years. If it had been a Cuisinart it would have still been on warranty. KA stands behind their machine for one year, Cuisinart warranty is for 3. I will say I'm not thrilled with the dough hook on the Cuisinart, but I had the KA repaired and I'm still using it for bread dough and MMF. Everything else I do in the Cuisinart. I'm very happy with it.

I've never had a KA but I love my Cuisinart. It is loud but I don't know if it's any louder than the KA. One think I love is the shield. No need to put a towel over the mixer when making Sharon's icing.

I've never had a KA but I love my Cuisinart. It is loud but I don't know if it's any louder than the KA. One think I love is the shield. No need to put a towel over the mixer when making Sharon's icing.

I've never had a KA but I love my Cuisinart. It is loud but I don't know if it's any louder than the KA. One thing I love is the shield. No need to put a towel over the mixer when making Sharon's icing.

There was a video review posted here a week or so ago, comparing the two side by side. I think the bottom line was that the cuisinart has too deep and narrow of a bowl, which makes it really difficult for scraping down the sides of the bowl, folding things in and scooping stuff out. The main problem with the kitchenaid was the plastic collar you attach to prevent your flour/PS from dusting up was poorly designed and let too much flour puff out. Maybe someone remembers and can link to the video.

Found it...

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-707938-cuisinart.html+video

If you know a handyman that you have confidence in (I have my hubby) a KA is repairable. Parts are available online at any number of different websites.

I have had the same issue with my KA (I work it to death) my hubby just replaced the motor, housing and a few other parts for about $160. That baby purrs like a kitten now! Was never that quiet, even when it was brand new.

I have both the KA & Cuisineart. Like them both, but if I had to choose one over the other, it would be the Cuisineart handsdown. As someone already pointed out, it has more power and a far better warranty. I think KA is only something like a year whereas my Cuisineart has a 5 year warranty. Despite what the video may show....the bowl isn't an issue for me. The bowl collar is a much better design, though one still has to cover the opening from time to time to prevent clouds of flour or sugar from bursting out. If my current KA ever dies on me, I'm replacing it with the Cuisineart. I don't believe KA is what it used to be....kind of like Maytag was. Used to be a great product, but now it's just a name on problem prone appliances..... just my cents worth.

oh how I would love to be able to afford one of these babies http://www.snowmaster.com.au/categories.asp?cID=562

I dont know anything about the mixers but I do know a little about both companies customer service. I have had the best luck with Cuisinart. I think I own just about every kitchen gadget they make and I use and love all of them. Anytime Ive had an issue with one of my toys I can call the customer service number and they take care of me right away. The only KA product I own is a stand mixer and Ill never buy anything from them again. My mixer makes a really loud noise and has since I bought it. When I called KA about it the gal on the phone gave me attitude. I called two more times after that and got nowhere. Its been nearly 6 years and my mixer is still going strong even though it sounds terrible. Ive read others describe the same awful noise so I guess its just the model I have. When it does eventually die Ill not replace it with another KA. Cuisinart has always been very good to me so Id rather give them my money.

I have both. My KA is an older KA and still works great, but I wanted a larger bowl so purchased the Cuisinart after researching it quite a bit. As several have already mentioned, it's a much better warranty than KA. As for the bowl being too narrow and deep for scraping down, I've never found that to be a problem. I purchased separately the flat blade with the rubber on the edges to scrap sides down easier and it works just as good as the one for the KA does. Got it online at the Cuisinart site. I really like the timer function on the Cuisinart, too. It is a bit louder than my KA, but I don't let that bother me. I've usually got my mind on other things and don't notice the noise any more than I do with my KA. I'm sure there's plenty of pros and cons for every model of every appliance, but I'm very happy with my Cuisinart and would purchase it again.

I have a question for those of you who have the Cuisinart pasta attachment. I mean the one that looks like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ON2H2C/?tag=cakecentral-20

Have any of you tried to feed fondant or gum paste through it to make strings? Do you think it would work or would it be too hard on the machine? I'm thinking that fondant couldn't be that much harder than pasta dough.

Kitchen Aid mixers quality has gone down the drain.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/kitchenaid_mixers.html

I have 2 Cuisinarts and I bought one for my sister too. It's been 3 years. Couldn't be happier. I also have noticed that they have started to put them in the challenges at the Food Network. But most of all, Cooks Illustrated made a comparison and chose the Cuisinart as best.

I don't own any attachments.

Thanks everyone for the input...I really appreciate it. This morning I took back my KA pro600 and ordered my Cuisinart 7qt mixer. For some reason Bed Bath & Beyond is all sold out of them. I sure hope it's because so many people liked them that they are on back order. Needless to say I think I just bought the last one left in the U.S. lol! I will definately let you all know how it goes? Wish me luck!

I have two KA 6 qts and I've had them repaired a few times. Next time I may just go to the local restaurant store and get a countertop commercial mixer. We'll see.

hmm..I've had my KA for over 10 yrs and never had a problem with it..it works sooooo good and I love it! Maybe because it's older unlike the new ones made now? Not sure,,but she works like a charm

I have a Kenwood mixer and love it. I purchased it in 2002 and would never go back to KA. My KA is in the garage. It broke after one year. My Kenwood has a 7 qt bowl which I love and does great with making many batches of homemade fondant. http://appliancesforhome.org/kenwood-chef/kenwood-chef-professional-mixer-pm900/

Im so glad I came across this thread . Was going to buy my first
kitchenaid this weekend ( have been using a hand held one till now , lol ) . Spent a bit of time researching and I'm going with a KenWood , more power , less money , better reviews
Once again CC has helped me , Thanks !!

Also glad I found this thread. I got my KA in 2005 and I am just noticing after watching Sharons you tube video on making BC that my mixer is really fast on the low speed? When I put it on low it seems to go the same speed as the medium speed??? Does anyone else have this problem. I fell like that may be why my icing is so airy??

My KA does not start out slow either. That and the shield issue are the reasons I will be replacing my KA.

artscallion~ thank you for posting that side by side comparison video! I own THREE KA's and love each one of them! Years ago I upgraded to the larger 'bowl lifting' KA and have had that one ever since for almost 25 years now. I have NEVER had a problem with it or the old one! I love KA so much that even my kitchen appliances are KA. I have heard that the new KA are no longer a part of Hobart or maybe made in China now or something. I may be wrong, but all I know is, the ones I have are perfect and will continue believing in KA. After viewing that video comparison, I'm sticking with KA, even though I have several Cuisinart smaller appliances as well.

cakeyouverymuch....what kind of "shop" did you take it to? I would love to bring mine in for a tune up!

MMF should NOT be fully made in the KA! Even though it's a machine for
bread dough, MMF is not the same dough. When you hear your machine
struggle should be indication it is not meant for it and turned off. Even the MMF recipe says not to finish it in any mixer!

I would call KA and they will tell you where to take it to for any repair.
I 'stand' by my KA. My first smaller one is being held for one of my adult kids when they have their own place. It's still going strong, but my kids just aren't going! Ha, ha.

I too have the new processor and (luckily) my old Cuisinart's top broke so I HAD to buy the new one! Ha, ha. But it took me awhile to get used to it, especially after viewing the DVD in order to use it! But now I love it as I do use all three bowls usually when making a big meal or recipe. Right after I bought it though, I did have to take it back and get a new one as some things, like the cord, didn't retract. But luckily, maybe like you, I got it for the amazing price when it was first offered by WS.