Does everybody own a KA mixer? I know that it'd make things much easier but I don't have the funds for one now. So far, I've been using my hand mixer.

I'm a new baker, just been baking for fun but I have been asked to make my nephews first b-day cake coming in September and wish I could get one NOW.

I want one really bad!

I don't have a stand mixer. I'm in nursing school so I'm way too poor right now to afford one lol. I just use my hand mixer. I've even made SMBC with it, which some say is impossible to make without a stand mixer. Takes longer, but definitely possible. I figure maybe I'll get one for a wedding present. But considering that I'm not even engaged yet, it could be a while lol.

I love my KA. I have had it for 8 months now and it is fantastic. I use it for everything. Definitely a good investment. Considering they arent that expensive in the US (around $250). We pay up to $800 for them here in Australia

Of course you can use a hand mixer. But I would hate to have to make a really big cake and not have a KA. Once you get into the big dog cakes, you'll really wish you had a KA.

I only have a hand mixer. I've made 5 and 6 tier cakes with my little hand mixer. It definitely is possible, it just takes a long time. I make SMBC with it and everything. But -- I would like a KA someday!

I went years without a KA and burned up at least 6 hand mixers! I finally bit the bullet and bought a red one. Ruby is like a member of the family now! Lol!

I couldn't live with out my KA's, but then again my hand mixer is also a KA.

You don't have to have one, if this is your hobby and you can't afford it. But it does make things easier, and I think it is a item worth saving for.

I wouldn't say it's impossible, but like ChRiStY said, I burned up a few hand mixers before I got my KA. It really depends what you're making though - making stiff buttercream and/or royal icing using a hand mixer seems to be what burns them up because they just don't have the power to mix stuff that thick. But use what you have for now and save for the KA later if you can. It's definitely worth it. In the meantime, just don't be surprised if the hand mixer craps out on you

I found an older KA on craigslist for $25, but I see people selling them more often for around $80 to $100. A lot of people get them for wedding gifts and then they never really use them because they don't cook or bake, so they end up selling them later on. As long as you don't mind a used one, check your local craigslist often and I bet you can get one for a good price.

Anyhow, the KA is useful, and worth saving up for.

I have two KA's and wouldn't want to bake without them. They are especially helpful for large cakes.

The wheels in my head have been turning since last night on how I can get one sooner than later...

You don't need it but it really makes things a lot easier. I was fine using my hand-held mixer for years. I did not get one until this year because I had gotten busier and went through three hand-helds in less then six months and DH said enough. He got me one as an early Mother's day gift in pistachio and I love it.

i'm loving the artisan model ones but wonder if i should just get a classic one as a beginners. what do you think?

i found some for great prices on craiglist!!!

I have a 1984 Oster food center. I have 2 KA but hardly ever use it. I love my oster. I have went thru a couple over the years. I keep going on ebay and getting a replacement.
I like the oster because you can scrap the bowl while its running and make the best icing consistancy. ( very partial to this mixer).
I think I just have a mental block on the Ka's. (O ster was the first mixer I ever decorated a cake with).

I thought I did not need one until I got one. No more standing switching arms to hold the hand held.

Can't afford brand new - try the want ads or see if you can buy a store model. Sometimes they discount ones out of the box on the shelf.

Good luck!

A good stand mixer doesn't have to be KA. Cuisinart is also highly rated. Probably just as expensive?

I LOVE my KA! I got it off craigslist 4 years ago and I can not live with out it and I am just starting with cake decorating. I would ask for it as a birthday or holiday gift!