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Opinions on mixers?

post #1 of 8
3/29/12 at 8:16am
Thread Starter 
I currently have a little KA Classic but I'm looking to get a second mixer, a more powerful one. Fondant work is killing my hands (the dying of the fondant mostly) and I recently discovered that I can do this with a stand mixer, but only one more powerful than mine.

I, of course, immediately thought of a bigger KA before thinking there must be other brands out there that are just as great or perhaps even more so.

So... I wanted to get opinions. What's you're favorite mixer and why/what benefits?

Thanks so much!!!
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post #2 of 8
3/29/12 at 1:52pm
When I first started, I used my KA so much I actually burned out the motor. So as I was fretting about the thought of having to spend another $500 on a mixer that I would burn out in another year, I had the bright idea to check on craigslist for a commercial mixer, and there I found the mixer I use in my shop today: A blakeslee 60qt mixer. It came wit both te 60qt and 20 qt bowls, and a dough hook, which I used even for cake batter until I was able to purchase a paddle for it. I love my blakeslee, and I was able to negotiate it for $300. So... check craigslist icon_smile.gif
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post #3 of 8
3/29/12 at 2:16pm
I have a 5qt KA Artisan and I regularly burn out the top 4 speeds when it overheats making a full bowl of american buttercream. I got a 7qt Cuisinart and while it has the muscle to do the work, I don't like how the beater works in the bowl (it doesn't go as throughly as the KA and I haven't figured out how to make it a tighter fit), so i'm not totally happy with that either. I want the action of the KA in a large countertop mixer but with the mechanicals of KA 20 years ago. I regularly check Craigslist for old KAs.
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post #4 of 8
3/29/12 at 2:30pm
I have a 6qt KA, and love it. If you are close to a meijer, they had the a good sized cuisinart mixer for $179.99. I have heard people loves those too.
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post #5 of 8
3/29/12 at 3:25pm
I did a video comparing the KA 6qt and the Cuisinart 7qt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYAZX_C6Y3w&list=UUDru9n0gVtJlapF93R1npSw&index=9&feature=plcp


I kill my mixers pretty regulary, but I use them all the time, so they get abused. I personally prefer the KA design to the cuisinart. they also have a new KA 7qt that I have my eye on.
http://www.acaketorememberva.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/acaketoremember
http://www.youtube.com/karabuntin
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http://www.acaketorememberva.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/acaketoremember
http://www.youtube.com/karabuntin
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post #6 of 8
3/29/12 at 4:00pm
Mae - depending upon where you live in Indiana - you could drive to the Kitchen Aid outlet and pick up a refurbished one for a great price. It is located in Greenville, Ohio. If you have AAA, you can get an additional discount.
Love cakes!!
Valerie
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Love cakes!!
Valerie
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post #7 of 8
3/29/12 at 6:12pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you thank you thank you for all of your suggestions!! Most helpful!! I actually only live about 30 minutes from the Kitchen Aid store in Greenville and have been there a few times! I'd actually forgotten they have the discounted models!! Thank you for the reminder! icon_wink.gif

Thanks again, everyone!! I do love hearing all of your thoughts on the various models/brands!!
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post #8 of 8
3/31/12 at 5:44pm
Thread Starter 
Well, I did some shopping and as torn as I am between the KA and the Cuisinart, My husband got me a bigger KA via the Elder Beerman website (the professional 600... 575 watts); with a coupon and free shipping he got it for $250. Not too shabby in my book. icon_smile.gif

Thank you all so very much for your help!!! Much MUCH appreciated!!
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