View Full Version : Do you have a Kitchen Aide?
My wife is a very good cook. She has been putting on the Thanksgiving dinner for between 20 -30 family members for the past 10 years. This past year one of her sisters commented that she couldn't believe my wife did not have a Kitchen Aide. She raved about hers, and others chimed in.
My question is, are they really worth the price (280+) or are they simply a fancy food processor that sit more often than not?
If you would recommend getting one how about a hint of where a good place to get the best deal on one?
jim_slagle
02-13-2008, 02:32 PM
Ours works great but it just sits most of the time. No counter space to leave it out.
Most of the time I am the official "Kitchen Aide":D
RNE228
02-13-2008, 06:31 PM
Yes. Had one for some time. My Mom and Aunt had them when I was growing up.
We use various mixer attachments, and the pasta attachment.
They are big on the counter though... but sure are handy to use.
The sisters brought it up in particular when the potatoes needed mashed and we just have the standard old mixer. :hide:
waybomb
02-13-2008, 09:45 PM
As is par for the course, I had to get the high-horsepower model. I think a standard one is draws something like 325 watts. I believe the one I bought her has something around 575 watts.
She uses it alot around the holidays.
:yum: I'm not surprised Fred. :yum: You are the Tim Taylor of Net Cooking Talk. :thumb: :D
blondie
02-14-2008, 09:32 AM
I got one as a wedding gift and I have never been so thankful. It came with only two attachments and that is all I will ever use. I don't plan on using it as a food processor even though it has that capability. It came from Macy's but since it was a gift I have no idea how much was paid...
Even if it is only used for mashed potatoes, you can throw the potatoes in there, add whatever else (milk, butter, s&p...) turn it on and then your hands are free to go stir your gravy for hours on end :yum: or do whatever else needs to be done.
Dad (Doc to everyone else), all the recipes that mom uses to make her GREAT appetizers can be made in the mixer as well- she uses a mixer often enough that it would be great for her, especially since her shoulder and neck are giving her troubles.
I forgot that you had one. Heck you can just bring it in with you for Thanksgiving dinner. :poke: :yankchain: Your momma with thank you for it. :D :thumb:
You are right, I'm sure she would get plenty of use out of it. Maybe I'll get her one for an anniversary gift this year.
jim_slagle
02-14-2008, 10:39 AM
I forgot that you had one. Heck you can just bring it in with you for Thanksgiving dinner.
Blondie, that is what you get trying to do something nice for your Mom. Not only is she not getting the food processor right away you have to haul yours to her house :yankchain:
blondie
02-14-2008, 11:37 AM
Blondie, that is what you get trying to do something nice for your Mom. Not only is she not getting the food processor right away you have to haul yours to her house :yankchain:
Thank goodness for me, their anniversary is before Thanksgiving, so I think I'm off the hook. It's a good thing too, do you know how much those things weigh?!?!?
GreenWannabe
02-14-2008, 08:55 PM
I bought my wife one, she had wanted it for years. After we downsized from our 2000 sq ft house to a 40 ft RV, we put it underneath to take with us. Used it quite often, too. Now that she is gone, I don't cook as much, but still use it every so often. It's the least expensive one, but sure does the job. It's super!!
Get one for her Doc, she will always appreciate and use it!
Fred
Welcome to Net Cooking Talk Fred. I do believe I'll do just that, if for no other reason than to shut her sisters up at Thanksgiving :hide: :D
Anniversary is in April so I have time to shop around a little.
I wonder if I can find a new one on Ebay. I saw they had brand new Nitendo Wii's that were so hard to find, so I figure they'll have some of the Kitchen Aides.
waybomb
02-15-2008, 05:59 PM
Doc
Yes, shop. I bought the supercharged V8 model online somewhere (wish I could tell you where, but it was some time ago) for just a little bit more than the 4 cylinder model costs at a department store.
Sounds good Fred. I was totally shocked to find no kitchen aides on ebay. Maybe in the stores (I didn't look there) but in a general search of all catagories the only hits I got were for add ons.
Google found a bunch of other options though. :thumb:
waybomb
02-15-2008, 09:49 PM
Here's one:http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KITCHENAID-575W-PRO-600-SER-MIXER-LICORICE-KP26M1X_W0QQitemZ150216621098QQihZ005QQcategoryZ20 679QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Type in KitchenAid". Or try mixer. The one above is $354.00 with shipping. A high horsepower blown V8 model.
EDIT:
And here's one on ebay for 125 shipped :http://cgi.ebay.com/Kitchen-Aid-Professional-600-Series-Mixer-KP26M1XNP-New_W0QQitemZ170194481152QQihZ007QQcategoryZ20679Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
EDIT:
Ok, there's a bunch more - use "kitchenaid 600" as your search. There's a bunch at 249 new buy-it-now.
Doc, you NEED the high horsepower one!
Linda1946
04-10-2008, 02:58 PM
About 20 years ago I bought the Robot Coupe (the original French Cuisinart). I got the large bowl and it has been my friend in the kitchen for all those years. I honestly don't think Kitchen Aide would be any better.
EDIT:
Ok, there's a bunch more - use "kitchenaid 600" as your search. There's a bunch at 249 new buy-it-now.
Doc, you NEED the high horsepower one!
Thanks for that Fred. I guess spelling it correctly would help my search. I thought it was two words. :pat:
About 20 years ago I bought the Robot Coupe (the original French Cuisinart). I got the large bowl and it has been my friend in the kitchen for all those years. I honestly don't think Kitchen Aide would be any better.
Thanks for bringing this thread back up Linda. Anniversary is about here. I need to take care of business.
I do belive some older things were just made better. I have a drill like that. No name but industrial like made. It still works great and it's close to 30 years old. Sometimes we get lucky. :thumb:
waybomb
04-10-2008, 08:41 PM
We use a Robot Coupe (robo ku) in the lab at the factory. But it is a food processor, not a mixer / blender. We use it for chopping up cooked sausage for lab testing.
We have an industrial one and it lasts about 2 years of heavy use. It takes a beating. Good machine for sure.
jim_slagle
04-10-2008, 09:10 PM
Have you thought of using a Blendtec (http://www.blendtec.com/) Total Blender?
Here's an action video (http://www.willitblend.com/videos.aspx?type=unsafe&video=ipod).
Jim
We have a darn good blender. I'm looking for the mixer.
jim_slagle
04-11-2008, 10:01 AM
We have a darn good blender. I'm looking for the mixer.
Did you look at the video? It does a GREAT job of blending and mixing things up :yankchain:
since this is a cooking forum, need this :chef: every once in a while
OMG. He blended an ipod. :eek: What a blender! Send me your ipod and I'll try that in our heavy duty one and let you know how it turns out.
My wife burnt up a couple of blenders trying to make sakura sauce (a sauce used a the Japanese Restaurant in Columbus. Excellent sauce, but it does take some blending to get it right.
jim_slagle
04-11-2008, 11:00 AM
OMG. He blended an ipod.
look around for the video of blending some cell phones. I don't think he took the batteries out of them because you can see flashes of light inside the blender :eek:
Archdean
04-15-2008, 07:14 PM
Yes, at least my :chef:GF does and she loves it!
Yesterday it began to make a grinding noise of course it was only 25 years old and had never been serviced,, all it needed was a disassembly and regreased!! BTW It weighs a ton but was relatively easy to repair after I went on line and downloaded their Illustrated Parts breakdown!!
It's good for another 25 years and she uses it most every day!
I ordered the big boy. 575 watt, 6 quart one. It arrived yesterday. You are not kidding, it is heavy. Surprised my wife with it. She loves it already. She said she had a feeling that I might get her one of those for this anniversary. :pat: Hard to surprise someone after 33 years together. :D
jim_slagle
04-16-2008, 08:18 AM
Hard to surprise someone after 33 years together. :D
You shouldn't be surprised she knew. All she had to do is read this thread OR talk to Blondie :yum:
Dean, my grandmother had a large Sunbeam mixer when I was a kid. When I was in high school I put a new switch and bearings in it. I've cleaned it a few times over the years but the last time my mom used a few years ago, the stator winding shorted and it went up in a cloud of smoke. It was a little short of it's 50th birthday. It would be nice if more of this modern stuff was built to last.
Jim
blondie
04-16-2008, 09:12 AM
You shouldn't be surprised she knew. All she had to do is read this thread OR talk to Blondie :yum:
:cry: How did you know I was a talker, aka gossip?!?!?
waybomb
04-16-2008, 08:57 PM
OK, Doc, you are on the right path now. Power is good. It is better than greed. Now you need to get that 14-71 DMPE Blower and Carbon Fiber injector hat for your engine in your boat.............
Here's where to buy one.
www.dmpeinc.com (http://www.dmpeinc.com)
waybomb
04-16-2008, 10:12 PM
Or you could buy flames for wifey's new blender....
http://cgi.ebay.com/Purple-Mix-Decal-Accessory-for-KitchenAid-stand-Mixer_W0QQitemZ230205899866QQihZ013QQcategoryZ2067 9QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1 638Q2em118Q2el1247
http://i19.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/cd/b5/ded5_2.JPG (http://cgi.ebay.com/Purple-Mix-Decal-Accessory-for-KitchenAid-stand-Mixer_W0QQitemZ230205899866QQihZ013QQcategoryZ2067 9QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1 638Q2em118Q2el1247#ebayphotohosting)
Archdean
04-16-2008, 10:38 PM
"It would be nice if more of this modern stuff was built to last."
Jim, a wishful statement and is the main reason I would much rather repair things like this then buy the latest and greatest cheap Wiz bangs!!
waybomb, GF the :chef:thinks your flames are terrfic but on second thought the Jolly Roger should be on hers!!:hide:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v517/Archdean/images.jpg
jim_slagle
04-17-2008, 07:40 AM
:cry: How did you know I was a talker, aka gossip?!?!?
Just a good guess :poke:
jim_slagle
04-17-2008, 07:48 AM
"It would be nice if more of this modern stuff was built to last."
Jim, a wishful statement and is the main reason I would much rather repair things like this then buy the latest and greatest cheap Wiz bangs!!
The only thing modern manufacturers have down pat is making sure the product lasts through the warranty period. The day after it expires all bets are off. :hammer:
Sad but true Jim.
Funny they offer all kinds of colors for these things. Adding flames to it is downright funny. :yum: Good one Fred. Is that yours? :D
To get a Kitchen Aid in white it would have cost me 86 bucks extra. I was able to get the "Liquorice" for $299. All the rest were 386 includeing white. Go figure. :pat:
Sherman
06-12-2009, 10:28 AM
Almost 23 years and my K'Aid K45SS Stand Mixer still going just as strong as ever!!
I like it so much that I bought the slightly larger K-5SS!
Wow...this is an old thread! I have the Kitchen Aide Epicurean 6-qt. 475 Watt that I have had for about 15 years and use on a pretty regular basis. Never had any problems. Does everything I ask it to do.
Sherman
06-12-2009, 10:57 AM
Yeah, but I didn't want to start another one when two old ones are already here.
Fisher's Mom
06-12-2009, 03:04 PM
I have a 600 Pro and I love, love, love it! I have had no problems with it and I use it a lot. Mine is meringue (white), which was the color on sale at the time, but I would have been thrilled with any color!
FryBoy
06-12-2009, 04:40 PM
I have a 600 Pro and I love, love, love it! I have had no problems with it and I use it a lot. Mine is meringue (white), which was the color on sale at the time, but I would have been thrilled with any color!I have the same model, only mine is Pearl Metallic. I wasn't crazy about the color at first (although I've come to like it), but it was all Macy's had in stock, and they made a mistake in their ad, which said it was $99.99, so I wasn't about to squawk. Not only did they honor the price, but they gave me another 10% off on a "Friends & Family" deal AND I got a $50 rebate from Kitchenaid. Bottom-line cost was a bit under $50, including tax.
Anyway, it's been great, especially with the BeaterBlade+ (http://netcookingtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3380) and the smaller Combi Bowl & Whip (http://netcookingtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5291).
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DIg1E7JjL._SS500_.jpg
I have the same model, only mine is Pearl Metallic. I wasn't crazy about the color at first (although I've come to like it), but it was all Macy's had in stock, and they made a mistake in their ad, which said it was $99.99, so I wasn't about to squawk. Not only did they honor the price, but they gave me another 10% off on a "Friends & Family" deal AND I got a $50 rebate from Kitchenaid. Bottom-line cost was a bit under $50, including tax.
Anyway, it's been great, especially with the BeaterBlade+ (http://netcookingtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3380) and the smaller Combi Bowl & Whip (http://netcookingtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5291).
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DIg1E7JjL._SS500_.jpg
:ohmy::ohmy::ohmy::ohmy::ohmy::ohmy::ohmy::ohmy::t humb: What a deal!!!!!!!!!!!!
GotGarlic
06-12-2009, 05:29 PM
The sisters brought it up in particular when the potatoes needed mashed and we just have the standard old mixer. :hide:
I don't use a mixer for mashed potatoes anyway - it's too easy to overmix them and end up with gluey potatoes. That's what guests who offer to help are for :tongue:
Fisher's Mom
06-12-2009, 05:37 PM
That's the best deal I've ever heard of, Doug! It must make it even more pleasurable every time you use it!
gadzooks
06-12-2009, 05:48 PM
Had one. A nice old K45, gifted to me. I passed it on, after walking into my favorite local thrift shop and fining a Hobart N50 for $7.
chocolate moose
06-12-2009, 06:29 PM
I have a large, older Sunbean mixer.
I hear the best potatoes are riced, not mashed in a mixer or food processor.
I have a ricer and a masher. It just depends upon whether or not you like lumps in your potatoes. A ricer will get rid of all the lumps.
PieSusan
06-12-2009, 06:42 PM
I have a kitchen aid mixer--a must for anyone who bakes and a cuisinart food processor. I use it too to bake at times.
leolady
06-12-2009, 08:25 PM
I just have 12 KA mixers, 2 Hobart N50 mixers, and one Hobart C-100 mixer.
Maverick2272
06-12-2009, 09:59 PM
I have a 14cup KA Food Processor, love the thing to death! Even got the accessory package including the juicer.
SilverSage
06-12-2009, 11:06 PM
I've had my KA for about 30 years. At the time it only came in white and almond. With all the great colors and various models out now, I'd love to get a new one to match my kitchen, but since mine still works as well as it did when I got it, I just can't seem to justify a new one.
The older ones were made by Hobart, and they just don't die.
Sherman
06-12-2009, 11:14 PM
I've had my KA for about 30 years. At the time it only came in white and almond. With all the great colors and various models out now, I'd love to get a new one to match my kitchen, but since mine still works as well as it did when I got it, I just can't seem to justify a new one.
The older ones were made by Hobart, and they just don't die.
My K-45SS is also Hobart-made. :clap:
Maverick2272
06-12-2009, 11:19 PM
I don't use a mixer for mashed potatoes anyway - it's too easy to overmix them and end up with gluey potatoes. That's what guests who offer to help are for :tongue:
I am guessing you use a potato masher then? I have two, a coarse one and a fine one. I like to use them to make my homemade mashed potatoes. It always leaves just the right amount of lumps in it.
And I like to leave just a bit of the skins on em as well.
Fisher's Mom
06-12-2009, 11:26 PM
I don't use a mixer for mashed potatoes anyway - it's too easy to overmix them and end up with gluey potatoes. That's what guests who offer to help are for :tongue:You're right about this, GG. It's really easy to end up with gluey potatoes (but I take my chances anyway, usually.:blush:)
Sherman
06-13-2009, 05:05 AM
Usually, if you let the potatoes get even luke warm, that is when they'll get gooey or gluey.
Whipping them white they are still piping hot is key, I think.
If I like them kind of lumpy, I will use the potato masher. For really smooth, I use the ricer.
GotGarlic
06-13-2009, 09:08 AM
I am guessing you use a potato masher then? I have two, a coarse one and a fine one. I like to use them to make my homemade mashed potatoes. It always leaves just the right amount of lumps in it.
And I like to leave just a bit of the skins on em as well.
Yes, Mav, I have a masher. I used to do them in the food processor, but once I found out that mixing too vigorously causes the starch granules to break and spill out, I stopped doing that.
FM, probably because I'm usually cooking for two (although I make enough for four, for the leftovers), and because I have a relatively small food processor, it works better for me to just mash the potatoes in the pot, rather than move them to the food processor or get out the mixer.
Sherman, I haven't seen anything that says the temperature of the potatoes has anything to do with it. It's just that breaking open the starch granules releases the starch, which causes the gluey texture.
Sherman
06-13-2009, 09:21 AM
Before any of us left the nest and when most of us were teens, my sisters used to take turn making supper, and somtimes make mashed potatoes for supper.
They wouls wait too lomg to mash them, and by the time that they did, the potatoes were all gluey. Mom & Pop used to yell at them and say;
"Don't you know that you're supposed to mash the potatoes while they're hot and right after you drain of the hot water? That keep them from getting gluey!!"
But I DO always mash them in the pot right after the boiling water is poured off.
homecook
06-13-2009, 10:13 AM
I've always used a hand masher. We (mom, grandma) never used anything else. My sil used a hand mixer and she ALWAYS had gluey mashed potatoes.
And to keep on topic........I don't have a KA.
Sherman
06-13-2009, 11:03 AM
You should think about investing in one though.
It'll pay for itself in practically no time, and you'll start to reap the benefits tenfold when you've made those luscious breads, cakes and quick breads!
You'll be wondering how you ever got along without it!
From- What's Cooking America site
Gluey or gooey mashed potatoes are caused by vigorous over mashing, as anyone who has tried to make the side dish in a food processor can attest. When potatoes are boiled, their starch granules swell. If those granules are broken too vigorously, the cells release copious quantities of starch, resulting in a potatoes with the consistency of wallpaper paste.
NEVER use a blender or food processor to make mashed potatoes. There are starch packets inside the potato cells and the blender blades rip right through them, releasing the starch and this makes the potatoes into library paste. The cells of the potato flesh contain a very fine starch. Mashing gently leaves most of the cells intact. Processing in a blender or a Food Processor acts like a cell homogenizer and releases all that starch into the liquid. Adding any liquid early just makes the process more efficient.
All this should be done as quickly as possible so the potatoes never have a chance to get cold - that is the secret of delicious mashed potatoes! :flowers:
Sherman
06-13-2009, 11:16 AM
From- What's Cooking America site
Gluey or gooey mashed potatoes are caused by vigorous over mashing, as anyone who has tried to make the side dish in a food processor can attest. When potatoes are boiled, their starch granules swell. If those granules are broken too vigorously, the cells release copious quantities of starch, resulting in a potatoes with the consistency of wallpaper paste.
NEVER use a blender or food processor to make mashed potatoes. There are starch packets inside the potato cells and the blender blades rip right through them, releasing the starch and this makes the potatoes into library paste. The cells of the potato flesh contain a very fine starch. Mashing gently leaves most of the cells intact. Processing in a blender or a Food Processor acts like a cell homogenizer and releases all that starch into the liquid. Adding any liquid early just makes the process more efficient.
All this should be done as quickly as possible so the potatoes never have a chance to get cold - that is the secret of delicious mashed potatoes! :flowers:
Thank you, Mama, for clearing that up!!
And I THOUGHT that never letting the potatoes get cold played an important role. Also, the butter has to melt in order to blend it in rather quickly. :smile:
homecook
06-13-2009, 11:20 AM
You should think about investing in one though.
It'll pay for itself in practically no time, and you'll start to reap the benefits tenfold when you've made those luscious breads, cakes and quick breads!
You'll be wondering how you ever got along without it!
Since I started baking bread it is now on my "Wish List".
FryBoy
06-13-2009, 11:24 AM
I don't like potatoes whipped in a mixer. To me they seem to lose their essential potato taste when whipped. Instead, I use a potato masher, and my mashed potatoes are never lumpy or gluey or gooey. BUT, it's a really cheap thing (Ecco, I think) that I've had for 40 years. I've bought newer and sturdier ones that just don't do the job nearly as well or as quickly.
The difference is in the design. The old cheap thing has a flat plate on the bottom with a series of rectangular holes punched in it; it's about half metal plate, half holes, and the flat metal part squishes any would-be lumps. The newer ones have been made of a 1/8" thick metal rod that's bent into several parallel rods. Traditional design, I guess, but it just doesn't do the job as well as my cheapie.
homecook
06-13-2009, 11:28 AM
I don't like potatoes whipped in a mixer. To me they seem to lose their essential potato taste when whipped. Instead, I use a potato masher, and my mashed potatoes are never lumpy or gluey or gooey. BUT, it's a really cheap thing (Ecco, I think) that I've had for 40 years. I've bought newer and sturdier ones that just don't do the job nearly as well or as quickly.
The difference is in the design. The old cheap thing has a flat plate on the bottom with a series of rectangular holes punched in it; it's about half metal plate, half holes, and the flat metal part squishes any would-be lumps. The newer ones have been made of a 1/8" thick metal rod that's bent into several parallel rods. Traditional design, I guess, but it just doesn't do the job as well as my cheapie.
That's exactly the one I have.....it used to be my mother's. I love it!
Fisher's Mom
06-13-2009, 12:45 PM
Had one. A nice old K45, gifted to me. I passed it on, after walking into my favorite local thrift shop and fining a Hobart N50 for $7.$7???? OK, that's the best deal I ever heard of! And I think they should have given you a crown or a trophy or something cuz you're the king of bargain hunting!
Fisher's Mom
06-13-2009, 12:47 PM
I don't like potatoes whipped in a mixer. To me they seem to lose their essential potato taste when whipped. Instead, I use a potato masher, and my mashed potatoes are never lumpy or gluey or gooey. BUT, it's a really cheap thing (Ecco, I think) that I've had for 40 years. I've bought newer and sturdier ones that just don't do the job nearly as well or as quickly.
The difference is in the design. The old cheap thing has a flat plate on the bottom with a series of rectangular holes punched in it; it's about half metal plate, half holes, and the flat metal part squishes any would-be lumps. The newer ones have been made of a 1/8" thick metal rod that's bent into several parallel rods. Traditional design, I guess, but it just doesn't do the job as well as my cheapie.
I have never made mashed potatoes with a masher before but I think I will now. I actually have one that sounds exactly like the one you use - I inherited it from my MIL, but have never used it. I'll let you know how it turns out, Doug.
FryBoy
06-13-2009, 01:07 PM
Here's some help:
Good:
http://rdcollins.smugmug.com/photos/562519740_mPtcL-L.jpg
Not Good:
http://www.idealtruevalue.com/catalog/705852.jpg
Fisher's Mom
06-13-2009, 01:11 PM
Yep, the good one is the one I have!
Sherman
06-13-2009, 01:12 PM
I have one quite similar to the one in the bottom pic.
It was made by Oxo. Seems to be holding up so far.
Incidentally, K'Aid makes one as well!
Sherman
06-13-2009, 01:20 PM
Had one. A nice old K45, gifted to me. I passed it on, after walking into my favorite local thrift shop and fining a Hobart N50 for $7.
I STILL would have kept the old K-45.
They're pricless and you can't get the old stuff any more. It's awfully blasted hard to find now. :sad:
Maverick2272
06-13-2009, 02:07 PM
This reminds me of the debate we once had over the term 'mashed potatoes' versus 'whipped potatoes'. Mashed are mashed. If you do it with a mixer or FP they are whipped.
It was actually a pretty funny thread...
Sherman
06-14-2009, 11:07 AM
I'm watching Guy's Big Bite, and he's using one of the big guys - the K'Aid Pro!
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