KitchenAid New Professional 5.5 QT Commercial Style Wide Steel Bowl Stand Mixer 550 HD 575 Watt Motor- Empire Red Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this KitchenAid after looking at mixers for quite awhile. I kept coming back to the KitchenAid, as it was the same mixer I'd seen in my mother's kitchen, as well as the kitchens of many people I know who are avid chefs.
Things I like about this:
1. It is very heavy duty. There is nothing cheap feeling about this mixer. The bowl fits solidly into the lifting arms, and even when mixing dough at high speed, the mixer barely moves at all.
2. It comes with the basic attachments you will use constantly. We've made many doughs and mixes, and the motor has handled everything we've thrown at it.
Things I don't like about this mixer:
1. When using the whisk attachment for trying to make some whipped cream, it didn't feel like it was going all the way down into the bowl, and after 5 minutes, it hadn't frothed up into whipped cream. Perhaps it failed as I was using half and half instead of heavy whipping cream, but my hand mixer has worked on this in the past. I see there is an adjustment screw, and maybe this will correct the problem
2. Doesn't include a mixing shield. When using a lot of flour or light ingredients, it would be nice to have some sort of quick-release shield.
3. Accessories are not cheap!
Overall, I'd say if you are on the fence--buy this mixer. If you don't think you'd use it--think again. We make great muffins, batters, doughs (really good pizza dough!).

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Designed for long life and quiet operation, the KitchenAid® stand mixer is the one mixer that generations have depended on for power, performance and durability. Built to handle large batches easily, this professional mixer features a rugged, all-metal construction, a powerful 575-watt motor, and KitchenAid's unique planetary mixing action that reaches every part of the bowlFeatures:Durable, all-metal construction designed for long life and quiet operation Powerful 575-watt motor mixes large batches easily Unique KitchenAid 67 point planetary mixing action reaches every part of the bowl 10-speeds Electronic speed control 5.5 quart polished stainless steel bowl with handle Ergonomically designed bowl lift handle for a comfortable no slip grip Large capacity Heavy-duty bowl lift lever Five rubber feet to protect countertops and help ensure mixer stability Fan cooled motor Commercial auto reset Locked rotor protection Hinged hub coverUL listed Dimensions: 13.3" W x 14.6" D x 16.5" H Weight: 25 lbs. 1 year warranty Made in the USA

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Cuisinart SM-55 5-1/2-Quart Stand Mixers Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a long-time fan of the KitchenAid mixer. My grandmother has been using the same KitchenAid mixer since the late 50s, and it's still going strong. I was thrilled to get a KitchenAid "Ultra-Power" mixer as a gift about seven years ago, and it worked great for occasional use. Over the past couple of years I've been doing more and more baking, and about a year ago I began making my own bread. After about six months of using my KitchenAid to knead two loaves of whole-wheat bread every week or so, it made a terrible grinding noise, and stopped working. I decided I'd better buy a new KitchenAid with a more powerful motor, and went online to see which was recommended. Much to my surprise, the reviews for the KitchenAid were no longer as positive as they had been. People were complaining about a decrease in quality and customer service. The biggest complaint was that some metal parts had been replaced by plastic, and while it sounded as if the company had recently started making the parts out of metal again, people were giving tips on how to determine if the model you were purchasing had the metal or plastic gearboxes. On top of that, Cooks Illustrated ranked the Cuisinart mixer above KitchenAid in a March 2008 review.
I did more research and found that the warranty was much better on the Cuisinart than on the KitchenAid. So, nervously, I decided to switch from what I had always considered to be the top brand, and I bought the Cuisinart.
My first impressions were mixed. I immediately liked the way the mixer looked, but I was nervous about it, because the body and the mixing paddles are much lighter in weight than on the KitchenAid. It lacks the solid, all-metal feel of the KitchenAid. Since the KitchenAid jittered all over the counter when I was using it to knead bread or even whip butter and sugar together for cookies, I figured the Cuisinart would probably fly off the counter. I decided to use it pretty hard for six months, and then write my review.
I've used it every seven to ten days to make two loaves of heavy, whole-grain bread, have made many batches of cookies and several cakes and I'm very happy to write that this is a GREAT mixer.
Much to my surprise, it doesn't jitter at all, not even when I'm using it to knead bread. Ingredients are more thoroughly mixed, and I don't need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula nearly as often as I needed to with my KitchenAid. Counter space in my kitchen is limited, so I keep the mixer in a cupboard, and the lighter weight means that it's much easier to move around. In my experience, the lighter weight has NOT affected, in any way, the performance.
Once, when I was kneading some heavy dough on speed #4 for about twice as long as the usual seven or eight minutes (I'd forgotten to add salt to the bread and was trying to knead it in) the mixer overheated and shut itself down. It hasn't done that since, and frankly, I'd rather that happen than have the gears freeze up and completely destroy the gearbox, as happened with my KitchenAid. Another greatly appreciated feature is that some clever person designed the bowl so that it's easy to remove, even after I've used the mixer to knead dough. The bowl on the KitchenAid would lock so tightly after kneading bread that I'd have to wrench it free, usually skinning my knuckles in the process. Some reviewers complain that the bread dough "climbs" the kneading hook, making a mess. I find that the dough actually climbs a lot less than it did when I used my KitchenAid. One reviewer mentioned that she finds the splash guard mostly useless, but I love it -- I find it truly useful, unlike the awkward, two-piece splash guard that came with my KitchenAid.
The timer function is nice, especially now that I don't need to stand over the mixer while it's kneading, worrying that it'll jitter its way onto the floor. I don't leave the room, but now I set the timer and let the mixer do its thing while I prep other ingredients or grease the baking pans. I really like the slow-start feature -- no more cloud of flour when I turn on the mixer.
Basically, this mixer does everything my KitchenAid did, and does it better. The performance has been highly satisfactory, and if it breaks down any time in the next five years, it will still be under warranty ... unlike my KitchenAid, which was only covered for a year.
I don't hate KitchenAid -- I think the mixers are probably still a good product, overall. I know that I was using mine for more than it was designed to handle. However, I am happier with the Cuisinart and have recommended it highly to several friends.
This is still a relatively early review. I expect stand mixers to last for at least a decade, and ideally for much longer. Six months after my purchase, I'm very happy with this machine. If anything happens to change that, I'll update this review.
January 29, 2009
I dropped my mixer! I was doing a lot of Christmas baking, the countertop was crowded, I put it too close to the edge of the counter and WHAM, it fell to the floor, landing hard, upside down. While I have no idea how the trauma will affect the overall life of the mixer, it still works fine. The top is a little askew now, and the hinged door at the front that covers the slow-speed power outlet will no longer stay closed. But: the mixer works as well as it ever did. I really wish I hadn't dropped it, but this is a strong peice of equipment. That was a hard fall from countertop height to a hardwood floor, and there appears to have been nothing more than cosmetic damage. I've been baking as much as ever, and it still works beautifully.
September 4, 2010
Wow -- I don't often look back at my reviews, and when I came back today to make an update, I was surprised that so many people found this helpful. Thanks! I hope if you bought a mixer based on my recommendation that you've loved it. Mine is still going strong, and this evening over dinner, I recommended it to a friend who was thinking of buying a new stand mixer.
Thank you to those who have commented, it adds some additional insight and balance. It was interesting reading the comments -- one person commented that this mixer didn't really handle large batches of heavy rye dough, so you might want to keep that in mind if you make a LOT of bread. I'm still making a loaf or two every week and am quite pleased. One commenter mentioned that his KitchenAid mixer never moved around the countertop. Since I would have to literally hold my KitchenAid down while kneading bread, it makes me wonder how much variance you might find between individual mixers. One of the things I still really, really like about the Cuisinart is that it stays still for me, even when I'm kneading a couple of loaves-worth of bread dough. In fact, I've recently stepped up my bread baking, because I've been experimenting with sourdough recipes. I've also been churning out a LOT of batches of cookies recently as I experiment with a new recipe. (I noticed today that my jeans are feeling a bit tight around the waist. Maybe I need to experiment with something a bit lower-calorie. But, I digress.)
Anyway, I logged on this evening to say I'm still quite pleased with my mixer. Despite the tragic dropping incident over a year and a half ago, the Cuisinart is still working beautifully.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart SM-55 5-1/2-Quart Stand Mixers

This stand mixer features a powerful 800-watt motor that can handle the heaviest mixing tasks. Its large, 5-1/2-quart, stainless-steel bowl accommodates big batches--even double recipes. The unit also provides 12 mixing speeds, along with a 15-minute countdown timer and automatic shutoff, for maximum precision. Choose the slow-start function to eliminate splatter or the ultra-gentle fold function to carefully blend in delicate ingredients. The mixer's tilt-back head allows for easy access to the mixing bowl and makes attaching accessories simple. Accessories include a chef's whisk, a flat mixing paddle, and a dough hook, as well as a splashguard. The whisk aerates ingredients to increase volume or can also be used on slow speed to gently combine dry ingredients. Contoured to reach the bottom and sides of the bowl, the flat mixing paddle ensures thorough mixing. The dough hook makes hand kneading obsolete, while the splashguard offers an extra-wide pouring spout for easily adding ingredients. The stand mixer also contains three power outlets, including a high-speed outlet for its optional dedicated attachments (meat grinder, citrus juicer, blender, food processor, or pasta maker--all sold separately). The stand mixer measures 15-1/2 by 10 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a three-year product warranty and a five-year motor warranty. From the Manufacturer An Array of Helpful Features Features:
Large 5-quart-capacity polished stainless-steel bowl
Powerful 800-watt motor
15-minute countdown timer
Auto shutoff and 12 speeds
Includes 3 accessories: chef's whisk, flat mixing paddle, dough hook
Splashguard with pour spout to prevent spattering
Recipe book
Power unit: clean with a damp cloth and dry
Bowls and tools dishwasher-safe (tools top-rack dishwasher-safe)
Warranty: Limited 3-year product warranty and a full 5-year motor warranty

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KitchenAid Artisan Custom Metallic Series 5-Quart Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)Only a true Kitchen Aid mixer fan would buy so many of these. I started out over twenty years ago with a cream one, traded, then got the 5 qt industrial gray and gave it to my sister, then a black 5 qt which my husband gave to a friend because he felt we didn't need two, and my favorite, this one. I also gave a cobalt blue 5 qt to my brother in law although he rarely cooks and often works in Belgium and Japan; and a bright red one for another friend. I sold commercial restaurant equipment for 17 years and their products were essential to our business so I write from more than personal experience.
For my home with cherry cupboards the rich copper mixer earns a place on my counter. This is a hard working and beautiful companion in the kitchen especially if you can't afford the space or price of its larger model. I will be getting the new sweep batter paddle for it next since I already have grinders, juicers and every other attachment.
Just remember these are very heavy and should go on the counter rather than on a shelf or in the garage. Use the paddle for mixing heavy batters and the dough hook for bread. Don't get stuck using just the wire whisk for everything. I keep all the paddles in the bowl.

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New from KitchenAid, the Custom Metallic stand mixer, in brushed nickel, adds a glistening prominence to your kitchen, with power and capacity to handle all your mixing, whisking and blending needs. The stand mixer has a 5-quart (or 9-cup flour) capacity, making it large enough for bread, cake and double batches of cookie dough. The stand mixer has the industry's best beater-to-bowl coverage - a 67-point planetary mixing action that reaches to the bowl's edges so every bit of batter is incorporated into the mix. Splattering is minimized with the pouring shield in place. The stand mixer is equipped with a high-performance, 325-watt motor, and comes with 10 speeds, offering versatility when mixing everything from stiff bread dough to egg whites. Its all-metal construction is sturdy and durable; the custom-plated finish is applied in five steps, helping to protect the stand mixer and offering lasting good looks. The tilt head design of the stand mixer lifts up for easier access to the spacious, all stainless work bowl. The work bowl has a contoured handle so it's easy to grasp. Included with your Custom Metallic stand mixer - a "C" dough hook, a dishwasher-safe, nylon coated flat beater and doughhook and a stainless steel wire whip.

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Hamilton Beach Electrics All-Metal Stand Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this unit just over a month ago. It arrived in less than a week. I've had no problems with it yet. It is truly all metal except for the splash guard/ingredient chute. To address some other reviews that had me concerned. The head doesn't slap around. That is a warranty issue for her. It does walk with big stiff dough recipes such as a two loaf all wheat. Simple physics, considering size and weight, tells you at medium to high speeds it will. Kinda lets you know it is a powerful electronic speed controlled mixer. I can easily steady the base for the few seconds to finish mixing. All other mixing jobs are done with ease. I, personally, like the tilt head. All stand mixers will require side scraping with some recipes, even the expensive KitchenAids. Although I made a five bar cheesecake yesterday and as I was watching the eggs, dropped in at the side one at a time, they were all fully captured and mixed in. I usually scrape once at the beginning and it spins into a dough ball at the end anyway. There is a dimple at the bottom of the bowl to help pick up added flour during the mix. Speaking of KitchenAid, have you read the reviews of those "attachments"? Besides being expensive they say all of them suck. It seems you can buy better and cheaper items to do the same thing taking up the same amount of space.
So far I've made 4 loaves of baguettes, 4 loaves of wheat, 2 loaves of sourdough, numerous cakes, batches of cookies, and of course a large cheesecake since I've had it with no problems. (Now you can see why I needed a strong stand mixer! My church loves me now too!) The key is to read the instructions more than once to ensure you understand how to operate this model. It has some cool recipes in there too! And yes, it is very easy to clean as well.
If you want a mixer to crank out mega-loaves of all wheat bread daily, (commercial), then this is not it. If you want to make great bread, dishes and pastries for your family then this can't be beat at this price range with this much power. After all, as one consumer already stated, this is a "Consumer Reports best buy". I've had a Sunbeam Heritage, (like the one shown on the Cookin In Brooklyn show), and contrary to popular belief there is NOT a motor under the bottom pedestal. It's great for everything else but gluttonous bread dough's. A white loaf every once in a while, maybe. But, I wanted to be more artisan and organic with my breads so I upgraded.
Note: the short time I've had it is the only reason I've given it 4 stars. For me, longevity counts as one star.
Hobby Baker


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Designed with die-cast metal and a 400-watt motor, this stand mixer provides constant power for consistent mixing as ingredients are added, as well as 12 speed settings, which allow for mixing flexibility and precise control at every speed. The unit offers professional results with its unique mixing head that orbits around the bowl as the beater rotates in the opposite direction. For stable hands-free mixing, the bowl locks to the base, and for easy access to the bowl, the appliance's quick-release head lifts up and locks into place. The mixer includes a two-piece pouring shield, which provides splatter-free mixing and an easy way to add ingredients, along with a flat beater, dough hook, and wire whisk. A user manual with recipes comes included. Available in a variety of fashionable colors, the stand mixer measures approximately 9 by 14 by 14 inches and carries a three-year warranty.

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KitchenAid K45SS Classic 250-Watt 4-1/2-Quart Stand Mixer, White Review

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(More customer reviews)Unlike many of the reviewers, I've only had this mixer for about a year, and it's this specific model, the 250W 4.5 quart mixer (the bottom of the Kitchenaid line). It was a real splurge at the time we purchased it, but it has turned out to be well worth it.
Before the Kitchenaid, I didn't do much baking. I tend towards more "manly" cooking techniques: the hotter the fire, the spicier the recipe, the better as far as I'm concerned. But this machine is as satisfying to use as any power tool in the garage -- there is something about using the *right* tool for the job, and I've found no tasks that one might consider using a mixer for that the Kitchenaid doesn't excel at. But it's especially good for baking, and once you start using it, you'll have your oven running a lot more than you used to.
The big difference between this mixer and the standard "two beater" models you may be familiar with is that it uses a single mixing attachment that rotates in two motions- it not only spins on its own axis, it also is rotated around the edge of the bowl. This does an extremely effective job of mixing ingredients without need for the bowl rotating, since the mixing motion covers the entire bowl. For most mixing jobs, it also requires no scraping of the sides with the spatula. IE: when it's mixing, you can ignore it and work on other stuff.
The first attachment I'll mention is the dough hook, which is a godsend for kneading. In the last day, I've made pizza dough, bagels, and whole wheat bread. Although this is the least powerful machine Kitchenaid makes, it kneads stiff dough (like the aforementioned bagels made with high-gluten flour) that would turn your mother's mixmaster into a smoking, stinking heap of fried motor components. Machine kneading takes a *lot* of the effort and variability out of making bread... you never "knead in" too much flour to keep it from sticking to your hands, and the 20 minutes you normally spend working the dough turns into 10 minutes you can use to clean up the kitchen.
The other two attachments are the paddle and the whisk. The paddle is the all-purpose "workhorse" beater, and works extremely well for creaming sugar and butter together, mixing cookie dough or cake batter, or any other general-purpose mixing job. With the orbital motion, it comes right up to the edge of the bowl, so it is effectively scraping as it goes. The whisk is great for egg whites and making whipped cream. I'm sure it's good for something else, but that's what I've used it for.
As for capacity, the 4.5 quart model is suitable for pretty much any "normal" home recipes. It's a "standard mixer". It will easily knead enough dough at once for two loaves of bread, or mix a double-batch of cookies.
As for downsides: this thing is HEAVY. You won't be moving it once it's in place. If you knead very stiff dough, the bowl sometimes will get tightened to the extent that it is very difficult to remove from the base. It's OK if you remember to leave it a little loose beforehand, but I always forget and I end up wrestling with the machine to twist it out. The metal trim band on the mixer right above the bowl has come a little loose on my model- the machine got a bit hot after some heavy kneading, and I think some adhesive got soft. It's held in place well by something else, but sometimes it will slip when I'm wiping the machine off. It's purely cosmetic from what I can tell, and it's the only thing that feels cheap in any way about this machine. Other than that, I honestly haven't had a single complaint.
In summary: this is an expensive mixer, but it is very well worth it. Even novice cooks will find it's use enjoyable, and it will inspire you to explore new things that you probably didn't do before because of the time and effort involved.

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Perfect for kitchens of all sizes, the classic series stand mixer delivers the power and durability to mix large batches. 8 cup flour power. Powerful 250-watt motor. Versatile 10 speed control. Durable, direct drive transmission. Multipurpose attachment hub w

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KitchenAid Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I already own a 5 Qt mixer from the "Artisan Series" but decided to upgrade to this model so that I could make larger batches of bread dough. For my recipe, a single batch is 2 cups of bread flour. I tried making a double batch (4 cups) in my new Pro 600, but after about 15 min. of kneading, the motor just turned off. I thought I had burned it out, but after consulting the instruction manual, it seems this is normal. Normal?! Yes, that's what it said--all I needed to do was wait for the motor to cool off (it's also "normal" for it to get so hot it is uncomfortable to touch) for 30 min. and then try again. I find it hard to believe that this mixer could make bread with 14 cups of AP flour, as the box says. Having said that, here are my thoughts on this mixer vs. the "Artisan Series" mixer I already own:1. The motor consumes over 50% more electricity (and is certainly more noisy) in the pro 600, but how much of that is being converted to extra torque, I'm not really sure. What I do know is that I can only do a single batch of bread at a time in either mixer.
2. As has been mentioned in other reviews, the Artisan mixer came with a "coated" paddle and dough hook, whereas the pro 600 has "Brandished steel". This means the Artisan's implements are dishwasher safe but the pro 600's are not. I had assumed those bright, shiny implements that I saw in the store display were stainless steel, but I guess not. If it weren't for this problem and the huge price tag, I would have given this mixer 5 stars.
On the plus side...
3. I love the new spiral dough hook--it is much better than the C shaped one in my Artisan
4. The soft start feature is a nice touch. Then again, it would be even nicer if there was a speed lower than the lowest one provided.
5. The larger bowl is nice
6. There is more of a difference between speeds 7-10 than the Artisan
Things I'd like to see changed in the next iteration:
--A gear box. I have a cordless drill that has a high and low gear. As could be expected, low is for more power, high is for more speed. Why don't these mixers use a simple gear selector like that? This would be a HUGE improvement--it would not only provide more power, but the lower speed I would like, as mentioned in point 4.
--Stainless steel implements as mentioned in point #2
CONCLUSION:
A very nice mixer, but so is my "Artisan". If you are going to buy a new mixer (and don't have an unlimited supply of money to throw at it), I wouldn't recommend the Pro 600--get one from the Artisan series instead--it is much cheaper and does just about as good a job. There are small advantages to the Pro 600, but even all together, I don't think they are worth the added price.

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Designed with all-metal construction and a 6-quart capacity, this powerful stand mixer features a 575-watt motor for handling tough mixing jobs. It can effectively mix up to 14 cups of all-purpose flour and produce up to 8 pounds of mashed potatoes. The mixer can also churn through double batches of bread dough with the included burnished PowerKnead spiral hook, which replicates hand kneading with a forceful punching and rolling action. The mixer's 10-speed slide control ranges from a very fast whip to a very slow stir, while its Soft Start mixing function helps minimize ingredient splatter and flour puff with gentle acceleration to the selected speed after start-up. An electronic speed sensor helps maintain a consistent mixing speed, even when adding ingredients. For commercial-style motor protection, the mixer automatically shuts off when overload is detected.
The mixer includes a 6-quart-capacity stainless-steel mixing bowl with a contoured handle, as well as a professional wire whip, a burnished flat beater, a spiral dough hook, and a pouring shield. Its multipurpose attachment hub with a hinged hub cover flips open to allow for easy installation of attachments. The unit's professional bowl-lift design raises the bowl into the mixing position, and its solid, truly seamless one-piece motor head design cleans easily. The mixer features a premium satin-pearl custom finish that adds an elegant shimmer to any countertop. Available in a variety of fashionable colors, the stand mixer measures 14-3/5 by 16-1/2 by 11-2/7 inches and carries a one-year hassle-free replacement warranty.

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Cuisinart SM-FP Food-Processor Attachment for Cuisinart Stand Mixer, White Review

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(More customer reviews)I absolutely love my Cuisinart Stand Mixer and have been slowly purchasing the attachments as needed. This one was a mistake; not for lack of productivity though. As a food processor it works fantastically. The attachment is FAR too LOUD. As written previously by another reviewer, I don't know who could stomach the unit running on Speed 12! I can barely go past 4 or 5. I have only used this attachment once because of the noise - it is the most ear shattering racket you will ever hear.
I decided to purchase a dedicated food processor appliance and use my mixer solely for mixing, pasta making and blending (I received the blender attachment free, but have yet to use it - hopefully it's quieter, but it uses the same power port as the food processor).
This attachment will do the job, but I recommend investing your money into a separate unit to spare your hearing, and not to scare your pets and children.

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Nothing handles time-consuming food prep tasks better than a genuine Cuisinart Food Processor. This handy 3-cup attachment connects to the high-speed power outlet on any Cuisinart Stand Mixer to chop nuts, puree soup, or mix soups and sauces. A reversible slicing/shredding disk makes quick work of slicing vegetables and shredding hard cheeses. Food processing has never been so easy!

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Electrolux White Assistent Stand Mixer 8 Qt. Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm prompted to write this after seeing another review that stated that this machine is only good for making bread but not for other mixing tasks. In fact, it will do everything any other stand mixer will do, and it will perform most tasks better than other stand mixers. I use it a couple of times a week to knead bread dough, at which it excels, but I've also made cakes, whipped egg whites, made cookies, and just about anything else you can imagine.
The thing is, as you can see from the picture of the machine, it is different from mixers most Americans are used to. There's a learning curve involved, so you must be prepared for that, or you'll be disappointed. I got the hang of it quickly, within a couple of weeks or so, but after a year I'm still refining my knowledge.
I should point out that Cook's Illustrated magazine, in their November 2005 issue, gave this machine a poor rating. I have to believe that they did not attempt to learn how to use it properly. I also have their top-rated mixer, the KitchenAid Professional 600, which I found very disappointing. It now sits in a basement closet after it stripped a gear.
If you make bread, especially if you make it frequently or in large quantities, chances are you'll grow to love this machine. For a single loaf of bread now and then, any good stand mixer will do, and you'll probably be happier.
If you don't make bread at all, a good sturdy hand mixer such as the Braun M880 Multimix would be something to consider. If you make bread, you can rest assured that the Electrolux will do that and anything else you need it to do.

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Whip cream, crush berries, knead dough, mix batter, and more with what some call Sweden's greatest kitchen machine. It puts 450 watts to work, along with a variety of attachments to quickly process numerous foods. Its superior motor design automatically adjusts torque to the load and as a result strains less and is far less likely to "walk" across your counter too. The timer allows you to start the mixer, set a time, and move to a different task while the machine goes to work. The unique roller and scraper design produce smooth, silky, elastic dough quickly and easily, effectively mimicking hand kneading. As the stainless steel bowl rotates, the deeply fluted roller perform like "fingers" while the scraper acts as the palm of the hand, scraping and massaging in a rhythmic motion. The white stationary bowl can be used to beat up to 18 egg whites for a gorgeous meringue or to cream butter and sugar for baking. When this bowl is used the whisks drive from below via a center column in the bowl, and this arrangement permits unimpeded access to the top of the bowl, with no overhead motor drive to get in the way.

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Kenmore 16-Speed White Push-Button Stand Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I was able to pick up one of these for $50 on sale. Four years later I am still quite happy. It is not perfect, and the rotating mixer bowl can become quite unstable if full, but overall it's still a full stand mixer for well under 100 bucks. The motor has plenty of power to go through thicker doughs, and cleanup is relatively easy. Granted this is NOT in the same class as the top of the line mixers from Kitchen-Aid, Cuisinart, or even the new Kenmore stand mixers, but you'll shell out at least an extra $125-$200 if you want to upgrade to that class. If you are a casual baker and don't need a mixer for everyday use or large demanding jobs, I'd recommend this mixer.

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This Kenmore Powerful 350 Watt Stand Mixer is a great helper in the kitchen. Choose from 16 Electronic Speeds For all your cooking and baking needs. Includes heavy gauge attachments; Beater and Dough Hooks. It has a Lock in Place Mixer Head, which provides you with more control while mixing. Select from 2 attractive Stainless Steel Bowls; 4 Quart and 1- Quart. This durable stand mixer is fast and easy to clean and has a unique Auto Wind Cord Reel for easy storage.

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Hamilton Beach CPM700 Commercial Stand Mixer, Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)WOW! This is a real work horse of a machine. I picked mine up on eBay a few months ago and I couldn't be happier. With 800 watts of power you don't have to worry about thawing butter or handling the thickest of doughs. It includes three attachments heads (wire whisk, dough hook and beater) and they are very sturdy. The steel mixing bowl is sturdy and cleans easily. Controls are simply and it has a great safety cutoff to prevent the machine from operating when the head is tilted back.


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The Hamilton Beach CPM700 stand mixer features:Tough, all-metal gears vary the speed and torque for all three attachments and provide excellent durability. The low center of gravity offers minimal vibration for secure mixing, while the die-cast aluminum body is built to endure years of mixing. Made to perform: The variable-speed, 800-watt motor maintains speed regardless of load, yet is gentle enough to mix delicate foods. No matter what\'s being mixed, the mixer provides complete bowl coverage. The flat beater is angled to cover the whole bowl; the whisk is balloon-shaped for maximum aeration; the dough hook is strong enough to knead the heaviest breads.The pop-up head lifts for quick and easy attachment changes and bowl removal. This unique feature eliminates the need to put your hand in the mixture to change attachments or remove the bowl. Also, the tilt-back head makes adding ingredients or scraping the sides of the bowl much easier. Full of safeguards: The recessed -incheson-inches button prevents the mixer from being accidentally activated. A unique safety cut-off stops the mixer immediately anytime the head is raised. In addition, the motor features overload protection to help prevent overheating.

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Cuisinart SM-70 7-Quart Stand Mixers Review

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(More customer reviews)I make bread weekly using a mixer and recently my Kitchenaid motor gave out after overheating. Though I prefer the looks of the Kitchenaid mixers (something more industrial about them), Cuisinart has addressed several of the key problems found in Kitchenaid mixers: not enough power, overly wide bowl shape, absene of timer/minimal speed control. The stronger motor is crucial if you're mixing bread doughs for minutes at a time. The taller, more narrow bowl shape prevents spilling. The timer function is tremendously useful. And the wider range of speeds (especially slow speeds) and gentle acceleration up to any speed, again, prevent spills and allow for more control.
Other features I like: the spill guard fits neatly and is ONE piece (again, unlike my old Kitchenaid); the lock feature clicks the top arm into place so you never run the risk of lifting from the top and having the bottom swing out; the smooth surfaces make for easy clean-up; the attachments all wash easily in the dishwasher.
A great product!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart SM-70 7-Quart Stand Mixers

Housed in durable die-cast metal, this stand mixer features a powerful 1,000-watt motor that can handle the heaviest mixing tasks. Its extra-large, 7-quart, stainless-steel bowl accommodates big batches--even double or triple recipes. The unit also provides 12 mixing speeds, along with a 15-minute countdown timer and automatic shutoff, for maximum precision. Choose the slow-start function to eliminate splatter or the ultra-gentle fold function to carefully blend in delicate ingredients. The mixer's tilt-back head allows for easy access to the mixing bowl and makes attaching accessories a snap.
Accessories include a chef's whisk, a flat mixing paddle, and a dough hook, as well as a splashguard. The whisk aerates ingredients to increase volume or can also be used on slow speed to gently combine dry ingredients. Contoured to reach the bottom and sides of the bowl, the flat mixing paddle ensures thorough mixing. The dough hook makes hand kneading obsolete, while the splashguard offers an extra-wide pouring spout for neatly adding ingredients. The stand mixer also contains three power outlets, including a high-speed outlet for its optional dedicated attachments (meat grinder, citrus juicer, blender, food processor, or pasta maker--all sold separately). The stand mixer measures 15-1/2 by 11 by 14-1/2 inches and carries a three-year product warranty and a five-year motor warranty.

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Cuisinart SM-55 5-1/2-Quart Stand Mixers Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a long-time fan of the KitchenAid mixer. My grandmother has been using the same KitchenAid mixer since the late 50s, and it's still going strong. I was thrilled to get a KitchenAid "Ultra-Power" mixer as a gift about seven years ago, and it worked great for occasional use. Over the past couple of years I've been doing more and more baking, and about a year ago I began making my own bread. After about six months of using my KitchenAid to knead two loaves of whole-wheat bread every week or so, it made a terrible grinding noise, and stopped working. I decided I'd better buy a new KitchenAid with a more powerful motor, and went online to see which was recommended. Much to my surprise, the reviews for the KitchenAid were no longer as positive as they had been. People were complaining about a decrease in quality and customer service. The biggest complaint was that some metal parts had been replaced by plastic, and while it sounded as if the company had recently started making the parts out of metal again, people were giving tips on how to determine if the model you were purchasing had the metal or plastic gearboxes. On top of that, Cooks Illustrated ranked the Cuisinart mixer above KitchenAid in a March 2008 review.
I did more research and found that the warranty was much better on the Cuisinart than on the KitchenAid. So, nervously, I decided to switch from what I had always considered to be the top brand, and I bought the Cuisinart.
My first impressions were mixed. I immediately liked the way the mixer looked, but I was nervous about it, because the body and the mixing paddles are much lighter in weight than on the KitchenAid. It lacks the solid, all-metal feel of the KitchenAid. Since the KitchenAid jittered all over the counter when I was using it to knead bread or even whip butter and sugar together for cookies, I figured the Cuisinart would probably fly off the counter. I decided to use it pretty hard for six months, and then write my review.
I've used it every seven to ten days to make two loaves of heavy, whole-grain bread, have made many batches of cookies and several cakes and I'm very happy to write that this is a GREAT mixer.
Much to my surprise, it doesn't jitter at all, not even when I'm using it to knead bread. Ingredients are more thoroughly mixed, and I don't need to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula nearly as often as I needed to with my KitchenAid. Counter space in my kitchen is limited, so I keep the mixer in a cupboard, and the lighter weight means that it's much easier to move around. In my experience, the lighter weight has NOT affected, in any way, the performance.
Once, when I was kneading some heavy dough on speed #4 for about twice as long as the usual seven or eight minutes (I'd forgotten to add salt to the bread and was trying to knead it in) the mixer overheated and shut itself down. It hasn't done that since, and frankly, I'd rather that happen than have the gears freeze up and completely destroy the gearbox, as happened with my KitchenAid. Another greatly appreciated feature is that some clever person designed the bowl so that it's easy to remove, even after I've used the mixer to knead dough. The bowl on the KitchenAid would lock so tightly after kneading bread that I'd have to wrench it free, usually skinning my knuckles in the process. Some reviewers complain that the bread dough "climbs" the kneading hook, making a mess. I find that the dough actually climbs a lot less than it did when I used my KitchenAid. One reviewer mentioned that she finds the splash guard mostly useless, but I love it -- I find it truly useful, unlike the awkward, two-piece splash guard that came with my KitchenAid.
The timer function is nice, especially now that I don't need to stand over the mixer while it's kneading, worrying that it'll jitter its way onto the floor. I don't leave the room, but now I set the timer and let the mixer do its thing while I prep other ingredients or grease the baking pans. I really like the slow-start feature -- no more cloud of flour when I turn on the mixer.
Basically, this mixer does everything my KitchenAid did, and does it better. The performance has been highly satisfactory, and if it breaks down any time in the next five years, it will still be under warranty ... unlike my KitchenAid, which was only covered for a year.
I don't hate KitchenAid -- I think the mixers are probably still a good product, overall. I know that I was using mine for more than it was designed to handle. However, I am happier with the Cuisinart and have recommended it highly to several friends.
This is still a relatively early review. I expect stand mixers to last for at least a decade, and ideally for much longer. Six months after my purchase, I'm very happy with this machine. If anything happens to change that, I'll update this review.
January 29, 2009
I dropped my mixer! I was doing a lot of Christmas baking, the countertop was crowded, I put it too close to the edge of the counter and WHAM, it fell to the floor, landing hard, upside down. While I have no idea how the trauma will affect the overall life of the mixer, it still works fine. The top is a little askew now, and the hinged door at the front that covers the slow-speed power outlet will no longer stay closed. But: the mixer works as well as it ever did. I really wish I hadn't dropped it, but this is a strong peice of equipment. That was a hard fall from countertop height to a hardwood floor, and there appears to have been nothing more than cosmetic damage. I've been baking as much as ever, and it still works beautifully.
September 4, 2010
Wow -- I don't often look back at my reviews, and when I came back today to make an update, I was surprised that so many people found this helpful. Thanks! I hope if you bought a mixer based on my recommendation that you've loved it. Mine is still going strong, and this evening over dinner, I recommended it to a friend who was thinking of buying a new stand mixer.
Thank you to those who have commented, it adds some additional insight and balance. It was interesting reading the comments -- one person commented that this mixer didn't really handle large batches of heavy rye dough, so you might want to keep that in mind if you make a LOT of bread. I'm still making a loaf or two every week and am quite pleased. One commenter mentioned that his KitchenAid mixer never moved around the countertop. Since I would have to literally hold my KitchenAid down while kneading bread, it makes me wonder how much variance you might find between individual mixers. One of the things I still really, really like about the Cuisinart is that it stays still for me, even when I'm kneading a couple of loaves-worth of bread dough. In fact, I've recently stepped up my bread baking, because I've been experimenting with sourdough recipes. I've also been churning out a LOT of batches of cookies recently as I experiment with a new recipe. (I noticed today that my jeans are feeling a bit tight around the waist. Maybe I need to experiment with something a bit lower-calorie. But, I digress.)
Anyway, I logged on this evening to say I'm still quite pleased with my mixer. Despite the tragic dropping incident over a year and a half ago, the Cuisinart is still working beautifully.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cuisinart SM-55 5-1/2-Quart Stand Mixers

Housed in durable die-cast metal, this stand mixer features a powerful 800-watt motor that can handle the heaviest mixing tasks. Its large, 5-1/2-quart, stainless-steel bowl accommodates big batches--even double recipes. The unit also provides 12 mixing speeds, along with a 15-minute countdown timer and automatic shutoff, for maximum precision. Choose the slow-start function to eliminate splatter or the ultra-gentle fold function to carefully blend in delicate ingredients. The mixer's tilt-back head allows for easy access to the mixing bowl and makes attaching accessories simple.
Accessories include a chef's whisk, a flat mixing paddle, and a dough hook, as well as a splashguard. The whisk aerates ingredients to increase volume or can also be used on slow speed to gently combine dry ingredients. Contoured to reach the bottom and sides of the bowl, the flat mixing paddle ensures thorough mixing. The dough hook makes hand kneading obsolete, while the splashguard offers an extra-wide pouring spout for easily adding ingredients. The stand mixer also contains three power outlets, including a high-speed outlet for its optional dedicated attachments (meat grinder, citrus juicer, blender, food processor, or pasta maker--all sold separately). The stand mixer measures 15-1/2 by 10 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a three-year product warranty and a five-year motor warranty. From the Manufacturer An Array of Helpful Features Features:
Large 5-quart-capacity polished stainless-steel bowl
Powerful 800-watt motor
15-minute countdown timer
Auto shutoff and 12 speeds
Includes 3 accessories: chef's whisk, flat mixing paddle, dough hook
Splashguard with pour spout to prevent spattering
Recipe book
Power unit: clean with a damp cloth and dry
Bowls and tools dishwasher-safe (tools top-rack dishwasher-safe)
Warranty: Limited 3-year product warranty and a full 5-year motor warranty

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Cuisinart HSM-70 Power Advantage 7-Speed Handheld/Stand Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this mixer because I was questioning whether or not to purchase the much-celebrated Kitchen-Aid Artisan Mixer. My reasoning: "for far less money, I'll purchase this mixer and see how often I really use it, and if it warrants a larger purchase in a year or two."
I opened the box and promptly made a batch of cookies which turned out delicious! Two weeks later I made cupcakes and the batter was COMPLETELY smooth, no lumps and NO handmixing. I really enjoy that the bowl spins while mixing, the power is substantial, and it is not a large appliance and can be left out on the counter if desired.
I haven't used the dough hooks yet, but plan to make pizza with it soon, perhaps I'll add to this review at that time.
For now, I am completely satisfied with this purchase and would definitely recommend it to occasional bakers who don't want to shell out three times as much $$ for something they will only use a few times a year.

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Equipped with 220 watts of power, this convenient appliance functions as both a handheld mixer and a stand mixer for exceptional versatility in the kitchen. Use the seven-speed hand mixer on its own or mount it to the sturdy mixing stand for hands-free mixing. The unit's stainless-steel bowl holds up to 3-1/2 quarts and spins on a turntable to ensure all ingredients get thoroughly mixed together. Accessories include flat mixing beaters, dough hooks, and a professional chef's whisk. The flat mixing beaters (extra-long, extra-wide) deliver fast aerating, mixing, and whipping and are designed without a center post to prevent ingredients from clogging up the beaters; the durable dough hooks can handle a variety of doughs; and the professional 1-3/4-inch-diameter whisk effectively whips and aerates--effortlessly add volume to whipped cream or create stiff, fine-textured egg whites. Other highlights include a one-step power switch with a seven-speed LED display, a SmoothStart function to prevent ingredients from splattering, a tilt-back head and easy-release hand-mixer button, and dishwasher-safe parts for quick cleanup. An instruction book with recipes comes included. With its sleek-looking design, complete with a chrome-plated Cuisinart logo band, the mixer measures approximately 17-4/5 by 11-4/5 by 10-1/5 inches and carries a three-year limited warranty. From the Manufacturer
The Cuisinart HSM-70 Power Advantage 7-Speed Handheld/Stand Mixer The Cuisinart HSM-70 Power Advantage Mixer

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