shopping for stand mixer

[jang]

I'm shopping for a Kitchen Aid Mixer. Do I really need a 6 qt bowl with 475 Watts, or, will a 4.5 qt bowl with 325 Watts work for Chocolate chip cookie and pizza dough? I want enough power but don't want to "over buy" Any suggestions appreciated

[funnybone]

I bought the 6 qt only because I figured it was the last mixer I was going to buy and wanted the best one out. I do not regret it. Small batches work as well as large batches (that was my main concern at first). I am sure they are all comparable in quality. I ended up getting 20% off of mine, with a coupon, so the price was even more attractive.

[catharine]

I am hardly an expert (I just recieved my mixer for my birthday last month), but I have found my 4.5 qt. bowl more than sufficient. I have doubled banana bread recipes and made cookies, cheesecake, etc. with plenty of room.

Enjoy. BTW, there are lots of other threads about mixers if you are interested.

[Vanessa]

I have the 350watt 5 qt (Millenium?)(also got the cover for it) my DH got it at Chef's catalog (they even sent an extra bowl with my name...so cute!) I really like it. Its easy to use and really you can handle lots of dough in it. Its very powerful as I don't recall using the higher speeds except once or twice so I am happy with it & highly recommend it.

[Chefmom]

I have used my 4 1/2 qt Ultra Power now for about 9 years and it is just fine for me. It has held up with hard core, commercial use, with baking and cake decorating over the years. I would love to have the larger, 6qt, but I have read where a LOT of people are having problems with the on/off switch. I don't think I would buy it right now.

But, I am looking at the Kenwood 7qt. I have heard MANY good things about that mixer, and if I buy another, it will be the Kenwood.

If you are doing moderate baking, go with the 4 1/2 qt. I like it's shape the best because the whole head lifts up instead of messing with lowering the bowl, and it's much easier to scrape the bowl. It's a great mixer!!

Tami

[eks]

After several years of wishing for a Kitchen Aid mixer, my mom surprised me with the Kitchen Aid 6 quart mixer. I was so excited, but my initial thoughts were that it would be too powerful for my basic baking needs. However, it has done great for everything I have used it for (mainly cookies and cakes). I am sure that whatever size you decide to go with you will LOVE it!

[Beth]

I had not heard about problems with the new 6 qt models. There are 5 qt options too, a regular or professional version (Prof has a little more wattage and a reset button in case of overheating). Think about what you think you may be doing over the next 10 or more years....will you cook for larger crowds or possibly want to add the pasta attachement, meat grinder, etc.? If so, go larger. If not, smaller will probably be fine. By the way, KitchenAid sells refurbished models that can be great deals if there's a store that sells them near you. KitchenAid's number for small appliance service and questions is 800-541-6390.