Well, I didn't think it could happen, but my KA 600 6 quart stand mixer is dying after 4.5 years of service. The past year has been a growing experience for my business and I guess all the buttercream is just wearing her out. When I turn her on, she just sits there for like 1 minute before she turns. The 10 setting now runs like the 8 setting used to. And she moans like she is in pain when starts spinning.

I hate to lay her to rest because she got me started and helped me actually start a business from nothing! I owe her so much. That machine helped give me purpose when I was clueless about myself and what I wanted in my life.

I love you Mindy! You will be missed! Ashes to ashes...

Through tears...Anyone know of a mixer just a little larger that can still fit on my countertop?

I got a Cuisinart 7 quart last month and love it!!! It fits beautifully under my cabinet on my counter (I am pretty sure it actually is a little shorter than the KA). It also has a few very nice features...timer, bowl cover, fold in button, etc.

so sorry for your loss.

The KA was not repairable? I've had mine repaired a couple times...might be $100 but its cheaper than buying new.... I keep two KA 6 qts on my counter.

Try to search in your area for a repair place that is certified to repair KitchenAid...that or I think calling or emailing KA themselves, they can tell you where your closest repair shop is located.

I've considered replacing mine a few times but man...to get a nice Viking or something is gonna be $400-$500 and it only costs $200 or less to repair BOTH of my 6 qt mixers...so I just keep repairing if necessary. One of mine is a refurbished one anyway.

Have you ever regreased it in the past 4.5 years.
I have an article with complete pictures that shows how to disassemble the KA mixer, regrease every little corner and bolt and reasesmble it again.
(my DH was supposed to regrease my KA about 7 months ago, which he did not yet do it)
I have to search for it in my computer, will post when I find it.

http://artisanbreadbaking.com/ka_greasing

Cuisinart 7qt. It's just great.

It handles anything. I make mostly IMBC. But I've also softened frozen butter with it. I figure, if I can make bread with it...

Review here from Cooks Illustrated.

Advance to 04:54.

http://bostoncp.http.internapcdn.net/bostoncp/podcasts/20080915_fluffy_yellow_cake_hi.m4v

I also bought the 5.5qt for my sister 2 years ago, and I just got another 5.5qt for me (hobby baking but two different houses, can't live without one). I think the best is the warranty, 5 years as opposed to 1 for the KA.

also the cuisenart is basically the same price as the KA.

It has handled every thing I have thrown at it. But I'm just a hobby baker.

Doesn't the Cuisinart have a bigger watt motor than the KA's do?

Theresa

1,000 watts for the 7 qt., 800 watts for the 5.5 qt. for Cuisinart. I think it's double than the KA.

Go for the Cuisinart 7QT! It works like a dream, handles multiple batches of buttercream, cookie dough etc. I've had mine since this summer and I love it! I also got it on sale at macy's when they had some special (25% off) and free shipping.

You could always fix it. http://www.mendingshed.com/kaelectro.html

I agree with purchasing a Cuisinart. I one last month and it's been fantastic! I love the larget bowl and some of the other features on it that are missing on the KA. And the much longer warranty is definitely a plus with the problems of today's KAs. I use to be a faithful KA user, but after everything that is happening to the new models, I wouldn't buy another one. I still have my older KA (that was made when Hobart still made them) and use it, too, but most of the work goes to the Cuisinart.