I usually make my MMF by hand, but last night I decided to try mixing it up in the KA for the first time. I have the 5qt KA, I think it is around 300w.
At the part where you switch in the dough hook, it really started to make that low grinding rumble noise. I did not finish mixing it all the way because I did not want to hurt my baby, errr...I mean my KA, lol. Has anyone ever killed a KA making MMF or do you REALLY recommend using one to make fondant?
I used my 300w KA to make MMF just two days ago. I did most of the mixing by hand (50%), then popped it into my KA. I used the dough hook at about speed 4 (i think) and it worked just fine. Try doing a search for MMF on the site. There was a forum where someone listed very good tips on making MMF w/a KA and general tips on working with it.
Hi Rodneyck!
I think this is a mixed issue here at CC. Some threads I have read that people swear by making MMf in their KA and others say they absolutely don't do it, doing it by hand instead. I'd really like to find out, too. Before we head to San Francisco (thanks again for all of the tips!!), I'm buying a KA...and I want to know if it will handle MMF. I think I'll take the ingredients to the store and have the sales person put a few KA's to the test for the difinitive answer, lmao..what d'ya think? 
I thought I had that thread that doitallmom spoke about bookmarked, but now I can't seem to find it. If I come across it I'll post it here in case you haven't found it.
Just a thought...is your KA still under warranty? If so, call KA and have them listen to the noise it is making as it mixes...they'll tell you if it is normal or not, and if it dies in the process, they'll send you a replacement, or so I've read.
HTH!
Hi Cande!
Thanks for the tips. I will try and find that thread and give it a read. I also like the idea of plopping down a roll of fondant to test at the store, lol. I would love to be a fly on the wall to see the sales person's face. What a good idea though.
The KA did fine, I was just sort of paranoid. I would think over time, it would not be that good for them. I could be wrong. Plus, it seemed I had more of a mess using the KA than doing it by hand, so not sure if the time saved is reversed by doing the dishes, lol. It could be just me.
Not sure what my warranty is, but I will check. I have had mine for at least 5 years now.
Take care...
Hi!
The first time I made MMF, it almost killed my Hamilton Beach heavy duty mixer. This is a 400 watt mixer, not a small hand-held. Ever since then I followed the advice given to me by fellow cc'ers and have made the MMF by hand. I find it much easier to just whip it out by hand.
Good luck!
Reading your post brought back painful memories of the day I killed my first KA ( the artisan). I was making MMF and sure enough I heard the same noises and yes it died. It was a brand new machine I had only used it about 3-4 times before I destroyed it. will never make MMF in a KA again.
Jackie
I personally think it would be more of a pain to do it in a mixer, anyway! When I make MMF, I use a medium sized plastic bowl, and do everything right in it (even knead.) It maybe takes me 10 minutes, and the only thing I have to wash are my hands and the bowl.
On a side note....I got a KA last night! I was right in the middle of making a double batch of icing in my Sunbeam Mixmaster, and it stopped dead in it's tracks. I called DH, who just happened to be at Lowes, so he ventured back to the appliance dept and picked me up an Artisan. I was excited, too...he said the price was $268, but when I looked at the receipt, it rung up at $222! WOOOHOOO!
Rodneyck, your KA has a 2 year warranty for parts, and 5 years for the motor - so if it's going to die and you want it replaced for free, sort it out quickly!
I use my KA for the first 4 cups of icing sugar and by then the marshmellow is cool and I finishing mixing and kneading by hand. I don't find it that hard to throw the bowl and beater in the sink with water while I am finishing up usually all the sticky is off by the time I go to wash it.
Hi everyone!!! I wanted to ask, because unfortunately I am new, what mostly is the MMF used for. I mean I know it stands for Marshmallow Fondant. But I am just now taking Course 1 and so far only the first class. So I mean what types of cakes or decorations is it used for and why.
Is it something that everyone uses alot.
I am very curious because I just finally decided to get me a mixer for the first time and had a real hard time deciding what to buy.
I tried to get a KA off of Ebay but they go up pretty high and I did not want to spend a lot just starting out.
So I went to Wal-mart and they had a Sunbeam Heritage Series Mixmaster. It has 350 watts, It came with a 2.2 qt bowl and a 4.6 qt bowl. Does anyone know if I would ever use the small bowl and is the 4.6 bowl big enough to do what we need it to do.
It seems pretty nice and has a good heavy duty body and it was $98.00. I know the cheap price could mean a cheap product but maybe not all the time. I hope not anyways.
If there is anyone that has or have had one of these or something close to this, would you please let me know your experience with it.
And if you have one, what have you found out that you can and cant do with it.
Thank you all so much!!!
Hi CrystalsCakes5!!
If you are taking classes, then I am sure they will get around to discussing fondant and its many uses. It is a covering to go over cakes, usually on top of a buttercream frosting or marzipan. You can also add a hardener to it and create flowers, animals all sorts of 3D objects, it is then referred to as gumpaste. Marshmallow fondant is cheap to make, taste better than the traditional and easy to work with. You use fondant on a cake when you want a very elegant, smooth finish, great for weddings. It also keeps the cake moist, sealing in the moisture.
As far as the mixer goes, if there is one important item in baking where you might want to spend the extra money, it would be the mixer. If it were me, I would just keep saving and maybe borrow one from a friend or rent one if possible until you can afford your own. If you absolutely must have one and/or can't afford a KA, then do your research. Amazon.com is great for this. You can read the customer reviews and find out before you buy if it that Sunbeam is a good investment or not. Consumer Reports is another good source.
Ways to get a cheaper KA... They do have a refurbished place on their website, at least I have been told. You might try there. Also there are websites that sell refurbished products, overstock.com and others.
Good luck and hope to see you around the forum.
Thank you Rodneyck for your advice.
Yes I hope to be here alot. I really enjoy reading all the posts and I have learned alot.
Thanks again.
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