Ka Isn't What It Was.

Decorating By Narie Updated 18 May 2007 , 3:06am by berryblondeboys

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Narie Posted 16 May 2007 , 12:11am
post #1 of 10

I just received a new paddle for my old KA 45. When I called KA to make sure they still made a paddle which would fit my machine, the service rep told me that they stopped making my old work horse in 1977. And yes the new paddle would fit my machine. The plastic coating on my old one had started to split, and I was concerned about sanitary issues.

Concerning the new paddle- definitely lighter and with much thinner coating. I am not impressed. I had read enough comments here about things going wrong with the current machines, and I also wondered because the price hasn't gone up as much as other things have over the past 30 old years. My old one may not have any fancy colors, but it is extremely well made and I hope lasts as long as I do.

9 replies
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rcs Posted 17 May 2007 , 4:39am
post #2 of 10

Narie, I bought my KA4.5 in 1983. I wanted something that could handle bread dough. It's a lovely basic whitehowever, it's still going strong. The new colors are really pretty but look at the bright side...white goes with anything!

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cambo Posted 17 May 2007 , 12:46pm
post #3 of 10

Are the artisan mixers the one with plastic coated paddles? I like the way those look, but mine is metal (stainless?) with no coating. I have the pro600.

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SweetResults Posted 17 May 2007 , 1:31pm
post #4 of 10

You can buy the coated paddle for the pro 600, I hate the metal ones, plus my DH put mine in the dishwasher and ruined it - I had black stuff comnig off in a batch of frosting!!

Threw it out and ordered the covered one.

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Antylucifer Posted 17 May 2007 , 3:59pm
post #5 of 10

Don't forget you can either contact KA by phone or go to their website-help is always available on the forums. They have the BEST customer Service and will do anything to make the customer happy-it's one thing you can count on with KA. There are many times free replacements are sent to customers just to show they stand by their product-even discoloration from the dishwasher. Also, if you aren't happy with the coated paddle, is there a possibility that a metal one would fit? Try these links and I'm sure you'll find help:

KA Phone Number: 1-800-541-6390.

Forums: p://forum.kitchenaid.com/forums/default.asp

Good Luck

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doescakestoo Posted 17 May 2007 , 4:15pm
post #6 of 10

When I had a problem with my KA the warrenty was out by a year. I still called and they replaced mine with a pro600. The only draw back with it is that has the metal beater. But I am learning to get over it. I am going to get a 4 1/2 qt again. My oldest son got mine when he got married. I miss not doing smaller jobs. The bigger one is only good with big jobs. It doesn't like to do one batch jobs.

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ShirleyW Posted 17 May 2007 , 4:27pm
post #7 of 10
Quote:
Originally Posted by Narie

I just received a new paddle for my old KA 45. When I called KA to make sure they still made a paddle which would fit my machine, the service rep told me that they stopped making my old work horse in 1977. And yes the new paddle would fit my machine. The plastic coating on my old one had started to split, and I was concerned about sanitary issues.

Concerning the new paddle- definitely lighter and with much thinner coating. I am not impressed. I had read enough comments here about things going wrong with the current machines, and I also wondered because the price hasn't gone up as much as other things have over the past 30 old years. My old one may not have any fancy colors, but it is extremely well made and I hope lasts as long as I do.




That is because your older machine was made for KitchenAid by Hobart, and they were quality items. The new company that took over KA just isn't the same. My original mixer from 1964 is still going. I bought a new one in 2000 and within 3 months the off and on knob cracked in half and fell off, and the metal ring that goes above the attachments fell off too. Very disappointed in the poor quality.

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CherylAnn Posted 17 May 2007 , 7:18pm
post #8 of 10

I dont mean to change the post but I am thinking of buying a new stand mixer as my "rummage sale find" sunbeam is ancient and im worried that it wont last another 10 yrs. lol... I was looking at wolfgang puck mixers they have alot more wattage than the KA anyone have any feedback for the puck???

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Renaejrk Posted 17 May 2007 , 7:40pm
post #9 of 10

I have one, it is the 350 watt. It has done the job, but I would like something more powerful with a bigger bowl than what I have. I don't think it's just the wattage that counts? My SIL let me borrow her 4.5 KA right before my mom got this mixer for me, and hers seemed more powerful than mine. When I make fondant it works fine, but it seems like it's working really hard!! All in all, it's a good mixer and typically cheaper (at least mine was), but KA may be better.

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berryblondeboys Posted 18 May 2007 , 3:06am
post #10 of 10

The price of this indicate that they aren't made to the same standards as before. The were EXPENSIVE before and now they are moderately so and I know breadmakers who used the old ones, don't use the new ones as they can't handle the dough and go kaput.

I really do love my Swedish made Electrolux Assistent DLX2000... but it's different from what you all are used to, so I think it would be a hard transition for a lot of people, but I ADORE this thing and it works well for big or small jobs. The only thing that I can't do is mix butter and liquids first in the big bowl with roller and scraper, but I could do that in the bowl with beater, but I just do things in different order if possible then.

I remember my Mom had an old Sunbeam - from 1969 and that thing too was a WORKHORSE and I remember her saying that it was very expensive new, but those detiorated in the 80s I seem to recall... seems the KA is doing that now.

Melissa

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