Best Mixer For The Busy Home Bakery?
Decorating By CutieMcCakes Updated 3 Apr 2010 , 2:28pm by Kitagrl
Hello! I am looking into upgrading my 4.5qt KA mixer and I am not sure what to get. I am constantly using my stand mixer now, so I need something that is very durable (for anything from cakes to breads) and amazing, but won't break the bank.
What do you guys have that you can't live without?
I have a Sunbeam Mixmaster and it serves me just fine. Some say that they can't use theirs for fondant but I use mine to make fondant 3 -5 times a week and have never had a problem. I also make a double batch of Indydebi's buttercream at a time and it comes out perfect with no air bubbles. I paid about $110.00 for mine at Wal-Mart over a year ago.
You ask for one that wouldn't "break the bank" so that's why I suggested the Sunbeam. Of course I would prefer the 6qt KA but can't afford one at the moment 
Nevermind my last post. I just re-read your post and noticed you want something much different than what the sunbeam can offer. 
I just saw "won't break the bank" and jumped on it 
I'm an idiot so excuse my first post. 
I have a 5 qt kitchenaid Pro. I LOVE that thing!! Its very durable - 6 years now with out a single break.
A friend owns a restaurant that does a few custom cakes and a large assortment of other baking every week. They have found that the expected life of a standard kitchen aid was about the same as the larger pro series and they preferred to purchase 2 standard machines rather than 1 of the larger models. I would be glad to hear other feed back about the kitchen aid pro machines, I'm afraid mine is starting to wear out.
I just purchased a KA Pro 600 on Saturday good deal at Kohl's which is where I purchased my 4 quart KA a few years ago and it's still working well, I just wanted a larger bowl. I will use it for the first time late today. I looks pretty though I have the silver one. I can't wait to use it.
To define "break the bank"... I know some of the hobarts are really good, but big and expensive. I have been looking at the 6qt KA Pro line and 600 series, which I have heard are good, but can be quite noisy, and there were issues with getting metal gears versus plastic. I am prepared to spend a couple hundred$, but not prepared to spend a couple thousand$ (like for a Hobart).
I'd suggest a smaller Hobart. That will last as long as you will.
Oooh, I didn't know hobart made smaller mixers. What sizes do they come in (if you know)? 
Confections... they come in various sizes, the smaller countertop ones that I know of are 5qt, 12qt and 20 qt. hth! 
Confections... they come in various sizes, the smaller countertop ones that I know of are 5qt, 12qt and 20 qt. hth!
Ooh, I had no idea. I have a 5qt. kitchen aid right now but would like something a little bigger. I have been considering the 6qt professional but I'll have to look into the hobart too. Thanks!
Hobarts are good. i have used them in every bakery and kitchen i have worked in. I just wish they were more "home- baker" friendly. Save a penny every day.
I have two 6 qt KA's.... unfortunately one of them is at the shop (and has been for two weeks now) and I HAVE TO HAVE THAT THING BACK! Grrr.
They told me KA is slow to send them the parts they need. Whatever.
I strongly suggest two mixers, or at the least have two bowls for one mixer. I have two mixers and three bowls.
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