I currently have a little KA Classic but I'm looking to get a second mixer, a more powerful one. Fondant work is killing my hands (the dying of the fondant mostly) and I recently discovered that I can do this with a stand mixer, but only one more powerful than mine.

I, of course, immediately thought of a bigger KA before thinking there must be other brands out there that are just as great or perhaps even more so.

So... I wanted to get opinions. What's you're favorite mixer and why/what benefits?

Thanks so much!!!

When I first started, I used my KA so much I actually burned out the motor. So as I was fretting about the thought of having to spend another $500 on a mixer that I would burn out in another year, I had the bright idea to check on craigslist for a commercial mixer, and there I found the mixer I use in my shop today: A blakeslee 60qt mixer. It came wit both te 60qt and 20 qt bowls, and a dough hook, which I used even for cake batter until I was able to purchase a paddle for it. I love my blakeslee, and I was able to negotiate it for $300. So... check craigslist

I have a 5qt KA Artisan and I regularly burn out the top 4 speeds when it overheats making a full bowl of american buttercream. I got a 7qt Cuisinart and while it has the muscle to do the work, I don't like how the beater works in the bowl (it doesn't go as throughly as the KA and I haven't figured out how to make it a tighter fit), so i'm not totally happy with that either. I want the action of the KA in a large countertop mixer but with the mechanicals of KA 20 years ago. I regularly check Craigslist for old KAs.

I have a 6qt KA, and love it. If you are close to a meijer, they had the a good sized cuisinart mixer for $179.99. I have heard people loves those too.

I did a video comparing the KA 6qt and the Cuisinart 7qt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYAZX_C6Y3w&list=UUDru9n0gVtJlapF93R1npSw&index=9&feature=plcp


I kill my mixers pretty regulary, but I use them all the time, so they get abused. I personally prefer the KA design to the cuisinart. they also have a new KA 7qt that I have my eye on.

Mae - depending upon where you live in Indiana - you could drive to the Kitchen Aid outlet and pick up a refurbished one for a great price. It is located in Greenville, Ohio. If you have AAA, you can get an additional discount.

Thank you thank you thank you for all of your suggestions!! Most helpful!! I actually only live about 30 minutes from the Kitchen Aid store in Greenville and have been there a few times! I'd actually forgotten they have the discounted models!! Thank you for the reminder!

Thanks again, everyone!! I do love hearing all of your thoughts on the various models/brands!!

Well, I did some shopping and as torn as I am between the KA and the Cuisinart, My husband got me a bigger KA via the Elder Beerman website (the professional 600... 575 watts); with a coupon and free shipping he got it for $250. Not too shabby in my book.

Thank you all so very much for your help!!! Much MUCH appreciated!!