KitchenAids

[chris]

(Yes, I've searched and read through all the posts )

If you own a KitchenAid - do you find it's powerful enough? I notice the motor in it is 300W, where as on KW & others they can go up to 1000W.

We have a breadmaker, so can always kneed bread in that if need be - unless it can handle bread dough fine?

[scarey55]

I have never used one so I can't vouch for its power but my sister and niece have them as does another friend of mine they all swear by them and my sister reckons it even does the washing and makes the beds for her

[Pinfold Plotter]

I got a KitchenAid just under half price in Amazon's Black Friday sale a few years ago. Best thing I ever bought. That and my Magimix make life a breeze (particularly when it comes to chopping up things like a large quantity of peel for marmalade, or lots of onions for chutney). The KitchenAid does the best bread and pastry, sponges come out light and airy, and Italian Meringue Butter Cream - so easy!

Can you tell I'm a fan?

[julesapple]

I have a 1961 Kenwood Chef Major. In the Spring it stopped working and I was beside myself. They cost a fortune new, they aren't made as well - mine is enamelled cast iron, weighs a ton. It was like losing an old friend. I was literally in mourning.....

I phoned my Dad and described what it wasn't doing and the noises and he said the gearing had gone. I found brand new repro gearing on the net and, looking carefully at the original as I disassembled it, I put the new pieces in myself, greased it all up and away we went. Perfect!

When I was looking for parts and researching a new mixer just in case I had to replace, KitchenAids came up the best - but only those made for the catering industry.

[Mikey]

My wife borrowed one last summer and it didn't last the summer hols, now it could have been a dud, or it could be because she does make a lot of cakes...

Its a gadget man, you'll research it to death and make a sound informed decision, we are very much alike you know.

[Pinfold Plotter]

To be honest if I hadn't got the KitchenAid at such a good price, I would have had a hard time deciding between the Kenwood Chef and the KitchenAid, I've heard great things about both. The one thing to bear in mind with the KitchenAid is that whilst the body is cast iron the gears are actually plastic. They are apparently relatively easy to replace should they fail, but you would think that something so sturdy would have metal gears.

[veggiechicken]

I know absolutely nothing about KitchenAids but I do have a Kenwood Chef from the '70s. It weighs a ton but I like that because its feels robust. Then I bought a Kenwood food processor and that is so plasticky - really cheap and nasty in comparison. Hate using it. In this case - weight matters

[chris]

Well, there's a shop in Cardiff that sell them for a couple of hundred more than on amazon. If they're aimed at different markets then I may go for the 'catering' one - I'd rather spend the extra and it last, rather than have to moan on the phone to someone. Believe you me, I'm as tight as a DA, so I'd rather save the money.

Indeed, I've had a KW Food Processor before, it was plastic - eventually the bowl thingy started to break down - crazy, considering it was very expensive. I ended up having to get rid of it, which was annoying as the accessories were so expensive (this was before the days where they were so readily available on site such as ebay etc).

[Mikey]

The problems of domesticity Chris....I'm assuming you are referring to the shop on St Mary's street, can't remember the name. I'll ask the other half where she gets the stuff they use in her school, and let you know.

[julesapple]

I should've said - the gears in my Major are metal - very heavy - but made to withstand whatever I throw at it. It's been in constant use since 1961 (when my MinL got it as a wedding present) and it's doing better than I am and I'm 5 years younger.....

[chris]

Yes Mikey - that shop. I like it in there

[veggiechicken]

i think its called - wait for it - the Kitchen Shop
Apologies - its called "Kitchens" http://www.kitchenscookshop.co.uk/ou...cardiff-store/

[Mikey]

Yes Mikey - that shop. I like it in there

Guilty pleasure mate, I can spend a happy hour trying to work out what half the things upstairs are for. For all those that haven't been there, I'm not saying, but its very shiny.

[veggiechicken]

Yes, me too!! Brilliant shop. We could have our meet up there

[Mikey]

That sounds well dodgy, I'll meet you round the back of the pots and pans, next to the turkey basters.