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Knowthanks t1_j3rtupy wrote

Reply to comment by -Chris-V- in BIFL suggestions for cookware? I already have a cast iron skillet. by TrialByFireAnts

Let’s open a sidebar discussion….

I’m a big time baker from biscuits to cookies, pies, bread, rolls, everything. I bake probably 3-4 times a week but I’m hand mixing and kneading. Is a kitchen aid mixer worth the price? With how much we cook, I’d want to get the professional mixer but can’t get past the price tag, last I checked the pro mixers were $600. Is this a justifiable expense?

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[deleted] t1_j3sd35h wrote

I was asking myself the same question and I think it depends. If you have mobility issues or if you feel your hands starting to hurt, then it's worth it because you can't put a price tag on your health. But if kneading by hand doesn't bother you (and I'm assuming you use a normal mixer for beating egg whites, whipping cream etc) then you don't need to spend 500-600$.

I am starting to feel some pain in my hands so I was considering it. What confuses me is that I follow some cooking channels (some I've followed for 12-13 years) and I don't see the same KitchenAid being used. After a few years they end up getting a new one and it makes me uneasy. If I spend this much, I'd expect it to last 15-20 years used a few times a week. Maybe my expectations are wrong. 😂😂

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Knowthanks t1_j3so99d wrote

I feel the same way. I do like to bifl as much as possible and spending $600 on something I have to replace in 5 years is not what I call economical. If I could get 10-15 years out of it, I think that’s feasible, honestly considering how much quicker and easier it is. That’s, what, $60/year for faster and easier, less exhausting baking, sounds alright to me but it depends on the circumstances of course.

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[deleted] t1_j3sphau wrote

Yeah 10-15 years when using a few times a week would make it a good investment. I'd like to hear if anyone has one that has been used like this and has lasted a similar amount of time.

I've seen positive unboxing reviews so I don't doubt it's a beast power wise. The longevity bit is what I'd need confirmation on.

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Jackson3rg t1_j3sq7wg wrote

If you're baking that much I would for sure recommend a kitchen aid. It makes things so much easier. My wife got one awhile back and that thing is an absolute monster of machine.

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Tsk201409 t1_j3rx6fy wrote

Get a used one off Fb Marketplace for $150. The Pro ones are kinda too big for me to store so I’ve been happy with the smaller one

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-Chris-V- t1_j3tdis4 wrote

For that frequency, I'd probably get one. I use mine less frequently, but I like it a lot. Especially for kneading. The only downside is that it doesn't work well with small volumes.

I do have the pro model, and they are expensive. Maybe a used or refurbished one would do the trick.

We also have a smaller hand mixer we use probably just as often (if I'm being honest).

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papermageling t1_j3tfwdt wrote

I really don't enjoy the KitchenAid for doughs. I've had trouble with the motor overheating sometimes and with the dough climbing the hook and getting warm. I'm sure some of this is user error, but I just felt like I'd rather be kneading than troubleshooting a device.

It's absolutely incredible at buttercream and meringues, but that's true of their bottom of the line ones too.

I've used a nice pro 6 qt model and a 4.5 qt super basic one enough to compare. I didn't even try bread dough in the smaller one though.

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