[Sca-cooks] Stefan: Mixer/Egg Beater...

[ekoogler1 at comcast.net]

Generally speaking, Kitchenaid mixer attachments usually fit 'most all of their models.  However, before purchasing an attachment, you might want to ask.  The biggest difference is between the ones that use a 4 qt. bowl and the ones that use a 5 qt. bowl...and I understand that there's a newer one that does 6 qts.  The 4 qt. has the bowl fit onto a stand on the bottom of the mixer.  The others have the arms that extend around the bowl.  What happens is that when you want to start the mixer, with one of these models (5 or 6), you flip a lever that raises the bowl up to engage with the beater.  

Actually, I have all 3...a KitchenAid stand mixer (5 qt) that I've had for probably 20 years, a hand mixer and a stick.  I use them for different things.  For larger jobs or, like the mousse which requires a long or very fast beating time, I use the KitchenAid.  For smaller jobs...like maybe a light cake batter or something similar, I use the hand mixer...and for things that are sauces, etc., or to beat a few eggs, I use the stick.  

But, to start off with, I'd go with a good hand mixer.  I just checked Lowe's Web site, and found a really nice KitchenAid hand mixer for $45.00.  It's worth the difference...that extra $15 will buy you many more years of service.  I have one similar, and have been using it for a number of years.  

Hope this helps!

Kiri


> Phlip replied to me with:
> >>>
> Stefan, you're complicating things unnecessarily. Yes, you can get a major
> mixer or mixmaster, and drop $150- 200 on one. Or, you can go down to
> Walmart, and buy an inexpensive hand mixer for a little more than $20.
> <<<
> Oh! Okay. I had the impression that the hand mixers would still be in the $90 to 
> $150 range. In that case it becomes a question of whether I should pay a bit 
> more and get the bigger unit. Also looking at that site, I see a number of 
> different stand mixers, including the brand I remember my mother using. From the 
> way mixers were discussed here previously and from what I see the local feast 
> cooks using, exclusively Kitchenaid machines, I thought they might be the only 
> manufacturere left. 
> 
> So when do you want a stand mixer and when do you want a hand mixer? If you 
> already have a stand mixer, is one of the immersion mixers a better companion 
> unit than a hand held?
> 
> >>> 
> That little thing will do pretty much anything you need, if you haven't
> needed one up to this point, and if it turns out you use it enough to want a
> major machine, you can get one later. At that point, you won't have wasted
> $200 on a machine you may not use.
> <<<
> Yes, a very good point. Especially if it is $30 compared to $100. However, I 
> just did some web searches and found that there are a number of used, new and 
> reconditioned Kitchenaid machines available at less than the new $299 prices 
> (and more) I was seeing. I am getting a bit confused with the variety of 
> Kitchenaid model numbers, both current and older models. Do pretty much all the 
> accessories work with all the machines? 
> 
> I also see two types, those that tilt up and those that have the arms which lock 
> the bowl in place. When do you want each type? The heavier duty, "commercial" 
> models do seem to be the type that don't tilt up. Perhaps one of the mid or low 
> end models would do all I need. If I don't just do as Phlip suggests and go get 
> a simple hand held mixer.
> 
> Stefan
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