This Artisan KitchenAid stand mixer replaces an older, less powerful (250 watts) KitchenAid that I bought twenty-two years ago and that finally was beginning to show its age. Like most serious cooks, I can't imagine cooking or baking without a KitchenAid.
So what's so great about this mixer? Well, for starters, it handles all mixing jobs, from small to large, from delicate to tough. The orbital mixing action ensures that ingredients are mixed efficiently, in less time than required by hand mixers. Read the instructions for correct speeds because recipes that say "beat at medium speed" do not refer to this mixer's mid-range; "four" is the medium setting out of ten. Users should also read the instruction for any attachments they may be using since they aren't intuitive. For example, my new ice cream attachment (KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment) needs to be set at the lowest setting ("stir") instead of the "six" I expected.
The brand is known for its durability, reliability, and versatility. Any appliance that lasts for over twenty years with only minimal signs of age offers real value. The motor on my old mixer was tough -- and I expect this one to be even tougher given the power. I have never taxed the motor enough to engage a shut down -- and this comes from someone who has burned out no less than three handheld mixer motors.
Besides the extra power, the Artisan seems pretty much the same as my old one except for a slightly heavier weight mixing bowl and a sturdier whisk attachment. My old attachments and extra bowls/paddles fit the new machine.
When people walk into my kitchen and see my mixer on the counter, they often say, "You must be a good cook!" That's because the KitchenAid mixer has become the hallmark of a gourmet cook. If you consider yourself in this category or want to buy a gift for a gourmet, look no further.
-- Debbie Lee WesselmannGet more detail about
KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Empire Red.
