I just bought this mixer after reviewing Amazon comments and other Web sites. Amazon users give the Cuisinart mixed reviews, but several other sites, such as Cooks.com give it very high marks -- equal to or better than the KitchenAid. It came down to this mixer or a KitchenAid. I decided to buy the Cuisinart, based on the 3-year warranty. One use tells me the mixer has the power I need. It feels and looks first rate, and the beaters do a great job. I agree with everything the first reviewer said in his excellent review, except I don't think the beater release is all that flimsy, unless you are trying to jam attachements in that aren't made for the unit. I'd be reluctant to use other brand dough hooks or attachments as he suggested. The ones I have from a previous mixer are not only larger on the tips (he filed those down) but are also a bit thicker on the shafts. I think you're asking for trouble if you try to force other units' attachments into this mixer. I rate it four stars because Cuisinart doesn't even make dough hooks for this model -- then again, I've never found dough hooks to be very useful on a hand mixer. Oh yeah, I got this baby at "Bad Breath and Beyond" for $49 after I used the 20% coupon. But mine is ALL CHROME top to bottom -- it looks and feels totally awesome! I'll try to upate this review after I've used the mixer a while longer.
ONE YEAR UPDATE:
The mixer continues to perform as expected. I mainly use it for cookie dough, cake mixes, and mashed potatoes. It slugs through them exactly as I'd want. The "soft" start is really a nice feature as it keeps things from flying all over the kitchen when the beaters start up. I think I saw the price had come down $10 at Bed Bath and Beyond, making the mixer an even better value.
I must say, I love this machine. It's so easy to use and saves me alot of time! I recently just purchased this item and have been using it nonstop to bake! Knowing this, I can't really say anything about its lasting power - but if it lasts me more than two years, I would be more than happy.
There are 7 speeds! Although I don't think one needs that much, but it's always nice to have I assume. I ordered the chrome mixer because it was cheaper than the white one and it just makes it easier to clean! White is so much more high maintenance than chrome - I can just wipe away any dirt on this machine and store it in away in the cupboard.
After waiting too many years, I am so very happy that we decided to purchase this professional quality 500 Series Kitchen Aid Professional 5 Plus 5-Qt stand mixer. I have admired K/A Mixers forever and have recently been drooling over all the colors the Artisans come in. After much research and reading MANY product reviews from various sources, I decided on this well built, Bowl-Lift Mixer with 450 HP, and Professional Transmission. I couldn't be more delighted and satisfied with it! I was going to get a 600 series, but the height was prohibitive for my counter-space clearance so I chose the next size down. I absolutely LOVE it. It doesn't come in as many colors as the Artisan, but I decided on White on White anyway, as all my other appliances are White and it will always match. I have some mobility issues so my cooking chores are often difficult for me. This mixer is so powerful and FAST it is cutting down my work time significantly! The bowl and beaters are easy to clean, even by hand they are a breeze. So far I have made Cheese Balls, Pizza Dough, Mashed Potatoes and Strata- all with great ease! It is literally saving my arms from using a hand mixer as I have been doing for years. I wondered IF I could manage since it is so large, but it is NOT a problem for me.
Even if all I did was look at it, I'd be happy to have it after all these years, but using it pure JOY!
*I'd like to make an important NOTE HERE in hopes of saving another shopper the ERROR I made regarding the POURING SHIELD ATTACHMENT which did not come included with my Mixer..
The Amazon Information was NOT CORRECT in describing the Pouring Shield # KPS2CL as fitting ALL K/A 4 1/2 & 5 Qt Stand mixers. It does NOT fit this 500 Plus Model- it's about 6/10s of an inch too small and just falls into the bowl! It DOES FIT the 5 Qt Artisan perfectly and I was happy to give it to a relative who could use it.
THE CORRECT POURING SHIELD for this 500 Plus Mixer is # KN256PS.
I confirmed this with Kitchen Aid Customer Service before ordering from Amazon, as Kitchen Aid has recently changed the part Number from the one listed in the "Attachment Booklet" that came with my Mixer. I am happy to report that indeed it does fit perfectly! The Amazon Product description for "Kitchen Aid Pouring Shield with Wide Chute" has the correct item number and that's the one I ordered.
I also ordered the K/A Cloth Mixer Cover too, which also fits just fine, but I sort of hate to have it covered as I enjoy seeing it...
In spite of the little mix-up with the Pouring Shields, I remain a satisfied Amazon Customer over several years now. I'm not letting that little blurp rob my absolute JOY in having my long desired Kitchen Aid Mixer and fun of discovering how helpful it really is! I am doubly happy that is is MADE in the USA!! Enjoy! Thank You!
KitchenAid is well known for excellent products and if you're a baker or just like to cook, a KitchenAid Pro mixer is the way to go. This mixer is heavy duty and very reliable. I've had this mixer for years and I just purchased an additional KitchenAid Pro 5.5 Quart stand mixer last week. Get's the job done!!
I bought this item on black friday. I have always wanted a kitchen aid mixer. I make cheese cakes regularly and it is a pain to mix the cream cheese by hand to get all the lumps out. Since I have recieved my mixer I have made 4 cheese cakes and 2 batches of chocolate chip cookies. The mixer has cut the time it takes to make the batter in half. I throw the cream cheese in there turn it on and just let it do its thing. Ill never go back to the old way of mixing with a wooden spoon. The craftmenship of this item is very good. The mixer itself, beaters and bowl are all very high quality. I would recomend reading the directions befor you start baking. I did not and ended up scraping the beater against the bowl. Theres a button on the back of the bowl that clips in. I did not have it cliped in when I turned it on. Oops. Great item for a great price.
KitchenAid KV25GOXGR Professional 5 Plus 5-Quart Stand Mixer, Imperial Grey
Bought this mixer back in 2006 because I had heard and, subsequent research showed, that it was a very sturdy mixer. I use it for everything and am contemplating buying the grinder attachment. I bake a lot of bread in the fall, winter & spring, so this mixer has gotten a workout and I can't imagine doing all that kneading anymore (I do finish kneading by hand, but this has taken all the initial mixing and kneading off my hands (pun intended). The mixer is large and will take up room on your counter. I tried storing it in the pantry but it is very heavy to lift.I would recommend this mixer to everyone.
