Every since Whirlpool took over Kitchen Aid the quality has gone way down with regard to Kitchen Aid mixers. I bought my first Kitchen Aid mixer a couple weeks ago, came home, turned it on and sparks flew out of it, and a few seconds later, a fuse blew. I took the mixer back to the store and got another mixer only this time the second speed didn't work. I then took the second mixer back but this time asked for a refund.I finally found the Hamilton Beach mixer on line, and I couldn't believe the price for an orbiting, metal, stand mixer with a three year no questions asked warranty (Kitchen Aid only offers a one year warranty), so I bought it. The mixer arrived the other day, and I have been baking like a maniac every since. My first test was cherry, pecan scones, and the mixer didn't hesitate once while pushing through the thick, heavy dough. My second test - chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. This machine didn't bat an eye (eyes not included) forging through a double batch. Also, it's relatively quiet compared to Kitchen Aid - you can hear the quality in the motor. I can't even begin to say how much I enjoy this mixer.
I purchased this mixer four days before Thanksgiving 2009, since my old mixer (a combo hand/stand that I had gotten for free) died the previous year during the holiday season. It was then I determined that I would be buying a true stand mixer.
I researched many different models, and focused primarily on the CuisineArt and KitchenAid Artisan models. However, after logging onto Amazon.com and reading about the features of the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics Stand Mixer in comparison to the others, and after reading some of the negative reviews on the later KitchenAid Artisan mixers, I added it as a possibility, especially since I knew I would never use the various attachments that came with the other brands. After a bit more research, I decided I would purchase the Hamilton Beach, in Licorice (Black).
I signed up for a free month of Amazon Prime, and my mixer was delivered two days later just in time for my holiday baking. I could not have been more pleased with the order and delivery process through Amazon! The mixer looked like it was very sturdy and constructed quite well. I was also impressed with the ceramic coating of the cake beater and dough hook, which made them easy to clean.
For Thanksgiving I used the mixer to make a cheesecake, numerous pies, and a batch of homemade dinner rolls. It handled everything easily, although the rolls did appear to test the boundaries of the mixer's capabilities. For Christmas I was able to quickly mix a batch of sugar cookies and throw a number of cakes together without any trouble.
I will say that I need to scrape the sides once in a while, but I also figured out how to slightly unlock the bowl while mixing and cause the beater/whisk/dough hook to scrape the sides if needed. I also like that the shield gives me the ability to add ingredients while mixing.
So far, I am very pleased with the purchase, especially with how easy it is to clean up after using. The mixer also looks very nice sitting on our dark granite counters! I expect many more years of fun baking with my new stand mixer.
I purchased this unit just over a month ago. It arrived in less than a week. I've had no problems with it yet. It is truly all metal except for the splash guard/ingredient chute. To address some other reviews that had me concerned. The head doesn't slap around. That is a warranty issue for her. It does walk with big stiff dough recipes such as a two loaf all wheat. Simple physics, considering size and weight, tells you at medium to high speeds it will. Kinda lets you know it is a powerful electronic speed controlled mixer. I can easily steady the base for the few seconds to finish mixing. All other mixing jobs are done with ease. I, personally, like the tilt head. All stand mixers will require side scraping with some recipes, even the expensive KitchenAids. Although I made a five bar cheesecake yesterday and as I was watching the eggs, dropped in at the side one at a time, they were all fully captured and mixed in. I usually scrape once at the beginning and it spins into a dough ball at the end anyway. There is a dimple at the bottom of the bowl to help pick up added flour during the mix. Speaking of KitchenAid, have you read the reviews of those "attachments"? Besides being expensive they say all of them suck. It seems you can buy better and cheaper items to do the same thing taking up the same amount of space.So far I've made 4 loaves of baguettes, 4 loaves of wheat, 2 loaves of sourdough, numerous cakes, batches of cookies, and of course a large cheesecake since I've had it with no problems. (Now you can see why I needed a strong stand mixer! My church loves me now too!) The key is to read the instructions more than once to ensure you understand how to operate this model. It has some cool recipes in there too! And yes, it is very easy to clean as well.If you want a mixer to crank out mega-loaves of all wheat bread daily, (commercial), then this is not it. If you want to make great bread, dishes and pastries for your family then this can't be beat at this price range with this much power. After all, as one consumer already stated, this is a "Consumer Reports best buy". I've had a Sunbeam Heritage, (like the one shown on the Cookin In Brooklyn show), and contrary to popular belief there is NOT a motor under the bottom pedestal. It's great for everything else but gluttonous bread dough's. A white loaf every once in a while, maybe. But, I wanted to be more artisan and organic with my breads so I upgraded.
