Cake Decorating Community - Cakes We Bake

Ok, after listening to a very long conversation about how amazing stand mixers are, I decided that it's time I should get one. But being a fulltime Culinary arts student with no money and no job, it's next to impossible to afford one by myself. So I begged, and pleaded and my mom decided that she'll help me buy one ...YAY!!!......only thing is, I don't know which one I should get..Cooks, Sunbeam, KitchenAid.....where do I even begin to make this decission? Affordability and durability is a must. What do you guys think? any recommendations?

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I own both a Sunbeam and Kitchen Aid. My preference is the Kitchen Aid by far. Reason being is the first time I made my special cookie batter using the Sunbeam, the motor burned. Sunbeam was very good about it and sent me a new one but it is not made to handle heavy batters. My Kitchen Aid handled it like a charm! If you want good quality that will last you a lifetime, go Kitchen Aid. You can also purchase the separate attachments that attach to the Kitchen Aid as money is available, saving you time on buying them separately (ex: pasta attachment).
Nauricia,
I bet if you look at the recent discussion it might be very helpful for you to make your own decision.

http://www.cakeswebake.com/forum/topics/stand-mixers-your
Wow, you make me smile! Another color for each type of caking sound fantastic! I would love to know where and how you store all of these. You are one very Lucky Gal. I would love to have a second KitchenAid myself but it is a want not necessary as of yet. I will think of an excuse some day soon, I hope! LOL

Debra J. Mosely said:
Nauricia, Congratulations on being a full-time culinary arts student and realizing that you need a stand mixer! I applaud you. These mixers are amazing and save you tons of time straining to mix buttercream or heavy batters with hand mixers. I've been a fan of KitchenAid mixers since I burned out the last stand mixer (cannot remember the brand) years ago. I figured out that if I had put all of the money I spent on those "cheap mixers", I could have bought 2 KitchenAid mixers! Now I own 5 and as they come out with new colors, I get tempted to add another one to my collection!
I just joined but thought I would give you my 2 cents worth. I have been baking my whole life (i;m old LOL) and I have ,ober the years purchased several "cheap" mixers. FINALLY I said thats enough! I researched, spoke to several bakers/chefs and the general census was Cuisinart. I purchased the Cusinart 61/2 quart and I LOVE IT. It is high end and I paid $500 canadian but I do see them on sale quite offen. It came with 3 beaters....I bread/dough, the paddle and the wisk. It seems to handle all jobs small or large and comes with a stainless steel 61/2 quart bowl. I did notice no one recommended this machine, which I was surprised at as my cake decorating class sveral of the students have this. Hope that gives you another option.
I know what you mean about burning out mixers. I burned out two hand mixers and two stand mixers before I broke down and bought my first Kitchen Aid. My husband was not happy about it and said the amount I would use it did not justify the purchase price. Boy was he wrong. Since I started caking my Kitchen Aid has not been off my kitchen counter and I recently talked him into buying me the Professional 600 series 6 quart mixer for larger batches. I have them both on my kitchen counter. I love them both but I have to say the snazzy bright red 6 quart is my favorite. You can't go wrong with Kitchen Aid.

Debra J. Mosely said:
Nauricia, Congratulations on being a full-time culinary arts student and realizing that you need a stand mixer! I applaud you. These mixers are amazing and save you tons of time straining to mix buttercream or heavy batters with hand mixers. I've been a fan of KitchenAid mixers since I burned out the last stand mixer (cannot remember the brand) years ago. I figured out that if I had put all of the money I spent on those "cheap mixers", I could have bought 2 KitchenAid mixers! Now I own 5 and as they come out with new colors, I get tempted to add another one to my collection!
I agree with Karen. I have a Cuisinart 5.5 qt mixer. I upgraded from a Sunbeam. The power is outstanding. I make fondant in mine using the dough hook. I was able to get mine from Amazon for $249 w/free shipping. If it isn't on sale today it will be within the next 4 weeks.
To the point .... KitchenAid ... I've been using mine 3-4 times/wk at least. I make cakes for extra money and my KitchenAid has assisted me throughout my baking and cake decorating. And, I've had mine for about 9 years now and it is still working. Eventually, I know I have to get a new one just in case this one retires soon!! Furthermore, I'm so glad I've invested in my KitchenAid. Good Luck w/ your search ... usually, you can find them for sale at department stores too!
KITCHEN AID !!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON ANYTHING ELSE. and when you want to make bread or other things, you will LOVE IT ! i have the meat grinder attachment and love to grind my own beef. turkey and make healthier meals.
Carla Pratt said:
KITCHEN AID !!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON ANYTHING ELSE. and when you want to make bread or other things, you will LOVE IT ! i have the meat grinder attachment and love to grind my own beef. turkey and make healthier meals. i forgot to tell you if you ever have a problem with your kitchen aid they will fix it too ! so send in that reg. card !!
I have owned a Kitchen Aid and am very disappointed. I used it 4-5 times and put it away as I bought my own business and got too busy to use it. It was not used for a while and when I went to use it, it failed to turn on. A 300 dollar mixer only used 4-5 times and it broke. I don't think I will own another one. I have a sunbeam and love it. So far so good. Plus it came with a 2 year guarantee and I purchased another 1 yr. guarantee. Not sure if this helps...
So sorry that you had such bad luck Jennifer, you must have just got a lemon, for my daughter's Kitchen Aid Counter Top Mixer sat wrapped in my basement for 4 years...thats right 4 years. She got to busy to use it and I just felt it was not mine to use BUT the year I was starting to make fondant I broke down and asked if I may borrow it for my fondant making. After four years and a real good cleaning it worked like a charm. Actually this is what cemented me on buying my own Kitchen Aid. Sure hope that my daughter does not let it sit there for another 4 years...but if she does I bet it will work. I love my Kitchen Aid.

jennifer henke said:
I have owned a Kitchen Aid and am very disappointed. I used it 4-5 times and put it away as I bought my own business and got too busy to use it. It was not used for a while and when I went to use it, it failed to turn on. A 300 dollar mixer only used 4-5 times and it broke. I don't think I will own another one. I have a sunbeam and love it. So far so good. Plus it came with a 2 year guarantee and I purchased another 1 yr. guarantee. Not sure if this helps...
KitchenAid...they are wonderful!!

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