bit-tech Shopping: KitchenAid KSM150PSMC Artisan Series Stand Mixer

• Dough Hook
• Flat Beater
• Other
• Pouring Shield
• Wire Whip

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Powerful, steady footprint, consistent mixes.

Weaknesses: Noisy

Summary: This mixer has 10 speeds and comes with various attachments for mixing or beating. If mixes have a moderate amount of moisture, the beating tool works fine. However, for relatively dry mixes such as high flour content or bread mixes, my favorite is the flat attachment which is actually made of ceramic and looks like a flat triangular frame with some lines running through. I usually start off with a slow speed (one, two or three) for a few minutes and gradually ratchet it up. I have found that makes a really good mix. Another comment I have is that the unit is really, really heavy. I think this is purposely weighted as such so that when it does run full speed, it does not wobble and shake and perhaps even tap dance across the surface. It is a piece of appliance you want to find a permanent spot for and not move it around too much. One point to note is that at higher speeds it can be very noisy such that normal conversation is difficult.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 30

Strengths: Power and ease

Weaknesses: A tad heavy, but I don't know how you could get this much power any lighter.

Summary: KitchenAid has an Ebay store where they sell refurbished and many new items. I have wanted one of these mixers _forever_, but the price was just to prohibitive. Through the Ebay store I got a brand new mixer in discontinued color (plum) with 1 year warranty (I think the refurbished ones have month warranty) for $175 + $30 shipping. Plus I had a $10 coupon from Ebay and found a $30 rebate, so for $165 I have the mixer of my dreams and I'm loving it. It's everything I thought it would be. It makes my multiple batches of cookies and shortbread for easter, christmas, birthday,valentine, etc sending a snap. Halves the time I used to spend doing this.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Tilt-head, powerful motor, locking bowl design, portable.

Weaknesses: Limited capacity for larger jobs (expected), and plastic gear-housing!

Summary: For small jobs, this mixer is great! Cookies, cakes, and various other desserts you'll bake with ease. If you're a bread-baker, you may want to upgrade into the Professional model (which I also have and reviewed) as this one's motor can overheat with constant use. There's also the plastic gear-housing. Sure, the gears are metal, but the housing can crack due to heat and or other stresses thus rendering the metal gears useless... poor design KitchenAid. For that reason alone, I cannot give this item anymore then three stars.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 5+ Years

Strengths: Heavy, Solid Kitchen Tool-Easy Exchange if it ceases to Function w/in a Year

Weaknesses: Heavy if you Have to Move it Around. Plastic Cover that holds metal gears in place.

Summary: I bought another from Kitchenaid showing I do like and trust this product/name. What I don't like is (and maybe they have redesigned by now, (Oct 2007) I don't know) the metal gears inside are held in their place by a plastic cover! This is/was true with the Professional 6 Quart Series as well as the Artisan 5 Quart. If anything is going to mess up, it will be in this area. Kitchenaid is quick to exchange with a new and pickup the broken if it's within a year. Just a heads up. Otherwise, solid. I still give 5 Stars....One may just be a little dim....*

Rating: 10

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Great design. Easy to clean.

Weaknesses: You have to buy each attachment seperately.

Summary: This is a kitchen appliance I would never want to live without. It does everything...mixing, making douch, shreading anything, pasta maker, fruit juicer. Very high quality manufacturing. Just what I would expect from Kitchen Aid.