bit-tech Shopping: KitchenAid K45SSWH Classic Stand Mixer

• Dough Hook
• Flat Beater
• Other
• Wire Whip

Rating: 6

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Strong and affordable

Weaknesses: Wisk must be hand washed & dried

Summary: My mom had a kitchenAid and it had a nice sturdy glass mixing bowl and it had a solid wisk that could be machine washed. I really miss being able to see the batter at the bottom of the bowl. I also miss the convenience of being able to throw the wisk into the dish washing machine. Still it mixes well. Hopefully it stands up to its reputation and lasts for decades like my moms has.

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Sturdy....brand Name

Weaknesses: None I can think off..

Summary: I bought this for my wife for making dough for indian bread and it does its job as it suppose to....No complains so far and my wife has been using daily.

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Heavy, sturdy metal construction. Easy to use

Weaknesses: Not powerful, 250W. 4.5quart bowl is too small

Summary: I'm overall very satisfied with this mixer so far. It includes a very useful instructions and recipes which you can find on the whirlpool website(parent company but slightly different than the actual booklet included in the machine) which ironically can not be found at kitchenaid. In fact, I can't find anything on kitchenaid site for manuals which is not very professional.The box states it can do 8 cups of all purpose flower (this number is too high). It also states a "Durable All Metal Construction"... I kinda believe that because once you set the mixer down you will find it very difficult to move by accident or effort.The first thing I did with the Kitchenaid classic was the pizza dough receipe in the "instructions and recipes" booklet. I was a little worried because it shooked a bit on only 3 1/2 cups of all purpose flower on speed 2 (This is the MAXIMUM recommended speed for doughs or heavy batters. Keep in mind the booklet does not recommend more than 6 cups of WHOLE WHEAT flour for those who are health conscious. I personally cannot recommend more than 4 cups of all-purpose flower because 4.5 quart bowl really isn't that big and I like having alot of room in the bowl after mixing; personal preference. I later did half the measurements for the basic white bread from 7 cups to 3 1/2 and it clinched my opinion because of the sound I heard mixing the ingredients. You do not have to follow my suggestions but do take it slow as this mixer really is not intended to make breads. The professional version is for that purpose.Other than that this is a very nice mixer. Cooking is much quicker and very essential for some recipes where mixing by hand is too much effort (for me anyway).

Rating: 10

Time with product: 4 Weeks

Strengths: High quality construction and design.

Weaknesses: None.

Summary: My mother has had one of these for what must be centuries. They are practically indestructible. My teen-age daughter who loves to bake has been begging for one for a long time now. I finally came across one on a great sale and she is thrilled with it. Pricey, but watch for the sales.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Looks good and works well

Weaknesses: small bowl; a little expensive

Summary: This kitchenAid mixer lives up the good reviews. I made dough with no problem. My only slight complaint is that it was a little expensive at $200. I should have spent a little more and got the 5 quart mixer.