bit-tech Shopping: KitchenAid KP26M1XPM Professional 600 Series Stand Mixer

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

Rating: 2

Time with product: 7 Years

Strengths: volume capacity

Weaknesses: Bread dough.

Summary: It is supposed to handle 12 cup flour recipes, but after a 5 cup recipe, it overheats and stops working. Kitchenaid replaced it for me, but less than 2 years out, this one is doing the same. I called Kitchenaid, but they basically said that's the way it is and it is out of waranty. Before I had this I had the cheapest one available and it worked like crazy for 10 years. Don't waste your money.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 30 Days

Strengths: Very sturdily build; commercial grade power; hefty so it won't exhibit "counter-crawl", All-metal internal construction is a welcome breath of fresh air in a plastic-filled world.

Weaknesses: Quite expensive. Have heard from others that the bowl lift-latch mechanism is subject to failure over extended period of time. Can't say from personal expeience yet.

Summary: Like most all KitchenAid products I have purchased, this one impresses in most every regard. Quality of construction is oustanding. The product has a nice heft to it that seems to reassure that it won't be going anywhere anytime soon!! And with Kitchenaid's reputation for turning out highly reliable appliances and their truly first-rate warranty program, I don't have to dread getting stuck with a hefty doorstop either. Mixing action is similar to other lower-line Kitchenaid stand mixers. The main difference is in the power if you make large batches and in the reassurance that all-metal internal gears will lead to longer use-life. The pouring shield included with these mixers is also superior in containing splatter compared to 2-pc pouring shields on Artisan line mixers.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Great looks. Powerful machine. Many add-ons to choose from.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: The stand mixers probably have the best design in all KitchenAid's appliances, big or small. The industial look and seemingly endless selection of colors make it no doubt the best on the market. For $175 it's a steal.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Months

Strengths: Lives up to the kitchenaid namePlenty of Power!Better looking than its predecessorGreat for bread making- fixed head keeps it sturdyLots of add-on accessories!Heavy metal construction

Weaknesses: Fixed head is sturdy- but lacks ease of use of the tilt head- it's a tossup depending on what you like.Accessories all cost a bundle (what can you do?)

Summary: So I've grown up seeing kitchenaid at my parents house. Then as my siblings got married, I noticed they each had a kitchenaid. It's no mistake- they make some fine machines. This is no exception. Sturdy metal construction rather than flimsy plastic makes you confident that it can make bread dough day after day (it will!). I like the multiple accessories available- the dough hook is great. But like most good things, the accessories cost a bundle. It's the price you have to pay- and then you can enjoy it for years to come. This is a fixed head- good if you need it to be sturdy, bad if you like tilt heads. I've liked strength over convenience of the tilt head but your results may vary. Overall, a great buy. I haven't had to use the warranty (it's supposed to be a no questions asked warranty for the first year) and I don't anticipate having to. It's a workhorse. What else can I say? It's a kitchenaid, and it's going to perform well. Makes a great gift, and should have a place on most countertops (you don't have to hide this one in the cupboard).

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Year

Strengths: VERY easy to use, makes any mixing job quick.

Weaknesses: KitchenAid recommends that parts are handwashed--even the bowl!

Summary: I have to admit that if my mixer broke today, I would buy a new one tomorrow. This is the one kitchen appliance that I use all the time. For instance, my husband is extrememly picky about mashed potatoes. With the KitchenAid mixer, I throw the ingredients in the bowl and let it go for a few minutes. When I turn it off, I have perfect, lump-free mashed potatoes--every single time! Finally, the colors available for this item are great, and it even looks good left out on the counter.