Is Investing in KitchenAid Stand Mixers a Good Idea?
Thinking of buying a stand mixer but unsure whether the popular brand KitchenAid is worth the price tag?
We tested a variety of stand mixers and discovered that KitchenAid regularly surpassed other manufacturers in terms of availability, design, function, capability, and warranty.
We found that the manufactures and models of stand mixers that were comparable to KitchenAid were all priced approximately the same as the KitchenAid model.
In this article, I’ll go over the research that went into determining whether KitchenAid stand mixers are worth your money, as well as other alternatives if they don’t seem to be the appropriate brand for you.
History Of KitchenAid
Herbert Johnson, an engineer, came up with an electric stand mixer in 1908. The ideas were verified, manufacture began after six years, and the first stand mixer was produced after another five years.
The H-5 stand mixer was inspired by a baker combining dough with a metal spoon and was dubbed “the perfect kitchen assist” by an executive’s wife.
In the 1940s and 1950s, KitchenAid introduced refrigerators and dishwashers before expanding into the appliances we see today (such as blenders and food processors) in 1993.
Why Do KitchenAid Stand Mixers Cost So Much?
Today’s KitchenAid stand mixers blend excellent craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and a well-known brand name that commands a high price.
Stand mixers typically range in price from $100 to $400, with KitchenAid constantly on the higher end of that range.
KitchenAid stand mixers are known for having the power, versatility, and capacity to enable bakers, cooks, and chefs worldwide to execute a variety of food preparation tasks that would be difficult with other stand mixers.
If you ask someone about your KitchenAid, they will certainly rave about it. This is not something to be taken lightly, considering its history. Consistently positive word of mouth is a sort of promotion that “money can’t buy” and genuinely validates how fantastic these machines are.
When I began shopping for a stand mixer, I knew only one brand I wanted to buy: KitchenAid.
This is a combination of my grandmother’s stand mixer and the brand I learned to use in school (there’s probably more that went into the subconscious decision-making process, but you get the point).
Are KitchenAid Stand Mixers a Good Investment?
KitchenAid stand mixers are more expensive than most other stand mixer brands. A 4.5 Quart Classic model is on sale for $219.99 at the time of writing, but a 4-Quart Hamilton Beach mixer is only $89.99, so is the price difference justified?
I believe the following elements influence the decision:
Accessibility (different sizes and colours)
- Power
- Capabilities
- Product Quality
- Design
- Reliability
- Functionality
- Accessories
- Warranty
Of course, not all of these value-determining characteristics are created equal. Some individuals place higher importance on color and size diversity than on customer service and product design, which is why we’ve addressed each of these issues separately.
Availability
As a result, that should go without saying that it has the most color and size possibilities of any stand mixer manufacturer.
Product Excellence
On Amazon, you’ll note that KitchenAid stand mixers have an average rating of over 4.5 stars.
On the other hand, other stand mixer manufacturers aren’t usually like this. However, some appear to be given higher marks than others.
Capabilities / Power
Thanks to the wide range of KitchenAid models, you can choose a stand mixer with the exact amount of power and aptitude you need.
The 5-Quart Artisan model, for example, has the power and capacity to make four loaves of bread in a single batch thanks to the 60 Hz frequency.
The power output is 325 watts.
This is something that only the higher-end models of other stand mixer brands can manage, which can cost up to $250 (about $100 less than the KitchenAid artisan model).
Functions
You can be versatile in the kitchen thanks to various features and settings. The bulk of stand mixer brands concentrates solely on one function: speed capacity.
Most stand mixer brands offer between 6 and 8 distinct speed settings depending on the model. I counted ten in every KitchenAid model I looked at.
Accessories
A flat beater, a whip, and a hook are included with KitchenAid stand mixers. When selecting a stand mixer, most other brands offer the same selection of accessories.
Different from other stand mixer companies, set KitchenAid are the various attachments that can be purchased and linked to the stand mixer. A meat grinder, spiralizer, sieve, pasta roller, and service.
Compared to other stand mixer brands, none provide the same number of brand-made and third-party accessories.
The KitchenAid design is patented, and it has received numerous accolades over the last century. Only SMEG comes close to matching KitchenAid in product design and finish.
KitchenAid was rated the third most dependable brand for home appliances by CNet in 2019 (albeit this was based on a wide range of items and did not include stand mixers specifically).
According to reports, KitchenAid has 706 reviews with an average rating of 1.6. Kenmore has 184 reviews with an average rating of 1.5 stars, while Hamilton Beach has 177 reviews with 1.8 stars.
The stand mixers from KitchenAid come with a five-year warranty.
Meanwhile, Hamilton Beach gives a one-year warranty, and Crusinart offers a lifetime warranty, which most customers have failed to take advantage of due to the company’s customer care department’s frequent failures.
Conclusion:
While researching stand mixers that can match KitchenAid’s quality and reputation, I tried to be as objective as possible, but as I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s a difficult task.
Alternatives to the KitchenAid Stand Mixer:
Here are a few KitchenAid stand mixer alternatives to think about. While the greatest appear to be at the higher end of the pricing spectrum, I’ve tried to include something for everyone.
6.5 Quart 660W Stand Mixer by Aucma
- Like most Amazon reviews, MakeBreadAtHome agrees that this is a cheap stand mixer with a lot of power.
- It comes in three colours for the 6.5-quart size: black, blue, and silver. Although if you downgrade to a less powerful device with a lower capacity, you can get more colours.
Nurxiovo 7-Quart Stand Mixer, 850W
- The Nurxiovo might be the machine for you if you like diversity and functionality.
- A blender and a meat grinder are included with the unit. However, at the time of writing, 7% of the reviews were one-star, and some of the complaints were quite concerning.
- A glance at those before you buy to see if there’s anything that worries you.
Hamilton Beach 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer, 400 watts
- The Hamilton Beach 400w 4.5-quart stand mixer might be the one for you if you’re searching for a somewhat smaller stand mixer.
- This stand mixer isn’t the cheapest on the list; it can be even more expensive if you can find a KitchenAid on sale.
- It does, however, come with excellent reviews and four colour options.
How to Get a Discount on a KitchenAid?
If you determine that a KitchenAid stand mixer is the best choice for you, there are a few options for saving money on your purchase.