barrys@tekecs.UUCP (Barry Steel) (08/09/85)
Thank you all for your overwhelming response to my request for information. I bought the K5SS after reading, looking and listening. I found it on sale in Portland (at Kitchen Kaboodle) for $250. I also bought an extra bowl ($32). Apparently, the mixers now come with the pouring shield. In summary: 1) Comsumer Reports raved about the K45 (did not test the K5). Keep in mind, however that they were comparing it to wimpy mixers (like the Sunbeam Mixmaster that I just sold). 2) According to Hobart (I called the local office) a repair person said the motors were the same. I was told by other sources that the K5 is more powerful (on the machines K45 = 250 watt, K5 = 300 watt). 3) Everyone who reponded, or I talked to is very fond of their workhorse (be it K45 or K5). 4) The owner of my favorite restaurant (Marco's in Multnomah for those who must know) has had no problems (and they really *use* thiers a lot). They did have to replace the plastic pouring shield ($10). 5) Two people said "buy the K5, it has more power - you'll need it". 6) I have read, and have been told by owners that the Kenwood (I forgot the model name) 500 watter will run circles around the Kitchen-Aids, and that they have been around for "years" (> 10). Conclusion: Kicthen-Aid has been around for a while (lots of parts available, "all of those bakeries can't be wrong"). Both models have plenty of power for whatever. Buy them on sale, or at a discount place (full price is rather steep). Buy an extra bowl, I know I always needed one with my MixMaster. barry steel
holly@hpfcla.UUCP (08/26/85)
Kenwood just recently bought out KitchenAid Mixers. Last year on net.cooks someone posted a note hoping that the quality of the KitchenAid mixers did not deterioate due to the sale to Kenwood. By the way, I have a K5 and I would kill before I would let anyone take it from me. I will never invest in anything else again. Everything else I ever owned broke down within a year. It is truly a beautiful machine.