KitchenAid is a baking enthusiast for recommendations on which stand mixer to buy, you'll likely hear "KitchenAid" as the top choice.
However, when you do a quick search on their website, you might hesitate for a moment.
The least expensive KitchenAid stand mixer has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $299.99.
Is this price really justified?
In this article, we'll explore ten factors that contribute to the higher cost of KitchenAid products compared to other brands.
1. Brand Name Quality
If you find cooking and baking to be tiresome chores, you might want to think about investing in a stand mixer.
When seeking advice from a baking enthusiast about which stand mixer to purchase, you'll likely hear "KitchenAid" as the most popular recommendation.
However, if you take a quick look at their website, you might have some reservations.
The most affordable KitchenAid stand mixer comes with a suggested retail price of $299.99.
Chances are, the first KitchenAid mixer you encountered belonged to your grandparents or parents.
The brand has a rich history in American kitchens.
In 1914, the Hobart Manufacturing Company introduced the H model stand mixer, which featured an 80-quart bowl and was primarily marketed to professional bakeries.
Four years later, the company began experimenting with a smaller version of the product.
According to the story, when a housewife was asked for her opinion on the mixer, she responded, "It's the best kitchen aid I've ever had.
This marked the birth of the KitchenAid brand.
Over the next decade, the company produced various models of the stand mixer for household use.
However, the version that we now recognize as the quintessential KitchenAid mixer wasn't developed until 1937.
Since then, the brand has changed hands and is now owned by Whirlpool, but the design has remained largely unchanged.
Thanks to its enduring presence in American homes and more recently, its appearance on cooking shows, the KitchenAid mixer is instantly recognizable.
Even Julia Child, a culinary icon, was a proud owner of a KitchenAid mixer and consistently praised its performance.
It's a common phenomenon that brand-name products come with a higher price tag compared to their generic or less recognized counterparts.
When you invest in KitchenAid, you are essentially buying into a trusted and widely renowned product with a proven track record.
2. Versatility
The KitchenAid appliance serves a broader range of functions beyond merely blending dough.
This mixer is equipped with three distinct attachments tailored for various tasks.
The primary beater is represented by the paddle attachment, which is particularly effective for handling dense mixtures like mashed potatoes or cake batters.
The wire whisk attachment excels at infusing air into mixtures, making it ideal for tasks like whipping cream or egg whites. It can also blend butter and sugar together seamlessly.
The third attachment accompanying the mixer is the dough hook, primarily designed for kneading yeast-based dough such as that used for bread or pizza.
Furthermore, the company offers a diverse selection of attachments available for separate purchase.
These additional accessories have the potential to completely transform your mixer's utility.
Some of the attachment choices encompass:
- Slicer/shredder
- Meat grinder
- Pasta press
- Spiralizer
- Food processor
- Sausage stuffer
While some of these attachments do come with a substantial price tag, the convenience of having a single machine that can handle almost any cooking or baking task justifies the additional expenditure.
Since they are available for individual purchase, you have the flexibility to acquire only the attachments that align with your specific needs.
3. Customization
Not only do you have the freedom to choose the attachments that best suit your needs, but you can also personalize the appearance of your machine according to your preferences.
The KitchenAid website offers a customization tool for this purpose. Here, you can select the colour of your mixer and even have it engraved at no extra cost. If you opt for a white or black mixer, you can further choose between a matte or shiny finish.
Moreover, there are twelve different bowl options available, including both stainless steel and ceramic varieties. Some of these bowls feature distinct colours, textures, and designs, allowing you to truly make your stand mixer a unique reflection of your style.
In addition to the aesthetics of your mixer, you can decide which functional features align best with your needs. The KitchenAid offers two styles: the tilt-head and the bowl lift. The tilt-head design enables the beaters and other attachments to easily lift out of the bowl once mixing is complete.
This style is often more compact and simpler to store. On the other hand, the bowl-lift style can be raised and lowered, typically accommodating larger bowls, making it a preferred choice for individuals working with larger quantities of food.
5. Ease Of Operation
The KitchenAid mixer is exceptionally user-friendly, making it accessible for those who may not be as inclined toward cooking but still want to effortlessly create their favourite dishes.
Using a KitchenAid is a straightforward process. Firstly, you need to ensure the mixer is placed on a level surface, which is a simple task, right? When not in use, the mixer can be conveniently stored in a cupboard or pantry if you have the available space. However, if space is limited, there's no need to feel embarrassed about leaving it on the counter for guests to admire.
The next step involves choosing the appropriate accessory for your baking project. As previously mentioned, there is a wide variety to select from, and the possibilities for projects are endless. Attaching the accessory is as uncomplicated as sliding it over the beater shaft and turning it clockwise until it securely locks in place. Following this, you can attach the bowl, which is designed to fit snugly onto the base of the product, ensuring stability during operation.
Once all the KitchenAid parts are in position, you can proceed to add your ingredients. After your ingredients are in the bowl, it's time to start mixing. KitchenAid mixers offer ten distinct speed settings, easily controlled by a lever. Adjusting the speed is as simple as moving the lever forward and backwards. At this point, all that's left to do is watch your mixer effortlessly perform its task.
The user-friendly nature of the KitchenAid contributes to its premium price compared to other stand mixers on the market.
6. Great Ratings
Across the board, KitchenAid products receive overwhelmingly positive reviews and endorsements.
Numerous product-review websites, such as Wirecutter, Homes & Gardens, CNN, and Tom's Guide, have all designated the KitchenAid Artisan five-quart tilt-head stand mixer as the top stand mixer in 2021.
On Amazon, customers who have reviewed the same mixer have awarded it an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars.
According to Consumer Reports, four out of the seven best stand mixers available are KitchenAid brands, further emphasizing their quality and popularity.
Even professional chefs and bakers utilize and recommend KitchenAid products. For instance, Rachael Ray proudly displays the five-quart version on her kitchen countertop.
6. Easy Clean-Up
Using separate bowls and utensils for cooking and baking can lead to a rapid accumulation of dishes.
With a KitchenAid, you can prepare the entire dish using the same bowl, thanks to the generous capacity of their bowls.
Moreover, the depth of these bowls reduces the likelihood of ingredients splattering all over your counter, as can happen with a hand mixer. This feature saves you from the chore of wiping down surfaces once you're finished.
What's even better is that both the bowls and attachments are dishwasher safe, with the exception of the wire whisk. This means that once your culinary creation is in the oven, all you need to do is load up the dishwasher and press start. With your countertops already clean, it's arguably the simplest clean-up you've ever experienced.
As the saying goes, time is money. The time you'll save on kitchen clean-up with a KitchenAid is unquestionably worth the extra investment.
Pros and Cons of KitchenAid
KitchenAid is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of kitchen appliances and tools. Here are some pros and cons associated with KitchenAid products:
Pros:
- Quality and Durability
- Variety of Products
- Stylish Design
- Innovative Features
- Accessories and Attachments
- Warranty
Cons:
- Price
- Heavy and Bulky
- Complexity
- Maintenance
- Limited Budget Options
- Weighted Attachments
Differences Between KitchenAid and GE
KitchenAid
KitchenAid is well-regarded for its quality and durability, especially in the realm of kitchen gadgets like stand mixers. It is often associated with culinary enthusiasts and professionals.
GE
GE has a long history and is recognized as a reputable brand with a wide presence across various industries, including kitchen appliances.
Alternative to KitchenAid
Cuisinart
Cuisinart is known for its wide range of kitchen appliances, including food processors, blenders, stand mixers, and coffee makers. They offer quality products with a focus on innovation and design.
Conclusion
KitchenAid appliances are often priced at a premium level due to a combination of factors. These include the use of high-quality materials, attention to detail, innovative technology, superior performance, research and development costs, warranties, brand reputation, and compatibility with accessories.
While the initial cost may be higher compared to some other brands, many consumers view it as an investment in quality, longevity, and the overall cooking and kitchen experience.
