KitchenAid KSM150PSGC Artisan Series 5-Quart Stand Mixer, Gloss Cinnamon Reviews

• What are you waiting for???

  
  By on 2002-09-23
  I love this thing! I have friends who've had KitchenAid mixers for years and they've always raved about their quality and durability. Well, I finally went for it and I have absolutely no regrets. You want to talk about a solid piece of kitchen machinery? This is the epitome of what "Made in America" used to mean! Unlike all the cheapo mixers out there, I'm completely confident that this thing will even outlast ME! The only problem is now I'm wondering why I waited so long!

  -----> This may help some of you - I read a review somewhere in which the reviewer gave this mixer a poor rating because it left dry ingredients in the bottom of the bowl - read the instruction booklet, people. It clearly states that if this occurs (or if the attachments scrape the bowl), there is an adjustment screw that raises or lowers the mixing assembly. I had to slightly lower mine and it now incorporates everything into the mix. The KitchenAid mixers are well worth the money....or you can keep buying junk mixers every couple years...the choice is yours.
  
  

• A wonderful appliance - good customer support

  
  By A15P7WWYOM591P on 2004-01-21
  My wedding gift mixer (a Sunbeam Mixmaster) turned 33 a week before Christmas, and my husband thought it was time for me to have a new one. He gifted me on Christmas with the KitchenAid 5 Qt. Artisan in white. I love this mixer and leave it out on my counter, something I never did with the Mixmaster. I recently purchased the citrus juicer attachment from Amazon and am very pleased with it as well. I have not read all 109 previous reviews on this site, but I have read a few that were disgruntled because their Artisans did not mix well. I initially had the same problem with the beater/bowl clearance. It is very simple to remedy. There is a beater adjustment screw on the mixer and the manual describes how to make the adjustments. I got even better instructions by calling customer support at KitchenAid. The technician told me to drop a dime into the empty bowl, turn the mixer on (about setting 2) using the flat beater, and it should move the dime 1/4" to 1/2" each time it rotates around the bowl. This is the right clearance for the beater to mix everything at the bottom of the bowl, but not low enough to cause wear on the beater from constant friction with the bottom of the bowl during usage. I tweaked the screw setting 1/4 turn each time until I got that dime moving. At this setting, I can now beat a single egg white to stiff peaks in the 5 qt. bowl. That's impressive.
  This mixer is as sturdy as a tank, and you can hear the quality as it mixes. Although I had previously purchased a KitchenAid mixer for my daughter as a gift, I would never have splurged on one for myself. I am so happy my husband thought I was worth it!
  
  

• Self destructed during first use.

  
  By A6AI1HW9DW36L on 2005-01-03
  About me. Aircraft technician for 23 years, I love to cook, I am a perfectionist and, I hate cheap tools. I purchased this mixer as a to me gift for christmas. On New Years day I thought I would break it in by baking a red velvet cake. While mixing the light and fluffy frosting I heard something let loose in the mixer and in a instant there was a spark and than the circut breaker blew. Well I was able to frost my cake and than my attention was turned to this 200 dollar tool I had purchased. I reset the circuit breaker and atempted to run the mixer. It kind of ran but I could tell there was something other than my fluffy frosting holding the 350 watt motor back. Having had alot of expereance taking things apart and being very curious I had to take a look at what made the thing tick. I removed the back cover and it became very clear that this is not the Kitchen Aid stand mixer my mother used to make two cakes a week with when I was a kid. You would think that for over 200 dollars the machine would have some sort of solid state speed control. I was very surprised to see a very cheap looking reostat devise that looks like it came out of my old electric race car set speed controller that I had as a kid. What a disapointmant. The part that came apart was some sort of spring roller clip on the motor shaft. When it let loose it got stuck in the reostat and shorted the thing out. The reasons I am writting this review are 1. This mixer has almost a five star satisfaction rating. This rating influenced my purchase. 2. Kitchen Aid is living off an American made tradition of high quality. This mixer is not American made and the quality is low. 3. As a consumer I am tired of companies main concern being the bottom line. I would gladly pay more for solidstate construction. In conclusion this mixer may do the job its intended to do but don't be surpised if it breaks down. After all why would there be so many remanufactored units for sale if there wasn't a quality problem. Amazon . com will be getting this unit back and hopefully the replacement will hold together a little longer than the first.
  
  

• Best Mixer Ever! Love, Love, Love it! A+A+A+A+

  
  By A257TRBUBKJYDB on 2003-09-26
  This KitchenAid mixer is an excellent investment! I just love mine! The dough hook attachment is the greatest invention ever. No more kneading! I used this wonderful machine to make 4 pounds of Pizza Geina dough without breaking a sweat. Add your ingredients, turn it on and it does the rest! It has a very powerful motor and every part of this mixer is excellent quality and well made. It is simple to lock in the mixing bowl and it is also a breeze to clean. The different attachments are very easy to attach and remove. It would be impossible not to love it! Did I mention how easy the clean up is? I love it so much I bought the KitchenAid quilted cover for it. Once you use this mixer you will never want to use anything else! The Best!!!
  
  

• A fancy, nice looking piece of equipment

  
  By on 2002-04-09
  This is the top of the line in food processors and if you are into that kind of stuff it looks very spiffy on your countertop. Yes, I am a baker. The best I can say about this machine is that it is big and powerful and will mix a double batch of chocolate chip cookies. However, it never fully mixes the stuff on the bottom of the bowl, and it's very difficult to get a rubber spatula down to the bottom because of the mechanics of the machine. The bowl moves down rather than the beater part swinging up. It is also difficult to add ingredients while the beater is moving. There just isn't enough room. I suggest buying the smaller Kitchenaid, if only a Kitchenaid will do. Before this machine, I owned an Osterizer Kitchen Center a 3 in one appliance that had a stand beater with two bowls. I loved that thing and used it to death for 15 years and then I succumbed to Kitchenaid envy. I regret the day that I gave my Osterizer stand mixer to my neighbor who continues to use it, although the motor speeds up for no reason and at times it did seem possessed.
  
  
• What a great mixer!
  By on 2002-10-11
  I shopped around a long time before I bought this mixer. Based on other reviews and the great reputation of KitchenAid, I finally took the plunge. While it's a lot of money to shell out for a countertop appliance, I've found that it's been worth every last cent. No more scraping the sides of the bowl with a spatula, no more unmixed flour in the bottom of the bowl, and it is pretty and sleek enough that I can keep it sitting on my counter!

  The pouring shield makes it easy to dump ingredients in, and not get them poofed back in your face! I occasionally whip up batches of decorator's cake icing, which requires 2 pounds of confectioner's sugar. On my old mixer, everything within a 1-yard radius of the mixer would be covered in with a layer of sugar. Not any more. The pouring sheild keeps the mess contained to the bowl and the underside of the mixer head. I wanted a mixer with a tilt-up head instead of the bowl-lift mechanism on other KitchenAid models. It's designed well so that tilting the head back doesn't even knock the pouring shield off with the beater.

  I make a lot of focaccia bread, and mave always hated the 10 minutes of hand kneading. So I dumped the dough in my kitchen aid and ran it at the lowest speed with the dough hook. It came out beautifully. Not sure how I ever lived without this.

  The only problem is that with the black model, it ends up looking a little streaky if you just wipe it down with a sponge. Be sure to wipe it dry, too! My boyfriend, the cuisinally challenged, put the regular beater attachment through the dishwasher, and it came out with some sort of powdery-looking deposits all over it. Working on getting that cleaned off.

  Overall, I would highly recommend the Artisan mixer. It's powerful enough for the heftiest mixing jobs, and was thoughfully designed with the practical cook in mind.
  
  

• comparing the Kitchenaid models
  By on 2002-08-03
  I did a lot of research on the web before I bought this Artisan model mixer. After looking at the various models on many different websites, I think the Artisan model is the best value. Unless you're in the catering business, the 325 watt motor and 5 quart bowl are completely sufficient for everyday needs. Although the models that lift the motor instead of tilting it back are more expensive, I think the tilt is more desirable as it's easier to add ingredients. Basically, you get a lot of power, capacity, and design for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend purchasing an extra bowl - you will find it invaluable.
  
  
• all you need.
  By on 2002-04-29
  This is a great machine for those who want a mixer that tilts up and may not have enough room in the kitchen to hold one of the larger "epicurian" models. Previously to this model all the big iron in the kitchen aid line was of the taller, fixed head design.

  This mixer has substantial power (325 watts) to mix large recipies or run the more power hungry attachments and a large enough bowl to mix almost any recipe a home cook will make. The tilt head comes highly recomended (see the Cooks Illustrated article on mixers, available on this website), it keeps the controls lower and makes access to the bowl easier.

  My wife and I have made several large batches of bread dough and this machine handles it with ease. It takes all the work out of it and just leaves the yummy home baked bread in its place.
  
  

• Love the mixer, but pick your finish carefully.
  By A18YTZL7F4IS3A on 2004-10-07
  First, the mixer works great. Everything most home-bakers could ever want. But I strongly suggest you select a smooth finish. I got the Krinkle Gray. (Don't know if thats still available.) It looks very 'professional', but it's hard to keep clean. After the first batch of bread dough, the mixer was nearly white, and it took some serious scrubbing to get the flour off the textured surface.
  
  As to the mechanics of the mixer itself, very few complaints. The tilt-head makes it possible to remove the bowl without dismantling the beater (unlike the lift-bowl models). I mainly use the dough hook, and have found that the motor tends to bog down just a bit on extremely heavy doughs. But as I always do the final kneading by hand anyway, its not a major issue; just a little more hand work.
  
  If I ever buy another stand mixer, it will definately be a KitchenAid. Thing is, this mixer will probably outlast me by decades.
  
  
  
  
• Outstanding Performance!
  By A2GHAQY1K65THG on 2002-10-31
  I've been in food service for twenty years and have used commercial mixers on a daily basis. I finally decided to buy one myself and chose the Artisan series Kitchen Aid. What a treat! It gets the job done, no messing around, no fiddling with ingredients. It's quiet and powerful and just...does it! I'm 37 and have complete confidence in this mixer outlasting me. Is it expensive? Yes, it is. But its worth every single penny and will pay for itself, many times over.
  
  
• The best of the best
  By A2QSSNUGVG5II8 on 2006-08-22
  I have celiac disease, which is essentially an allergy to wheat protein, and I've been GF for 5 years now. (Why does that sound like I'm at an AA meeting?) When I first started baking all my own breads, cakes, etc., from scratch, the books said that I needed a bread machine. I bought one and it didn't work so well with the GF "funny flours." A book finally told me to forget about the machine, buy a stand mixer and use the oven. Brilliant!
  
  I bought my Kitchenaid and haven't looked back. I use this thing at least twice a week, sometimes every day. I don't know how I lived without it. My mom just bought one after she saw me calmly measuring stuff and dumping it in while the mixer mixed all by it itself. (She's been suffering with a handheld all these years.) Stand mixers also mix more thoroughly than handhelds. They also can mix chocolate chip cookie dough all the way to the end of the flour additions.
  
  I've had my Kitchenaid for about 5 years now, though 3 moves, and it's still as sturdy and reliable as the day I bought it. The paint is still perfect. Not a scratch. Certainly not a chip. It's beautiful and lustrous. I have Onyx Black. While I like the look of the Onyx a lot, it's obvious if there's a little flour dusting the top of it. This makes it convenient to clean, but if you don't use it very often but do want it out, you might want to choose a lighter color that won't show dust.
  
  Caveat: It's heavy. B/c I use mine so much, I display it on my counter, drag it forward, use it, wipe it off with a damp rag, and push it back. (And wash the bowl, of course.) But it's worth it's weight in gold. They are a lovely appliance. Not like a frumpy toaster.
  
  Also, a previous review somewhere said that it left dry ingredients in the bottom of the bowl and didn't incorporate them. There's an adjustment screw that you have to fine-tune before you use it. Instructions are in the booklet. I adjusted mine before I used it for the first time (I compulsively read instructions,) and never had that problem.
  
  Buy yourself a proper mixer. You'll be so glad you did.
  
  TK Kenyon
  Author of Rabid: A Novel and Callous: A Novel
  
  
• non-believer
  By A14XE27WHEUN5E on 2004-02-19
  I have had 2 Kitchenaid mixers, the second of which was purchased about 3 years ago. Unfortunately, like the first, it broke down after only 3 years, this despite the fact that the most they were used was once a month, rarely mixing anything denser than cream cheese. The hurdles involved in getting it repaired made it more feasible for me to toss it in the dumpster and by a less expensive and hopefully more reliable product from Sunbeam!
  
  
• A Disappointing Product
  By A36VY202PTYAHP on 2007-01-29
  I ordered this for my wife as an x-mas gift. I normally wouldn't have given an appliance as a gift but she really wanted one and suggested it. Thinking it would be similar in quality and reputation as one her mother and grandmother had, we were both disappointed.
  
  After getting the mixer out of the box and cleaning the bowl and mixing attachements, we put in a couple of eggs and added the wisk attachment. The recipe called for beating the eggs before other things went in. When we turned on the mixer it had a very loud squeaking noise. It sounded horrible and hurt our ears. We tried it at different speeds but got the same results. It sounded like metal scraping against metal without anything to reduce the friction.
  
  Kitchen Aid was great at sending us a new one. They had me hold the phone to the mixer while I turned it on. I told the lady from Kitchen Aid that I was shocked but she took it in stride and said that it happens often.
  
  The new mixer arrived 6 weeks later. They were back-ordered on all colors. We ended up getting a color that my wife didn't really want in order to get it sooner. The new mixer doesn't squeak when you turn it on but it does make a horrible grinding noise at the two lowest speeds. It seized up 30 seconds later without mixing a single recipe.
  
  I know that a lot of people love these mixers based on their previous reputations. My advice to you would be to keep the receipt as you'll likely be returning it. Also note that Kitchen Aid is known to post reviews here in favor of itself. Be wary of reviewers who refuse to post under their real name. I'm a real customer, not an employee being paid to write reviews.
  
  What a disappointment!!
  
  
• I LOVE this mixer!
  By A36ZPPULK0T0GS on 2004-05-12
  I got this mixer for Christmas last year, and I absolutely love it!

  The first thing that's great about it is how stylish it is, and how great it looks on my counter. Everyone who comes to my apartment always comments on how beautiful it is, and I've found myself buying other kitchen gadgets to match it.

  The second thing that's really great is how solid, heavy, and well made this thing is. It sits firmly on the counter and tears through most things I've mixed in it easily. It does tend to "walk" around a bit when kneading bread dough, but that just requires keeping an eye on it. Even the bowl, paddle, whisk and dough hook are heavy and solid. I was also impressed with the KitchenAid warranty and reputation.

  Now, the really important thing - the exceptionally great job this thing does mixing. So far I've used it to make many batches of cookies, and loaves of bread (it's got the capacity for two sandwich sized loaves at a time - any more than that and I think it would splash flour around), twice backed potatoes, and muffins, and I've used the whisk to make meringue and angel food cake. I've used it for just about everything I bake, and not only does it do a better job than either hand stirring, a hand beater, or my old stand mixer, it's faster and easier to boot. I think where this baby really shines is the bread. The powerful motor can handle kneading the sticky bread dough for 8 minutes at a time, and the dough comes out perfect. One thing I especially like is the fact that Rose Levy Berenbaum's "The Bread Bible" gives mixing times and speed setting for KitchenAid mixers specifically. That book was probably the deciding factor in my desire for this mixer.

  If I could give this mixer 10/5 stars, I would. It really is an outstanding peice of kitchen hardware.
  
  

• Art + Science = GREAT KITCHEN MACHINE!
  By on 2003-06-19
  My husband bought the "Empire Red" version of this for me for Mother's day. I picked it mostly because the color was intriguing (ok, I'm in to packaging). And the thing looks gorgeous in my kitchen-- my husband (ever the engineer) was impressed by its weight, all-steel construction and even commented that it was a "beautiful machine". I just thought it looked great on my counter.

  Ok. Enough about the art. I do cook and I do use it. As much as possible. The machine is a joy to use. It's twice as efficient as a regular mixer (I used to have a sunbeam-- it broke), it's solid, and for heaven's sake, do NOT get in the way of that beater. It won't stop for ANYTHING. My mom has had her Kitchen Aid for 25 years, through six kids (both cooking for them and letting them use it). It's made to last.

  By the way, an earlier comment about not mixing to the bottom of the bowl-- read the instructions-- there's a little screw you can adjust that will move the head up and down ever so slightly to get the beater to just touch the bottom of the bowl.

  The Artisan 5 is a beautiful thing to use-- LOVE IT!
  
  

• Won't handle bread dough...
  By A26XGP09YY5W93 on 2002-10-01
  I seriously recommend against the KitchenAid machine. I bake a lot of bread - everything from white toasting bread to sourdoughs and multigrain breads, and it has a very tought time keeping up with the dough (single batch!) and not overheat. Finally, the gearbox seized up on me....
  The machine I have is the predecessor to this model, but with the same wattage.
  Spend your money on a Kenwood or Bosch instead!
  
  
• Handles bread doughs just fine
  By on 2002-10-03
  A recent review predicted that this mixer wouldn't handle bread doughs because an earlier model of KitchenAid mixer of the same wattage had problems. I am aware that some earlier models with a DIFFERENT motor and gearing system had problems with heavy doughs, and for that reason I didn't buy a KitchenAid mixer. I took a chance on this new design because I read that those problems had been solved, and I am pleased to say that I have experienced no problems at all even with large batches of bread dough. KitchenAid seems to have addressed the known problems of their earlier designs and produced this very satisfactory new model.
  
  
• A former chefs perspective
  By A2GHAQY1K65THG on 2002-09-11
  As a former chef and current food service director of a large, contract catering facility, I have used KitchenAid mixers for approximately fifteen years. No bones about it, this is a product that stands up to the rigors of a full service kitchen with multiple users and zero attention to maintanence, other than being sanitized at the end of the day. While we use commercial, floor standing Hobart mixers in the bakery, the KitchenAid table top model is in daily use in the main kitchen, which provides food service for over 1,000 people. This is a piece of equipment that you will buy once, then hand down to your kids. In the commercial food arena, a few names stand out: Robot Coupe, Hobart, Vulcan and KitchenAid. I doubt you will ever be disappointed with this mixer.
  
  
• Love it!
  By A3D08RHBMOEDR0 on 2003-11-15
  I've always looked at these longingly at the stores. I've wanted one of these just about forever. My wonderful Mom just bought me the artisan in Empire Red for a Housewarming gift. I absolutely love it. I bought kitchen curtains in red to match. I hate to have appliances sit on my counter. I even put my coffee pot away after use everyday. But this mixer...is an art form...it is beautiful and it sits on my counter (I smile at it several times a day)and if anything needs to be mixed I use it. Today I used it to make meat loaf.(so nice to not have to stick my hands in there). My kids even get excited when I use it. I love to bake and I'm looking forward to the holidays.

  If you're thinking about one of these. I say go for it. Pick a color that you love and you'll have it forever!
  
  

• What happed to Kitchenaid quality?
  By A28ZDVY6NV75P on 2006-02-17
  This machine would get 4 or 5 stars if it didn't break within a week or two of use.
  
  I purchased the Artisan for Christmas 2005. It failed (gears froze) a week after receiving it. The replacement unit failed on it's second use. I am now awaiting my third replacement.
  
  Kitchenaid sends a replacement in 5 days and picks up the failed unit. That is good customer service. However, each unit has failed within short time, if the third one fails, I will request my money back and purchase a different brand.
  
  Update March 2008: The third mixer was the charm. It's been working perfectly. Sorry to be so late getting back on this.
  
  
• Keep watching Amazon daily for great deal on Mixers
  By on 2003-10-30
  I had been searching and researching these mixers for a couple of months and had hoped to get one for Christmas from the family. But when it came up on my gold box specials, I couldn't resist and bought it myself. Keep checking amazon daily, with my new amazon visa and the deal they offered that day along with free shipping, it was an unbelievable.

  Now for the artisan mixer, I received it a couple of days ago and have had wonderful things come from it. I love the tilt head and think the professional ones are way to big for your regular non-pro cook. The artisan fits and looks great under my counter. The cookies have a beautiful texture to them and the mixer mixes them with no problem, quieter than I imagined it could be (family can still hear the TV without turning the volume up). Also my mashed potatoes were heavenly, only had to use 1/2 cup of milk in them, they are so light and fluffy, not heavy or sticky.

  My son laughed when he saw I bought the majestic yellow. He knew I always wanted a yellow corvette car. He said, "looks like you settled for a yellow mixer mom". To me, this is the corvette of mixers! Thanks Amazon and Kitchenaid for the great product. Looking to forward to lots of fun cooking and baking in the future. (majestic yellow)
  
  

• Quality Machine
  By AZ5X928CQPRJN on 2003-12-11
  This mixer is one quality machine! Most people use the phrase "built like a tank" to describe it, and there's a lot of truth in that. It's the Volvo of stand mixers. It will probably outlast you! I love my mixer and have had no problems whatsoever with it. I'm so glad I bought it. It seemed frivolous at the time even though it was on sale, but it has served me well. This makes cooking so easy, you will throw out your hand mixer!

  You have to be careful to wash and dry the metal attachments immediately, otherwise they discolor. While the stand mixer is pictured with a "pouring shield", there was no pouring shield in the box with my mixer. I'm sure I could have complained to Kitchen Aid and they would have sent one out immediately, but I really didn't buy the mixer for the pouring shield. I have been able to live quite happily without it.

  Also, for the reviewer that was having problems getting the paddle to reach the ingredients at the bottom of the bowl: If you tilt the mixer head back, there is a screw at the crook there. If you tighten the screw the paddle moves up, loosen it and it will move down. This will allow you to adjust the paddle to reach the bottom of the work bowl. Good luck!
  
  

• So easy for this novice!
  By A3QFA1F3E41E2G on 2002-11-26
  Wow - I've recently begun cooking and felt I had to have this mixer after burning out two hand mixers. It's now my new best friend. The first thing I tried was a "jar" cookie recipe where everything (eggs, butter, flour & chips) are all thrown together at once. It didn't even bat an eye - just mixed it all up like nobody's business.

  I must confess it took some time to get used to locking the tilting head - when you don't the poor thing jumps and dances all over the counter. I couldn't believe something so simple made a huge difference.

  It comes with a few recipes (I tried the chocolate pound cake - yum). Cleaning is a snap - I would like to get an extra bowl, though.

  The only draw back is it's difficult to add ingredients while it's mixing. I haven't tried the pouring shield yet but I'm betting it will help.
  
  

• Love the mixer..worried about the oil spill
  By A2X7ISFTM9R7RI on 2005-01-18
  I received this as a gift. I love to bake but really only get an opportunity to use my KA once a week. That said, I have had a problem with the small amount of oil from the machinery leaking out of the head of it (I can always wipe oil off of it before baking). I called their customer service and was told that this happens when the machine is not turned on a lot...that the oil seeps into the head and leaks out. WHAT?!?! Sure, it is food grade oil (meaning one can eat it and not get poisoned)but I do not like seeing it in my freshly ground meat or spotting my kneaded bread dough.
  
  Now, before mixing anything, I will turn the machine on for a few minutes to get the oil back up where it belongs as per the directions of the friendly customer service person. She assured me that it was okay-that seeing more than a cup full of oil was bvad but this small amount was ok. (um...ok) That still does not do the trick-I still see oil. During the month of December, I used this mixer almost every day and still had the problem. For what was paid for the Artisan, I should not have to worry about "food grade oil" seeping into my food! Not only that but it cannot be good for the gear assembly for the levels of oil to be constantly seeping out.
  
  After calling several other KA owners and being told they do NOT have this problem, I am going to call KA back and ask for a replacement.
  
  
• Finally got me a KitchenAid mixer!
  By on 2002-06-01
  I've always wanted a KA stand mixer, but never had the space for it. So finally after getting shelving for the kitchen, I decided to purchase one for myself as a Mother's Day gift. I debated between getting a refurb or a new one, and opted for a new one in Lavender (dh has had problems with refub products in the past).

  On first inspection, the motor made very loud grinding and clacking noises and there was a gap at the rear left of the motor housing. KA said 8-10 hrs of use would take care of the noise, but they'd send another one right away.

  I received the new one in a few days, and the metal KA band was loose and the ring around the revolving stem was crooked (causing a gap into the housing). The speed knob was also a bit "sticky". KA said they'd send one right away and I'm waiting for it to arrive.

  Meanwhile, I've been using the first one to make cookies, brownies, cakes, and breads with no problems whatsoever, and the noises have lessened as KA promised. Kneading is now a breeze, and the shield/spout is great. My kids have been making cookies without needing my muscles for the last bit of mixing.

  So, I think the mixer is great, but wish KA paid more attention to details. And they do have great customer service, being happy to replace the unit for any defect that I found. I hope the 3rd one will be perfect.

  *** Received the 3rd mixer after requesting that it be inspected again before shipping. This one is fine -- no gaps, no loose pieces, no funny noises. I have no problems mixing double batches of 50% whole wheat breads (though now I'll have to find new ways to work out my arms!)

  *** After almost a year, the mixer started making high-pitched rubbing noises and the "head-lock" occasionally sticks. KA sent a replacement with a couple of sharp paint protrusions and some rubber gasket sticking out under the band. Also, the paddle & dough hook were not burnished metal. Another one on its way.

  ** After ~7 replacements since original purchase, Kitchenaid has refunded me the purchase price on this mixer. There has been something wrong (cosmetic and function) with every one they sent me. I ended up purchasing their commercial model (KSMC50) since I've already invested money in attachments. So far, it's perfect. Possibly problems with quality control on the Artisan model. Regardless, customer service is exceptional.
  
  

• Even my persnickety mother loves her new KitchenAid Artisan
  By on 2003-09-26
  My sister asked me to go halves with her to buy our mother this mixer. Mom makes lots of homemade candy as Christmas gifts and she has always used a Mixmaster. They are good mixers, but we decided to get a mixer with a more powerful motor as Mom eventually burns hers up, so we chose the KitchenAid. Keep checking Amazon.com for a sale price on the common colors. They were on sale on Sunday, then back up to the full price Mon. through Sat., then on sale again the next Sunday. I waited for the sale when the price of the Artisan was marked down $52, it had a rebate, and a free 3-quart bowl offer, AND free shipping. The fact that it has a 325-watt motor was the real selling point. Now Mom is hard to please, and I was holding my breath until it arrived, thinking she would not like the fact it has a single beater. I thought she would reject it because she has always used two-beater mixers. Not so. She is thrilled with this mixer. The dual-action wide metal beater is 100% effective for mixing along the sides and the bottom of the bowl. The whisk is just what she needs for beating egg whites for her candy. The motor is very powerful and I doubt she will ever use speeds 9 or 10. The bowls lock into place and she won't hesitate to leave the mixer running while doing other kitchen duties. It's so heavy it won't vibrate off the countertop. The reviewer from CT must have written his review on the wrong page. This Artisan mixer has the tilt-back head, another of Mom's must-haves. It is the KitchenAid Professional mixer which has the stationary head and the bowl that moves up and down. I don't think we will hear a single complaint from my mother, my sister and I are thrilled with the sale price, rebate, free bowl, and free shipping, and I just can't wait until they go on sale again to order one for myself. I want a red one.
  
  
• Kitchen Aid has gone way down hill in quality.
  By A1XKKTKPWJ1WNB on 2007-06-24
  My mother used a Kitchen Aid mixer her entire life, and when I got older and became serious about baking, I too thought I would buy a Kitchen Aid mixer, and I expected the mixer to be the only mixer I would ever have to buy. Wow, was I wrong.
  I bought my mixer (WS4494931, Model KSM15OPSWH) yesterday and from the first use I had nothing but problems, odd sounds, odors, along with sparks flashing from the inside of the motor, and finally the device simply would not turn on. I returned the mixer to the store, and being the open-minded person I am, decided to give Kitchen Aid brand another shot. The second mixer still omitted an odor, but I was told that this was normal for a new mixer motor, and seemed quieter; however, speed 2 does not work. When I move the speed selector from Stir, to 2, there is no change in speed.
  I bought a Kitchen Aid without doing research because I trusted the brand name, and of course because my mother used hers for so long, but once I started researching Kitchen Aid on the Internet, I see that I am not the only person who has experienced the same issues with Kitchen Aid mixers.
  I am totally disappointed with my purchase and will return it to the store that I purchased it from. I will also not buy Kitchen Aid appliances again.
  It's a shame that Kitchen Aid has let the quality of their product go down hill.
  
  
  
• Uh-oh
  By on 2002-11-18
  I bought my mixer two and a half months ago and it up and died -- just seized without warning. Prior to that, I had used it about five times a week for about fifteen minutes a clip with no problem. It was glorious! True to their hassle-free replacement warranty, I called up and another one is on the way and they'll take this one back, no questions asked, all for free. If it wasn't for this kind of customer care, I'd probably worry.
  
  
• Kitchen 'Aid'? No...Kitchen 'Lifesaver'!
  By A28J8UTC0FDL5H on 2002-11-26
  What can I say that hasn't already been said? Nothing! Why? Because this appliance rocks! If you spend any amount of time in the kitchen, this is a must have! Yeah, it's expensive. That's what has been keeping me from buying one for the last 8 years. Well, I've had it for two weeks and as far as I'm concerned, it's already paid for itself. Buy it! Don't hesitate...just do it. Trust me. OK, so not the most eloquent review, but what could anyone say about this amazing piece of machinery that hasn't already been said. It's reputation precedes itself. Buy it!
  
  
• platonic love of a kitchen utensil
  By A23GI8RZPK93F2 on 2005-04-21
  I don't want this review to be full of teenage angst. My sister's were all married before me and received this as a christmas gift. I didn't get one. After reading the description.. I was drooling for one. I lived with one of my sister's and really got to know this appliance. Being in a very large family.. there is alot of baking that goes on at christmas. The mixer had a great trial by fire. Over 400 large cookies later (yes, in one day.. one right after the next).. the mixer was doing fine. After a few cakes, the mixer was still kicking it. It was pretty warm, but didn't overheat during this stress period. We even had 2 bowls going (you can buy a second bowl for the mixer). This mixer really did it's job. Supurb. No complaints from me or my sisters. They've had the mixer for about 10 years.
  
  We often (during non peak seasons), put a bowl of cookie dough in the fridge or freezer (depends on the kinda' week it's going to be)... and have a few fresh cookies whenever. Since we have a second bowl.. you can still have your fresh bread with dinner.
  
  For some reason, everyone includes the color on here... ours was white. It's an appliance.. I realize it's a great appliance you have out all the time, but I'm not using the color to color code my kitchen.. got issues with the many color options.. put a cover over it.
  
  I was also amused that someone got their mixer replaced fast and without hassle. This made them nervous and want to rate to product lower. I'm sad that of many people.. they had a problem with their mixer. Complaining that the company was too nice.. which made them nervous about the mixer and then wanting to rate it lower even though the experience was mostly pleasant. Maybe she needed to be yelled at or ignored for a better experience. Odd.
  
  My life wasn't changed by this mixer. I just am more willing to try recipies that require alot of fuss. It really took the work out of cooking. Kinda' like having a stove, or a microwave. It did make a big difference with my baking.
  
  Negatives..
  - I hate washing anything with a wire whip. If you stick it in the diswasher it discolors a bit... (see above on covering mixer if you spaz on colors).
  - If you over fill it you'll need to use the splash guard. if you can find it.. or you keep it out. cool. I find it annoying because then I can only pour something in at the pour area. The small amount of flower it kicks up isn't scarry for me. Also if you start it at the low speed and then increase it it's less likely to do this then when you add flower to something mixing at a high speed. The fun part.. is you don't need to over fill it... because it's not much more work to make 15 batches in singles or doubles as it is 2 the regular way. It's also nice not to have to wait for the butter to soften or to have to stop to rest your arm.
  
  Good
  - It really makes life easy if you've got alot going on in the kitchen. Without one.. there aren't times when I go.. how about I just whip up a batch of carrot cookies.. because it would take forever. With one.. I did all the time. Ask my sister :) When I first started using it.. I think her husband suddenly learned what "thin" jeans and "not so thin" jeans were for a few weeks.
  - It's not hard to clean. I love my food processor.. but it's got to be a pretty interesting recipe for me to be convinced to get it out because of the cleaning. This machiene is actually pretty easy. I'm also not the kind of person who cleans their dish rack more than once every 2 weeks.. and shock of all schocks.. it remains on my counter alot.
  - All of the attachments are easy to get and replace. I see alot of reviews for other products.. that if something is lost.. it's lost forever, but not with this company. They've been making these for awhile... everything's easy. If you need another pouring shild.. you can have it off amazon in a few days. Whatever.
  
  I hope someone gets it for me soon.. I'm not picky about when.. the wedding, birthday, christmas.. someone.. anyone...buler
  
  

• KitchenAid FPPA Mixer Attachment Pack for Stand Mixers
• KitchenAid GMA Grain Mill Attachment for Stand Mixers
• KitchenAid KPEX Pasta Excellence Set Attachment Pack
• KitchenAid KPCA Pasta Cutter Companion Set Attachment
• KitchenAid KRAV Ravioli Maker Attachment

• KitchenAid FPPA Mixer Attachment Pack for Stand Mixers
• KitchenAid KMCC1KB Stand Mixer Cloth Cover, Khaki with Black Trim
• The Mixer Bible: Over 300 Recipes For Your Stand Mixer
• KitchenAid FGA Food Grinder Attachment for Stand Mixers
• KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment