Picking the Right Stand Mixer

When I received my Cuisinart mixer two years ago, it was as if a bright light had turned on...just to shine on me. I felt like Mary Poppins, dough would knead with a press of my finger, butter and sugar would cream in minutes, and all the while, the soft hum of the motor would match my cadence as I reached around the kitchen to grab the vanilla extract, now the salt.

This moment wasn't a result of a whim or fancy. It was a result of much research and advice. When I knew that I needed (yes, I really, really, needed) a mixer, I automatically decidedly that the bright green Kitchenaid would be the perfect addition to my counter top. It was beautiful...green, shiny and fun, like me!

'I know the one I want. I want this one please.'

'Hmmm...it's ugly.'

'But I love it, it's my favorite color.'

'Well, will it make your bread?'

'...Yes!...umm...I think...'

'And does it make pasta?'

'...umm...yeah?'

'Well, find out!'

So were the wise, aka dream crushing words of Buzza. Before I could embark on my Mary Poppinsdom, there were a few things that I needed to answer. After going down this list, there really wasn't a decision to be made at all, as the answer became apparent.

1. What do you intend to use the mixer for?

This will tell you how strong of a motor you will need.

a. If, mainly cakes, cookies and other baked goods, then, you can go with any standard mixer with a 225 watt motor, or lower.

b. If, mainly for bread and pasta dough, then you need something with at least 550 watts. Now, there is much debate on how strong the motor has to be. Many people are able to make bread and pasta dough with a lighter motor, but after combing through dozens of reviews and forums, it became apparent that there was a risk of burning out a low wattage motor for this type of heavy work.

2. Can I afford to replace a $300+ mixer if it happens to fall apart the day after the warranty ends, which, with my luck would most likely happen?

'Hell to the no!'

I needed one for bread and pasta making, so...

3. What are the leading, most reliable mixers that are 550+ watts?

a. Kitchenaid Professional Series

b. Cuisinart 5.5 Qt

c. There were others that stood out, like Viking, Bosch, SunBeam, etc.

4. What's my price point?

This one was a toughy. I received my mixer as a gift. So, while I wasn't limited to MY budget, I didn't want to be greedy or extravagant. I did, but I didn't.

Here was my analysis:

KitchenAid CuisinArt

575 watts 800 watts

$400 $250 with rebate, plus free food processor attachment

beautiful color choices just silver

great brand new brandline for stand mixers

In the end, I made the economical decision and I couldn't be happier.