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Produce => Recipes => Topic started by: nilly71 on September 05, 2010, 08:29:49
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Not sure where to ask, but thought you can use a mixer with your recipes ;D
I want a food mixer(not proccesor) and wondered if an old kenwood like A901 or a modern http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4233251/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CKitchen+and+laundry%7C14418476/c_2/3%7C14418476%7CSmall+kitchen+appliances%7C14418587/c_3/4%7Ccat_14418587%7CFood+processors+and+mixers%7C14418606.htm (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4233251/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CKitchen+and+laundry%7C14418476/c_2/3%7C14418476%7CSmall+kitchen+appliances%7C14418587/c_3/4%7Ccat_14418587%7CFood+processors+and+mixers%7C14418606.htm) for the same price would be better.
I can't afford or warrant paying over £100 so a new Kenwood is out of my price range.
Neil
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I too was a bit taken aback by the prices of Kenwood mixers, but wanted one for bread making. Last November, I bought a KM200 on eBay for £65 (inc delivery), and it was and is superb. It still had the original Kenwood sticky labels on it, so little had it been used. In fact, the only problem was that the rubber feet had perished, but they were replaced for a few quid. It had clearly been a present to someone, and had sat unused in a cupboard for years.
There are loads of such bargains about. They're not quite as powerful as the latest "Titanium" range, but are more than up to any sensibly sized domestic task.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kenwood-Chef-KM200-Stainless-Bowl-Liquidiser-/150486614097?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Kitchen_Mixers&hash=item2309b38051
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kenwood-Chef-Classic-KM400-410-/180554541129?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Kitchen_Mixers&hash=item2a09e3a849 (pick up only N London)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RETRO-KENWOOD-CHEF-FOOD-MIXER-KM201-TOOLS-WORKING-/140446730801?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Kitchen_Mixers&hash=item20b3470a31 (slightly shabby but will be a bargain)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Kenwood-KMC560-Chef-Premier-Mixer-RRP-250-NR-/330468418471?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Kitchen_Mixers&hash=item4cf173e3a7 (might go for too much money)
and many more. There are plenty of good old Kenwood 901s that go for almost nothing. I wouldn't go for a 700 series, though, which are getting very long in the tooth.
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Thanks very much for taking the time to post the links. I have been watching some of them and know the A901 has a very good name, it usually sells for about £50-£80.
I'll keep looking.
Neil
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We have a Kitchen Aid, which we love. It came with pasta roller/cutter attachment. There are loads more attachments you can buy, as with the Kenwood.
Having bought a Kitchen Aid I would not swap for a Kenwood. But I think it's down to 'what works for you', and what you've got/bought.
As with anything, there are pros and cons. You pays your money and you makes your choice.
I think there is very little between them. They both do a very good job. If you want to decide between them, flip a coin. ;D
valmarg
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I have a very very od Kenwood that I bought from UK ovr 40 years ago and had the motor changed, It's the pale blue trim,,,, Also have a newer one but really it also is old, this one has the dark blue trim and was the last one of it's kind before the electronic ones came in. I also have a Kitchenaide that my daughter gave me not too long ago,,, she is picking it up on her next visit and she is going to sell it, I hate it.
I also have Eletrolux DLX, fabulous machine, can't say enough good things about it................ my 2c worth,,,,,,qahtan
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Qahtan why do you hate your kitchen aid. I would like to know because its on my list of when I can afford it *must haves*
Duke :)
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as you may have notice I do bake o lot.
my very first mixer was Kenwood Minor, it did what I wanted , I thought the machine was fabulous, I was then a newly wed, almost 54 years ago.
When I came to Canada I upgraded to the bigger Kenwood which did my cakes etc also the odd loaf of bread,,,My husband bought the other Kenwood because t was a good price and the other one was, well, getting on a bit.....
Then I bought the DLX, so much power and strength, it truly is a work horse,,,, I don't want to have to make bread every couple days so with the DLX I can do 6 plus if I want with no problem, I only have a couple of attachments for it but then I have a bunch of things for my Kenwoods that get used quite a bit, and they are there if I need them. collected over the years,,,, BTW the attachments I have for my Kenwoods do not fit the new machines.
The juicer gets used every day for fresh orange juice, apart from the actual machine being good if and when I want make bread.
Then along came plonk,,, the KA,,, to my mind, it just doesn't have enough ooomph for what I want, in particular after the DLX, or even the Kenwood.
unless you go for the top of the line, and to me if I had the money for that I would go for the DlX. ,, as I said earlier just my 2 cents worh, qahtan
http://www.everythingkitchens.com/electroluxvideo.html
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If I were you Duke, and based on personal experience, go for the Kitchen Aid.
We have bought Kenwood appliances in the past and they have been rubbish. Our first food processor was a Kenwood. The bowl cracked, and the blade dropped to bits.
The Kitchen Aid is made in America. The Kenwood is not made in the UK anymore, but somewhere halfway up the hindu kush ;D
valmarg
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I also like my Kitchen Aid. I have been a cake decorator most of my married life (45 years) and have for the last 20 years made wedding/celebration cakes in quantity in a KA with no problems. I previously had a Kenwood (probably bought in the first 5 years of marriage and that also did the job, but gave it away when it sounded like a bearing was going and couldn't afford to be without one, so that's when I bought the Kitchen Aid. (incidentally, the Kenwood is still going strong, was wrong about the bearing!). Nothing wrong with either (unless you happen to be unlucky and get a 'monday morning' machine which gives you trouble, and that can happen with any applicance!)
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The Kitchenaid is well out of my price range.
If I buy new I think either the Kenwood Patissier or Andrew James they are both within budget and I don't need all the extras that come with the chef's. If I can get a second hand A901 cheap then I might get that instead.
Anyone heard of either of these?
Reviews
Kenwood Patissier http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-Patissier-MX275-Mixer-Litre/dp/B000779US4 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-Patissier-MX275-Mixer-Litre/dp/B000779US4)
Andrew James http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-James-Electric-Stand-Mixer/dp/B001KO187O/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1283739295&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-James-Electric-Stand-Mixer/dp/B001KO187O/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1283739295&sr=1-1)
Neil
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Just turned on QVC and had the last two minutes of the show, guess what todays special value item is......
kitchenaid with slicer and icecream attachment for £361.20 or 3 x £120.40 http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.frames.y.tpl.uktsv.item.tsv.cm_scid.TSV?cm_re=Hero-_-TSV-_-Image:831740 (http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.frames.y.tpl.uktsv.item.tsv.cm_scid.TSV?cm_re=Hero-_-TSV-_-Image:831740)
The classic can be bought for £260+£70(ice cream)+£65(shredder), so QVC works out cheaper.
At a push I can afford to do the 3x payments but is it really worth paying out for?
I'm determined to make more stuff at home to save money.
I'm so confused what to choose Kitchenaid or one of the other two ???
Neil
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Hi Nilly
I am like you. I am still undecided but I quite like the look of this one....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-KMX54-Stand-Mixer-Peppercorn/dp/B0014IOAK8/ref=sr_1_2?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1283787393&sr=1-2
Of course it comes in other colours.
Duke
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I can tell you My daughter bought a used Kitchenaide made by Hobart
It's old and had been outside all summer, remember this is made by Hobart
she got it for $30... took it home switched it on and it worked....
Wants a good clean and polish she said but $30.....
it's a Hobart... qahtan
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ps this one also looks good more compact and not so expensive
I want one mainly for cake making.
That Andrew James one has a powerful motor too !!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-Prospero-Compact-KM265-Stand/dp/B001HZVZQK/ref=dp_cp_ob_kh_title_2
Duke
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Make things more confusing for me ;D
I can't make up my mind to either buy a cheaper mixer just for cakes/bread or a more expensive better built one.
Neil
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I bought a mid priced one from Dixons last year and returned it. It wasn't very stable and it was useless at mixing smaller quantities because the beater didn't reach the bottom of the bowl!! I know now that I want I more expensive one. I am hoping that the one I buy now will outlive me :P :D ...so I am going for eitherthe Kenwood KMix or the Kitchen Aid. I am really loving the shape of the Kmix kind of retro and modern at the same time.
Duke :)
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have you ever thought of joining a group like this, you might find out more if, whys and buts, true it's mainly in the states but they do use all kinds of machines,,, it might help you decide..... again my 2 cents worth,,,;-))))
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mixer-Owners/messages
qahtan
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http://www.everythingkitchens.com/electroluxvideo.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mixer-Owners/messages
I think the DLX would be to big for what I need.
Thanks for the links.
Neil
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Kitchen Aid versus Kenwood.
It is very difficult to decide. They both do exactly the same tasks. They both have the same (or similar) attachments.
Having a Kitchen Aid, I would thoroughly recommend it.
They are both expensive - one of the kitchen items to save up for - but which?
Having decided on the Kitchen Aid I am entirely happy with it.
It is an expensive piece of equipment.
I think you will get excellent service from whichever make you decide.
As I said, they are both expensive, and a 'once in a lifetime' purchase.
Having gone for the Kitchen Aid I am more than happy with it.
valmarg
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Thanks Valmarg and Qahtan :)
I have taken your comments into account. Its always good to hear positive comments about a product.
Kmix or Kitchen Aid.....that is the question! :P
Duke
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Sorry for hijacking but my friend has a kitchen aid & the dough hook has got stuck & neither of us can get it out. Any tips please :). I wondered about WD40?
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It looks like a common problem that happens after the machine is a few years old. Food gradualy builds up.
Using a bit of veg oil and wrapping the attachment area in a warm towel a few times seem to work, it expands the alluminium just enough for the attachment to be removed.
http://forum.kitchenaid.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6356 (http://forum.kitchenaid.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6356)http://www.fixya.com/search/p105866-kitchenaid_325_watts_ksm150ps_artisan/paddle_attachment (http://www.fixya.com/search/p105866-kitchenaid_325_watts_ksm150ps_artisan/paddle_attachment)
I don't know if the steam from a hot kettle would do the same.
Neil
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OK as a professinal cake baker i'll step up and oar in here.
Early on a couple of years ago I was given an old A901 by my MIL, it apparently hadnt been used much but last me only a few weeks before it went up in smoke. I am so glad I didnt pay for it.
I guess what I am saying is that Kenwoods are designed to be work horses, and although reliable the A901's are getting on a bit and although may be cheaper make not last very long.
Amazon had the new kenwood chefs on at £136 when I was looking for a new one. Although over your budget it could be worth trying to stretch the budget if you can and buy a new machine.
Kitchen aid's whilst good dont ahve the power that Kenwoods have and once again ive had an old one of these I bought off ebay that went up in smoke too.
It rather depends on what you want you machine for and how much you are going to use it
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Smoking A901's are common(found this out whie looking for mixers) they can easerly be fixed by replacing a few capicitors and other componants. ebay has the set for about £6 but maplins would be a lot less. A quick search on the internet would tell you what's needed and how to do it.
Thanks for all the replies and advice everyone.
I bought a Kenwood Prospero KM262 For £90 ;D from comet's but it needs a k-beater, so i'll have to search around for a cheap one.
Neil
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My Kenwood started giving off a burning smell and some smoke 2 years ago. I took it to a Kenwood agent who repaired it. It has worked fine since. It did blow its fuse until a stronger one was put in.
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I think unless you are extremely lucky with a used machine, like my daughter was,,, I really think that you get what you pay for,.
if you buy cheap then bet your boots it is cheap, or the maker would put a higher price on it. Unless ofcourse you only want a machine strong enough to whip cream, If you are going to make heavy fruit cakes etc and bread you need power..... qahtan
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My Kenwood started giving off a burning smell and some smoke 2 years ago. I took it to a Kenwood agent who repaired it. It has worked fine since. It did blow its fuse until a stronger one was put in.
I phoned the local kenwood agents here and all said they couldnt repair them as they couldnt get parts. Found somone about 100 miles away but it would have cost a small fortune in postage to get it there and back plus of course the parts and labour
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It did blow its fuse until a stronger one was put in.
If it blows the correct strength fuse, it is trying to tell you something. Putting in a stronger one can pass the problem down the wire and be a fire hazard elsewhere.
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Nilly~
Please let me know how your kenwood prospero performs. :)
Duke
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It did blow its fuse until a stronger one was put in.
If it blows the correct strength fuse, it is trying to tell you something. Putting in a stronger one can pass the problem down the wire and be a fire hazard elsewhere.
Not according to the qualified electrician that put it in.
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Nilly~
Please let me know how your kenwood prospero performs. :)
Duke
I've just made meringue's and very impressed on how well and quick it whipped them up. I only had a 3rd of the icing sugar, hopefully they will taste ok. Just got to wait 20 minutes for them to finnish cooking.
(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x296/nilly71/2010-09-07_183744.jpg)
Neil
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Nilly so far so good then!
Looks like you got a bargain price at Comets too. ;)
Duke
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I used to have an old Kenwood from the 1950s that came from a jumble sale, v retro and probably worth a few quid now. Worked perfectly, the only issue was that the plastic on the power cables had perished and morphed into a buttery substance. The thing was solid metal and would probably still be going strong if I hadnt gone all health & safety and taken it to the tip.
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meringues look a good dense colour but it really required no power to whip them up, try a couple loaves of bread next, >>>>>> qahtan
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Know what you mean, qatan. You really only need a hand mixer for meringues. Made a batch of 20 baps for the freezer today. Kitchen Aid breezed through the mixing and kneading.
valmarg
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They were really nice :)
I can't do bread yet, but wil let you know when I do.
Neil
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They look gorgeous Neil, what fun your going to have getting to know your new machine ;D
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They were really nice :)
I can't do bread yet, but wil let you know when I do.
Neil
Congratulations on a good choice. If you don't want to mix heavy doughs, it should be perfect. Enjoy!
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OK so how do I get to see these pictures...... thanks..... ;-)))) qahtan
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They were really nice :)
I can't do bread yet, but wil let you know when I do.
Neil
Oh dear nilly, on reading my last post I didn't mean to be quite so dismissive, and think your merinques looked gorgeous. Probably a bit of green-eye crept in, because if there's one thing I'm no good at it's meringues. (There are other things, but meringues is a bete noir.) ???
I can recommend experimenting with bread/yeast doughs. It is fun, and I've learned from my mistakes over many years.
Have a go, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. ;D
valmarg
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;D no offence taken ;D
They did taste really good, the outside was only a thin crust and the inside was like a soft marshmellow. I might make the key-lime pie with a maringue topping next.
I'm waiting on delivery of the k-beater and dough hook, so will try the breads in a few days.
Neil
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I had to take it back today as it would not start properly, if it did start it went on full speed.
I bought the Kenwood Kmix Kmx54.
Just made some Tomato and onion bread :)
Neil
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What size loaves did you made with your new mixer............
By having a larger mixer I can bake at no extra cost in electricity or time
to make a batch like this, whether white , brown, fruit or what ever, with no strain on my machine than just one loaf on a smaller machine or less powerful one.
I definately think the bigger machine is best even if it is a used one. As I said before just my 2 cents worth. qahtan
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y58/qahtan/100_0139-2.jpg)
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I should have to say qahtan that you bake larger quantities than the average household. I should also say that your food mixer is more towards an industrial, rather than a household model.
Quite apart from that, you would need rather larger ovens than are available in the UK.
I used to have an american double oven, which was wonderful. The manufacturer (Westinghouse) went into administration, which rendered my cooker obsolete.
I have not managed to find a suitable replacement. The cooker I have is not very good. ???
valmarg
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Yes I remember the ovens on the whole were quite small, I remember it being a bit of a hassle if a large turkey was bought , how to cook the thing
and get the potatoes and stuffing etc in there.
I was really trying to explain that if you intend to make bread even the odd time, or maybe a heavy fruit cake you will need a machine that is able to do it with ease not one that will strain and maybe burn out.
No, my DLX is not a commercial size it will do one loaf or even Victoria sandwich or genoise, though cakes I tend to do in my Kenwood, and pastry in Cuisinart food processor, In fact you can do very good bread in there also.............. I know, shut up qahtan.... :-[ :-[ :-[ Just trying to help
a felow Brit.....
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Don't be daft qatan.
It really boils down to what is available in the UK.
From my point of view, compared with the ovens I used to have, what I have at the moment is crap, total and absolute utter crap.
I would love to have my double oven back, but where do I get such an oven. Certainly not in the UK.
valmarg
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I had to use what i had in the cupboards, so only a kilo of flour was used.
Neil
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I have a RANGEMASTER double oven cooker. It was in the house when we moved in and I love it. This type of cooker is widely available here in the UK.
Duke
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If I could send you a double oven I would, wait till we win the Lotto. :o
My oven is not as large as some over here, it's a built in counter height
30 inch Kitchenaide Superba, true convection, self clean but even that needs hand finishing, a job for my better half.
Duke, Is your Rangemaster like an AGA??? I would love one of those.
would also like a brick oven outside.....
take care... qahtan
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qahtan, your breads look lovely but probably smell even better. Why would you want a brick oven outside and not be able to have the aroma through the house?
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A brick oven gives bread a little some thing extra, besides it would dive the neighbours mad.. ;-)))))
apart from that it gives a fantastic crust...
I am doing tomato bread today, not sure if it will be ok as I used the tomato juice instead of water, and it seems a bit slow to rise, if it's OK I will post a picture. if you don't see a picture then know that the birds are enjoying it,,, ;-)) qahtan
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Qahtan ~ a rangemaster is not an aga but similar in size etc. It can be gas or electricity or a mixture of both.
http://www.cookersandovens.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=1170&cat=64&page=1
Duke :)
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Oh yes please. It's almost purple.
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maybe a tad overbaked....q
unbaked tomatoe bread with cheese top...
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y58/qahtan/new%20%20album/102_0325.jpg)
baked tomatoe bread with cheese top
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y58/qahtan/bake/102_0332.jpg)
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If I could send you a double oven I would, wait till we win the Lotto. :o
Oooh yes please, and may all your lottery numbers be lucky ones. Should our's ever be that lucky, we shall have to think of a reciprocal arrangement. ;D
Your loaves look absolutely fantastic. I don't make a lot of bread, insofar as there is only the two of us. When I had the decent ovens I used to batch bake and freeze. OH (aka Tony) bemoans the fact that I don't bake so often, and we don't have 'real' bread anymore. ::)
Could I just pick your brains for a minute, please. I have a bread cookery book which includes American recipes. Whilst I can get away without most ingredients, there are two that intrigue me.
Hudson Cream Flour, and vital wheat gluten.
valmarg