Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

If you have any Scandinavian or Russian Heritage, Christmas is definitely a time for Baking! So when this mixer became available, I ordered it right away. Here is what I found: 1. First, this is probably a special production run that is done for places like Costco and Amazon since the product does NOT show up on the KitchenAide website except as a listing for manuals. So, do not beat yourself over the head looking for exact comparisons. 2. Because of the above, you will not see a listing of the Wattage for the unit. The actual wattage for this mixer is 350 Watts. This is on a stamp on the bottom plate of the mixer stand. A stamp for voltage and wattage is required on all electrical appliances in the United States (maybe in other countries as well, but I am only sure about the US). 3. This mixer is the same height as the PRO 5 series of mixers. The length is just a little longer and the width is about 1/2 inch wider. 4. READ the user’s manual!!!! It tells you a lot about your machine including how to ensure the height of the beaters is at the right place when inserted into your bowl. There is a height adjustment screw in the neck of the stand to adjust the height of the beaters above the bowl so you do not grind the beater into the bowl!!!! While I have never had to adjust this on any of the KitchenAid mixers I have bought for parents (in-laws and direct), I can see where shipping might cause an issue or if you are using a set from a different mixer. I would have to believe that this was the issue for the person who complained about metal in their mix. 5. The height on my mixer was perfect. Following the washing instructions in the manual prior to use, I had no problem with color or metal in my mix (Spritz cookie dough). Also, pay attention to the manual for setting for mixing dough. There are speeds that are designed for stiff doughs and using a speed that is faster can cause damage to your mixer. There is NO fast way to do a dough, just easier ways than doing it by hand. 6. One of the things you should know and that is in the manual is that the 1HP rating is at the motor and NOT at the mixer blade! The rating at the mixer blade is 1/4HP. The higher motor rating ensures that the motor does not overheat when doing a stiff dough. 7. The mixer is quiet when compared to other mixers. It is NOT silent!!! I was impressed with the sound level as compared to my old electric hand mixer. it is much quieter and does a MUCH better job!!! 8. Keep in mind the size of this mixer. If you rarely do anything other than a cake mix, this mixer will be overkill. But, if you do lots of bread and other things, this will be a great addition!! Overall, I am very satisfied with the mixer. I took one star away only because of the deceptive markings on this mixer (HP rating instead of wattage) and the lack of any detailed information on the manufacturer’s website about this specific product and how it fits into their line-up of products.