Before, long before air fryers and so many other machines became fashionable, the robot that triumphed in the gastronomic networks was the KitchenAid. She was the object of desire for all of us who were just starting out in the masses, so pretty, so hard to come by twenty years ago. Fashions have changed but this robot still unbeatable in its category, yes, without their prices having dropped. What’s so special? Is it really worth it?
The short answer is: depends. It is not very satisfying, but it is the pure reality. And it depends because it is not a basic utensil that we need to cook, it does not work magic and requires some effort on our part, depending on our needs. Now, the fame he has is well deserved.
After more than a year living with a KitchenAid at home, I can properly assess whether the investment has been worth it. Because, I confess, it has been a little thorn that had stuck since the first time I became aware of its existence, when the old culinary blogosphere was in its infancy and envied those who boasted of it.
Choosing the KitchenAid model
The first thing to note is that yes, it is infinitely easier today than it was a couple of decades ago to get a KitchenAid. But this at the same time complicates things, because there are many different modelswith prices that can shoot up to a thousand euros.
It doesn’t help that they all have the same name and follow a virtually identical design which has barely changed throughout its history. The difference is in the “surname” and the numerical code, which also indicates the different colors. To clarify a bit, they can be divided into:
- Mini. They are the smallest models, with 3.3 liters of capacity, cheaper and less powerful, with fewer possible accessories.
- classical. Slightly larger in size and power than the mini, with a limited range of colors and a capacity of 4.3 liters.
- artisan. The most common range of models and with several types, although they all meet the same basic characteristics; 4.8-litre screw-on bowl, 300 W of power, folding head and different accessories, some included and others not.
- heavy duty. There are them with the same capacity as the previous model, and others that are higher. They are more powerful and the big difference is in the stability they offer to handle larger and voluminous masses, and work for longer with heavier mixes. The glass is hooked to the sides and rises.
- professional. They follow the design line of the previous ones, but with greater capacity and power, with a design designed for daily professional work, large volumes and a lot of activity. They are by far the most expensive and largest.
For the price it costs and the limitations, I do not recommend the mini unless it is really going to be used very little or you have a tiny kitchen. And for what the classic model offers, it is much more worth investing a little more in it artisanMore powerful and with the option of working with larger volumes. It will also give us more play with the accessories, and it is the one with the most colors to choose from.
I recommend compare prices in different storeschecking the chosen model well, and take advantage of sales seasonal as those of January or summer. In my case, a good discount after Christmas 2022 was the definitive impulse to finally indulge myself in having a beautiful KitchenAid Artisan. Now we had to find a place for it.
Kitchen Aid Artisan 175, features and benefits
The great strength of this machine, in addition to its beautiful, timeless, iconic and vintageis technology and materials of great quality that is behind the brand, an entire institution in the United States and already half the world.
Without having an excessively powerful engine, therefore without spending much energywork with a strength and efficiency that tastes good, without overheating. It has neither screens, nor buttons, nor is it smart nor does he need. There are only two levers: to raise the head and to start it by raising or lowering the speed.
This brand revolutionized the US market by launching the first domestic stationary blender with orbital motionwhich allows the dough hook, the mixing blade and the balloon rods to reach all points of the container, guaranteeing a perfect kneading or smoothie.
Data sheet
KitchenAid robot mixer | |
---|---|
Model | Artisan 175 |
Dimensions | 36x24x27cm |
Power | 300W |
Main bowl capacity | 4.8l |
bowl material | Stainless steel |
number of speeds | 10 |
Net weight | 10.98kg |
Gross weight | 12.22kg |
turning speed | 220 |
minimum turning speed | 58 |
Power cord length | 106cm |
KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PS Food processor (4.8 L, Red, lever, 220 RPM, Stainless steel, 300 W)
What is the KitchenAid mixer for (and what use)?
As much as we call it a “kitchen robot” in Spain, this device fits better into the category of mixer, which in English is called stand mixer. That is to say, does not cook as suchis more of a tool or accessory than a fucking robotic.
Additional accessories aside, these machines serve to mix, beat, assemble, knead and stir. Therefore, they work with liquid mixtures and masses, which is why it is a device specially designed for confectionery and bakery preparations. This does not mean that it can have other very useful uses, such as preparing mayonnaise, cod brandade or meatball dough.
With this robot it is much more fast and easy prepare any basic or more complex pastry dough, from simple homemade cookies to sweets that require more mixing with more air, such as muffins.
In this sense it is much more comfortable than manual electric whisks, since you don’t have to hold them or move the bowl or your hand to beat all the ingredients. The KitchenAid can stay alone creaming butter with sugar -something that takes time-, whipping egg whites until stiff or making a very firm whipped cream in just one or two minutes.
It is also ideal to encourage more to prepare pastries and bakery doughs more hydrated or enriched with butter, milk or eggs, which require good kneading until they have an elastic texture. Again, you can leave the dough in the machine while you clean up the kitchen or play on your mobile. The roscón de Reyes, the pizza dough, a very hydrated focaccia or a soft milk bread, for example. they look fabulous.
Are you sure you need it?
By investment which supposes, without being as expensive as a Thermomix, we must consider if we are really going to use it. It is so beautiful that we want to have it in a fixed place in the kitchen, as we always see in American series and movies, ready to use at any time. You have to make room for it at a stable point.
If you only do some very basic baking very sporadically and don’t have much of an intention to prepare bakery doughs, it doesn’t make much sense to buy a KitchenAid. If, on the contrary, baking is one of your hobbies, and you would like to work more comfortably, don’t hesitate: this robot is for you. Even it takes advantage of it without making sweets every week.
Another possibility is that you just got stung the worm of the masses or you have little time and strength to make your rolls, cookies, pizzas, sliced breads, biscuits or empanadas. This mixer will help you, but beware, it doesn’t do magic. You have to put on and master the recipes, as in everything.
Conclusions after a year of use
On a personal level we are very happy at home with this long-awaited “whim”. Although it can go a few weeks without using it -life devastates you sometimes-, when I start it up again I fall in love again her. It is very comfortable and almost hypnotic to see how the cream is whipped, the eggs are beaten or the bread is kneaded in a matter of a few minutes.
Although on more than one occasion we have subjected it to more intense work days, barely warms up and works without protestIt hasn’t given any problems and it’s very comfortable clean and drive. The quality of the materials, both of the robot itself and of its accessories, is noticeable, and for a reason they are famous for lasting a lifetime if they are well cared for.
We also hope to broaden horizons acquiring accessories to make ice creams and granitas, prepare pasta, grind cereals, chop meat or cut vegetables, etc. And one last piece of advice: if you can, choose the model with two bowls and a splash-proof lid, they are tremendously practical.
KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM175PS Food processor (4.8 L, Red, lever, 220 RPM, Stainless steel, 300 W)
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