Which Mixer?

[Incy]

Hi all,
I was hoping some of you would have some advice to give here. We are looking at getting a mixer, possibly a Kenwood chef or something similar. As they are a pretty big investment, I was hoping that those of you who have mixers might share your views on pros and cons of different models with me. Things such as motor size are leaving me rather confused.
It will be used regularly for kneading dough but will also be used for other things such as cakes.
Many Thanks in advance for any help.

[Bren In Pots]

Incy have a look at this thread kenwood-chef-kitchenaid question I'd say a Kenwood chef but I'm biased I love my chef it gets used nearly every day.

[Incy]

Thanks for the link Bren.
I've had a read through and it's confirmed my love of Kenwood chefs. No-one seems to say much about the different models though. I've found ones with motors ranging between 650 watts and 1400 watts and have no idea whether you need the bigger motor or not.

[Capsid]

You will need a strong motor for kneading dough. The big Kenwoods are very robust and will cope with pretty much anything, but they are huge and take up a lot of room on the worktop.

The smaller mixers are more versatile and are adequate for mixing cake ingredients.

[Incy]

Thanks Mark. Do you think 1000 watts is sufficient?

[Capsid]

Thanks Mark. Do you think 1000 watts is sufficient?

Yes, that should be fine.

[Incy]

Thanks Mark.
The deed is now done. just have to wait for it to arrive now

[Seahorse]

I was about to rush in with the zeal of a crusader to recommend the Chef but I can see that my work here is already done

I know you'll love it

[Bren In Pots]

Which one did you go for in the end Incy ?

[Incy]

I bought the KMC560 in the end as it has a 1000 watt motor and was not a ridiculous price

[Bren In Pots]

Good choice Incy

[OllieMartin]

I just bought a Kenwood Prospero 650W 4.3l from Tesco, a total impulse purchase as it was marked down to £145.

I'm in love again, and the object of my love is called Ken, Ken Wood. I never thought it would be like this!

[Pumpkin Becki]

I've been looking at the KM023 Mega Pack - its a lot of money, and I'm worried that I wouldn't use all the attachments...but if its very powerful...and shiney...and I want one!

[SarzWix]

I'd be more inclined to go for one of the 'bog-standard' models, that way you can buy attachments and accessories of eBay etc, which people have had shut in their cupboards for 10 years and never used That's how I acquired my mincer/sausage stuffing and ice-cream maker attachments, lots cheaper than brand new price

[Pumpkin Becki]

I'd be more inclined to go for one of the 'bog-standard' models, that way you can buy attachments and accessories of eBay etc, which people have had shut in their cupboards for 10 years and never used That's how I acquired my mincer/sausage stuffing and ice-cream maker attachments, lots cheaper than brand new price

...now thats sound advice Sarz. I'll start looking at the smaller models and in the meantime, my bank balance will heave a sigh of relief. Thank you hun x