Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 20, 2011 9:00:45 GMT -5
I think I have decided to go with the freebie. After much much consideration, I realize it is silly to spend that much $$ on something when the free one will do the same job (on a plus side- it'll give my biceps a small workout! haha)
|
|
Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 20, 2011 9:03:30 GMT -5
I think maybe I will just wait and ask for one next Christmas... DH's dad is VERY generous and usually gets frustrated because I don't ask for expensive things. I'll just use the cheap one until then. Like a previous poster pointed out, all I've ever used before was the cheap ones and they did the trick.
|
|
Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 20, 2011 9:04:22 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the advice! (ok, so I only posted this last sentence to get me to 100 posts )
|
|
seraph
New Member
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 7:07:55 GMT -5
Posts: 13
|
Post by seraph on Jan 20, 2011 9:39:17 GMT -5
I wanted one for a long time; also didn't want to spend the money on myself. DH found out I wanted one and gave me the Artisan model about 8 years ago for Christmas. I love it! It still runs great, can mix double batches of cookie dough, make bread or pizza dough, and with the attachments slice or shred veggies or cheese without problems. I didn't like the pasta extruder, don't have the pasta roller or the ice cream maker, but I think I have all the others. They aren't cheap but I was burning out a cheaper mixer ($40-50 range) about once a year, so I think it was worth it. You could probably get one for well less than $200 with one of those 20% coupons from Bed Bath and Beyond.
|
|
|
Post by tiredboomer on Jan 20, 2011 10:02:24 GMT -5
I love my Kitchenaid!!! My first one lasted for 30 years and was still working when I passed it on because I was given another. I use several attachments for it. It is what I would consider my favorite kitchen appliance.
|
|
NancysSummerSip
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:19:42 GMT -5
Posts: 36,347
Today's Mood: Full of piss and vinegar
Favorite Drink: Anything with ice
|
Post by NancysSummerSip on Jan 20, 2011 10:20:31 GMT -5
I own both the Kitchenaids: the stand mixer (20 years old) and the handheld (8 years old). I cook and bake all the time, and I have to tell you, I could not part with either of them.
The stand mixer does a lot of tough mixing (thick cookie doughs and breads) that the handheld simply cannot do. And it has attachments for pasta and meat. But you can use the handheld anywhere, and in any type of pot or bowl. And the handheld is more versatile in terms of its movement around the pot or bowl; you can get into those little crannies better.
If I had to pick one, it would depend on usage, first and foremost. I can MAKE space for anything. But there's no point if I will not use the gadget.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jan 20, 2011 10:32:20 GMT -5
I have a question for those of you that have the Kitchen Aid hand held mixer. Does it work well for triple and quadruple cookie batches? How well does it work for mixing bread dough? Does the hand held last as well as a stand mixer? I have burned out cheaper hand helds to mix cookie dough.
No, it doesn't do it near as well. My KA hand mixer (it's the professional one, so with a better motor) will do basic things like whip cream and cream butter and sugar. But it does not mix bread dough or knead it. It cannot do large volumes of mixing, like you're talking about with quadruple cookie batches very effectively.
Until I stumbled onto my KA hand mixer, I was using a 50 year old mixer that I inherited from my grandmother. It was avocado green and I could never keep the cord attached to the mixer, it kept falling out so I'd have to hold the cord in with one hand and hold the mixer with the other. I was waiting for a great deal to replace it, but never thought I'd find it at W-S!
I'd get a stand mixer too, but I'd have to give up either my coffee pot, my toaster or my microwave. I just can't do it.
|
|
merryheart
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:39:53 GMT -5
Posts: 179
|
Post by merryheart on Jan 20, 2011 10:51:25 GMT -5
I love my KA and I don't use it very often. But every inexpensive hand mixer I've had just couldn't do the job.
Both of my girls have KAs and love them.
I will say that a friend of mine stumbled into a lovely KA off of craig's list. You take whats offered that way (no apple green) but she paid $75 for the pro series stainless steel with 2 or 3 attachments. You might keep an eye out for a couple of weeks if you can go that long without one.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jan 20, 2011 11:20:33 GMT -5
but she paid $75 for the pro series stainless steel with 2 or 3 attachments
That's an awesome deal.....I'd be all over that like white on rice, even if I had to store it on my dining room table!
|
|
nalto
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 15:31:54 GMT -5
Posts: 777
|
Post by nalto on Jan 20, 2011 11:37:13 GMT -5
"I'll just use the cheap one until then." Don't call it cheap, call it inexpensive, or free.
|
|
doxieluvr
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 11:28:59 GMT -5
Posts: 5,458
|
Post by doxieluvr on Jan 20, 2011 11:44:43 GMT -5
We have the kitchenaid and it is truly wonderful. We only use it a few times a month, but it is so much better than trying to hold a hand mixer. We received it as a gift from my parents, so I could not tell you what they cost. My mother will say no kitchen is complete without one, which is why she gave them as housewarming gifts.
|
|
Tiny
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 21:22:34 GMT -5
Posts: 13,369
|
Post by Tiny on Jan 20, 2011 11:58:26 GMT -5
I really can't justify it. Who is everyone "justifying" their purchases too? If I want something I buy it. I don't care if anyone thinks it is "justified". I don't even know what that means. It's not "who" but to "what"(the future)... We all know that there are limited dollars but unlimited wants. Sometimes it's necessary to step back and review one's priorities - ie: "justify" spending more on something now that maybe wasn't part of the overall "plan". Sometimes it's OK to spend money on something that will give you satisfaction or make you happy whenever you use it or see it. The trick is to spend the money on stuff that gives you long term "warm fuzzies" not on something you use once and forget about while you are looking for the next "warm fuzzy" to purchase. If a mixer is something you use often and know you will continue to use it into the future then maybe when the old one breaks it's time to assess your mixer needs and find one that best fits your needs, sense of satisfaction you get from using it, and budget. I love my $20 toaster oven... it does everything I need it to do. I could have bought a $200 one, but I knew I would never get enough satisfaction from owning/using it to "justify" spending $200 on it. I love my KA hand mixer ($45). I use it a couple of times a month and it gives me "warm fuzzies" as it does exactly what I need it to do. Yes, I could have spent $20 on a mixer which didn't have all the features I want to use... and maybe I'd be wishing I had just gotten the KA (which had all the features I wanted and used). That's where the "justifying" comes in. FWIW: I don't have the counter space or storage space for a counter top model. I'd never bother to use one if I did buy one as I'd probably have to store it in the basement. It's too much work to go to the basement, get the mixer, remove stuff from the counter, set up the mixer and then start baking, clean it all up and put it back in the basement. It's far easier to pull the hand mixer out of the cupboard, plug it in and go. It's worth the few extra minutes of mixing to have the hand held one.
|
|
|
Post by westerngal on Jan 20, 2011 13:09:05 GMT -5
If you want it, can afford it and will use it, then buy it! We need to treat ourselves once in awhile!
|
|
pepperdoo
Established Member
Joined: Sept 23, 2012 11:50:29 GMT -5
Posts: 262
|
Post by pepperdoo on Jan 20, 2011 15:27:27 GMT -5
mich: My KA hand mixer is the 9 speed, and it works on bread dough and thick cookie batters. I put it through the ringer and use it for just about everything.
|
|
donnafreedman
Junior Member
Smart Spending Host
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:09:39 GMT -5
Posts: 230
|
Post by donnafreedman on Jan 20, 2011 19:45:27 GMT -5
My mom had a Sunbeam (I think, or some other non-ritzy brand) that lasted her for at least 15 years -- and then she got a new one and passed the old one to me. It was still working when I left my marriage; wish I'd remembered to bring it with me. Now I use a Black and Decker hand mixer that I bought at a yard sale. It was marked $2, but when the woman saw me looking at it for a few minutes she came over and said, "How about $1?" Sold! I don't bake nearly as much as I used to, but this little guy has all the right moves. I think you should check out the less-fancy mixers at the store. You know, look at the demos, see how the bowl spins, etc. If you think you can get by with one of those, then do so... OR: Put that on your wish list for the next big birthday or holiday. Maybe several family members will go in on it. AND: Use online price comparison websites like PriceGrabber.com to find the best deal... PLUS: Try to buy through a cash-back shopping site like Mr. Rebates or Ebates. Here are links to my MSN Money column on those topics: articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/FindDealsOnline/freedman-how-to-find-those-rock-bottom-prices.aspxarticles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/how-to-play-the-cash-back-game.aspx
|
|
oreo
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 19:42:49 GMT -5
Posts: 577
|
Post by oreo on Jan 21, 2011 17:06:10 GMT -5
I have a Kitchenaid mixer and I love it. I wouldn't trade it for any other mixer. My mother still has hers from a long time ago (it is avocado green so you can imagine how old it is) and it still works great too. I don't have one of the top end models or anything, just a run of the mill one. I'd love one of the newer ones that has the glass bowl. I was thinking I'd maybe see if the glass bowl would fit on my mixer!
|
|
|
Post by desertmover on Jan 21, 2011 18:06:15 GMT -5
"I'll just use the cheap one until then." Don't call it cheap, call it inexpensive, or free. Call it "priceless" I got the KA stand mixer as a gift many years ago. It takes a lot of space, is hard to keep clean, is heavy to move, you must use the stand mix bowls instead of any mixing bowl. If the "priceless" one doesn't work out, you have lost very little. Good Luck, Mover
|
|
Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 21, 2011 18:55:16 GMT -5
If you want one and can afford it, why can't you buy it? I just have guilt over spending that much money, even though I want it.
|
|
Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 21, 2011 18:56:16 GMT -5
"I'll just use the cheap one until then." Don't call it cheap, call it inexpensive, or free. Call it "priceless" I got the KA stand mixer as a gift many years ago. It takes a lot of space, is hard to keep clean, is heavy to move, you must use the stand mix bowls instead of any mixing bowl. If the "priceless" one doesn't work out, you have lost very little. Good Luck, Mover Good point! Thanks!
|
|
Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 21, 2011 19:00:32 GMT -5
My mom had a Sunbeam (I think, or some other non-ritzy brand) that lasted her for at least 15 years -- and then she got a new one and passed the old one to me. It was still working when I left my marriage; wish I'd remembered to bring it with me. Now I use a Black and Decker hand mixer that I bought at a yard sale. It was marked $2, but when the woman saw me looking at it for a few minutes she came over and said, "How about $1?" Sold! I don't bake nearly as much as I used to, but this little guy has all the right moves. I think you should check out the less-fancy mixers at the store. You know, look at the demos, see how the bowl spins, etc. If you think you can get by with one of those, then do so... OR: Put that on your wish list for the next big birthday or holiday. Maybe several family members will go in on it. AND: Use online price comparison websites like PriceGrabber.com to find the best deal... PLUS: Try to buy through a cash-back shopping site like Mr. Rebates or Ebates. Here are links to my MSN Money column on those topics: articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/FindDealsOnline/freedman-how-to-find-those-rock-bottom-prices.aspxarticles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/how-to-play-the-cash-back-game.aspxThanks, I actually have already read a lot of your articles (your piece about living frugally while you earned your degree really inspired me). Also, I use to have a Sunbeam stand mixer that my mom gave me when I moved out back when I was 18. I had a small apartment and never used it, so I gave it away. I will just look for a good price on a used one at yard sales/craigslist. If I can't find one, I'll ask for it for a Christmas gift. In the meantime, the free one should work fine.
|
|
museumgal
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 11, 2011 1:24:36 GMT -5
Posts: 164
|
Post by museumgal on Jan 21, 2011 22:03:34 GMT -5
I have a handheld but I don't like clutter on the counter much. My SIL has one of the big ones and she loves it, but she's a much more avid baker than I am.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 5, 2024 8:24:58 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2011 11:09:42 GMT -5
We have the regular kitchenaid stand mixer and I love it. It makes triple batches of cookies, dough, etc. I use it a lot. I've heard from a friend that has an artisan (I think that's the name for the more expensive one) to not buy it. The rounded bowl is annoying when you are done using the mixer because you can't stand it up on the counter.
|
|
Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
|
Post by Gardening Grandma on Jan 24, 2011 17:11:54 GMT -5
frugalnurse, Just wondering - have you made a decision?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 5, 2024 8:24:58 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 24, 2011 17:27:26 GMT -5
Enquiring minds want to know!!!
|
|
Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
Posts: 17,962
|
Post by Gardening Grandma on Jan 26, 2011 19:53:12 GMT -5
Bump
|
|
sarcasticgirl
Junior Associate
Joined: Jan 4, 2011 14:39:51 GMT -5
Posts: 5,155
Location: Chicago
|
Post by sarcasticgirl on Jan 26, 2011 21:22:00 GMT -5
love my kitchenaid... i have a pasta roller attachment that i LOVE! it is heavy and takes up counter space, but i use it regularly enough so it's worth it!
i saw put it on your wish list for birthday or christmas.
|
|
Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 26, 2011 21:36:04 GMT -5
Enquiring minds want to know!!! Sorry, I haven't checked this in awhile. I got a Black and Decker from Rite Aid for free. My Birthday is in March, so I'm hoping I'll get the KA then. The black and decker will get me through until then... Thanks Everyone!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 5, 2024 8:24:58 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2011 21:37:12 GMT -5
Woe, woe, woe! How did you get it for free??
|
|
Frugal Nurse
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
|
Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 27, 2011 13:15:39 GMT -5
Woe, woe, woe! How did you get it for free?? It was on sale for $19.9 this week. I had a $20 rite aid gift of savings coupon. Plus I had a $4.00/$20 RA Q, and 3 $1.00 Rite Aid Q's. so I ended up buying the mixer and 3 boxes of light bulbs and some lip gloss and paid less than $1.00, got $6.00 off my next purchase, and earned $19.99 toward my Winter Rewards $20 off coupons. It worked out pretty well
|
|