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Replace 40 year old "Mixmaster" with Kitchenaid mixer?

11 years ago

Should I replace my 40 year old Sunbeam Mixmaster? I was making cookies and the motor sounded like it was really struggling and I managed to bend one of the beaters so I'd have to find new beaters.

I don't use it a lot but something more powerful and able to knead bread would be nice.

Thanks
Ginny

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Comments (10)

User
11 years ago
I would replace it, it makes a huge difference. Very versatile. Doesn't use beaters; I think you'll like it a lot.

I still have my 40 year old Mixmaster, and my mother's 70 year old Mixmaster. They make nice decorations in the kitchen.

My KA sits on the counter and gets used.
arley_gw
11 years ago
If you plan to make bread regularly, make sure you get one of those KA mixers that rise up vertically as opposed to the ones that tilt back. You will need power to knead dough. I have a 350 watt KA that suffices for an occasional batch of dough, but it struggles. If I were to buy one today, I'd certainly go for more than 350 watts.

Sam's has a 475 watt model for $299 while Costco has a 575 watt model for $329.
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User
11 years ago
Another vote for the rise up kind I have a tilt back one and we have to adjust it regularly. I very rarely do bread in it.
Nunyabiz1
11 years ago
I have the 575 watt one from Costco, cost $250 after $50 instant rebate and a $30 manufacturers rebate.
So far it works great, have done several batches of bread and a few cookies.
ginjj
Original Author
11 years ago
Looks like I need to go to Costco this week. It would be nice to get the two rebates Nunyabizl mentioned.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Ginny
CA Kate z9
11 years ago
I would emphases what others have indicated: buy the biggest wattage you can find. I finally have a 'big' KA and have no trouble doing anything needed. But, know this well, nothing will rplace that wonderful old Sunbeam MixMaster. (sigh)
donnar57
11 years ago
If you decide to replace the beaters, to hang onto that unit, try Mart's Appliance Service:
Address: 743 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025
Phone:(760) 745-7711

They've been pretty reliable about getting parts for various things that I've needed over the years. AFAIK, they do mail order, too, or may be able to point you in the direction of someone who does.

Donna
ginjj
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the phone number for the beaters. My parents used to live right next to Escondido, small world.

Westelle - what you said goes for so many things and has made me hold on to my 82 Volvo and 38 year old washer, dryer and Kenmore refrigerator. I'm sorry to hear the KitchenAid isn't great, seems like everyone uses them on the cooking shows.

I've only used my mixmaster for cookies and cakes over the years and it's been fine but I wouldn't say I've been wowed by it.

Ginny
cynic
11 years ago
If you decide to replace it, do your research! Wattage is not the only consideration. I'd take a Hobart made unit over anything made today, even if it were lower powered in wattage. Those were built like tanks. Few today are built anywhere near as solid and the low-buck units are probably inferior to your Mixmaster. Due diligence if you want something to do what you want and last.
arley_gw
11 years ago
Agreed, the older KA's made by Hobart are better than today's KA's. However they are hard to find, and I would imagine that a hefty modern KA is better than the Mixmaster for kneading bread dough. To get anything better, you'd be doubling the budget into the $500 range.

The Cuisinart mixer got good reviews, but I don't know how it stacks up against the comparable KA's. At least the first few reviewers at Amazon liked it.

Here is a link that might be useful: cuisinart mixer

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