How about one of those soft cases that are found in the small tools section of Lowe's or Home Depot? They are heavy duty which would be required for the weight of a KA. If she wants a hard sided case then how about a small suitcase?

I've never seen a case just for a KA either.

Nancy

Here is a link that might be useful: Tool Bags at Lowe's

Look for a sewing machine rolling tote. Make sure the dimensions of the KA mixer are the inside dimensions of the sewing machine case. JoAnn's (fabric/craft store) usually has some for less than $100, along with their 40% coupons. You can search their site for a sewing machine rolling tote, if the link below doesn't work.

Here is a link that might be useful: Rolling Totes

Thank you Nancy and Cavimum! Great ideas, going to check both out! And glad to know there is no such thing as a carrying case, can stop looking!

1. Get a clam-shell case or a luggage that's the right size.

2. You can easily custom fit rigid foam around the mixer and a few accessories inside the case by doing the following:

a. Use vegetable plastic bags to wrap the mixer and accessories.
b. Get from Home Depot and buy construction foam in a can and foam around the mixer and accessories inside the case.

dcarch

Not sure where she wants to carry it, but a rolling tote is the only way to go. That mixer is heavy and I would stick with a sewing machine/serger type case. They are built for carrying "equipment" and usually have internal straps to secure the machine.
Do a google search for sewing machine totes and you will find lots of stores both on-line and off that carry them.

Look at the Tutto sewing machine on wheels cases. I have one and they are very well made. These have metal construction support bars on the bottom that are needed to support the weight of a KA mixer or a heavy sewing machine. Scroll down to the serger case - that's squareish rather than rectangular and might be a size to consider. Their web site lists all the dimensions that need to be considered.

Teresa

Here is a link that might be useful: Tutto machine on wheels cases

I guess I'm puzzled as to why someone would want to CARRY a KA mixer. A naked mixer weighs almost 25 pounds, with a carry case it will be over 30 and probably closer to 40 pounds - so it's not actually something most people would carry. It sure isn't your grandmother's Sunbeam Mixmaster.

For most of us, it's a countertop appliance that only moves backwards and forwards on the counter.

Is she really planning on taking this mixer someplace else? How about a nice cover?

If she really wants to "carry" it then a rolling case would be the only real option, though getting the mixer from the counter to the case and back to a counter or table will be another challenge..

Good luck

The weight of the mixer is not much of a problem to move around. There are plenty of cases with wheels to pick from. You may even find one with matching color.

The problem is all the other accessories you will also need to carry. If you don't secure everything the mixer can get all scratched up.

The foam suggestion is very easy and inexpensive to do. With foam protection, the case can even travel on a plane.

dcarch

I'm also puzzled by the need for a carry case. I keep my KA on a pull out shelf in a lower cabinet, with most of the accessories. Hauling the beast out to use takes a fair bit of muscle. I'm always afraid I'll chip the counter as I put it down. I might consider taking it elsewhere for one or two special occasions, but carrying it around regularly? No way.

Cheryl

LOLOLOL

In my original post i explained the need for carrying (under the Cookware Forum) but in this one i didn't and after reading many of the posts here realize i should have.

She lives and works in Delaware. It is supposed to be temporary (only two years). Upon graduating from college at the height of the recession her employment options were limited.

My son, her BF, lives in northern NJ. They have bought homes that they have been rehabbing to sell or rent since she has moved to DE so she is essentially back and forth almost every weekend.

She loves to cook and frequently hauls the mixer back and forth btwn here and DE.

Not an optimal situation but she is making due with what is on her plate. She doesn't mind hauling it but thought a case to carry it and its accessories would make a lighter, more convenient load. Definitely not the norm for this type of appliance but you gotta do what you gotta do ;Great ideas about the cases. I have been researching all the different brands and will be pulling the trigger on something very shortly. I appreciate everyone's help in helping me to figure out this unique problem. THANKS!!!!
Karen

My answer doesn't address your question, and I apologize for that. But have you thought about buying her another mixer, so she can have one in each location? It might not be significantly more than a carrying case. I just checked Kohl's. They have a 4.5 qt KA for $229, plus a $30 rebate bringing it to $200. And free shipping.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kohl's KA

You can also find 20% off Kohls coupons so it would knock the price down even more. That's where I got mine.

I'm sure this isn't what you daughter wants to hear .... but about 2 yr ago I purchased a Cuisinart hand mixer that is so powerful that I don't use my stand mixer very much at all. Since she goes home every weekend, a hand-held should work just fine during the week. The 7-speed Cuisinart costs about $50 on Amazon, and it is a workhorse!

Those things are so heavy. I guess she's young, but I'm picturing how unpleasant it would be to put it into my rolling case on the (I assume) floor. And then lifting it again from the floor to the trunk of the car. I do have the bigger version of the mixer and I am lazy so that might be the difference.

If it were me, I'd perhaps want a nice padded sack or cover for the big thing and a little backpack for the accessories. I have to lug my KA from room to room and if I had to do any bending with it hooked over my arm I'd be grumpy. Did I just write that? Ack I'm going to the gym now. bye. :)

Hmmm, a second mixer might not be a bad idea and definitely have the extra % from Kohls....I'll have to speak to my son to see what he thinks.

Yesterday on a trip to IKEA they had these shopping totes that looked right size wise but not super sturdy and no padding but I was thinking of maybeing reinforcing the bottom and maybe taking an egg crate and cutting it to pad the bottom and sides. It was only $15 and was something i could figure a useful life for if it didn't work.
I found a rolling tote that would fit and seemed to be well-padded and fit the bill but when i showed it to my son, he was pretty shocked at the sticker price. I don't think it is worth spending that much for a "tote" for the random times she traipses it back and forth. We will have to discuss it further.

But thank you everyone for all your great suggestions! I just love this website; full of smart and experienced people, and i love out of the box thinking!

When I think of a KA stand mixer... carrying case is NOT something that comes to mind... even basic model is HEAVY!!

It should be stored UPRIGHT... oil/grease in motor head will ooze out otherwise.

I would think about a hand held mixer for weekday use. I cook a lot, but hauling the KA out on a weeknight isn't in my job description ("kitchen slave"). I use a hand mixer for light jobs.

Cheryl

Thanks for clearing up the need to have a carrying case. That girl is one dedicated cook to haul a mixer from DE to NJ and back for the weekend!! At any rate, if it was me, I would just get either another KA and then sell it when the final home is determined or get a hand mixer. KA makes a good one. If carrying it back and forth is the only way right now, then a rolling case for the mixer and a small tote that would ride on top of the case for the extra beaters, bowls, etc. The mixer would be better protected in a rolling case, keep it upright, secure, etc.
Happy holidays to all.

I've stored my KA stand mixer sideways in a cabinet for years, and never had a problem with anything oozing. Now I'm wondering if I should be concerned.

On occasion, I'll tote my mixer with me to our Tahlequah house. I'll just find a box to put it in and stick it in the trunk. I can see where devising a case like DCarch suggested, or a travel case would protect it best, but so far, it's done fine in a box in the trunk of my car.

Does your DIL drive or fly when she commutes? That would certainly make a difference in how to transport it.

Sally

"---I've stored my KA stand mixer sideways in a cabinet for years, and never had a problem with anything oozing. Now I'm wondering if I should be concerned.---"

There will not be a problem.

All motorize hand tools, drils, saws, polishes etc. which use gear reduction designs, all use a specil lubricating grease which has a consistence that there will be no leakage no matter what position the tool is used or stored.

dcarch

I made the mistake of storing mine sideways in a moving truck and now the bowl-holder is off-center because one of the arms bent slightly. It still works but one side of the batter doesn't get as mixed as the other.

I think my KA can stand alone in the trunk unprotected. Darn thing is too heavy to slide or topple over and sturdy enough to fend off flying luggage.

Thanks, Dcarch.

Sally

Sorry I am so nosey but as much as I use and love my KA, I can't imagine traveling with it weekly. What does she use it for that she needs it enough to lug it around regularly? I'd be thinking of ways to start or finish whatever I needed it for at one place or the other.

If she teaches cooking classes in both places she would definitely have to transport it.

She makes me think I am under using my KA! Can you share her secrets?