Kitchen Aid Mixer

[bluewhisper]

I didn't know about Whirlpool being in this. I wonder if they're still made in the USA.

 

[rexster314]

I didn't know about Whirlpool being in this. I wonder if they're still made in the USA.

From Wikipedia "Today, some KitchenAid products are manufactured in Ohio, South Carolina, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Ontario, and Quebec while others are manufactured in China,[13] and its appliances are distributed throughout North America. All KitchenAid stand mixers are assembled in its factory in Greenville, Ohio. The die-cast parts of the machines come from various manufacturing plants around the world and are hand worked to remove imperfections on the metal cases. A factory tour, known as the "KitchenAid Experience" is conducted by the assembly line workers.[14]"

 

[PolishDeli]

I bought an Artisan KA for the wife back in 2011. We use it all the time. It’s still going strong. She uses it for bread and pizza doughs, cake batters, icing, and frosting. I use it for grinding meat. We’ve never had a problem with it. I would not get the “classic” model. It’s the one you can find at Walmart; lower cost, lower power (it’s probably just fine for meringues).

Regarding grinder and stuffer attachments:
I originally had the KA brand attachment (the white plastic one). It got the job done for a while, but it broke after 1.5 years. It got moderate usage, mostly grinding gator meat at the time.
I replaced it with the SS set from smokehouse chef (https://www.smokehousechef.com/the-...r-kitchenaid-mixer-plus-sausage-stuffing-kit/)

I’m very happy with it. But I would recommend getting a dedicated stuffer if you’re making sausages (I have the 5 pound LEM model). Using the auger as the stuffing mechanism is slow. Also, having the stuffing tube sit up several inches over your work surface is a bit awkward.

 

[zwiller]

No way my wife would go for "cross contaminating" her KA with meat. Not sure if you guys know but they sell a glass bowl for them which is really cool since you can see things easier while using it.

 

[SonnyE]

I didn't know about Whirlpool being in this. I wonder if they're still made in the USA.

The SS Bowl on our Pro600 is stamped, "Made in India", FYI.
But it is very heavy duty. Don't know about the rest of it.

 

[SonnyE]

Yep..... That's my mixer.... It took about $70 in parts to fix, if I remember correctly... Plus a Kitchener grinder .... I think that was about 6 years ago...

Mar. 2011 was when I broke it... Made a thread on the repair....
https://www.smokingmeatforums.com/threads/kitchenaid-gearbox-repair.104732/#post-610750

Super helpful Post, Dave!

What were you doing when you caused that Catastrophic Failure?
Holy Moly!
I don't think my bride would appreciate me dismantling her KA to check what her box is made of.

Well, back to installing the new microwave.
Sometimes I wish I didn't know how to do stuff...

 

[daveomak]

I was grinding pork for sausage... I added some chipped ice to keep the meat cool... The ice wouldn't grind and formed an ice block at the knife... I think that's what torqued the auger and broke the gear case... Can't be sure...

 

[SonnyE]

I was grinding pork for sausage... I added some chipped ice to keep the meat cool... The ice wouldn't grind and formed an ice block at the knife... I think that's what torqued the auger and broke the gear case... Can't be sure...

I see. Yeah, my dentist told me chewing Ice was like chewing rocks. I breaks things.
Now we know better.
My new Grinder arrived this afternoon. And the Microwave is done. Made the wife happy
Now waiting on my Walton's order to get busy. LOL!

No Ice in the grinder! Good idea, Bad result.
Do you grind other things in yours? Like cheese, for example?

 

[daveomak]

Nope, not cheese... Have a grater attachment for the KA for cheese and cabbage etc...

 

[SonnyE]

Nope, not cheese... Have a grater attachment for the KA for cheese and cabbage etc...

I tend to grate a lot of cheese from 5 pound blocks, then bag and freeze.
We use it for a lot of cooking. So that was why I was wondering.
I've been using the food processor grater, but was wondering.
I do a lot of wondering.

LOL!

 

[daveomak]

 

[Winterrider]

Professional 600 on its way. Nothing local -darn. Thanks everyone...

 

[old sarge]

We used our KA grinder for years. The housing cracked; got another. It also cracked after years of use. Until SonnyE posted, I had no idea there were steel after market attachments for the KA. Still, I am happy with the LEM but I can tell you I would have given serious thought to an aftermarket attachment and probably gone that route.

There was a time, many, many years ago, when I considered getting my wife the small Hobart commercial mixer. Sticker shock brought me back to my senses.

 

[Winterrider]

I will probably get SS grinder attachment for doing small batches instead of hauling the big Cabelas grinder and stuffer up.

 

[Winterrider]

Anyone use this attachment for meat grinding ? Or spend the other $40 for Kitchen aid brand.

 

[Winterrider]

 

[SonnyE]

Anyone use this attachment for meat grinding ? Or spend the other $40 for Kitchen aid brand.

Not sure what attachment you are wondering about.
But I have my SS grinder attachment in hand, and it does fit and run on our Pro 600. Runs fine, mounts fine, confidence is high. I've seen many video's where a KA has been used to make stuffin.
Disco grinds with his KA, and mixes the meats and seasonings as well (with a paddle attachment). But he warned the stuffer is woefully lacking. And I could see where a real stuffer could be needed.
Rick (nepas) posted he only uses a 5 pound stuffer now. Bigger ones are difficult to do snack sticks with. And Meat Snack Stix are my main interest. Small batches. (I have a hard time imagining me wanting to do more than 5# at a time.)
Before I relent and buy a stuffer, I have to at least try my foot switch to run the KA for stuffing.
(I stubborn)

But I haven't run any meat through it as yet. I'm waiting on my small order of casings and first seasoning package to arrive.
It spent the weekend watching TV in Kansas. The 20 Mule Team was resting before it started moving West again.

When shipping is a problem, I tend to shop elsewhere next time I order. (I'm a customer, I have choices)

 

[Winterrider]

The one above your post. Is suppose to be for Kitchen aid and was wondering if anyone has used.

 

[SonnyE]

The one above your post. Is suppose to be for Kitchen aid and was wondering if anyone has used.

I see now. Sorry, my ad blocker was blocking me from seeing the post.

Yes, I ordered almost exactly the same one through Ebay. The single difference is Mine came with a single cutter, instead of 2. I ordered through Ebay.
(Long story short, The vendor on Ebay ordered it drop shipped to me from Amazon. Used his (her?) Prime account. I'm realizing this is fairly common now with Ebay.)
Anyway... I'm happy with the accessory, and the price, and that it's here, and it didn't cost anything for shipping.
There are others out there, but be careful. I've seen where they are selling aluminum housings, with some stainless parts. And they show up in searches for SS KitchenAid Grinders.
I got what I got because it is All Stainless Steel.

I might change my mind drastically if it turns into a pumpkin when meat goes through it. But so far, happy.

 

[Winterrider]

Yes , I've seen some which are advertised as metal or stainless but are aluminum.