Do I need a stand mixer if I already have a magimix?

[sleepcrisis]

Everyone keeps asking what I'd like for Christmas and I've always fancied a kitchen aid type mixer (although am looking at cheaper kenwood or Bosch models). I already have a compact 3200 magimix which I use for making hummus etc, chopping and slicing. And occasionally whipping cream. I don't have a hand mixer and have never mastered making meringue or cakes in the magimix which is what I'd like to do more of. And also I like the idea of kneading dough.

Is it a waste of time to have both? Do you have both and why do you use each for? Or should I just buy a small hand mixer instead?

Thanks

[CarolBornAMan]

I have magimix and use it for everything except kneading bread dough as I am not sure it quite suited - I make cake mix and whip cream in it so the only thing I would use a stand mixer for is kneading dough - not sure I would ever make that much bread so have never bothered to buy one.. I would try to use it to make some cakes mixes - it is so easy - chuck everything in and whizz it round - stop for a quick scrape down if needed and job done..

[sleepcrisis]

Do you make meringue in it? Any tips? Mine always goes flat!

[starfishmummy]

I have a small food processor (not the really dinky ones for babyfood) and it does certain jobs reasonably well but won't do everything. I also have an inherited big kenwood with various attachments and I think these all work better for their particular job than the processor does.
If I could just have one it would be the mixer/attachments and I doubt that the processor will be replaced when it breaks down.

[bruffin]

My food processor could never make a decent meringue or whip. It had a big white flat disc with rippled edge for whipping. Never really got air into it and so much was wasted, same with cake mix using the blade and a pain to wash up.
I just got a bosch stand mixer (mum461a) and the only thing it doesnt do is chop. i can get an attatchment that will do it. Much better than my food processor for cakes and meringes and better than a hand mixer as no standing there for 5 minutes getting a sore arm.
The top 5 stand mixers in which are the the two boschs and 3 Kenwood chefs, the kitchenaids dont compare that well.

[sleepcrisis]

Thanks for the replies. I use my magimix more for blending and liquidising which I know I couldn't really use the stand mixer for. But I'd really love something that can whip effectively and I think I'd be inclined to do more baking with DS (esp bread) if I had a little assistance. He's a very impatient 2yo! I will try a cake with my magimix first though.

As for brands, the bosch mum is the one I was looking at on Which too, it almost seems to good to be true at the price - a fraction of most of the others!

[Twoandtwohalves]

I've got a magimix and a Kenwood K mixer. Their uses don't really cross-over for me: the magimix is for chopping, purées, grating and a particular Nigella chocolate cake batter that involves boiling water, the kenwood for cakes and things involving whisking. I've never kneaded dough in either. I wouldn't say either were to my life but I can knock up a Mary Berry all-in-one tray bake in about 5mins with the K.

[bruffin]

The mum461 came 5th in Which. It was on special offer a couple of moths back and was only £75. The mum5 came out best, with kenwood chefs in between.
I am really pleased with it and have started making cakes again. It is very good value for money.

[pengymum]

SIL got a Magimix 4200XL recently and you can do everything that a stand mixer does with it as well as chopping, slicing stuff. Can knead bread, whip cream and meringues. She loves it so far!

[schmalex]

I use my Kitchen Aid for cakes, meringues, etc and Magimix for chopping and grating. If I had to choose between the two I'd keep the KA as it's brilliant for cakes.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I use my Magimix for chopping and kneading. For cakes I use a hand-held 'K-Mix' which does the job brilliantly, even for quite large cakes, and which takes up very little room in a cupboard afterwards.

[MrsPnut]

I have a kenwood chef that is 37 years old and still going strong and I've just had to replace my ken wood processor.

I'd definitely say that you need both, the mixer is brilliant for whipping and beating.

[tb]

I've a magimix and a kitchen aid. There are some jobs that a magimix or other food processor just won't do properly. Especially those that need mixtures to have lots of air in them, like meringues, or are heavy, like bread dough.

[sleepcrisis]

I think I'm going to go for it, looks like the MUM52 is the best bet as it comes with a liquidiser jug which means I can make smoothies too. It comes top in Which but doesn't look nearly as nice as a kitchen aid :(

[stargirl1701]

I have a Magimix 5200 and a Kitchen Aid. I use them both for different tasks.

[eeky]

Oh, tell me more, those of you who knead dough in a Magimix. I have a 4200XL and have only tried mixing bread dough in it once. Not a huge amount and in the biggest bowl, but it rose up like the quatermass experiment and went down the hole in the middle. The machine shorted out! But thankfully recovered. That was with the dough blade for only approx 20-30 seconds - was that too much? Would be grateful for advice as we saved up for ages and definitely don't have room or cash for a Kitchenaid. Ta!

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I use the dough blade and I limit the dough to about 1lb flour plus bits and pieces. Enough to make a large loaf or a couple of pizzas. I set it going with the dry ingredients, then pour in the liquid slowly through the top funnel. When it comes together in a ball I stop pouring and let it process for a minute or two.

[eeky]

Thank you, cognito. Will try that this weekend

[MagimixBBS]

Best idea is to get or Use the Blendermix Ring - this will allow smooth Blending www.magimix-spares.co.uk/keywordSearchResults.asp?keyword=blendermix+ring+

[Yearofthemum]

I have a Magimix and a kmix. I barely use the latter, except for meringues. Magimix and stick blender worthwhile though.