Kitchenaid/Similar mixer - worth it??? Better cakes?? Change my life??

[lalisa]

Hi,

I've been learning to bake over the last year and have managed to make reasonably competent cakes, cookies, scones, bread and shortcrust pastry all using a small hand mixer, whisk, wooden spoon and some elbow grease. Still, I see the ads for those big mixers and wonder if I might be missing something. Would having one make me a better, faster, more wonderful baker? Would it improve my life? Or would it save me a few minutes every now and then while taking up a lot of space on my counter?

Thanks!

I dunno, but I love the retro look of the KitchenAid and I am an avid kitchen gadget collector

We have one at Grouchy HQ. I just love it. You can put all the ingredients in and switch it on and leave it, just do something else.

E.G. Today I made some bread dough and was able to make lunch while it was mixing. 2 jobs completed at the same time.

Plus it looks fab.

Well worth it IMHO

Best birthday present I ever got. Whips egg whites and cream in seconds, creams butter and sugar, bread is a walk in the park...

Looks great too. Worth every penny.

hiya . my bIL has just bought a kitchenaid for my sister for xmas.another lovely mumsnetter found a white on on Amazon for £180 which is a great price considering they come in at £329 USUALLY

You can pick up Kenwood Chefs relatively cheaply second hand on eBay etc. I have my Grandma's old one - it's from the 60s but it's still going strong. I wouldn't be without it.