In article >,
sgumpel > wrote:
= I currently have a 4.5 quart Kitchen aid 325 watt mixer and am
= considering getting the 6 quart model to have greater capacity.
=
= I am very happy with the 4.5 quart model except for the fact it is
= very difficult to double recipes.
=
= What do people think of the 6 quart machine? I had heard there were
= some quality issues when the machine first came out, problems with the
= motor.
=
= Peoples thoughts?
=
= Thanks,
=
= Susan
=

Well, here's my experience. Quite a few years ago, the old
KitchenAid (made by Hobart) went with my ex-wife in the divorce.

Fewer years ago, I bought the KA 5-quart mixer and noticed that,
while it works "OK" the manufacturing is somewhat crude. I
complained to KA and they agreed to swap for the 6-quart which I
agreed to try.

When I took it out of the box, I was DOA. When I advised them of
that, they offered to replace it but I chose to keep the 5-quart
which at least ran. Just before returning the larger mixer, I
tried it again and it ran. I'm guessing a loose connection that
made contact sometimes.

Some things I don't like about current KA production (in no
particular order):

1. The naked metal paddle and dough hook. They claim, as I
recall, that's to make them look "professional"; I suspect it's
because it's cheaper not to coat them. If you get this sort, don't
let them soak in water--they get little chunks of white cruft on
them, at least they do with my water.

2. The various beaters don't seem to fit the bowl as well as I
remember the old Hobart-made version.

3. Manufacturing quality is poor. E.g. the ventilated back cover
of the motor housing is not centered properly. Removal shows that
the hole for the attachment screw is off-center. That is not a
functional problem but if their manufacturing process is so sloppy
what else may be wrong that *will* eventually affect function?


--
Kind regards,

Charlie "Older than dirt" Sorsby Edgewood, NM "I'm the NRA!"
www.swcp.com/~crs USA Life Member since 1965