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KitchenAid has been a household brand for decades and it seems like its popularity and demand for their iconic kitchenware isn't disappearing anytime soon.
Though starting in 1919 producing mixing machines for commercial kitchens and bakeries, it wasn't until the 1930s when household models were being made and the 'K' stand mixer model we know and love was first designed.
Since then, the KitchenAid stand mixer has been given only minor design upgrades as the mechanics, design, and functionality seem to have stood the test of time.
Having just celebrated 100 years of manufacturing, KitchenAid has solidified its status as an iconic American household brand that has gained its place in people's kitchens worldwide.
Video by KitchenAid UK on Youtube
WHY IS IT SUCH A GREAT BRAND?
KitchenAid wants its customers to “get the most out of making” to make cooking and baking pleasurable and time in the kitchen enjoyable. They have achieved this by creating reliable kitchen equipment that also looks great and can be personalized to complement any kitchen design or decor.
KitchenAid has become a brand that chefs, bakers, and home cooks can rely on because the technology behind their appliances is functional, robust, and has remained so for a long time.
Because the company has gained the trust of its customers, it has used its brand and knowledge to branch out into designing and manufacturing a wide range of kitchen appliances to suit a variety of needs. The timeless design of the stand mixer is also reflected in all other KitchenAid products which have given the brand a distinct and memorable image. The brand has stuck to its mission of creating reliable, easy-to-use, well-designed products so much so that customers trust the brand enough to continue purchasing quality appliances from them year after year.
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Image by KitchenAid
THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT KITCHENAID
Brand Name Origin
Back in the early 20th century when the inventor, Herbert Johnson, was testing out stand mixer models, one of the housewives trying out the product reportedly said "I don't care what you call it, it's the best kitchen aid I've ever had". From that point on, the stand mixer was sold and marketed as the KitchenAid and was promised to be the best assistant in any modern-day household kitchen.
US Navy Sailors Were Early Adopters
Before KitchenAid mixers became staples of household kitchens, they appeared in the military. The United States Navy ordered Model H mixers for three of its ships in an effort to save sailors time and efficiency when feeding large crews. KitchenAid mixers proved so valuable that they became part of Navy ships' standard equipment.
Celebrity Chef Endorsements
Over the years, many famous chefs have partnered with KitchenAid to promote the brand to home cooks.
Martha Stewart and Ree Drummond, who both have been advocates for home cooking in America, have endorsed the KitchenAid brand.
Ree Drummond had her stand mixer personalized with a distinctive floral pattern design before using it on her Food Network show “The Pioneer Woman”.
Even Julia Child, who originally believed that it was “immoral” to use machines in the kitchen and that cooking should be done with your hands, claimed that her KitchenAid stand mixer was “marvelous” and that it was a great way to avoid hot hands ruining pastry dough. The actual KitchenAid mixer that she owned, used, and loved is displayed as part of her exhibited kitchen at the National Museum of American History.
Pieces of Modern Art
Since the 1940s, every KitchenAid mixer has been built in the same factory in Greenville, Ohio. The KitchenAid stand mixer is now considered to be a piece of modern art with models being displayed in museums including the Modern Art Museum in San Francisco. The iconic shape has also been trademarked by KitchenAid to ensure it stays iconic in modern American history.
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Image by KitchenAid
WHAT CAN YOU BAKE AND COOK WITH KITCHENAID?
As we have mentioned earlier, you can now pretty much kit out your whole kitchen with KitchenAid appliances. Besides food preparation equipment, you can now also buy toasters, coffee makers, ovens, and kettles, to name but a few, from KitchenAid.
However, when it comes to cooking and baking, here are our favorite ways to use KitchenAid equipment:
Stand Mixer - best for big batches of cake batter, pastry, whisking egg whites, and kneading bread dough.
Stand Mixer Attachments - if you buy some of the extra attachments for your KitchenAid stand mixer, it is possible to make fresh pasta, spiralize vegetables, freshly squeezed juice, and even ice cream.
Food Processor - a useful appliance to have in any kitchen. With a KitchenAid processor, you can also grate and slice, as well as create sauces, marinades, creams, and dressings. If your model comes with a dough hook, it is also a great alternative appliance to the stand mixer for kneading dough.
Blender - blenders are best for creating drinks or loose dressings and sauces. KitchenAid blenders are powerful enough to crush ice, blend soups, and also make silky smooth smoothies.
Hand Whisk - best for making buttercream, whipping heavy cream, or making small batches that don't require a big stand mixer.
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Image by KitchenAid
WHY ARE KITCHENAID PRODUCTS SO EXPENSIVE?
When compared to other kitchen appliances, KitchenAid is on the more expensive side of the scale. From stand mixers ranging from $250 to $1000 to the lower-priced hand-held appliances priced between $30 and $150, these appliances are definitely an investment. But to be honest, that is KitchenAid's intention: to use good engineering to create good quality appliances that will last so you only have to buy your appliances once or twice in a lifetime. Most KitchenAid products come with long warranties and customer feedback online always mentions that their appliances just keep going and last years. Some people even inherit KitchenAid stand mixers from previous generations of their family.
KitchenAid is also a very desirable brand that allows it to be at a premium price. Similar to brands like Smeg and Le Creuset, it is a brand people want to be associated with, have displayed in their households and so they are willing to pay the price.
So, are KitchenAid mixers and blenders really worth the money? Our answer is yes. If you are an avid baker, cook, or simply enjoy spending time in your kitchen then you probably want appliances that you enjoy using and work well. KitchenAid appliances have proven to be long-lasting so if you have the means to invest in equipment that you won't need to replace for years to come, we say go for it!
THE BEST KITCHENAID MIXERS & BLENDERS
With now so many KitchenAid products to choose from, we thought we would give you a selection of what we consider to be the best KitchenAid mixer and blender models available:
Stand Mixers
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Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer This is the classic KitchenAid stand mixer model. If you have the money to invest in your home cooking, we definitely recommend this model that has stood the test of time and has been a treasured appliance in many kitchens worldwide. It is a heavy machine so you want to make sure you have room to keep it on your kitchen counter and with a plethora of colors to choose from, it will be easy to match it with your kitchen decor. Also available with glass bowl. Product Highlights:
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Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer If you don't quite have the space in your kitchen for a large KitchenAid stand mixer or have a slightly smaller budget, then maybe the Artisan Mini version is for you. It's lighter and smaller than the classic size but has the same power, meaning you can still make great doughs and batters, just in smaller quantities. It is also compatible with the same head attachments, meaning that it is still a versatile and useful kitchen appliance. This model is great for anyone who bakes just occasionally but still wants reliable equipment to assist them. Product Highlights:
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Professional 600 Series 6 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer KitchenAid also has a selection of commercial-sized machines suitable for small businesses that need that bit more power and capacity. If you are an avid baker or maybe starting a bakery business from home, we recommend this 6-quart Bowl-Lift model. It has a slightly larger bowl than the Artisan classic and the bowl-lift mechanism makes it more capable of handling large quantities of dense dough. This is a very heavy appliance and a more pricey model than the conventional household version. We recommend this model if you want to get more serious and professional with your baking and cooking. Product Highlights:
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Blenders
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Even though KitchenAid isn't necessarily known for its blenders like brands such as Vitamix or Blendtec, their models still have the power and technology to keep up with the demands of a modern kitchen. This variable speed model has the capability to crush ice and blend sauces or drinks to silky smooth textures without overheating. Product Highlights:
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High-Performance Series Blender Even though KitchenAid isn't necessarily known for its blenders like brands such as Vitamix or Blendtec, their models still have the power and technology to keep up with the demands of a modern kitchen. This model boasts a powerful 3.0 peak HP motor, 9 variable speeds, and 1-speed pulse. Product Highlights:
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Food processors
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The size of this food processor makes it perfect for batch-cooking tasks such as making sauces or spreads, baby food, and burger mixes. If you feel like a food processor would be more useful in your kitchen compared to a stand mixer, this 11-cup KitchenAid model can also be an alternative appliance to use for making cookie dough or kneading bread as it also comes with a dough hook. It also comes with a slicer and grater attachment so you can quickly prepare vegetables with ease. Ultimately, it is a great multi-purpose food prep appliance. Other sizes available from 3.5 to 14 cups. Product Highlights:
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Hand Mixers
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5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer From KitchenAid's small appliance collection, a hand mixer is a great option if a stand mixer is simply not for you. More physical effort is needed with a hand mixer but essentially most whipping, beating, and mixing of small quantities can be achieved with a powerful hand mixer. KitchenAid has other models with wider ranges of speeds but we feel the 5-speed model is perfect for whisking up a batch of meringue or whipping up cream. And most importantly, a hand mixer is a lot easier to store away if space isn't in abundance in your kitchen. 7 and 9-speed models also available. Product Highlights:
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Hand Blenders
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Cordless Variable Speed Hand Blender We really like this KitchenAid hand blender model because it is completely cordless, meaning you no longer have to worry about getting the cord dirty or moving bowls and pans around your kitchen to find a plug socket. It also comes as a set so along with the main blender you also get a mini chopper and whisk attachment, which are perfect for making sauces and dressings very easily. Product Highlights:
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This elegant and powerful hand blender has everything you need to blend, puree, crush, chop, froth, and whip your preparations. Equipped with the industry's first interchangeable bell blade assembly, you will be able to easily switch out your immersion blender's bell blades without any tools. 2-speed model also available. Product Highlights:
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THE BOTTOM LINE
KitchenAid has spent decades making sure they provide the best quality appliances to their customers and they do not disappoint.
With chefs and home cooks trailing and testing KitchenAid appliances for 100 years, you can definitely shop for KitchenAid products with confidence knowing that you are going to receive quality in return for your investment.
We understand that this premium equipment might not be accessible to everyone but if you have the ability to invest in functional yet beautiful kitchen appliances, then KitchenAid might be the brand for you.
The information provided in this article is not nutritional or medical advice. Please read our disclaimer.