Is a Kitchenaid mixer really worth it?

peaches85

When FI and I first started the registry process I was all gung-ho about registering for a Kitchenaid mixer.  But then I nixed the idea after reading some reviews that said they take up a ton of counter or storage space and unless you're a baking fiend you won't get your money's worth. 

Lately, however, all I've been hearing about are those mixers and how wonderful they are even if you're not a baking queen and that everyone should have one.

So, are they just a passing fad (as in, the current best and most awesome thing to register for... besides the Dyson, of course, haha)? 

Also, I know they have a ton of attachments and whatnot, so besides mixing baking ingredients what can you use the mixer for?

To those of you who have one, are they really worth it even if you're not a master chef/baker?

akmackay

I've had mine for 9 months and it's still sitting above my stove in the cabinet. I usually forget I even own it. However, my mom uses hers a lot for baking, making mashed potatoes, etc. I think once I have a family I will use it a lot more. I still love knowing I have it, just in case I need it lol.

Denise91980

We have had ours since June and used it several times....DH uses it more than I do, but he is a cake decorator/baker for a living....but it is great to mix meat and for baking purposes. We love it.

ahhndrea

I've had mine for years and love it. However, I have the one where the top doesn't flip up so it doesn't take as much room as some of the newer ones -I can keep it under the counter without issue. I also use the meat grinder attachment a few times a week to make my own ground chicken/turkey/beef from organic meat.

LADY324

You can also make pasta with it.  There is a pasta attachment that you can buy. 

NJgurl19

FI is a chef, we don't own one yet, but this is the one item that he can't wait to register for.

uppereastgirl

I don't use mine a ton, but it is something that I'll have forever so I figure that over its useful life it will be more than worth it.

It certainly works better at mixing cookie dough than my hands do

ahhndrea

Also, when you register, make sure you put a Cuisinart food processor as well. I got one for XMas and I use it a few times a week, it saves soo much time for cooking during the week (and thankfully its dishwasher safe!). I love to cook so my kitchen is fully stocked already!

kellybee83

Peaches, you read my mind!  I was excited to register for it, and then when I actually did register I decided to nix it as well.  I was thinking...How often will I use it?  It is going to take up too much room?(We have a one bedroom condo) Do I want it just because it's a gift "everyone" seems to get at their shower? 

On the other hand I have been thinking, if I don't register for it, I'll probably never purchase it for myself. 
Anxious to hear what people say.  I'm definitely no domestic diva, though I do like to bake on occasion. 

hollyberry88

I am a baker/cook and I LOVE mine.  I use it all the time.  I have the kind that does not flip back (the top) and it just sits on my counter.  I also have the ice cream maker attachment and the pasta attachment and enjoy using them.  I am thinking about getting the meat grinder part down the road.

mariaNryan

I have one an older one that my mom gave to me before moving to greece.... I am registering for a new one! I love love love it and use it all the time when I bake!

Laurms15

I love mine! I use it for ice cream, bread making, mashed potatoes, cookies, whipped cream and a ton of other things. Mine sits on my counter but its pink and I love it! I make TONS of cookies for the holidays so this makes life 10times easier.

peaches85

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_new-jersey_kitchenaid-mixer-really-worth?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:90Discussion:50349fea-8df3-4049-92ee-3d1f9ada79d8Post:46755992-6cc0-40d9-9d8f-d57f28560089">Re: Is a Kitchenaid mixer really worth it?</a>:
[QUOTE]Also, when you register, make sure you put a Cuisinart food processor as well. I got one for XMas and I use it a few times a week, it saves soo much time for cooking during the week (and thankfully its dishwasher safe!). I love to cook so my kitchen is fully stocked already!
Posted by ahhndrea[/QUOTE]
Alright, I'm totally making my stupidity in the kitchen public knowledge with these next questions... What do you use the food processor for?  And what kinds of things do you make with your Kitchenaid that it saves you time?

kellybee83

I registered for a food processor to make things like pesto and hummus.  I've tried both in the blender and it's a pain in the butt to clean!

JessicaLB2

Ha ha, Peaches, I've wondered the same thing about food processors - what are they for?  My mom never had one.  I hope we get some good answers because after reading this thread I totally want one!  And I already wanted a Kitchenaid mixer, but like you, didn't know if I'd use it enough.

Tara2316

I love mine! We useit for baking and other mixing things right now. But we're planning to add on the other attachments. My mom is forever using hers! Especially around the holidays. I'm sure you'll get a lot of use out of it.

ahhndrea

Hi -

There are so many uses for the food processor. My recent "find" was making dough, I used to use the Kitchenaid, but this works better..I do hummus as well - its done in like 3 minutes! when I make onion soup I slice all the onions in that, takes a fraction of the time; I shred cabbage for pad thai, when I'm making mac n cheese  I can shred all the cheese in seconds and not grate my knuckles like I used to!

NJhousewife22

I use mine at least a few times a week and LOVE it. Definitely worth it in my book. Even if you don't use it a ton, it's well worth it for how well it combines things. My breads and cookies have never been fluffier!

DandT1206

I like mine even though it does sit on my counter most of the time.  My husband loves to use it to make mashed potatoes.  I use it to bake.  I also bought the attachment that grates cheese (love that!).  It is so much cheaper to buy a block of parmesan and grate it yourself than buy it pre-grated.

kasabby

I love mine but I bake a lot! I think it is definitely worth it if you are a baker. 

Reilly626

If you dont use one now, what makes you think you will really use it later? Waste of money unless you are a baker... homemade pasta? too much time! I dont have time like that.  A hand mixer works great and takes up less space.

[Deleted User]

Dont register for anything you know you wont use. I love to cook and bake and will put the mixer to good use. If you bake twice a year then dont even bother. Also, if you dont have the space for it in addition to all the things you have and will be getting opt for something smaller.