Choosing the best mixer, comparison (part 2)

In the last episode I covered all features of my perfect mixer, and in this part I will show you which mixers were contenders to this honorable title, and how they scored against my requirements.

Contenders

I decided to limit the selection to just 3 models, one that is the most obvious one: American KitchenAid Artisan, one that is the most marketed in Germany: German Bosch MUM5, and one that is most visible in my favorite cooking shows on YouTube: British Kenwood kMix. As you can see these are more-or-less known brands, and because each one comes from a different geographical region, they will compete not only on the ground of features, but also design and origin-inspired look (more about that later).

Scoring

Scoring will be subjective, but I will try to be fair, and will grade each feature in scale of 0 to 2 points, where 0 means completely bad, or not applicable, 1 good, but not the best, and 2 means perfect. Scores can be shared. Seems reasonable, right? I think none of these will score 0 at any of the feature, since they all are versatile multi-functional machines, but just in case ;-)

Kitchen Aid Artisan, the obvious option

I don't believe there's a semi-serious cook that never heart of Kitchen Aid. From my experience, owning one of these grants you a place in an elitaristic club of Kitchen Aid owners, and apparently people love their Kitchen Aids. I was more than eager to find out as much as I can about it, so I started my research with one of them.

So let's start with requirements:

• sturdy: 2 points, definitely metal construction, and not many moving elements,
• versatile: 2 points, everything including splash protector is attached,
• metal attachments: 1 point, because while Kitchen Aid claims they have "metal attachments with nylon coating", and some kinds of nylon (with silver particles) are antibacterial, I'm not convinced it's the best option regarding sturdiness, and I never found out what kind of nylon the attachments are covered with, so bummer,
• replacement parts: 2, basically all attachments are replaceable, same as bowls,
• powerful motor: 1 point, 300W is a bit shy of other options offering 500W (Kenwood) and 900W (Bosch), but is more than capable.

Total so far: 8 points, so let's see how nice to have features add up to overall score:

• looks: 1 point, because I'm not really bought on the whole retro look, and I really dislike the clumsy cranks and jumpy controls; while the overall look is somehow pleasing, and the variety of colors is outstanding, it wouldn't fit my kitchen :-(,
• extra attachment: 2 points, there's almost anything you can imagine that you can attach to this mixer, I was so impressed, that if I could, I would give it 5 points!,
• calibration: 1 point, there's a special nut to calibrate the bowl height, but it's a bit cumbersome to use and generally one size fits all is not the best idea for me,
• ease of use: 1 point, I mentioned it in looks already, the controls seemed jagged and jumpy for me, so I couldn't imagine myself really enjoying using these sharp switches,
• idiot-proofing: 1 point, generally you won't manage to lift it without turning a mechanical switch, but there's literally no extra protection, so I would assume the mixer then splashes things everywhere ;-)

Total so far: 6 points, overall score: 14 points. Not bad!

Bosch MUM5, the local star

My Google+ followers probably remember that I was this close to buying this mixer last year, but decided to wait with buying any mixer for a bit longer, to make a better research. It's the local star in Germany, coming in variety of options, packages, colors and attachments, which made me scratch my head with too many options.

So let's see how this interesting design competes with others:

• sturdy: 1 point, because the construction is not fully metal, and YouTube videos show clear movement up and down, which might wear the elements down with time,
• versatile: 2 points, this option comes with a massive variety of attachments and options, ensuring that you will find your best package,
• metal attachments: 1 point, because attachments are metal-and-plastic, and I think it's not the best option from sanitary and mechanical point of view,
• replacement parts: 1, replacement parts can be found, if you search for them really hard, which should be easier,
• powerful motor: 2 point, 900W is the highest value of them all, but it is shadowed by the plastic construction, and turns out to be a bit untrustworthy, sadly.

Total so far: 7 points, so let's see how nice to have features add up to overall score:

• looks: 1 point, while the construction is very futuristic and intriguing, the plastic finish kills the buzz for me,
• extra attachment: 2 points, there's almost anything you can imagine that you can attach to this mixer, I was so impressed, that if I could, I would give it 5 points!,
• calibration: 0 points, no information whatsoever,
• ease of use: 1 point, the construction is obvious with one easily accessible release button and electronic speed knob, but I found it a bit hard to use the release button, it was either not releasing, or making the head jump harshly up,
• idiot-proofing: 1 point, there is overheating protection, but no information regarding other safety mechanisms.

Total so far: 5 points, overall score: 12 points. Not bad!

Kenwood kMix, the YouTube star

Funny fact, I found out about this mixer's existence from YouTube cooking videos, and while I wasn't hooked up at first, I decided to add this model to my research. It wasn't easy, because it's a British product and it was pretty hard to find local resellers in Germany, and a total lack of local marketing didn't help, I managed to check it out in a local shop. It seems Kenwood tries to be a direct rival of the Kitchen Aid with their kMix model, so let's see how well it does in comparison:

• sturdy: 2 points, all-metal aluminium construction without any plastic sticking out, which makes for a really impressive look,
• versatile: 2 points, just like Kitchen Aid, kMix comes with a variety of attachments, they are almost 1-to-1 comparable,
• metal attachments: 2 point, it's aluminium all-the-way, without any extras like nylon coating, which makes it predictable, simple, and feel-good,
• replacement parts: 2, all attachments, and also primary drive were surprisingly easily available, which is kind of impressive,
• powerful motor: 2 point, 500W is not the highest, but really reasonable value.

Total so far: 10 points, which is rather impressive, so let's see how nice to have features add up to overall score:

• looks: 2 points, because Kenwood aimed for a classical, yet very modern look and it pays off greatly; this mixer will fit to any kitchen, and there's even a variety of fresh, vibrant colors to choose, which is great,
• extra attachment: 2 points, like with Kitchen Aid there's almost anything you can imagine that you can attach to this mixer, and most of the things are made with metal, which is outstanding,
• calibration: 2 points, since you can calibrate each attachment separately using attached wrench, which is more versatile than Kitchen Aid's one size fits all approach (think about having two beaters, each at different length for runny or thick dough),
• ease of use: 2 point, electronic controls and large, easy to switch release switch make for a good experience,
• idiot-proofing: 2 points, because when you lift the engine, it stops automatically, requiring you to manually start it again, plus it doesn't blast immediately at full speed, which saves you ingredients splashing all over the counter — well thought!

Total so far: 10 points, overall score: 20 points. We have a winner!

Summary

The competition was fierce, and I must admit, that I didn't think the Kenwood kMix will be the winner. I was initially leaning toward the legendary Kitchen Aid Artisan, but after a closer look I decided to give in and head for the truly future experience, instead of enjoying the retro look. I was nevertheless pretty much disappointed that Bosch MUM5 came out 3rd, because it is a terrific idea for a whole-kitchen-in-one device, and mixed with a really affordable price I would see it as a beginner choice.

The decision was made, so in the next 3rd and the last part of the series, you will read about my experience with Kenwood kMix that I bought recently. It will be all about the good, the bad, and the ugly!