Is my KitchenAid Classic Plus KSM75WH a "good one"?

[superocd]

KitchenAid apparently took out steel gears/gearboxes for a while then went back to steel gears and a plastic gearbox (or something like that). There was a point in time not too long ago where even the Artisan had all-nylon gears. I think that was ten years ago.

I do know that the KitchenAid always had a nylon breakaway gear even since the Hobart days. I just wanted to know what kind of gearbox my KSM75WH has (it's about five years old). The KitchenAid website does not clarify this in the specifications (I hate manufacturer specs because there is always something of importance that is left out).

So...is my Classic Plus a good one, or is it a pig with lipstick? How does the 275W motor hold up and how long has it been in production? I should note that I never knead dough with this. I use it strictly for mixing.

 

[vacerator]

That is their

entry level mixer. Fine for most cookies, pizza dough, mashed potatoes, whipping egg whites, cream, frostings, etc.
Not any les durable than their 300, or 325 watt mixers, unless you over load it.
It's not for heavy breads, or very dense cookies with lots of added nuts and things. Also consider if you ever want to add the food grinder, processor, or pasta maker accessories in the future.

 

[rp2813]

It's not difficult to take the top cover off and check for yourself.   IIRC, there are just three or four screws to remove.  I'm not 100% sure, but I think that's where the gears in question can be seen.

 

I think the standard K45SS "Classic" model is rated at 250 watts, so what you have is probably fine for the way you use your mixer.  Durability of the motor is all relative.  For sure the genuine Hobart-made mixers were built like tanks, but that doesn't mean your 5-year-old mixer shouldn't provide many years of service.