Sunbeam MixMaster opinions requested!

[firedome]

We'd like something smaller than our vintage KitchenAid stand mixer that we have at home for use at camp, and of course a MixMaster came to mind. We don't want new, but what's the best balance of quality and performance: vintage/age and newer/not all worn out? We wish Grandma had hung onto her lightly used '40s white-painted model when she sold her home! Are there certain models to look out for? I know that there's folks here that will know!

 

[circlew]

You may also want to consider a Hamilton Beach, especially the Models H, K, or 25. These are the style that was introduced in the mid 50's and made until the 80's. They were also sold as Sears CounterCraft.

I personally prefer HB to Sunbeam, mainly due to the "bowl control" feature. See link.

https://www.magazine-advertisements.com/uploads/2/1/8/4/21844100/hamilton-beach-food-mixer-1.jpg

 

[mattl]

I'd look for a mid '50s to mid '60s Mixmaster, the stuff from the 70's did not seem as well built.

 

[firedome]

thanks guys...

I'll take look at HB and '60s back MMs...

Paul, Hans, any other major small appliance collectors have an opinion?

 

[turquoisedude]

Roger, I can spare a Sunbeam model 12 for you if you like! Just not sure when/how I am going to be in States again!

 

[tennblondie78]

Pank!

I have a Pink Sunbeam Model 12 with clear bowl that I'm willing to part with... Works great and is basically flawless.

 

[kenwashesmonday]

We have a KitchenAid 600 mixer and it's wonderful, but when just making a regular cake the 1939 Sunbeam Mixmaster model 5 is just easier to use and less work to clean up after. I like the fact that you can scrape down the bowl while it's mixing. When making mashed potatoes I use it as a hand mixer, right in the Revere Ware pot that I cooked the potatoes in.

 

[firedome]

Thanks Paul & Stephanie!

We have a KA K5-SS for home now, and a MM Model 12 sounds excellent for camp!!

Stephanie: Awesome! Pank is pretty hard to resist!! It's my most favorite color!
I'm majorly missing my pink '56 HP range! can you eMail me? it's on the Profile.

Paul: I need to get back to the Ogden Museum one of these days anyhow, I need to see the new arrangement and maybe I need one in more than one color, right? Did they come in yellow? LOL.

Thanks for the info all, gotta love this place, we've made some great friends here!

 

[firedome]

Thanks for that info Ken -

I think it might have been a Model 5 Sunbeam that Grandmother had, some good memories there!

 

[kenwashesmonday]

The model 5 was replaced by the model 7 in 1941 which was the first model to have the beaters eject then you flip the handle down.

Here's a site showing the different models:

https://www.decodan.com/Sunbeam-ID

 

[fan-of-fans]

I have a late 70s Mixmaster 1-7A. I love the bowl fit beaters, along with the bowl rotation they mix evenly. It has the higher wattage motor so you can use the dough hooks as well but the problem there was the speed controls tend to go out at the resistor on that. The late 80s and 90s models are decent, but entirely plastic and models since 1997 or so are all Chinese made.

I'd agree the models before the late 1960s had fewer plastic parts and probably a better built motor. I read when the 200 came out in the late 60s it did not have the power that the earlier models did, which I guess is why they increased the wattage. In addition they did away with the oil ports with this model.

The rotating handle to remove the beaters is also something I definitely like. Another thing about the late 80s models is they did away with that and the attachment port and replaced it with a push button ejector instead.

 

[norgeway]

A different opinion

For cake making a mid 50s Kenmore built by Birtman is unequalled, if you want to see one in use, Look up Cavalcade Of Food, making a pound cake with me a few years ago,Kevin filmed me making a cake at my house, The mixer is a 56-57.