Vintage Mixers.

[tristarcxl]

The older KA's were nearly bulletproof. I've got a KA K4 from 1940 that's my main mixer. I got it on eBay many months ago for a song. It looks pretty rough, but still runs like a top. When I saw it, I just knew it needed a full restore, but it runs so good that I've never torn it down to fix it up! I suppose I really should since it looks so rough.

Interestingly it's had the governor contacts and condenser replaced at some point. It all looks brand spankin' new. Inside that is....outside looks a bit rough!

 

[foraloysius]

Braun

Keven,

I have mixed feelings about the Braun KM machines. I have a KM32 and I'm not impressed how it works on small quantities. The planetary system seems more efficient to me, but I don't have any experience with a Kenwood or a KitchenAid. With the Braun there is always a bit of flour not getting incorporated in the middle, I always have to help the machine a little using a spatula. For bigger quantities I think it works quite well, it has impressed me several times.

Louis

 

[turquoisedude]

Had to weigh in on this one!

My 'daily driver' is a Sunbeam Model 11 in turquoise (even though I do keep it hidden in the Ogden kitchen) BUT I agree that Dormeyers (Power Chef 4200 and 4300 models) have the best low-speed setting.
Dormeyer is actually my favorite brand of mixer, but I do like GE triple-whip (lights up the mixing bowl!). I have a few HB and I do use them, but if I had to pick just one - the PowerChef would be the first choice for me!!
RE: dormeyer accessories - ever seen one of these before??

 

[panthera]

Louis,

Yeah - the planetary system the KA uses really, truly gets every last bit of dry ingredients mixed in perfectly.

One of the things I like about KA.

The KM-3 series just does whipping cream and egg whites better than anything else on earth.

 

[foraloysius]

The KM-3 series just does whipping cream and egg whites bett

I have never used my KM32 for whipping cream or egg whites so I can't really compare but my Bosch Profimixx 44 does a great job on egg whites although that one doesn't have the planetary system either.

 

[panthera]

Bosch Profimixx 44

Ah, well, yes. Now that is a machine which not only works well, but can be cleaned without spending half-an-hour.

 

[mixguy]

Best Vintage Mixer

Reaching a consensus here is not likely to happen because we like certain mixers for doing certain things well. I have been a home baker for over 35 years and have done most of from scratch. It would be nice to know testing scientifically:
1. which mixer creamed butter & sugar better,
2. whipped cream the fastest using its suggested setting,
3. created the highest volume of meringue,
4. required the least bowl scraping,
5. made the most lump free mashed potatoes,
6. mixed sugar cookie dough with ease and
7. easiest to clean after use.

I have had experience using quite a few mixers myself: HB models G, H, 25, MNB 29; Sunbeam models 9, 10, 12, EM, 901-10D, Kitchen Center; GE models 8, 12, 25; KitchenAid models K-45, and KSM5 and have found flaws in design and function, and I have yet to understand why no one has yet got it completely right. I am sure of issue is patent infringement and cost are factors. I hope members chime in to add their thoughts

 

[panthera]

I'll take a stab at it:

1. which mixer creamed butter & sugar better: KA or Braun
2. whipped cream the fastest using its suggested setting: Braun by a million miles
3. created the highest volume of meringue: Braun, that ultra high speed and special whisk/bowl was specifically designed to do this best
4. required the least bowl scraping: KA if you have a big load, Sunbeam with the square/round/nylon button design for small loads
5. made the most lump free mashed potatoes: Braun, that enormous torque plus the super high speed do the trick
6. mixed sugar cookie dough with ease: KA, hands down
7. easiest to clean after use. All except Braun

 

[mixergal]

Wow turquoisedude!

That's a fine looking shredder! Is your mixer turquoise, or is it just the lighting? If it is turquoise, is it a re-paint?

-Sherri

 

[mixergal]

I don't know if it would be possible, Mixguy

to do such a scientific study - first you'd have to find someone that owns every vintage mixer out there lol! I don't know if that's possible - but if you want "close enough", I would go with the moderator of the Yahoo group WACEM (We Actually Collect Electric Mixers) - she never ceases to surprise me with the breadth of her knowledge or her collection! No we just have to talk Nancy into doing the experiment for us It might take a while, though - her collection literally runs into the hundreds...

Seriously, though - there are so many other variables when cooking - how large of a batch are you making? Are you using fresh eggs, or store bought? What is the humidity like? etc. - I don't know if there is a "once and for all" answer to that question. That's why I might dislike a KA for whipping egg whites, but it might work great for you! Humidity, altitude, freshness of ingredients, etc. all have such an impact on the delicate chemistry that is baking. I think we have to accept that there will be personal preferences across the board and leave it to that.

Of course, I could be wrong - happens more times than I'd like to admit

-Sherri

 

[volvoguy87]

Comparisons.

This thread is getting really fun!

I never intended to say one was better than all others, just favorites. Since the can of worms is opened, however, (I think Sunbeam had a can opener attachment) this thread can get even better.

Over the years, some people have done washer tests to determine which design works best with what detergents to clean what types of stuff. Also, which washers are best at extraction. Mixers are great too because each has its strengths and weaknesses and it is fun to compare them.

My experience is with a Hamilton Beach Model G and a 1963 Dormeyer. A former housemate had a Sunbeam Model 10 which was really great except the speed control was bad and it ran on medium or high, but never slow. My mother has a newer Kitchenaid which mixes well, but can't make anything fluffy. I would really like to try a GE triple whip at some point. Right now my favorite is the Hamilton Beach Model G, even the beaters are a bit of a pain to clean and install/remove.

Tests tests tests...
Dave

 

[panthera]

Dave,

And that's just exactly how I take it - for fun. This is neat, especially since we are all in agreement (well, that is a good way to start a flame war. Especially since most of us are in agreement that, except for KA and some Kenwood, there's nothing good left on the American mixer market).

I don't recall an axe-grinding attachment for any of the mixers, tho' Kirby had one, I do believe...

Am watering the plants for a friend who's whom in Italy this week. She told me on the phone just now, I might try her ancient mixer while at her place. Neither of us can remember the brand, hope it's not Krups but 1950's Italian...
Report to follow (or not).

 

[panthera]

well,

she's in the who's who, but I meant: who's home.

Sigh.

Never try to write before the first cup of coffee.

 

[mixergal]

I agree

I love a good debate too - and to hear so many new opinions is fun! Thanks for making me feel at home here even though I'm still a newby!

-Sherri

 

[mixergal]

Oh, and volvoguy

Sunbeam AND KA had a can opener attachment - probably just about everybody else has one too (I'm sure HB does). We'll have to have a race between them all to see who can open their can of worms faster

-Sherri

 

[panthera]

Krups

Well, so much for that one. It's a Krups. The domestic appliance market in Italy has some neat attachments, unsurprisingly.

One of the best vintage (if only just) mixers I have had here was from the GDR - they had two levels of quality, domestic and export. Have to say, my little Rotring did quite well, even on fairly heavy doughs.

 

[ronhic]

Best mixer

The attached Choice test is free to access as it is a few years old...i.e. you don't either need to pay for it or need to be a member....

Interesting results...

Media releases | CHOICE

All the latest media, news and press releases from CHOICE. Sign up to receive the latest media releases straight to your inbox.

www.choice.com.au

 

[panthera]

That's interesting

I was so disgusted by the Sunbeams I'd seen in the last years for sale in the US, I wonder if maybe the Australian market is getting a higher level of quality?

 

[ronhic]

The Breville Power Wizz is a reasonable machine for the money and whilst still 'plastic' at least looks and feels like a 'proper' mixmaster...I'd rather have it than the cheaper Sunbeams....

 

[whitekingd]

Sunbeam and Hamilton Beach

I've got mixers from both my Grandmothers. The Sunbeam was a present to my one grandmother in 1932. The Hamilton Beach (in chrome) was a gift to my grandmother from her mother around 1955. Both are on my counter top and both are in use frequently. Does anyone have the jade-ite bowls for the Sunbeam? I have the yellow model, but the bowls were broken many years ago.