26 Days Of Christmas - #9: The Kitchenaid Mixer

'Tis the season to.... make goodies?  Yeah, that sounds good to me too.   Unfortunately I didn't really get the "baking gene".  My sister got that, and she uses that gift to its full capacity, I think!   Check out her site to order something good, or have her custom make your next cake, cupcakes or other goodies!

Desserts By McDermott

I first learned about the Kitchenaid Mixer from her.   I'm not sure when she got her first one, but she made good use out of it.  This will be something not for everyone.   For me, I  used my hand mixer so infrequently that I don't know when it actually died, and once it did, I never replaced it.   But... if you, or someone you know is into baking, the Kitchenaid Mixer may be the right product for you.  

At this time of the year, people make a lot of cookies, cupcakes, and other goodies that can take hours of time in the kitchen.   We got one a few years ago, and it has really made prep work on some of the goodies faster.   Say what you will about doing things "the old fashioned way", but there's an advantage of being able to do more, faster, and spend more time with the family than standing over a mixing bowl for hours.  

There are several versions, that range in price from about $170 (refurbished) up.   For that, they're a bit on the pricey side.  However, for the features, and the quality that goes into them, they are a good value that can be of a great advantage to your kitchen.   

One can find these in local retailers such as Target, Walmart, or Bed, Bath and Beyond, as well as online.  There are a number of available accessories, and replacement parts available as well.   Kitchenaid has a good reputation for quality products.  

There are alternative versions, that come with a lower price tag, though some of these may be lacking in the craftsmanship or features of the Kitchenaid model.  

Economical value?   This will depend a lot on your usage.   For someone who may occasionally turn a roll of refrigerated cookie dough into cookies, it's probably not a good investment, though for someone who makes a lot of treats - seasonally or year round - this may make up for its cost in time saved fairly quickly.  

So, if you, or someone you know has that baking gene, check this one out!

Check back again tomorrow for our next gift idea!