Kitchenaid Stand Mixer - Tips and Hacks

[Anonymous]

if you're making a meringue-based buttercream, temperature is the critical factor. Less than 70F or so and it will "break," more than 85F or so and it will be soup. If it's too cold, you can run a torch or a heat gun at the bottom of the bowl while it runs to help warm it up (you can also just microwave a bit of it and add it back, but the torch is good too).

[Anonymous]

I would get the blender/food processor attachment.

[Anonymous]

I got the pasta making attachment and we hate it - it's impossible to clean. Our hand-cranked Imperia is so much better.

BUT we did get the spiralizer attachment and we love it so much that we keep the KitchenAid out of the basement. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and especially zucchini is a breeze to prep.

https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KSM2APC-Spiralizer-Attachment-Silver/dp/B01FFRR7NK/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=appliances&ie=UTF8&qid=1544474829&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=kitchenaid+spiralizer&psc=1

[Anonymous]

Don’t bother with the meat grinder attachment. My struggled with it and over heated the motor. Though it was done, but it’s fine now.
Oh, and I use the whip attachment for my stick blender to make whipped cream. It’s faster and easier to clean up that way.
Don’t get the glass bowl. It’s pretty but you can’t chill it.

[Anonymous]

The shredded meat thing, definitely. Also, the paddle with the scraper is great for baking.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you have space on your counter to keep it out or you will never ever use it. I’d rather shred my chicken with forks and use my hand mixer than get it out every time. It’s heavy!

[Anonymous]

mine lives on my counter- love it for making bread, makes great mashed potatoes, whipped creams, and frostings.

In terms of accessories, my mixer came with the standard metal bowl, getting the glass bowl with lid was so worth it- the glass has measurements and a pour spout, but I also have enjoyed having two bowls at my disposal- for example you need to whip up egg whites separately from your batter- amazing!

I was also gifted the ice cream bowl attachment, this is the one that rarely gets used and is often left in storage, easily forgotten.

[Anonymous]

Contrary to many other posters

We have a postage stamp-sized kitchen, and so our KitchenAid lives in the pantry. We use it very frequently, and we don’t find it to be too much of a pain to drag out. It’s worth it; our family uses it at least twice a week.

AND! We love both our pasta and meat grinder attachment. So, to each their own, I guess.

[Anonymous]

Before you mix a bowl of powdered sugar or anything like that, put a damp kitchen towel around the mixture to stop the overspray. And also start on a low speed until the dry ingredients are mixed in.

We love our ice cream attachment and keep it in the freezer.

[Anonymous]

Buy an extra bowl
Get the paddle with the scraper
It's not that heavy
The wisk, beaters etc all all dish washer safe,

[Anonymous]

I love my meat grinder and saucer attachments for making apple sauce. It’s like magic.
Otherwise I use mine for pretty ordinary uses. I bake a lot— at least once a week but often more— so it lives on my counter.
It would be great to have an extra bowl.

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you all! We have lots of counter space and I’ve already identified its future “home” so I’m hoping by virtue of it being out, I’ll be inspired to use it regularly. I can’t wait to see what we do most with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:mine lives on my counter- love it for making bread, makes great mashed potatoes, whipped creams, and frostings.

In terms of accessories, my mixer came with the standard metal bowl, getting the glass bowl with lid was so worth it- the glass has measurements and a pour spout, but I also have enjoyed having two bowls at my disposal- for example you need to whip up egg whites separately from your batter- amazing!

I was also gifted the ice cream bowl attachment, this is the one that rarely gets used and is often left in storage, easily forgotten.

I have gotten the ice cream attachment twice, and both times the inside "goo" has leaked out into my freezer. I hate it and would never recommend it.

[Anonymous]

The pasta maker is fun, but I wouldn't get it unless there's a deal (mine was thrown in free w/a promotion). We don't use it that option. I use the pie crust recipe from their little cook book all the time. Before I had the stand mixer, I never made pie crust. It takes a little bit to remember to use it, but once you get in the habit, you'll love it.

[Anonymous]

I have the Ice cream maker with 2 bowls. I make ice cream or sorbet every night during Passover. It’s wonderful.