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Post by Merge on Jan 19, 2024 19:32:03 GMT
I am a very casual baker. I don't make dozens of cookies or frequent loaves of bread. I need to be able to whip up a birthday cake or a regular batch of cookies periodically. Pizza dough might be nice. It's just me and DH at home and occasionally our adult daughters.
I've been looking at the KA Artisan Mini because I also have a smaller kitchen with limited storage space. I know some of you are serious bakers and have the full-size machines, but does anyone have the Mini? I like the smaller size but find it funny that it seems to be more expensive than the regular size one most places I look. I want to know if the beaters fit the bowl well and mix thoroughly like they do with larger KAs. Would love to hear pea thoughts if anyone has or has used the Mini.
Thanks!
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iowgirl
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Post by iowgirl on Jan 19, 2024 19:50:15 GMT
I would go with the Classic Tilt head. There isn't much of a size difference between them. Here is a comparison of them that might help decide. Comparison of Classic Tilt Head and Mini KA Mixer The handle on the mini would be nice, but also a pain. LOL 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. I would absolutely get a beater with the silicone edge though. That comes with the mini, but you can buy one for the Classic from KA, or cheaper on Amazon. When I still had a KA mixer, that silicone edge beater was THE best thing that ever came along! |
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Jan 19, 2024 20:19:57 GMT
I do not have the mini but I do have 2 vintage 3 quart KAs, a tilt head 5 qt, and 6 qt Pro bowl lift.
I would definitely go with the 4.5 qt classic or 5 qt artisan tilt head.
The mini is 7.8"D x 12.3"W x 12.3"H.
The classic is 14.1"D x 8.7"W x 13.9"H.
The artisan is 14.1"D x 8.7"W x 13.9"H. Same as classic.
When you look at the motor, the mini is 250 watts, the classic is 275 watts, and the artisan is 325 watts.
Those watts matter even if just using here and there.
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Jan 19, 2024 20:23:38 GMT
The mini will not handle pizza dough well at the watts it has. Here is a review from a YouTube creator I follow. She has a lot of mixers and di a review 4 yes ago on the mini. m.youtube.com/watch?v=4mImXY_tvFo |
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Post by PenandInk on Jan 19, 2024 20:53:55 GMT
I have a tiny kitchen. My DD borrowed my standard kitchen aid and I don’t miss it. I can barely lift it and have no place to put it. I would get that mini in a heartbeat. But I also never make pizza dough.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jan 19, 2024 20:55:39 GMT
I have the mini and bought it for the same reasons you’ve given (plus, it’s so pretty! Ink blue)
I also have two larger ones that now sit in my pantry and I hardly ever use them because the mini can do pretty much everything I need it to like cake (mix or from scratch), cookies, brownies, frosting, etc.
My only disappointment with the mini is that I can’t buy one of those cute, decorative bowls because they don’t fit as well as some of the attachments like the ice cream bowl.
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jan 19, 2024 21:00:58 GMT
I didn’t actually answer your question: yes the beaters fit perfectly. There is no difference in quality of mixing or reaching the edge of the bowl, etc.
And I don’t do pizza dough but I do mix bread dough (1 loaf size) and haven’t had any problems. It also makes fresh butter really well to go with that bread!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jan 19, 2024 21:44:48 GMT
If pizza dough or bread is something you do, go for the Artisan. You'd need the higher wattage. If size is a concern, but cut templates using the dimensions that pantsonfire gave above. That way you can compare which will fit better in your space. |
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Post by Merge on Jan 19, 2024 22:34:22 GMT
Thanks all. Pizza dough is not a deal breaker. Whatever I get will be stored in a cabinet and not on the counter as there is simply no space, so being lighter and easier to move is a plus. I will watch the review video above and measure the space I have for storage. Thanks for the input!
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Post by Patter on Jan 19, 2024 23:08:14 GMT
Well, I will offer a different idea but not sure the sales are what they were (got it new for $279). I don't cook/bake much. I ended up with the lift stand professional mixer instead of the tilt. It is a game changer. I never have to move it, it's tucked under the upper cabinets, and I just use it from there. I love this thing. With the arthritis in my hands, it is amazing for meatloaf and anything and everything. I don't know how the smaller motor on the mini would handle meatloaf.  |
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Jan 20, 2024 0:40:15 GMT
For side comparison of 5 qt artisan and 6 qt pro:  My cabinets are about 20" from the counter. |
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Post by Merge on Jan 20, 2024 4:40:36 GMT
For side comparison of 5 qt artisan and 6 qt pro: My cabinets are about 20" from the counter. Those look great. I wish I had room on my counter for a mixer, but I just don’t. The cabinet height is fine but I have very little space. If I get one it will have to live in the pantry until I pull it out to use it. |
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Post by Patter on Jan 20, 2024 13:22:13 GMT
If you have to pull it out to use, you definitely won't want the pro. That thing is heavy! I am assuming the Artisan is the same weight or just slightly lighter.
And I just looked it up. Here are the weights:
Mini: 18 lbs.
Tilt head: 26 lbs.
Bowl lift: 29-32 lbs. (this is what I have)
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pantsonfire
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Post by pantsonfire on Jan 20, 2024 15:01:23 GMT
Merge and easy way to lift it is to remove the bowl, have the tilt head locked, and grab the underside of the neck and back area. Distributes the weight and gives you a secure hold. They make swing out and up cabinet inserts for mixers as well.
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Post by grammadee on Jan 20, 2024 16:45:24 GMT
If you are going to be moving it in and out of cupboards, check out the weight. I have and use a KA lift stand mixer which has functioned consistantly well for years. Not sure of the model, but it has the large bowl with the handle. It is the larger size and it is HEAVY. We have a built in swing up shelf for it that makes it easier to get it into position. LinkI am on my second mixing paddle: the paint seems to flake off on them in the dishwasher. Thinking about getting one of those paddles with the rubber sweep. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jan 20, 2024 22:18:44 GMT
I have the 4.5 qt bowl from about 35 years ago. I really like the size for a batch of cookies or making a cake. I do have a smaller bowl that nests inside my bigger (4.5) bowl, but I don't know the capacity. In those days, the bowl on that size came with a handle, so you couldn't nest two bowls of the same size together. I'm guessing it's 3.5.
I wouldn't want a smaller bowl than the 4.5. I feel like it's a good size and the flour isn't constantly being tossed out of the bowl, although I do use a tea towel when starting it up with flour or powdered sugar. I don't use the smaller bowl that often because of that. The weight isn't too horrible and I'm assuming most of the parts are metal because of it's age. I just tuck my arm under the locked head and carry it on my hip, like I would a bucket-style baby car seat.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Jan 22, 2024 16:38:51 GMT
I have the 4.5 qt bowl from about 35 years ago. I really like the size for a batch of cookies or making a cake. I do have a smaller bowl that nests inside my bigger (4.5) bowl, but I don't know the capacity. In those days, the bowl on that size came with a handle, so you couldn't nest two bowls of the same size together. I'm guessing it's 3.5. I wouldn't want a smaller bowl than the 4.5. I feel like it's a good size and the flour isn't constantly being tossed out of the bowl, although I do use a tea towel when starting it up with flour or powdered sugar. I don't use the smaller bowl that often because of that. The weight isn't too horrible and I'm assuming most of the parts are metal because of it's age. I just tuck my arm under the locked head and carry it on my hip, like I would a bucket-style baby car seat. 100% this, and for that reason I wouldn’t go smaller than a 4.5 qt tilt head. I have one of those and a 6qt bowl lift that lives on my counter full time. The smaller one struggles with any kind of heavier dough even in smaller quantities which is why I upsized. The wattage variation is what I would most take into consideration over capacity because any type of cookie dough or bread dough will put a strain on a smaller motor. Maybe something to consider would be a food processor with a larger capacity instead, like the Ninja XL. I got one a year ago at Christmas time and it’s great for cookie dough, pie crust, etc. I haven’t made bread dough in it because I also have the larger KA, but I’m sure it would probably also work for pizza crust or other similar things. Something like that also works for different kinds of dough, is much lighter weight to move around since you’re not leaving it on the counter and it takes up a smaller footprint on the counter when you’re using it. |
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Post by Merge on Jan 22, 2024 17:08:38 GMT
I have the 4.5 qt bowl from about 35 years ago. I really like the size for a batch of cookies or making a cake. I do have a smaller bowl that nests inside my bigger (4.5) bowl, but I don't know the capacity. In those days, the bowl on that size came with a handle, so you couldn't nest two bowls of the same size together. I'm guessing it's 3.5. I wouldn't want a smaller bowl than the 4.5. I feel like it's a good size and the flour isn't constantly being tossed out of the bowl, although I do use a tea towel when starting it up with flour or powdered sugar. I don't use the smaller bowl that often because of that. The weight isn't too horrible and I'm assuming most of the parts are metal because of it's age. I just tuck my arm under the locked head and carry it on my hip, like I would a bucket-style baby car seat. 100% this, and for that reason I wouldn’t go smaller than a 4.5 qt tilt head. I have one of those and a 6qt bowl lift that lives on my counter full time. The smaller one struggles with any kind of heavier dough even in smaller quantities which is why I upsized. The wattage variation is what I would most take into consideration over capacity because any type of cookie dough or bread dough will put a strain on a smaller motor. Maybe something to consider would be a food processor with a larger capacity instead, like the Ninja XL. I got one a year ago at Christmas time and it’s great for cookie dough, pie crust, etc. I haven’t made bread dough in it because I also have the larger KA, but I’m sure it would probably also work for pizza crust or other similar things. Something like that also works for different kinds of dough, is much lighter weight to move around since you’re not leaving it on the counter and it takes up a smaller footprint on the counter when you’re using it. Interesting. I have a large Cuisinart food processor but hadn’t thought to make dough in it other than pie crust. You guys have convinced me to go with 4.5 or 5 quart. I do appreciate all the input. Birthday present for Merge! (Which I will use to make my youngest’s birthday cake three days later.) |
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Post by papersilly on Jan 22, 2024 18:11:28 GMT
i have the full size artisan and toyed with the idea of getting the mini. having looked at both of them side by side, there isn't that significant of a difference to warrant the higher price of the mini.
someone mentioned the bowl sizes. i do like that the full size can use the metal, glass and decorative bowls. i use both the metal and glass.
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ellen
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Post by ellen on Jan 22, 2024 22:15:20 GMT
I just read through this and saw that you decided to go with a 4.5 or a 5. Good call - I have both. I gave my daughter a 5qt tilt head for a wedding gift a couple years ago because I think the size is more versatile. I got her the contour silver and it looks so pretty on her counter. My mixers are both old - one is white and the other is off white. They go on sale often enough that you might want to wait for one before you make a purchase.
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Post by Hayjaker on Jan 23, 2024 6:38:00 GMT
I have the mini and bought it for the same reasons you’ve given (plus, it’s so pretty! Ink blue) I also have two larger ones that now sit in my pantry and I hardly ever use them because the mini can do pretty much everything I need it to like cake (mix or from scratch), cookies, brownies, frosting, etc. My only disappointment with the mini is that I can’t buy one of those cute, decorative bowls because they don’t fit as well as some of the attachments like the ice cream bowl. My only disappointment also is not being able to get the fancy bowl! I’ve had them all - pro, mini, and regular tilt head. (I buy and give them to my kids as they move out of the nest) The mini is perfect for the use you describe. |
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Post by Merge on Jan 24, 2024 3:25:24 GMT
Ok so I found the Artisan 5 qt refurbed through the KA site for $284. Seemed like a good price so I hit the buy button. Fingers crossed!
I got the milkshake color, which is kind of boring, but I think goes best with my kitchen if I do end up keeping it on the counter. I’ve been clearing out/rearranging to try to make that happen. The Vitamix may end up in the cabinet instead. I can’t put the air fryer away because I use it too often!
Thanks all for your input!
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Post by Crack-a-lackin on Jan 24, 2024 4:24:14 GMT
Ok so I found the Artisan 5 qt refurbed through the KA site for $284. Seemed like a good price so I hit the buy button. Fingers crossed! I got the milkshake color, which is kind of boring, but I think goes best with my kitchen if I do end up keeping it on the counter. I’ve been clearing out/rearranging to try to make that happen. The Vitamix may end up in the cabinet instead. I can’t put the air fryer away because I use it too often! Thanks all for your input! the milkshake color is really pretty in person. It’s a modern neutral and will look like an intentional choice, not boring at all. Congratulations! |
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