Kitchen Appliance Reviews and Prices

Color: Empire Red

1,073 of 1,081 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars A great appliance good buyer support, January 21, 2004
By Kathleen (Tijeras, NM United States) See all my reviews This review is from: KitchenAid KSM150PSWW Artisan Series 5 Quart Mixer, White on White (Kitchen) My wedding gift mixer (a Sunbeam Mixmaster) turned 33 a week before Christmas, and my husband thought it was time for me to have a new one. He gifted me on Christmas with the KitchenAid five Qt. Artisan in white. I love this mixer and leave it out on my counter, something I never did with the Mixmaster. I newly bought the citrus juicer attachment from and am happy with it also. I haven’t read all 109 last reviews on this site, but I have read some that were disgruntled because their Artisans didn’t mix well. I firstly had the same problem with the beater/bowl clearance. It’s easy to remedy. There’s a beater modification screw on the mixer and the manual describes how to make the modifications. I got better information by calling buyer support at KitchenAid. The technician told me to drop a dime into the empty bowl, turn the mixer on (about setting 2) using the flat beater, and it should move the dime 1/4″ to 1/2″ every time it rotates around the bowl. This is the right clearance for the beater to mix everything at the bottom of the bowl, but not low enough to produce wear on the beater from constant friction with the bottom of the bowl throughout handling. I tweaked the screw setting 1/4 turn every time till I got that dime moving. At this setting, I can now beat a single egg white to inflexible peaks in the five qt. Bowl. That is remarkable.
This mixer is as tough as a tank, and you may be able to hear the quality as it combinations. Though I had earlier bought a KitchenAid mixer for my daughter as a gift, I could never splurged on one for myself. I’m so happy my husband thought I was worth it!

---

825 of 848 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars What are you waiting for???, September 23, 2002
By A Customer
This review is from: KitchenAid KSM150PSGR Artisan Series 5 Quart Mixer, Imperial Gray (Kitchen) I love this thing! I have friends who’ve had KitchenAid mixers for many years and they have generally raved about their quality and durability. Well, I went for it and I have totally no regrets. You want to talk about a hard part of kitchen machinery? This is the epitome of what "Made in America" used to mean! Unlike all the cheapo mixers out there, I am totally confident that this thing will outlast ME! The only problem is I am wondering why I waited so long! > This may help many of you I read a review someplace in which the reviewer gave this mixer a poor ranking because it left dry ingredients in the bottom of the bowl read the instruction booklet, people. It obviously states that if this occurs (or if the attachments scrape the bowl), there’s an modification screw that raises or lowers the mixing assembly. I had to somewhat lower mine and it now incorporates everything into the mix. The KitchenAid mixers are well worth the money..or you may be able to keep purchasing junk mixers every couple years.The choice is yours.

---

304 of 314 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars Best Mixer Ever! Love, Love, Love it! A+A+A+A+, September 26, 2003
By Mrs. Romano “Mrs. Romano” (Boston, MA United States) See all my reviews This review is from: KitchenAid KSM150PSWW Artisan Series 5 Quart Mixer, White on White (Kitchen) This KitchenAid mixer is an excellent investment! I just love mine! The dough hook attachment is the greatest invention ever. No more kneading! I used this great machine to make four pounds of Pizza Geina dough without breaking a sweat. Add your ingredients, turn it on and it does the rest! It has a powerful motor and every part of this mixer is excellent quality and well made. It’s easy to lock in the mixing bowl and it’s also a breeze to clean. The different attachments are easy to attach and remove. It could be impossible not to love it! Did I talk about how easy the clean up is? I love it so much I bought the KitchenAid quilted cover for it. Once you use this mixer you’ll never want to use anything else! The Best!!!

---

A nice addition to any modern kitchen, this 12 cup auto coffeemaker automatically grinds whole beans right before brewing to produce a new and flavorful pot of coffee. The 24 hour completely programmable unit lets for “wake up” coffee, plus its brew pause function makes it simple to take pleasure in a cup of coffee before the end of the brewing cycle. The included 60 ounce glass carafe offers an ergonomic handle, knuckle guard, and dripless pour spout for graceful serving. Other highlights include adjustable auto shutoff for up to four hours, a grind off choice, a charcoal water filter to take off impurities, and a separate grinder chamber and filter area to ensure simple cleanup. Housed in elegant Italian style, the coffeemaker measures roughly twelve by ten by 17 inches and carries a three year restricted warranty.

204 of 217 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars I’ll never purchase another coffee maker, March 6, 2008
By Chelsea Russell “Coffee snob” See all my reviews
(REAL NAME) This review is from: Cuisinart DGB 550BK Grind and Brew 12 Cup auto Coffeemaker (Kitchen) I just bought this coffee maker to replace my Cuisinart Coffee on Demand. This is the second coffee maker like this that I owned and I’m happy that I have come home. When my coffee on demand went out, I bought another brand coffee maker and returned it inside three days.

My husband and I think about ourselves coffee snobs and about a year ago began buying our coffee whole bean Exclusively and thought it could be a great “ease” in our morning coffee routine to own this machine again.

I have read reviews about the difficulty of cleaning and sound of the grinder. It’s really really easy. After I grind and brew a pot of deliciously strong, rich, hot coffee; I open the cover and take out the grinder rinse it off with hot water and set it on a towel. I then take out the gold tone filter, empty the grounds, rinse it and set it on the towel. Then I remove the filter basket and cover and rinse them and set them on the towel. I leave the top cover open to dry out the inside and by the time I’m prepared to brew another pot of coffee all parts and inside of the machine are dry and prepared to go. All together it takes me less than minutes to clean it. , then when all the parts are prepared for a deep clean, I through all parts, as well as the carafe and cover, into the dishwasher. Part of cake.

All in all this is the most unbelievable coffee maker that I have ever owned and the easiet to use and I do not have to worry now about replacing my worn out bean grinder, my coffee maker doesn it for me.

And a note about the grinder basket. I have read reviews that have said that it does not hold enough beans for a full twelve cups , then it can not be adjusted for the 1 4 cup feature. The grinder holds just as many beans as what I used in my counter top grinder for twelve cups. And if you only want to brew 1 4 cups of coffee, only put in enough beans for 1 4 cups. The grinder will still run for the 30 seconds that it’s set for the twelve cups but it works well and you do not realize it is doing it.

I could greatly recommend anybody who loves to brew whole bean coffee, if sometimes or everyday, to purchase this machine. You do not have to generally brew whole beans it this machine, you may be able to turn off the grinder and place pre ground coffee right into the filter. Also a part of cake.

I could also recommend that you attempt the gold tone filter that comes with it. It combinations the oil from the whole bean in with the coffee and gives such a increase in the coffees smoothness and flavor.

---

77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of five stars Ummm Ummm new Ground and Brewed., July 16, 2008
By Cat (Beverly Hills,Ca) See all my reviews () This review is from: Cuisinart DGB 550BK Grind and Brew 12 Cup auto Coffeemaker (Kitchen) I did alot of research before buying this coffee machine. Read so many reviews and decided to do it. I’m so happy with this product. I realize many people feel it’s too noisy (when it grinds the coffee beans, JUST before brewing) and I can say it’s noisy. (My own individual grinder was pretty noisy too) So for me to be able to wake up to freshly ground and brewed coffee it worth it. My machine goes off at 5:50am and I don’t hear it.I get up around 6am and have great coffee.I decide to clean it when I’m done and head out to work at 6:50am. When I get home all the parts are dry and I simply set it all up for the next day. I do have a suggestion, don’t purchase the coffee maker paired with the goldtoned filter as advertised on Amazon. It’s the wrong filter for that machine. The machine comes with it is own goldtoned filter basket. All in all this is a great coffee maker.

---

74 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars remaining service support!, December 30, 2007
By rsb “rsb96405″ (Vienna, WV) See all my reviews This review is from: Cuisinart DGB 550BK Grind and Brew 12 Cup auto Coffeemaker (Kitchen) I bought this coffee maker in August of 2005 from a local merchant, and it performed flawlessly till today (Dec. 30, 2007). I clean the machine every weekend, since we have greatly calcified water where I live. Today, it could not heat the water enough to produce the dripping cycle to operate and many water leaked out of the bottom of the machine onto my countertop.

I called the buyer service people (keep those owner’s manuals and buy receipts) and was happy to learn that this coffee maker has a three year warranty. They’re sending a substitute coffee maker now free to me! All I have to do is send the faulty one back to them when the new one arrives(about a $10 cost to me).

I was happy with the treatment I received from the service rep on the phone. I have nothing but praise for Cusinart merchandise (I have a blender and a food processor too), and now I can vouch that they stand behind their merchandise, after 2+ years of use.

Incidentally, the coffe maker grinds coffee and brews it better than any machine I have ever owned. It’s a bit noisy when the grinder kicks on, but we have grown accustomed to its 30 second whine. The machine requires cautious, daily cleaning and may be too high maintenance for many folks; but if you like great coffee, fresh ground and steaming hot at wakeup every day, this machine won’t disappoint.

Highly suggested.

---

Equipped with a 1500 watt engulfed heating element, this electric kettle quickly brings up to 1 2/3 liters of water to a rolling boil. To use, simply fill the kettle using the LED illuminated water level display to gauge how much, return it to its power base, and flip the switch to the “on” position. In about two minutes, hot water will be prepared for anything from tea, instant coffee, and hot cocoa to instant soup or oatmeal. The kettle lifts off its power base for graceful serving without the annoyance of a cord and may be returned at any angle. Other highlights include a cushion controlled cover that opens with the press of a button, a looking at window in the cover, a “ready” bell display, a removable scale filter, a soft grip open style handle, and convenient cord storage. For safety, the kettle automatically shuts off when water reaches a full boil, and its boil dry protection will not let the unit to operate without water inside. Housed in premium quality brushed stainless steel, the kettle measures 8 3/4 by six by nine inches and carries a one year restricted warranty.

261 of 261 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars Best high end electric kettle for price., November 29, 2006
By apfb (Pasadena, CA) See all my reviews This review is from: Breville SK500XL Ikon Cordless 1.7 Liter Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (Kitchen) we have had ours for one month after the cheapo plastic one died. I investigated many other high end electric kettles, as well as Cuisinart, Chef’ Choice, Krups, Braun by reading reviews on line and comparing them @ the local bricks & mortar stores. The Breville is obviously the best intended one for the money.

Pros:
Clean, beautiful design which is easier to clean.
Hefty, considerable base unit with place to wrap around the cord
Boils quickly in four min. For full 1.5 L
More considerable kettle than costly models by Chef’s Choice or Cuisinart. The Chef’s Tools electric kettle @ the same price point looked flimsier. In fact, the floor model Chef’s Choice kettle was not closing or opening its cover properly generally a bad sign when a floor model falls separately.
Simple still easily audible “ping” sound when the water has come to a boil, and the kettle shuts off automatically.
The outlet is easy to pull caused by the hollow center design

Cons:
Heavy kettle.
Sometimes, there is a metallic taste in reboiled water if the water was left inside the kettle for some number of hours. But, the water tastes good if you boil a pot from freshly filled water.

Overall, obviously the pros outweigh the cons. We are heavy users of the electric kettle, particularly in the winter, boiling water for teas, soups at least 4 5x per day. We will report back again in a yr after the warranty expires.

UPDATE > One yr after post (4/6/08): The Breville Ikon is still going strong. The water looks to be taking a somewhat longer time to boil. We still use it 3 4 times per day, and it works well.

---

345 of 350 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars Good appliance, made of stainless steel, March 8, 2006
By Leo (PA, not far from Phila) See all my reviews () This review is from: Breville SK500XL Ikon Cordless 1.7 Liter Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (Kitchen) While there’s usually little difference between any two electric kettles, this one is at least at the top of the spectrum.

1. Being an very convenient home appliance “discovered” by the Europeans decades ago, and afterward in the USA, the electric kettle generally left one concern: in comparison to its mundane predecessor it was usually made of plastic inside and out. Which could possibly mean different unhealthy substances emanating into the water from the plastic sides, particularly at high boiling temperatures. This one is made of stainless steel and does not cause any such concerns.
2. The kettle may be rotated on its cordless base, which makes it easier to put it back on the base than many other models.
3. It has a transparent wall part to measure water level. While this “window” isn’t located optimally (somewhat shadowed by the handle) and has not got a bright floating level marker, this design is sturdier than many others, and is less prone to leaks.
4. Blue back light that goes on and lights this “window” when the kettle is switched on, is a nice touch. It both attracts attention and simplifies reading the water level.
5. It is easy to open the cover, and the opening is large to add water with no problems or dripping. (In many models the handle partly covers the cover, making it hard to open or add water.)
6. Like in most up to date models, the heating spiral isn’t located inside the boiling case, but rather underneath it, which makes the design more relaible, and it’s also much easier to wash the kettle inside if need be.
7. Time to boil is reasonable and not worse than average.

---

139 of 140 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of five stars Excellent product; a “hit” at the office, November 28, 2006
By A Reviewer (Oakton, VA United States) See all my reviews This review is from: Breville SK500XL Ikon Cordless 1.7 Liter Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (Kitchen) really a top notch product. I has been tired of lukewarm water “nuked” in the microwave for tea or hot chocolate at the office after consulting other buyer reviews for merchandise under the “electric kettle” search, I took the plunge. A bit costly, but worth it.

Pros:
1. Stainless inside and out. No plastic taste or chemical worries.
2. Comfy handle, nice curve to it, and totally insulated.
3. Cord minder on the base bottom; lets you to tailor the cord length to your needs. Cord tough.
4. Separate base holds the cord. The kettle itself reminds me, from the standpoint of heft and size, of an “old fashioned” stove top percolator
5. The removable kettle itself; as well, you may be able to turn the kettle around to any point on the base; it does not have a notch or fixed position
6. Construction appears to be quite hard. Push a button and the top opens up automatically (not just a cheap spring, either). Glass center put on top so you may be able to see in; top is domed to direct condensation back into the pot; have not had any problem with water dripping onto the counter (or hand!) when opened.
7. Quick; heating just one mugful of water to boiling is easily faster than the microwave (same time in microwave will leave you with hot, but not boiling water).
8. Easy to clean; the opening is large enough to get your hand in, and the top opens up to 90 degrees. There’s a rod that runs up the inside, part of the temperature sensing system, but there is room enough to get a soft cloth behind it, you’d just have to avoid too much force. Cleaning, but, isn’t a big deal in general if you use it for its function heating WATER only (don’t heat your soup in this; it is not made for it).
9. Looking at other reviews, it looks that many people like to fill the kettle via spout rather than major opening spout is nicely sized to easily let this, if you want.
10. The water gauge is big, marked and nicely lighted, easy to read.
11. Auto turn off at boiling temp, and also has a function to avoid boiling dry (The boil turn off feature kicks in about 30 seconds after you may be able to see the water boiling; I have not personally tried to boil it dry, so can not comment on that feature). There is a nice, but soft, single “ding” that it makes when it turns off. You may not hear it from another room, but it should not damage itself by boiling dry, so if you miss the ding, it is not a big deal.
12. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but to mine its lines are clean, simple and elegant. Should fit with just about any decor. Fingerprints on the outside stainless have not been a big issue; wipes clean with moist cloth.

Comments (not “Cons”):
1. About another reviewer’s comments about weight, it does have many “heft,” but on the other hand, it has a good capacity! To heat one or two cups, it is useful enough. Stainless steel will be heavier than plastic, if weight is an issue for you, you may wish to think about this point.
2. I wish the otherwise nice switch was not directly at the bottom end of the handle, but this really is not a big deal.
3. I have seen reviews showing that stainless steel pots get hot on the outside. This one most likely does, too (if you put your hand near it after boiling, you may be able to sense the heat). Well, the handle is perfectly insulated, and this isn’t an insulated device. I would not put my hand on the outside of any “regular” metal pot or pan (steel or aluminum, like those found in any kitchen for daily cooking)that had a boiling liquid in it, so I would not do that with this kind of device, either!
4. Reviewers of other kettles suggested that the device may leak if water is left overnight. Haven’t had that problem with this, but then again, we empty it at the end of each day.
5. Haven’t had any problems with rust, as was noted with competing merchandise, but see comments in #4, above.

Before buying, I looked at the competition in stores, and a friend has “another leading brand” competetor; this seemed superior to the others in almost every way (particularly build quality, the others I’d seen seemed rather “cheap” in spite of their price). Certainly recommend; this is a winner in our office; some number of people have already bought their own!

---