Factory-Reconditioned KitchenAid RKG25H0XER Professional HD 5-Quart Stand Mixer, Empire Red Review

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(More customer reviews)Here's a review I wish I had read prior to buying my KitchenAid:
First, the not-so-good: I bought the stand mixer, model number RKG25HOXER. This type of mixer mimics in design what you see in professional bakeries inasmuch as it has a handle on the side of the mixer that you raise in order to bring the bowl to the beater level. This, in my opinion, is the drawback and I would never consider buying this model again. The level of inconvenience is tremendous and annoying. To be specific, it is very difficult to add ingredients with this design. Imagine you are mixing a batter and you must slowly and gradually add flour. You can't fit a 1/4 cup measuring cup within the bowl circumference (which is very small). To add ingredients, you must stop the machine; lower the bowl; add a the ingredient; raise the bowl; and begin the mixing process. You have to do this as many times as you need to add something to your batter. I couldn't imagine that someone had not thought of a solution for this problem, so I began my research. I found that in order to add ingredients, it is recommended that you purchase a special KitchenAid plastic apparatus that fits the lip of the bowl. This apparatus has a spout or chute in which to add things. I believe KitchenAid calls it a splash guard, but I could be wrong. So, add this $20 to the price of your mixer, because you will need to buy it. The apparatus is not the solution as your ingredients stick to the plastic spout/chute (imagine adding an egg, then having to add a bit more flour). The bottom line with this machine is that the design is NOT convenient.
Now, the good: It's a KitchenAid and you will never find a better motor or quality mixer. I adore the durability! What a less pricey brand would struggle to mix, a KitchenAid simply plows through. Doughs, any batter, kneading, you name it; the machine does it. The optional attachments are quality made (graters, grinders). A KitchenAid will do everything short of birthing your children. While I would never recommend the design I ended up with, I could never recommend anything BUT a KitchenAid. I suggest buying the model where the head of the mixer lifts, just like your Mom's did. If I was a rich woman, I would go out today and buy that model design, but alas, I am stuck with what I am stuck with.
Bottom line: Buy a KitchenAid, do not buy anything else. Buy the head-lift design and you will be happy for life. I wish I had known!


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Vitamix Turbo Blend 4500 64 oz capacity Review

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(More customer reviews)Love it !!
I use it almost every day, I have it for over a year already, there is nothing like it in the market, it has a lot of power ... this is not your regular blender ..
If you want a perfect smoothie, if you are in to eating healthy look no more, you need a Vitamix

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The VitaMix blender will change your life. This amazing restaurant-quality appliance purees, blends and chops ingredients for a perfect texture every time. Make exceptional smoothies and drinks, frozen concoctions, sauces, purées, dips, glazes and soups. The Vitamix features precision-crafted stainless steel blades to masterfully process many different ingredients without chunks or separation. It can blend as little as 4 oz. with the same consistency and quality as a full 64 oz. container. The BPA-free container pulls ingredients into the blades for maximum blending efficiency. A flexible, two-piece easy-off lid makes it easy to add ingredients while blending, and a patented tamper helps push thick or viscous ingredients into the blades for quicker processing even while machine is running - no more stopping and scraping. Its powerful motor was custom designed for VitaMix and generates speeds up to 218 miles per hour! It's also a breeze to clean. With a half-container of water and a drop of dish soap, this high-powered machine becomes its own dishwasher (no need to remove the blades). Now if only your other kitchen appliances could do the same! Dimensions: 7 ¼" W x 8 ¾" D x 20" H; Weight: 14 pounds. Made in the USA with a Swedish motor.

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Vita-Mix 1320 Professional Series, Platinum Review

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(More customer reviews)My wife and I have two Vita-Mix blenders. We bought one at a fair 6 years ago, and picked up a new-in-the-box commercial model at an auction about 3 years ago. We have used both heavily. Vita-Mix blenders are tall (too tall to fit under typical kitchen cabinets), heavy, loud, and very, very effective. Like most, we've burned through any number of typical home blenders. The Vita-Mix blenders last.
Customer service is superb. We've had exactly one problem - the variable speed dial got really difficult to turn. With about two weeks go to on the original 5-year warranty (warranties have changed since - they're longer now), Vita-Mix fixed the base, including paying shipping both ways, and also told us to send along the container so they could make sure it was in good shape - and then replaced the blade for us.
Vita-Mix blenders come with a tamper, and a lid designed to take the tamper. Most of the time you don't need it. It comes in handy for very thick, very cold blends, like thick smoothies, ice cream, etc. You will absolutely, positively need to have a tamper - or stop and use a scraper - with ANY blender, no matter how powerful, the shape of the container, or configuration of the blades. "Tamper" is actually something of a misnomer. While it is used to tamp at times, it actually changes the mixing dynamics by effectively taking up part of the volume at the center of the container, eliminating cavitation in mixes where that's helpful.
The Vita-Mix base units are heavy because they use heavy-duty motors. Don't be taken in by competing companies' horsepower claims with lighter-duty motors with half the weight. The competitors hit higher horsepower ratings by running their motors at higher speeds. All blender motors run fast, of course, and bumping up the horsepower by pulling more amps this way can be appropriate for some motor applications, but you can't consider one factor in a vacuum. The Vita-Mix motors are heavy, and heavy motors last longer by using heavier cores and windings, both of which make the motor stand up longer to heavy use and heat without breaking down. Vita-Mix containers also employ a heavy flywheel below the blades. That, in conjunction with the heavier-duty motor, is what gives you longevity, and the ability to chop heavy stuff for years. If you look at the motor-to-container connector, you will also see that the Vita-Mix uses a larger diameter connector - less stress, more life, and lower possibility of stripping.
I do wish they were quieter, but the competitors are in the same ballpark, claims to the contrary notwithstanding. The height can be dealt with by simply storing the container away from the base (which we leave on the countertop). My only real complaint is the cost of extra containers. I'd love one of the 32oz containers, but think $100-$120 (typical price at a fair)is too much.

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"It's not a blender - It's a Vita-Mix!"Ordinary blenders can't begin to approach the speed nor the results you'll enjoy while using the powerful Vita-Mix machine.Like no other kitchen appliance available, the Professional Series Vita-Mix, multi-tasking appliance will unlock the deep rich flavor treasures hidden in all your select ingredients.You can create dishes the way professional chefs do.It easily handles the work of many appliances so you can blend, puree, chop, juice, grind and more, all in this one versatile machine!An easel-design recipe booksaves counter space and is packed with over 300 full-color, easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes and tips from top-rated chefs.Instructional DVD and owner's manual included.

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Vitamix CIA Professional Countertop Blender with 2+ HP Motor, Platinum Review

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(More customer reviews)I have had my platinum Vita-Mix 1363 CIA (Culinary Institute of America) model blender for just over a month. So far, I am loving it! I have definitely increased my consumption of fruits and vegetables since getting it. I start most mornings off with a smoothie now. I throw in whatever fruit is in season (I love berries, but I've used peaches, nectarines, plums, grapes, apples, bananas and various frozen fruits), a scoop or two of protein powder, milk or water, a couple handfuls of fresh spinach, a couple handfuls of ice and sweetener if needed. Surprisingly, the spinach doesn't noticeably change the flavor, but it does boost the nutritional content of the smoothie. In less than 10 minutes I can have my smoothie made, poured into a "to go" cup and have the machine all clean (just add warm water and a couple drops of dish soap- turn it on for 30 seconds, then empty and rinse the container). The smoothies always turn out 100% smooth- berry seeds, apple seeds, ice and other hard bits are totally pulverized and drinkable. I've made great low-cal salad dressings using fresh herbs, garlic, low fat cottage cheese, a splash of milk and salt (if you prefer, you could use Ranch dressing mix with cottage cheese and milk). I made a very satisfying tomato soup with home grown tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, onion and salt. I've made great blended piña coladas, too! I'm having a lot of fun experimenting with different recipes. Because the Vita-Mix processes foods quickly, I'm actually finding that I'm making healthier eating choices. It's faster for me to put together a salad with pre-washed greens, veggies and homemade dressing than it is to go to the nearest fast food restaurant... and in the end, it's more satisfying and a LOT healthier. Yes, this is an expensive machine, but I think it will pay for itself within the first two years by reducing my spending on going out to eat.
This is a heavy-duty machine. It is loud when it's in use, but generally you won't need to run the machine for more than a couple minutes at a time. This is definitely a professional quality machine and will yield professional quality results. A regular home blender cannot compare!
The Vita-Mix 1363 CIA model and the Vita-Mix 5200 model are essentially the same machine. The CIA model has some different color choices and comes with a HUGE recipe book called "Create", a smaller "recipes and techniques" booklet and an hour long cooking class DVD. The 5200 model includes a different booklet and DVD. Both have the same 7-year warranty. If the color of the machine and the recipe book don't matter to you, save yourself some $$$ and go for the 5200 model instead.

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With its 2-plus peak horsepower motor that generates blade speeds of 240 MPH, this versatile countertop appliance works great for blending, pureeing, chopping, juicing, grinding, and more. The blender features a laser-cut stainless-steel blade assembly, durable all-metal construction, a brushed aluminum faceplate, and variable speed control for processing at just the right speed. In addition, the blender's oversized 64-ounce polycarbonate jar creates a powerful vortex that forces ingredients up from the blade and back down to the center to ensure thorough blending. Make delicious homemade dips, soups, sauces, appetizers, salsas, dressings, desserts, beverages, smoothies, sorbets, ice cream--the options are endless. An exclusive new recipe book comes included, "Recipes and Techniques from the CIA Master Chefs." The book features more than 20 recipes developed by the CIA's Certified Master Chefs. The blender also comes with an instructional DVD, an owner's manual, and a space-saving easel-design recipe book packed with over 300 easy-to-prepare recipes in full color from some of the country's top professional chefs. The blender measures 8-3/4 by 7-1/4 by 20 inches and carries a full seven-year warranty.

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Blendtec Home The Professional's Choice 1560-Watt Total Blender Review

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(More customer reviews)This is an awesome blender. It blends stuff like you've never seen before and I am really pleased with it. But holy cow is it LOUD!! The cat hates me. I got a pair of earmuffs from the shooting supply place to wear while using it. Maybe overkill, but I think that using it twice a day without them would result in hearing damage eventually. I wish they sold an enclosure for this one like they do for the commercial ones....I'd definitely buy one.
I bought this because I had a juicer and liked it. But I felt that tossing all that pulp and fiber had to be making me miss out on a lot of health benefits. And just trying to spoon some of it back into the juice doesn't work, it's gross. This blender blends whole fruits and vegetables wonderfully, I can still get the fiber and in a drinkable form.
After I bought this, I read a webpage where they talked about blending an avocado WITH the pit, and I tried it. It works, I ended up with an amazingly smooth mousse-like creamy pudding. Not something I'd do every day, but it was very interesting. I have been making kale banana blueberry smoothies for breakfast and it blends everything into one homogenous shake. No bits of leaves, chunks of stuff, etc. I'm enjoying it. I just wish it wasn't so loud.

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Replace up to nine other kitchen appliances with this easy-to-use countertop blender--no need for a separate grain mill, juicer, bread machine, ice-cream maker, smoothie maker, blender, milkshake maker, coffee grinder, or ice crusher. With its powerful commercial-quality, 1,500-watt 3-horsepower direct-drive motor, the blender can handle almost any kitchen task. The all-in-one appliance makes smoothies, fresh juice, ice cream, milkshakes, cappuccinos, margaritas, soups, sauces, breads, dressings, salsas, and more. It can even turn ice to snow and comes with an ice-crushing guarantee.
In addition, the countertop blender’s exclusive trademarked Smart-Touch tec-nology takes the guesswork out of blending and food processing. Simply press a button from the digital touchpad and the unit's preprogrammed cycle automatically speeds up and slows down to draw ingredients into the two-prong stainless-steel blade, which spins at up to 29,000 rpm, thoroughly blending ingredients so recipes turn out perfect every time. The appliance shuts itself off automatically once the cycle has completed. Another highlight includes the unit's square, polycarbonate blending jar, which holds a generous 64 ounces and features a large handle, measurement markings, and a secure-fitting lid. A user guide and recipe book with more than 100 recipes comes included. The blender measures 12 by 10 by 20 inches and carries a three-year warranty on the motor base, a one-year warranty on the jar, and a lifetime warranty on the coupling and blade. From the Manufacturer Exclusive Smart-Touch Tec-nology Raises the Blending Bar Features and Specifications

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Viking Professional 5 -quart Stand Mixer Review

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(More customer reviews)I love this mixer!! I began researching the countertop mixers after reading the poor reviews on the KitchenAid. This mixer works wonderfully! I use spouted whole grain flour to make everything from cookies to bread; it is a very heavy and dense flour to work with, but no problem for this mixer at all. I even made sprouted whole grain oatmeal raisin chip cookies and it mixed all the ingreidents very quickly and perfectly. This receipe used to bog down my old hand mixer and I would end up mixing by hand...forever. This is a wonderful machine and I am so glad I bought it. FYI, it is heavy, but has wheels in the base that allow you to roll it accross the counter.

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Eight hundred watts of power and planetary mixing action ensure efficient mixing and beating. Not only can this heavy duty stand mixer knead even the toughest whole grain bread dough into submission, it also has a sufficient range of settings, allowing it to tenderly beat a meringue. Locking pop up heads make clean up snap. A special stirring speed helps prevent flour pouf, and liquid splatter during the initial mixing stage. Max speed is engineered for whipping custards, cream, and meringues - in other words when you want to incorporate maximum air. There are numerous attachments available for this unit to increase its multi-tasking capabilities. If you've become a fan of Viking's reliability, quality and style, no doubt this stand mixer would be a most welcome addition to your kitchen.

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Vita-Mix CIA Restaurant Commercial Blender Review

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(More customer reviews)Necessity or Luxury: Depends on if you have experienced it (& if you plan on using it regularly)
As a guy who takes his smoothies and soups very seriously, it is a necessity for me. While some might argue about the price (Covers the purchase of an average blender every year into perpetuity if purchase price is invested in an annuity), I find comparisons to other blenders moot as the results from the Vitamix is not reproducible by an average blender (no strawberry/blackberry seeds in your smoothie, no bell pepper seeds in your soup). And, cleaning takes seconds!
The Motor of the Vitamix 5200 is the same as the CIA Commercial blender and costs a little less. The CIA edition comes with an exhaustive recipe book and a CD. Did I mention the blend sound reminds me of a revving Ferrari? (All the more reason to go RED!)

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Follow the leader in superior blending technology. Ordinary blenders can't begin to approach the speed nor output of this extraordinary commercial quality blender. This multi-tasking, heavy-duty electric blender uses1380-watt power to chop vegetables, juice fruit, blend shakes, mix ice cream and create delectable sauces, dressings, vinaigrettes and much more easily with the touch of a button. Ordinary blenders jam or overheat, but with a 2-plus peak horsepower motor, 1-10 speeds, and a laser-cut stainless steel blade, this blender chops, grinds, minces, juices and crushes ice with smooth efficiency; even cooks soup! The oversized 64-oz. jar is made of durable copolyester - the same material used in airplane windows. Blender cleans easily without removing blade. Jar fitted with a soft-touch handle. Instructional DVD andRecipes and Techniques from the CIA Master Chefscookbook. UL* approved. Made in USA. Full 7-year warranty. 7 1/4"W x 8 3/4"D x 20"H. Model: 136.

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