Reviews (6)

For the price, this is DA BOMB
We went with the white/"meringue" mixer (would have preferred light green "jadite", but such is not available). Works great! Now granted, as with any piece of machinery--including your car--you must learn the in's and out's. Before purchasing, I printed out all the reviews you see here and the product description, and studied all this information. Then after purchasing, I read the product manual. You owe it to yourself to do the same -- after all, you're plunking down several hundred dollars. The main thing to carry away from the reviews here is to go easy with the high gluten flour.

This is a reliable machine. Do not try to scrimp and go with a lower powered model, such as the 525 watt. I think you will regret it. I also don't recommend getting refurbs or used. Just drop the three sixty-nine (current price), minus the twenty-five dollar discount. It's worth it, if you are cooking for more than one person.

I considered this and the 1000 watt, 7 quart Viking, which was considerably more expensive, and went with this because it's so much cheaper and has rather good reviews. Viking seems to be an over-priced brand in general which tries to appeal to price snobs rather than offering real value. I also did not like the fact that you do not see many Viking products in stores; which leads one to think about what happens if the Viking needs repair or replacement parts; hmmmm... Also, the Viking just does not offer neat attachments such as an ice cream maker.

Yeah, I suggest also purchasing the ice cream maker attachment for another fifty bucks or so. We have had a lot of fun crafting unusual flavors like green tea and ginger.

Over rated, but still the best option
I got my kitchenaid 600 mixer from amazon. After it arrived, I prepared a sourdough recipe that called for 8 cups of flour, the mixer bogged down and quit. I have prepared the same recipe 4 more times, each time the mixer quits. I thought this behavior was abnormal, but after a bit of online snooping, it turns out that many people experience similar problems when working with thicker doughs.

Kitchenaid clains it can handle 14 cups of all purpose flour, it simply cannot, in fact, i would set the maximum at about 10 cups for a less dense dough, and at 7 or 8 for thicker breads.

Ultimately, this is the best mixer available to the home baker in this price range, as much sturdier commerial grade models in this size ( 6 quarts) begin at about $1500. However, don't expext to use it to make thick bread or pizza doughs in large quantities, it simply isn't up to the task. It will do most of the work, but some hand kneading is still required.

Despite it's all steel gears and automatic shutoff feature, it seems that the motor and drive mechanisms are underbuilt and prone to failure if overloaded. On the upside, if your mixer happens to malfunction within a year of purchase (mine did after 2 weeks), Kitchenaid has great customer support and will replace the unit.

In short, it is a great mixer, but doesn't live up to the manufacture's promises.

Mean Machine
This is a monster. The (semi) professional 600 Kitchen-aid comes with a cover over the bowl. I don't use it, it's flimsy and not handy. But without this cover on the bowl I have to warn you: Don't put your hand in the bowl while the machine is working, it will be torn off!So powerful is this Kitchen-aid.
That was the bad news. Goodies are that this thing will make your live a lot easier. Fast, strong, quick, easy handle etc. And the boeing 747-sound it makes when you put it on full throttle..... Sounds like music to me.

Makes everything easy
I have had the mixer for about a week now and I absolutley love it it mixes anything you want with no hesitation.I mixed 2lbs of hamburger and a lb of sausage for a meatloaf recipe and it didnt bog down a bit.I recomend this mixer.

It's amazing!!!!!!!
I bought this item because I do alot of baking and I love it! It's very easy to use and very heavy duty. The only thing to remember when you receive this item is that it snaps down in 3 areas the sides and you have to push it down in the back too. It was worth every cent. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Providing 8,500 BTU's of cooling power, this energy-efficient air conditioner features "no drip" technology, which is an exclusive process that uses condensation and collected moisture to help cool the air, discharging excess vapor through its 41-inch exhaust hose. The unit is designed with a 24-hour programmable timer, as well as an easy-to-use control panel that incorporates two fan speeds, two air conditioning speeds, as well as "fan only." Setting the unit to "dehumidifier only" allows the built-in dehumidifier to remove up to 60 pints of moisture per day. Its adjustable thermostat can be set to accommodate individual preferences, and unlike central air, the portable air conditioner easily cools where it's needed most. Designed to handle rooms up to approximately 300 square feet, the nice-looking unit can be used almost anywhere, from bedrooms, family rooms, and computer rooms, to wine cellars, garages, and attics. The air conditioner runs quietly due to its high-efficiency rotary compressor and components. Other features include side handles and indoor caster wheels for easy portability, a built-in Freshzone air filtration system, and a window/door bracket for simple installation and exhausting of hot air. The air conditioner measures 31-1/2 by 16-1/3 by 17-4/5 inches, and carries a one-year parts-and-labor warranty and a five-year warranty for the parts on the compressor and sealed system. --Catie Unger ... Read more

Features

• Measures 31-1/2 by 16-1/3 by 17-4/5 inches; 1-year parts-and-labor warranty
• Energy-efficient, portable air conditioner with 8,500 BTU's of cooling power
• Exclusive "no drip" technology uses collected moisture to help cool air
• 24-hour programmable timer; easy-to-use control panel
• Built-in dehumidifier, adjustable thermostat; handles rooms up to 300 square feet

Amazon.com Review

This assortment of attachments makes your KitchenAid stand mixer as flexible as a Swiss army knife. You get the food grinder, the slicer and shredder, and the fruit and vegetable strainer. Pull out the first and you're grinding meat, breadcrumbs, and more; the second churns out sliced vegetables for potato chips, coleslaw, and the like, or shredded potatoes for hash browns; and the third has you whipping up apple butter in a snap. Each has its own instruction booklet, with tips and recipes. An excellent gift set for your favorite stand-mixer fan. --Betsy Danheim ... Read more

Features

• Most parts are dishwasher-safe
• Includes food grinder, slicer and shredder, and fruit and vegetable strainer
• Grinder has fine and coarse grinding blades
• Two slicing and two shredding cones included
• Can be used with any KitchenAid stand mixer

Reviews (7)

A Must for every kitchen!
I recently purchased these attachments, but this week I really put them to the test. Fresh fruits and vegetables are in season and in the past 2 days I made cherry jam with the fruit & vegetable strainer the next day I made 4 qts of zucchini & cucumber relish. What used to take me hours with a food processor, now took no time at all. Now I need to get rid of that food processor!

Not a good accessory for this excellent mixer
I purchased this set about 2 years ago. The shredders work OK, but it is easier and less mess to chop them by hand. Much of the produce gets caught between the housing and the shredder. It's difficult getting uniform cuts. The piece that is poorly designed is the meat grinder. I'm on my second grinder. Both the feeder shaft and the housing are constructed of a plastic molding on metal. Over a relatively short amount of use, they both began to crack apart at the unions. This of course is not good, being they are used on meat and it makes it almost impossible to clean. I would recommend going for a good sharp knife and a seperate all metal meat grinder (which I am now looking for).

A long-term owner
I bought this attachment pack just after buying my KitchenAid, in the early 80's. I've used it for all manner of things, but mostly for grinding meat for hamburger, which it does easily and well, and for putting up sauces from garden produce. That it does well but it's a little tricky to make sure the refuse from the end of the strainer attachment does not fall into the bowl of sauce. I've set up a measuring cup on top of another item to put it at the right height, and that worked, but it is a bit clunky. The other thing I've had to work out is that I'm only 5'4" and the mixer is tall. It needs to stand on my sturdy counter to do grinding, and I need to stand on one of the dining chairs to feed things into it at the appropriate rate. These user issues are why I've given the attachments 4 stars, not 5. Otherwise, they are good, and have seen a lot of use over the years, especially in canning season.

Nice addition, a little bit cumbersome
I use this with my Kitchenaid Epicurean and really enjoy it. Used it to grind our own beef and pork for meatloaf and shredded plenty of cheese for mac and cheese. The motor provides plenty of power to grind and shred through just about anything, and the shredding/grinding blades seem to keep their edge quite nicely.

There are a lot of bits to keep track of though, and some of them can be a little difficult to clean properly. I also wish the hopper for the grinder attachment was a little bit bigger.

It's not going to replace my food processor, but when I have a large volume of stuff to do, or for things my food processor's motor just can't handle, this certainly does the trick.

Does this mixer set cut the mustard? Well, sort of
I have a KitchenAid and I must say, they are as good as their high reputation. I bought the mixer mainly to make bread, but what makes it even better are the accessories. These convert the stand mixer/dough maker into a vegetable processor, grinder and sausage maker. There is also a grain grinder that really works quite well. Here are the pros and cons of this set, as I see it:

Pros:
You get a decent meat grinder with two blades, coarse and fine. This means you can make ground turkey with no additives, ground chicken without added fat, or fresh ground beef. You can also grind meat for sausage (about which, later.)

You get a slicer similar to those hand-turned cone types that make cole slaw or waffled carrot slices.

Cons:
The sausage nozzle for filling the casings is not included. This is, in my opinion, really dumb. It's just a couple of pieces of molded plastic. For heaven's sake, include it.

The slicer is a bit clunky. If you don't put the bowl to catch the shreds just right, you get slaw all over. And sometimes it is hard to get the cone off the flanges of the connecting pin that fits into the mixer attachment point. But screwing it into the mixer and grabbing with a rubber mat usually works for me.

I prefer a mandoline, a food processor or even a big board and a really sharp chef's knife to the slicer, but it does save on counter space. So, this is a good thing to have as an addition to your KitchenAid if you do any kind of prep cooking, such as canning, salads, baby foods, venison processing, or sausages. It's very good quality plastic and metal, though the cone blade finish seems a bit crude to me. I can recommend it, with the reservations I mentioned. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 44-7/8 by 14 by 13-3/8 inches; 2-year limited warranty
• Powerful upright vacuum for household cleaning of bare floors and carpets
• Root8Cyclone technology provides 250 air watts of clog-free, consistent suction
• Bag-free dirt collection; lifetime HEPA filtration system; carpet-height adjustment
• Low-reach floor tool; 17-foot quick-release hose; brushbar turn-off protects floors

Product Description

Turn your kitchen into a short-order grill! Classic double griddle allows you to cook French toast, pancakes, burgers and more. Heavy-gauge, infused anodized construction and four-layer nonstick coating provide excellent cooking results and an easy clean up. Stainless-steel handles are riveted and stay cool. Lifetime warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Oven-safe up to 450 degrees F; lifetime warranty; hand washing recommended
• Generous 13-by-20-inch rectangular griddle; stretches over 2 burners
• Heavy-gauge anodized aluminum provides excellent heat conductivity
• Triple-coated nonstick interior facilitates low-fat cooking and simplifies clean-up
• Riveted, steel handles provide a secure hold and stay cool during stovetop use

Reviews (5)

Great Griddle, BUT?
This is a great Calphalon "Commercial"griddle I thought I was buying?

I bought Three last year (2gifts), and thought I was buying Calphalon Commercial Nonstick, as that is what was Advertized on Amazon.
Now after reading Your reviews, I went and took a look at the bottom of mine, and Your all right, it just says Caphalon, made in China!!!
The box read Calphalon Commercial nonstick.
I also noticed on my Calphalon Commercial nonstick crepe pan, it just says, Calphalon made in China!
Now when I took alook at other Calphalon Commercial it just says Caphalon, some say made in toledo Ohio, and some say made in China, and some say, Calphalon Commercial.

I thought The Commercial line had a life time warrentee, Now I wonder how Calphalon can tell what all this cookware is , if it doesnt say!!

I just now noticed that this griddle reads, Calphalon?
I just typed in Calphalon Commercial nonstick Griddle, and the page comes up that does read that, but its also MORE money, with different reviews, then this one has!

Last Xmas I bought 15 piece's of Calphalon commercial for my daughter, and bought an other 10 pieces for my son.

I'm really confused, and will be calling Caphalon tomorrow, and see what I have really bought.
I do know that Calphalon mades cookware for Target , and that is a much cheaper line that I do not want.

I do have say, this is a great piece of Calphalon and I would buy it again.
I do love all my other Caphalon also.
The only Thing I don't like about it, the handles.
There too slim for the weight (I have thin hands), unless I use the swede sleave pot holder, then it doesnt turn over on me, but that only happens when I carry it to the sink, and when I wash it.

I do notice when cooking with Calphalon there is a better taste to my soups , stews, ect.

Don't buy if you have a flat-top oven
Granted, it should have been a little more obvious to me that this would not work on my oven after looking at the picture a bit more closely.1) I have a standard-sized oven and 2) the oven top is a flat-top design.Because of of the size of my oven, I cannot fit it back to front as most griddles are designed to work.Because of the type of my oven (a flat top) I cannot use this because the cooking surface is elevated above the bottom of the pan (there is a reservoir along the sides that is flush with the bottom).If you have gas or electric (with elevated burners) this should work ok for you (although I still cannot gaurantee that it will fit front-to-back).

This great product is indeed a Calphalon COMMERICAL NONSTICK
Some doubts have been raised by some of the previous reviewers as to the particular Calphalon line that this piece is from. This was a big deal for me as well so I called Calphalon, provided the model number off of the box and was assured that this is indeed a Calphalon Commercial Nonstick product.Also, while the packaging materials do not use the word "Commercial" anywhere on the box, it is reassuring to note that the pan is in the typical green box that most "Collector's Edition" Calphalon COMMERCIAL nonstick pieces are packaged in.

good, but be advised!
This is a nice griddle, however, be advised of a couple of things:

1. the box, nor the griddle, NOWHERE say this is a part of the COMMERCIAL NONSTICK line, therefore you have no guarantee of the legendary LRS3 commercial nonstick coating being used to build it.This seems deceptive to sell this as "Commercial Nonstick", when nowhere is the word "commercial" to be found, and it is made in China, which could be just fine, or maybe not.It would be nice if Amazon just called this "nonstick", which is what the box says, or else get Calphalon to use correct nomenclature on their boxes, if it is really the Commercial Nonstick line.This is important, because I previously bought a set of baking pans that Amazon advertised as "Commercial Nonstick" and the coating quickly flaked off when the jelly roll pan was used at 400 degrees, which is not even very hot for that type of pan. (although these did not even have ANY name on the back of the pan!)

I have used the REAL Calphalon Commercial Nonstick at 450 for years with no problem, including some pieces made in China, however those said "Commercial" on the box.So, to summarize, this ~may~ be the LRS3 commercial nonstick coating or may not be, but someone at Calphalon needs to decide what this is, and Calphalon and their biggest customer Amazon need to get together and get their box and description to jive.


2. also, be aware that this griddle cannot be used in most ovens anyway, because IT WON'T FIT! I was hoping that this griddle might make a good roasting pan for vegetables, fish, etc, but the 13" x 20" advertised size makes it easy to not realize that the handle-to-handle dimension is 23" across rather than the 20" as described, meaning it will not fit into a 22" wide standard oven whatsoever.This fact could also be made more clear in the Amazon description.Alton Brown says in his book that he once had a catering job disaster when he realized a similar pan would not fit in the standard oven available, due to the wide handles, so I don't feel quite so dumb....I apparently am in some very esteemed company!


so for $39, it is a quite a nicely made griddle, but don't believe that this is necessarily the "commercial" Calphalon line, we have exactly ZERO evidence to support that, and even the Calphalon factory website does not acknowledge the existence of this particular griddle (even though Amazon says it is a "new arrival")It is, however, based on the hard-anodized Calphalon aluminum, so heat distribution should be great.

Vast Cooking Area Over Two Burners!
This is a delightful piece of cookware.The ability to span two burners allows for making enough pancakes to feed a family or to cook and keep warm at the same time!The heat is spread very evenly without any hot spots.There is absolutely no need for oil or butter (I use butter/olive oil for flavor!) as the nonstick works wonderfully. There are two corners that are "crimped" which allow for the easy pouring off of bacon/sausage grease without it running to the underside of the griddle (a really nice touch). There is a depression which runs all the way around the griddle and collects the grease of bacon or sausage.

It is very easy to clean but does require some special handling.First, never put this griddle in a dishwasher (I doubt it would fit). There will be significant discoloration of the anodized aluminum. Second, use only non metal utensils, the metal ones WILL SCRATCH the surface.

Overall, this griddle is as good as I have ever used (in my 40+ years of cooking).This griddle is a real pleasure to use . ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

With raised, concentric grooves in their bottoms providing extra protection for an exceptionally durable, DuPont Autograph nonstick coating, the pots and pans in this 12-piece set equip a cook with easy-to-use, easy-to-clean cookware that stands up to heavy use. The set comprises 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids; a 4-1/2- quart Dutch oven with lid; an 8-quart stockpot with lid for simmering stocks and soups; a 5-quart, high-sided sauté pan with lid for frying chicken, sautéing lots of fish or vegetables, and braising a pot roast in the oven; and 8-inch and 10-inch slope-sided skillets.

The cookware's "hi-low" system of concentric grooves creates narrow ridges to take utensil abuse, leaving low, wider grooves unscathed to readily release food. Exteriors are charcoal-gray, hard-anodized aluminum for easy cleaning and harder-than-steel durability. Synthetic handles stay cool on the stovetop and are oven-safe to 350 degrees F. Domed lids are 18/10 stainless steel polished to a mirror finish. This cookware, heavy enough to conduct evenly yet light enough to handle easily, carries a lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

What's in the Box
2-quart saucepan with lid, 3-quart saucepan with lid, 4-1/2-quart Dutch oven with lid, 8-quart stockpot with lid, 5-quart sauté pan with lid, 8-inch skillet, 10-inch skillet ... Read more

Features

• Stay-cool handles oven-safe to 350 degrees F; lifetime warranty against defects
• Set comprises 2- , 3-quart saucepans with lids; 4-1/2-quart Dutch oven with lid;
• 8-quart stockpot with lid; 5-quart saute pan with lid; 8- , 10-inch skillets
• Hard-anodized aluminum, with polished 18/10 stainless-steel lids
• Concentric grooves inside protect exceptionally durable nonstick

Reviews (5)

The finish wears off in 6 months
I don't have time to baby my cookware! The pans that I use often worked well for a few months and then I noticed the circles were chipping into my food! My neighbor found the same thing happening with hers! I bought mine in 2001 and now I am looking to replace them!

Totally Unacceptable !
How can you use cookware that you can't get hot??! Want to sear some ahi tuna? Forget it. Cook a large batch of pasta? Have a good book handy while you wait for the water to boil on medium heat! Your cooking times will double, and if you try to rush the process by using high heat you'll end up with cookware that sticks badly.

What's next, a Circulon line of stemware that is ruined if you put liquids in them?

Best pans in my kitchen!
I couldn't decide what pans to get when I was ready to get rid of my mixed, hand-me-down collection of old pots. Although I was attracted to this set, I delayed for quite a while because I thought having to hand wash pans would be a pain. I was wrong!

I've had a set of Circulon pans for over two years now, and it was the best purchase I ever made. They are so incredibly easy to clean, that you simply swish some soapy water over them and they are done! Nothing sticks, and the finish is incredibly durable.

I've simmered hours of soups, stews, spaghetti sauces, stir fries, etc., in these pans, and they still look like new.

The pans are well made and distribute heat evenly. The circular pattern in the finish seems to help foods brown too.

Warning: the Manufacturer's instructions tell you not to use cooking sprays (like "Pam"), but to use oil instead. (Apparently cooking sprays can get too hot, hurting the finish.) That's the only down side. However, I hope the tiny drizzle of olive oil I use doesn't add too many calories to my dishes!

The Manufacturer's instructions also tell you to hand wash the pans. I believe doing so is why my pans still look like new after years of use. However, my husband did put them through the dishwasher once or twice while I was gone on a trip, and it didn't seem to harm them. (Whew!) So, maybe they can stand up to ONE machine wash! But, hand washing them takes just seconds, so you won't mind doing it.

The best cookware I've ever used
Since I purchased my set I've sworn off all other cookware. These pots and pans are simply amazing. Non- stick, easy to clean and a delight to cook with. I can fry in just a teaspoon of oil since the grooves prevent meats from sticking. I don't even mind washing pots and pans anymore since cleanup is a breeze. I don't need any abrasive sponges or cleansers. A regular yellow sponge and some dtergent will get rid of the greasiest, messiest grime you could cook up. I have never been happier in my kitchen.

wonderful ware
This set of cookware is absolutely delightful. It is stylish and yet very durable. Light and solid. The handle is solid and you don't wonder if it will hold as you transport a dish. The non-stick surface is just that and requires minimal effort. I also have the utensils made by Circulon and you can tell they are quality too. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Perfect for deep cleaning without excessive strain, the self-propelled Hoover WindTunnel Ultra upright takes charge of its own locomotion both coming and going. In addition, Hoover’s WindTunnel technology creates a powerful double air path for maximum suction and cleaning. The vacuum even provides feedback on cleaning progress with the Embedded Dirt Finder--a feature that scans the floor for debris, signaling you if there’s still dirt to be picked up. You can operate the Dirt Finder on a regular setting for your routine cleaning or on a high setting for your deep-cleaning sprees.

The WindTunnel Ultra is designed for both bare floors and carpets, with a 15-inch cleaning path and three adjustable nozzle heights to accommodate variation in carpet depth. Dirt collection is bagged using Hoover’s Microfiltration system, and a helpful indicator signal keeps you posted on the bag’s status. A HEPA filter assists the bag, trapping 100 percent of dust mites and 99.98 percent of ragweed and common grass pollens.

The vacuum comes handsomely equipped for attachment cleaning with a stretch hose, two extension wands, a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a dusting brush all on board. (The Dirt Finder does not work with the attachments.) The most rigorous attachment is a powered hand tool with its own rotating brushroll--great for carpeted stairs and durable upholstery. Other useful elements include quick-release cord hooks, a carrying handle, a headlight, and a view window over the brush roll. Hoover covers the machine with a one-year warranty. --Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• 14 by 15 by 43 inches
• Self-propelled locomotion with WindTunnel technology
• Allergen filtration with HEPA filter
• Embedded Dirt Finder system
• Onboard hose and attachments, including powered hand tool

Reviews (29)

Thought it was good, but SO disappointing
I thought for the money this would be a good vacuum. Easy to push, suction to pick up cat hair and dust. Boy, was I wrong. The suction never really was that great, and the self-propel feature stopped working about 2 years after purchase. What a disappointment.

Please withdraw my review
Please withdraw my review of this product (evh70) since, although I believed that is was accurated when I posted, I discovered that it contains errors.

9 months old - dead as a door nail
I picked one of these up August 2003 and I turned it on this afternoon: nothing happened. I checked the off/on switch with an ohm meter and it seems to be working. The "helpful" troubleshooting guide suggested that maybe there was a problem with my house's electrical system or that the cleaner I had not used for several days was overheated -- wrong! I suspect that the thermostat to detect overheating is broken. I agree with the other reviewers that the product is bulky, heavy and awkward. I cannot get in under the coffee table to clean because it is so large. It also tends to fall over when I use the applicances, also mentioned by another reviewer. The only really cool feature is the air-powered beater brush extension -- which I will not be using today because the Hoover does not suck...Avoid this over-priced piece of junk. Next time I will go with cannister vaccuum like the Kenmoore I had that lasted 15 years.

Hoover - Good Performance
Have had this Hoover for over 2 years - purchased online. This Hoover has been a reliable product and has the best suction of any machine I have used/seen. My prior Eureka Christian Klingspore signature upright model had significant durability problems and not near the cleaning power which drove me to evaluate the Hoover based on the Consumer Reports rating. Am satisfied with its overall performance - good suction (not through the motor), good tool set with power brush, and is reasonably quiet, although it is a bit heavy (carry handle is conveniently placed).

Downside: When using the tools with the short hose, the vacuum tips too easily and can easily hit you, or nearby walls or furniture potentially causing damage (scratches/scuff marks).

I am satisfied with this product and would consider purchase of another many years from now, as all functions/features still work as when new.

Worst Vacuum Ever!
DO NOT BUY this vacuum. It needs the belt replaced every few weeks and constantly smells of burning rubber even when you have just replaced the belt. The roller bar constantly gets stuck. After about 10 minutes of vacuuming (if you can stand the burning rubber smell) the vacuum gets too hot and turns its self off. It is very heavy to lug up and down stairs and it doesn't get into the corner of the carpets at all. All I wanted was a good vacuum that would work and even if this vacuum was cheap (which it isn't) it is still the worst vacuum ever!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

KitchenAid's stand mixer is a substantial piece of equipment: 250 watts of mixing power make child's play of creaming butter, kneading dough, and whipping cream. The kid in you will appreciate how quick and easy it is to mix up a batch of cookie dough; the 4-1/2-quart bowl can hold up to 8 cups of flour, which translates into as many as 192 sweet treats.

This model comes with three attachments: a flat beater for making batter, meat loaf, and all textures in-between; a wire whip for egg whites, mayonnaise, and more air-infused creations; and a hook for mixing and kneading yeast doughs. All three are solid in construction and easily secured to the beater shaft with a simple twist; untwisting them is a bit trickier because the attachment stems are short and can be hard to grasp, especially if they get the least bit greasy. The bowl itself locks tight to the base.

Standing 14 inches high, jutting out a foot, and weighing more than a grown woman's bowling ball, this stand mixer isn't the sort of appliance you'll wipe down and put away. Better to find a square foot of free counter space for easy access; besides, this machine is as pretty as it is rugged--you'll want to show it off.

To complete the package, KitchenAid includes a spiral-bound guide with instructions, mixing tips, and 67 recipes, from crispy waffles to a caramel walnut banana torte. --Betsy Danheim ... Read more

Features

• Measures 13-8/9 by 8-2/3 by 14 inches; 1-year warranty
• 250-watt, 10-speed mixer with tilt-up head
• 4-1/2-quart bowl holds dough for 2 loaves of bread
• Three handy accessories: flat beater, wire whip, and dough hook
• Includes a guide with instructions, mixing tips, and 67 recipes

Reviews (71)

Does a lot, does it well
This mixer is the version of KitchenAid that lifts the head away to remove the beaters. The bowl sits on a round stand on the base. (Some larger units have a lift to move the bowl under the beaters.) At 250 watts and 4 1/2 quarts, in white, this is a mixer that fits most people's needs.

What this mixer does particularly well is tp prepare bread dough, using a dough hook that slaps the dough around the bowl, stretching it and beating it in an effective kneading motion. But if you are a cookie baker, this makes short work of the creaming stage where butter or other solid fat and sugar must be mixed together. The wire beater makes short work of eggwhites or whipping cream. Just remember to keep the bowl and beater free of any grease or oil when you do the egg whites.

In a way, the KitchenAid is a good substitute for a bread machine, doing everything but the unattended kneading, knock-down and loaf baking stages, which are pretty easy. I tend to make bread more in the KitchenAid than in the breadmaker because I prefer the freedom to make a round loaf, a braided loaf, rolls or heavier dough than a machine can handle. And for making cookie dough for Christmas or parties, this is a must. Five stars for this mixer.

A mixer that is absolutely unbeatable
I'm one of those lucky people who has a kitchen full of top-quality appliances because I love to cook. Over almost 50 years of preparing meals and catering parties for family and friends, I've worn out several mixers. When the last one gave out I decided to try the Kitchenaid. After all, the brand had produced a dishwasher that I loved and the mixer certainly seemed sturdy enough.

Actually "sturdy" is an understatement; this is the most rugged, most solid mixer I've ever owned. It attacks the heaviest ingredients with efficient dispatch and never "walks" on the counter. On the other hand, it can be gentle with more fragile ingredients and processes. Its versatility is amazing.

The machine itself is no lightweight -- too heavy to move around much so it really needs to be easily accessible on top of a counter. Fortunately it's attractive enough to keep in full view!

There's a locking mechanism that attaches the bowl firmly to the base so it won't move when you turn the motor on. The three mixing attachments lock in place with a slight twist and are easy to remove. The paddle attachment is great for mixing cake and cookie batters, whipping potatoes, and blending any combination of ingredients. The wire whip incorporates air into egg whites or other blends with an impressive efficiency and the hook makes quick work of yeast doughs. It's easy to shift the speed lever even when the machine is operating so the cook has complete control of the process.

If you love to cook and you have a limited budget you can't go wrong if you splurge on this mixer. This machine is a winner.

Awesome
I have had this appliance for a few years now and it is still going strong. This was such a great "KITCHEN AID" in the kitchen. I would recommend this product to everyone. This is worth the price.

buy the right kitchenaid
Have never heard a bad word about Kitchenaid stand mixers until I read one here from someone using the smallest mixer for big chores. In the last two years I have purchased a total of 14 Kitchenaid mixers, from the classic to the 6 quart professional model...all on sale. They were purchased for gifts for my daughters, church members, choir director and friends. I bought 7 Classic models, 4 Heavy Duty models 2 Artisans and the 6 quart professional for myself. I have not received one negative comment. When you purchase a Kitchenaid, do not purchase it by bowl size...you must purchase it based on the motor size for the jobs you do. If you are constantly mixing bread and double batches of very heavy dough, you should purchase a mixer with a heavy duty motor. This information is found on the Kitchenaid website. The company clearly tells you what each mixer is capable of doing. I know women who have had these mixers since they were brides 25 years or more ago...they are still up and running. They are an investment like good knives and heavy cookware...no real cook should be without one, but should be smart enough to buy the right one. I only wish I had one when I started baking 43 years ago, maybe I wouldn't have tendonitis from mixing all those cookies by hand with a wooden spoon!!! They are worth every penny.

If you don't have one, GET ONE!!!
I always looked at the price of these mixers and just thought that it wouldn't be worth it, well, I put it on my bridal registry and lucky me, I got it for one of my showers. This thing can do anything. I haven't ever had so much fun baking in my life. I love making bread, but i didn't do it as often because of all the mixing and hard work. The mixer does all of the work, the dough hook is so awesome. I've tried many other things with it too, like mixing salad dressings, waffles, pancakes, cookies, it will work for anything. They are a little expensive, but they are totally totally totally worth it. Any cook must have!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Fully automatic and precisely controlled by a timer, thismachine takes the trouble and guesswork out of making ice cream,sorbet, frozen yogurt, gelato, and frozen drinks at home. Ingredientsgo into the bowl, the timer is set, two buttons are pressed and about30 minutes later 1-1/2 quarts of a frozen confection are ready forconsumption. Because the machine doesn't require its bowl to be frozenfor hours in a refrigerator's freezer (like less expensive machinesthat only churn), it can immediately begin making another batch. If abatch becomes too hard the machine shuts off automatically. Not onlydoes it work professionally it looks the part, as the housing, bowl,and paddle are made of stainless steel for sanitation and easycleaning. The 100-watt machine measures 12 inches wide, 11 inches high,and 18 inches deep, and it weighs 38 pounds. Made it Italy, it carriesa one-year warranty against defects. An instruction booklet with manyrecipes is included. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• 12 inches wide, 11 inches high, 18 inches deep; weighs 38 pounds
• Makes up to 1-1/2 quarts ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt in 30 minutes
• Fully automatic: pour ingredients into bowl, press two buttons
• Timer controls operation for different frozen confections
• Housing, bowl, paddle made of stainless steel for easy cleaning

Reviews (30)

MINT
My father is the most discerning food gourmet. Not only did he attend culinary school, but he also is a phd in chemistry, so he knows his stuff. When we learned that he paid the six bills for this machine, we thought he was insane. Then we tasted the ice cream. Put simply, this machine will make the best ice cream you will ever eat in your life, period. It will humble store bought ice cream or the expensive kind in all those specialty boutiques, and make Ben and Jerry eat their shorts. Everyone in my family proceeded to gain twenty pounds soon after his purchase. Frankly, the ice cream is [wonderful]. The machine itself is top quality, everything stainless steel and bulletproof. If you are ready to step up to the ultimate in ice cream, this is it . . .

I'm gonna get fat!
One word describes this machine -- WOW.

PROS
1. Fast. First thing I did with the Musso was pour in a can of warm soda, turn it on, and enjoy a slurpee like drink within 40 minutes! Probably could shave ten minutes off with a chilled can, but the UPS delivery-person had just dropped it off.
2. It is so easy to use, the first three batches of ice-cream I made with this machine was devoured at a party, despite everybody claiming to be "stuffed."
3. Clean-up? Bowl of warm water and a cloth. The blade comes off to be cleaned separately. (If you screw the nut on too tight, it's hard to get the blade off afterwards. I don't know if trapped moisture freezes it on, I just know that it can be tough to unscrew.)

CONS
1. Noise? For something that packs its own refrigeration unit and motor, I wouldn't complain.
2. Calories? Whipping cream, heavy whipping cream, sugar, and egg yolks are not good for the waistline or arteries.
3. Price? Yes it's expensive, though cheaper now than before. But I no longer have to go out and buy high quality ice-cream or Slurpees. That's money saved in the long run.

My only complaint is that the bowl seems relatively small for a 35 lb machine. However, since it "only" makes a quart in 30 minutes, I'll keep my mouth shut.

5 star performer, 3 star price
We love our Musso and use it 2-3 times per week. The ice cream turns out beautifully. We put in rm temp ingredients, and the ice cream takes 35-40 minutes to make. We have saved money and calories by making our own low-fat ice creams. The ice cream tastes amazing because we can put in quality, fresh ingredients without additives.

The main cons against the Cuisinart, Krups and other makers requiring a pre-frozen container:
1) Space-- insufficient freezer space for the pre-frozen containers. 2) Time-- the containers require 24 hr. inside the freezer. 3) Insufficient freezing of ice cream. The ice cream does not get cold enough!
The ONLY pro for the container: easy to clean.

The Musso with its self-contained freezer works faster and chills the ingredients to a lower temperature. It easily makes multiple batches of ice cream, one after the other. The machine is a gorgeous example of modern design. Italian industrial design still leads the world.

The main cons of the Musso: the bowl is part of the machine and is harder to clean; the machine takes up counter space and is heavy; it's expensive.

I will grudgingly admit that the Musso is worth its high price.

WONDERFUL! ..... and S-O-O-O-O-O easy!!!
I have owned this machine for two weeks and have made ice creams, sorbets, and sherbets. I grew up making ice cream with the old-fashioned, hand-cranked ice cream makers, with all the attendant mess and physical exertion. The 4080 makes it so easy that you almost feel guilty eating the final product! Cleaning is EASY and the noise level is moderate.

It might be a great product
The musso 4080 might be a great product, but try and find anyplace that sells it outside the US. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This straight-sided 2-1/2-quart pan can be used for sauces and, covered with its flat lid, for stews and casseroles. Shallow (3 inches) in relation to its capacity and diameter (8-3/8 inches), this pan, unlike conventionally proportioned saucepans, exposes lots of surface and is therefore ideal for reducing sauces or even stocks and broths. Though it's not nonstick, like some Calphalon cookware, the matte-finish pan is anodized for stick-resistance as well as hardness. Metal utensils won't harm the surface. The contoured, textured handle is cast stainless steel and resists heating on the stovetop; it's also triple-riveted for durability and balance. Made of heavy-gauge aluminum, the pan cooks without hot spots or warping and carries a lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• Hand wash with mild detergent; made in China
• Straight-sided pan ideal for sauces; use also for stews and casseroles
• Heavy aluminum with thick bottom to heat evenly, quickly
• Anodized for hardness and stick-resistance
• Riveted, oven-safe handle is cast stainless steel, resists heat on stovetop

Reviews (118)

A great saucepan
I recently ordered this based on my appreciation for Calphalon products and the great price. This is a fantastic saucepan that can practically double as a saute pan. It is surprisingly large and roomy, and the extra diameter gives it plenty of room for fitting in two or three chicken breasts, a modest steak, or a handful of veggies. I love it for making coq au vin since it isn't too large and goes right in the oven.

Nothing sticks to this pan if you add just a dab of butter or oil, and it heats up and cools quickly. One great feature of pure aluminum cookware is the fact that aluminum dissipates heat quickly, so pulling the pan off the heat is a great way to regulate the temperature when making a sauce. This is a great product and a wonderful addition to my Calphalon cookware collection.

what a steal!!
Ok, let me get this straight...Amazon has 2 different 2.5 quart Calphalon Commerical Hard-Anodized saucepans, the regular, and the shallow. Inspecting the technical details of the two pans, one quickly realizes that they are identical except for the diameter and the height of the pan. The shallow is, naturally, more shallow (3 in. compared to 3 7/8 in), and therefore wider (8 3/8 in compared to 7 in) to accomdodate the fact that they hold the same amount of volume. What does this mean? More SURFACE AREA. What does surface area do? Well, think about it for a second: more of the pan is in direct contact with the heat because of the larger bottom. As a result, more of the food is exposed to the heat. The result? Faster cooking!
And this is a "sauce" pan after all. So what does this mean for sauce? Same thing as above, but remember, more of the sauce comes in contact with the air. More surface-to-air ratio = faster reducing times for sauces.
So we've established that from a technical standpoint, the shallow saucepan seems superior. It cooks faster because of a greater area for heat to contact food and for the surface of a sauce to contact the air. With that in mind, take a guess which one costs more. Surprsingly enough the pan with the lower amount of surface area costs at least %50 more than the more useful shallow saucepan.
So unless you are looking for a pan that reduces more slowly and has a much lower amount of versatility (try browning a couple of chicken breasts in the regulation sized saucepan...you'll have squished chicken), I recommend this pan whole-heartedly. The anodized aluminum does not react with acidic foods such as tomato sauces, looks really cool, heats quickly and evenly (aluminum is an incredible heat conductor), and won't bust your budget. This is the perfect way to own a piece of excellent cookware for a bargain basement price. Just remember, it is stick-resistant, not non-stick. This browns up much nicer than the Calphalon non-stick stuff, and you don't have to treat with kid gloves. About the only thing you can't do is throw it in the dishwasher (which you shouldn't do with any decent pot or pan) and use a knife or electric mixer in it (a hand blender is fine...the blades never touch the pot).

more than a saucepan
I bought this pan toserve mostlyas a deep frypan(3 inch deep/8.375" diameter)whileI'vebeen using a stainless steel/non stick double deep(4") frypan by Farbeware forsauteing and stir frying, but the nonstickinterior is unsuitablefor high temp cooking requiredfor proper Oriental cooking,;alo the stainless exterior is hard for me to keep brilliantlyimaculate(having onlyonefunctional arm)as mycookwarehangsfrom a wall mount Calphalon pothanger and brighten mytiny kitchenby reflecting 99.9% ofthe light andthisbrings meto mymaincriticism of all hard anodized cookware; the matte black absorbs about 90% of the lightthat strikes it, thusreducing general visibility inthewhole kitchen and even more inside thepan where ithampers visibilty ofwhat's cooking! Couldn't the cokwaregeniuses anodize a white inside anda colorful external surface?I'd love a bright orangey red and brightstainless lidwith a red knob.I really wantedto rate this Calphalon 4½ stars but itis not possible.At the Amazon price hurry buy two, the secondfor you best friend(I can'tbelive tha amazon will keep this giveaway price forever and you'll love me forthesuggestion.the only alternate I'd consider is the
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless 3-1/2-Quart Saute Pan with Helper Handle & Cover by Cuisinart another super bargain from Amazon)bless their cotton-picking heart!)One moresuggestion:unless youhavethewrists of Alexeyev the weight lifting reord holder, stay away from "clad cookware in the home even ifthe outrageous prices don't deter you;muchtoo heavy and after all you won't live 200 years to benefit fromtheir extremelongevity and new technologies havealready appeared, merging the benefits of stainless, nonstick and hard anodized; still expensive but wait awhile: we're notamericans for nothing!)

Accurate info for prospective buyer research
If you are considering the purchase of this pan or any of the caphalon products in this line. Totally disregard the Toledo vs China comments. They have no validity WHATSOEVER! I've purchased two of these pans (1 Toledo's, 1 China), and there is absolutely no difference in quality, thickness, or weight. I've also purchased the Calphalon Commercial Hard-Anodized 9-Inch, 2-Quart Chef's Skillet with Lid(2 Toledos, 1 China), and again,there is absolutely no difference in quality, thickness, or weight. There is a difference in thickness & weight, if you compare them to other caphalon product lines. However, that is not to say they are inferior. They have a nice thickness and weight, great heat retention and dispersment. Awesome for browning, making sauces, stir frying, etc. If you follow the instructions for use, you will have no problems with cleaning,food release, or sticking. I have read most of the reviews, and the bad ones can be attributed to two things: 1. We alway seem to think stuff is way better made in America ... not true in this particular case. Those who made statements about Toledo pans vs China pans, could not own pans from both plants. 2. Complaints about sticking, or cleaning, ...they didnt follow the SIMPLE instructions. For the price, brand, warranty, and quality, this is one of the better kitchen purchases.

Love it.
This is a great everyday pan. Great price too. ... Read more

Features

• Measures 10-8/9 by 10-2/7 by 10-2/7 inches; 1-year hassle-free replacement warranty
• Stylish attachment converts any KitchenAid stand mixer into an ice cream maker
• Creates up to 2 quarts of ice cream, frozen yogurt, or sorbet in about 25 minutes
• Powered by stand mixer; pour in batter and dasher and freeze bowl do the work
• Dishwasher-safe dasher, drive assembly, and adapter ring; handwash freeze bowl

Amazon.com Review

Creating a new branch in the Hoover family tree while stilladhering to the company's reputation for innovation and quality,Hoover's Floor Mate is the ideal machine for anyone who has hard floors(including hard-wood floors, linoleum, tile, and others). A completefloor cleaner--and almost the definition of multifunctional--the FloorMate vacuums, washes, and dries a floor. It has both wet and dry pickupfunctionality (you make the choice via a foot-controlled pushbutton),meaning that it combines a broom and a mop, getting rid of the need fordustpans and mop buckets. There are two removable containers on thefront of the machine, one that serves as a receptacle for dirt and dustand another that can be filled with floor cleaner. The Floor Mate stands 43-3/4inches tall, is 11-1/2 inches deep, and has a 20-foot cord, whichconveniently wraps on the back. --A.J. Rathbun ... Read more

Features

• Convenient wrap around cord storage
• Great for cleaning hard floors (wood, linoleum, etc.)
• Both wet and dry pickup functionality
• Vacuums, washes, and dries the floor
• Sturdy at 43-3/4 inches tall, 11-1/2 inches deep

Reviews (401)

Cannot Live Without
After using this product for the past three months, I have decided that I could not live without it. I have tile floors in my kitchen and hallway - and the grout had become so dirty and I never felt that mopping was doing much more than redistributing the dirt. It is a pleasure to clean the floor with this machine! I use HOT water which really helps to kill the germs and by taking the dirty water up off the floor after it is scrubbed, it truly gets the dirt up and off the floor. Thirty years of dirt embedded into the grout is coming out - and my once blackened grout is now white again.

The other benefit of this is that the floor is dried almost instantly - which prevents my small children from slipping on a wet floor.

If this machine ever broke - I would replace it immediately. I put it in the same indispensible categories as my dishwasher, vacuum, and washer/dryer.

I recommend this machine - which is especially nice to be able to clean floors such as basement, garage, and other areas where a sink is not available to aid in mopping - besides, this gets it much cleaner.

handy... but messy
My family has owned a Hoover FloorMate since March of 2002, and it has been a great investment. It's much easier than getting down on one's hands and knees to clean the floor. My mom, who is in a wheelchair, can run the machine if someone fills it for her and cleans it up afterwards. The floors in the house have never felt cleaner. Using it still feels almost novel even after a year and a half of use.

However, it's disgusting to clean out the dirty water (which I guess can be a good thing, as it means the machine is working). The filter gets dirty easily, as do the scrubbing bristles, and have to be cleaned out after every use. Sometimes the machine gets an odor that is reminiscent of wet dog. The dry pickup also does not work very well. It is usually much more efficient to sweep rather than use the dry pickup.

The pros definitely outweigh the cons, but this is a solid four-star performer: a better than average product, but not close to perfect.

The Day my life Changed Forever.
I finally bought the Floormate after researching it for about a year. I have read many mixed reviews about it and decided to purchase it figuring I could return it if it was awful...nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Now I have A LOT of very shiny, smooth porcelain flooring throughout my new home that I would have to clean on my hands and knees; buffing each tile dry or I would get hazy, foggy streaks. It took me on average about 4 hours to get it perfect (and the kids, husband and dog approximately 4 minutes to dirty it up!)

I got it assembled no problem (all I needed was a screwdriver.) I loaded it up with water and vinegar (all I can use on this type of floor, besides white ammonia. ) I couldn't believe the job it did on my highly difficult floors. Beautiful, shiny clean floors! I was so excited I was screaming Thank you! Cleaning it up when I was through was a breeze. All the parts pop on/off for easy cleaning.

There are some downsides. NO, don't expect it to scrub the grout, it will reach down there but not very effectively. If your grout was gross like mine was, use baking soda and peroxide and several toothbrushes (or the Scum Buster, which I don't have, but I hear it has a grout attachment.) The Floormate also doesn't get into the corners/edges all that well (I just do minor touch-ups here and there when I am through.) Yes, it makes a loud noise like a vacuum. Big Deal. It does seem to go through a lot of solution and the canister is a little small, so expect to make a couple of trips to the sink to reload. Again, no big deal. No, it doesn't pick up big pieces of food or the like, but I wouldn't use it for that reason anyway, that's why I have a vacuum. It does pick up sand and dog hair and minor dirt, which are my main concerns. It also isn't very quick. To be effective, you have to move it slowly over the tiles (forward to clean, backward to dry.) It did, however, cut my torturous cleaning time in half (and saved my back.)

So goodbye (and good riddance) to all my old mops. Goodbye Clorox Readymop, Swiffer Wetjet, and the hideous, hated O'Cedar string mop and pail. I am in love with my new Floormate!!

Manilow warned me that it sucks
This product sure tells a good story BUT...I ended up selling mine in a garage sale for $5!!! Not only did it not perform as promised, when I tried to clean the dirt sucked into the roller area, I couldn't get it out. Then it started making a squealing noise every time I turned it on. Hoover has lost their TRIED AND TRUE product status with me. This brand name will be the LAST one I look at for future purchases.

The Best!
I love this thing. Maybe the previous reviewers had defective machines. I think it is so easy to use, and my floors have never been so clean. I did the mop test too, where I cleaned the floors with a mop and then used my floormate, and you wouldn't believe what the mop has been leaving behind. I couldn't live without my floormate. ... Read more

Features

• Reconditioned by the manufacturer to "like new" condition
• Pause setting permits meats to be browned on spit
• Tray fits atop rotisserie for steaming foods

Features

• Measures approximately 15 by 13 by 7 inches; 1-year limited warranty
• Electric grill with 72 square inches of cooking surface and 1-inch floating hinge
• Patented slope and unique grill design provides healthier cooking
• Removable, nonstick grilling plates are dishwasher safe for quick cleanup
• 2 drip trays, specially designed spatula, and cleaning sponge included

Reviews (3)

The Champion of Grills
You will not find a better indoor grill anywhere at any price. This grill with its removable grilling plates that can be tossed in your dishwasher is the best of the rest. It has a sleek design, plenty of room for burgers; with its floating hinge you can cook steaks and chops too. The grilling plates come off and reinstall very easily. If you liked the earlier Foreman grills for the way they cooked, you have to buy this one for the ease of cleaning. You can enjoy your favorite foods grilled all year long!

Removeable Grill Plates Makes Cleanup Very Easy!
I had the old small George Foreman grill and I liked how food came out using it but since the grill plates weren't removeable cleanup was a chore so when I found out about a George Foreman grill with removeable grill plates I immediately set out to get one and I'm really happy that I now own this grill, it is not the one with the timer but I really didn't need that anyway and I'm just happy that I can take the grills out and wash them in the sink and I just feel it is more sanitary then the old grill and not being able to put it in the sink and give it a proper clean I worried about bacteria buildup but now with this new grill I just take the grill plates out and wash them in the sink and cleanup is a breeze and I don't worry about bacteria and I very highly recommend this grill!

The Knock Out Punch
This is the best grill out. It is so easy to clean which was my major complaint with the old Geroge Foreman grills. I had the old one but almost never used it because of the inconvenience with cleaning the cooking surface. Since purchasing the GRP4 I now eat at least one meal a day cooked on it. Now the only fast food I eat is cooked on this grill! ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Providing 1500 watts of steam power, this heavy-duty cleaner requires no chemicals and is easy to use. Ideal for cleaning and detailing cars, trucks, motorcycles, or boats, the cleaner removes stains and odors from upholstery, carpeting, and floor mats, as well as grease and grime from engines, wheels, and chrome accessories. It also works well for removing stuck-on dirt from the BBQ grill, patio furniture, or garage. The "steam ready" light indicates when the unit is ready to use, and a steam-control switch provides control over the amount of steam coming from the unit. The cleaner features a storage compartment for its 10 attachments, which include a steam jet nozzle, two extension wands, a triangle brush, an upholstery/floor brush, and a utility brush, as well as a squeegee, funnel, measuring cup, and terry cover for the floor brush. Its 12-foot power cord, caster wheels, and included accessories offer convenient mobility and make it easy to clean nooks and crannies in hard-to-reach places. The 13-pound steam cleaner has a 50-ounce water-tank capacity, which allows for one full hour of use. The unit measures 17-1/2 by 11-3/7 by 9-1/4 inches. --Catie Unger ... Read more

Features

• Measures 17-1/2 by 11-3/7 by 9-1/4 inches
• Heavy-duty steam cleaner with 1500 watts of steaming power
• Requires no chemicals; 50-ounce water-tank capacity; steam-control switch
• Removes stains, grease, and grime from cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats
• Storage compartment for 10 included accessories; 12-foot power cord; caster wheels

Amazon.com Review

Professional chefs have long sung the praises of the KitchenAid stand mixer. Now, KitchenAid has designed a product specifically for the home baker with this nine-speed hand mixer. Its digital display shows the selected speed, providing precision control, while an electronic sensor works with the powerful yet lightweight motor to maintain that speed in any mixture, heavy to light. Designed with nonclogging air vents, the mixer is easy to clean because smooth, sleek surfaces have no seams or grooves that trap ingredients. The mixer comes with traditional beaters, a pro whisk attachment for fluffier mixes, and a one-year warranty. --Linda Dahlstrom ... Read more

Features

• Wipes off for easy cleaning
• Nine digital speeds, 7-1/2 inches long by 6-1/2 inches high
• Pro whisk attachment increases air for fluffier mixtures
• Comfort-designed handle; heel rest won't tip when set on end
• Powerful lightweight motor designed for quiet, lifelong operation

Reviews (8)

worth the extra $
If you are considering a hand-mixer for your kitchen, this mixer really is the one. It is so powerful, yet so light and takes up little space. Really, I was able to do 3 batches of cookie dough at once with this mixer and it didn't bog down. You could really replace the stand mixer on your wish list with this 9-speed mixer and a couple of good mixing bowls that don't slip. Getting replacement or extra accessories is really easy - you can get them from Kitchen-Aid or a reseller. I got an immersion blender attachment, so I was able to stretch my mixer's use even more. So spend the extra money on this guy instead of getting a less expensive hand mixer AND a stand mixer AND an immersion blender.

Oh my...I am in love!!!
One word folks...KITCHENAID! I am a Kitchenaid junkie and this hand mixer lives up to the name! I picked it because it has 9 speeds and I am glad I did. It is nice to go up gradually when I want to kick it up into high gear to avoid getting splatters. I have mixed many batches of egg whites and I can honestly say that each time this mixer performed like a champ! Even though it is a little expensive compared to other models, it is WELL worth the price!!!

Awesome mixer!
My 35 year old Sunbeam stand mixer needed to be replaced. I thought about getting a stand KitchenAid Artisan, but those are rather expensive, and I would need to get a hand mixer in addition to that. So I thought I'd try this 9 speed hand mixer and see if I still needed to get the big Artisan. This one works great, and does everything I need it to. This turns out to be the only mixer I need! I have used it for cakes, beating eggs, mashed potatoes, and much more. And the price is GREAT--I checked around a lot, and this is by far the best price I found.

Betty
Excellent mixer. My six year old grandaughter really likes the slow speed because it is easier for her to hold the mixer and the bowel. It does a great job on everything I have tried. The one thing that would make it better would be dough hooks included in the package.

worth the money
This is a great mixer, and definitely a step up from even other KitchenAid mixers. My previous model was KitchenAid's 5 Speed model, and while it lasted me a long and faithful time, it was a bit down on power, and the speed transitions between the different settings were not smooth. This 9-speed is almost as powerful as the new and popular immersion blenders (or boat-motors, as Emeril would say), but the smooth electronic transitioning between 9 different speeds gives the user a great deal of control which will prevent you from over-beating stuff.KitchenAid's patented beaters remain the best around in terms of maximum air incorporation into eggs or batter that you are working on. The electronic speed control is a flat and integrated switch, the whole surface of the mixer with the exception of the ejection nob is now one smooth unit that makes it extremely easy to clean. The mixer is not super light, but not annoyingly heavy, either, so you won't tire out on those longer 8-10 minute mixing steps that some cakes require ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Lift-Off bagless vacuum from Bissell delivers two-in-one cleaning capability and structural smarts for convenient, multi-purpose cleaning. Designed for full-scale use as an upright, the Lift-Off takes its name from the detachable canister that releases from its center for easier maneuvering on stairs and tight corners. A powerful 12 amps in either configuration, the Lift-Off is suitable for low and high carpets as well as bare floors, draperies, and upholstery. The floor nozzle is markedly wide--a full 14-1/2 inches--and delivers dual-edge cleaning, optional brush roll agitation, and seven different heights for floor type variation. The button controlling the brush roll is separate from the power switch, and the nozzle has a view window that lets you track it for clogs or stoppage. Dirt collection on the Lift-Off is bagless, and the removable, rinse-able container locks into place in use. In addition to the cup's built-in filter, the vacuum includes a HEPA Media Filter to keep 99 percent of dust mites, pollen, and ragweed inside the machine. A pre-motor filter keeps particulates out of the engine.

Above-floor cleaning is simplified by the Lift Off's smart attachments, in particular a super stretchy hose that offers nine feet of reach without bulking up the chassis. Other cleaning tools stored on board include a telescoping extension wand, a crevice tool, a stair tool, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tool. Handy extras range from the wide-beam headlight to the extra-gentle furniture bumper to the textured handle grip. The Lift Off comes in a snappy dark red that adds a little spice to cleaning day. Bissell includes a one-year warranty. --Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• Measures 44 by 13 by 14-1/2 inches; 1-year warranty
• 12-amp bagless upright vacuum with detachable center canister
• Suitable for carpets, bare floors, stairs, and upholstery
• HEPA Media Filter captures 99% of dust mites, pollen, and ragweed
• Includes super-stretch hose and onboard cleaning attachments

Reviews (30)

So many features, yet excelling at none
I have been desparate for a "real" vacuum cleaner for a long time. I moved into a loft 2 yrs ago and I inherited my s/o's trusty little dirt devil. The loft has a combination of concrete, tile, laminate, and a variety of (large and furry) area rugs to keep clean and the dirt devil wasn't cutting the mustard.

I bought this one after comparing it to 4 other models at the local Costco. The one I have is green and has a nifty turbo attachment as well, however was priced more than Amazon.com when calculating tax and Amazon's free shipping.

If you want something that is full of features and attachments, this is the vacuum for you. However, there are so many features and attachments, the resulting vacuum is one that makes a lot of compromises.

Here's the rundown in no particular order:
1. Canister and Upright: Yay for both! However, the upright is harder to maneuver, the extender attachment must come off if you have it in canister mode, and the canister looks like it should be kept upright when in canister mode because of the HEPA filter...but it has a really small end to balance on.
2. You have to put it together before you use it. Not a deal-breaker, but if you're not the most do-it-yourself savvy person, it can be a little intimidating.
3. The emptying bin isn't so bad to empty, in fact when we were shopping Bissell had the easiest canister to access and empty: just slide the switch and pull it out (the Hoovers and Eurekas looked like they would be a lot harder and messier to empty). Sure dust can fly, but I just empty it into a grocery bag, tie it up, and that minimizes and contamination that can occur.
4. Hose is relatively indestructible, but doesn't go very far despite its stretchy properties. You need the extender for it to have meaningful reach.
5. Nice edger tool, but disconnecting the hose in the back is a little complicated if you don't also use the extender.
6. Turbo brush works relatively well on stuffed animals and throw pillows but not on carpet. Makes a bizzare whirring noise that can get disconcerting.
7. The cord generally self-unravels. Nice until you start moving around, then it gets messy.
8. 7 floor settings are great, but I have found that unless you have super-shaggy or ultra-deep pile carpet, the middle setting is the best for your average thick carpet. Any less setting and the suction is so hard you can't move it, any higher setting and you get nothing out of the rugs. Bare floor option is nice, but due to the texture of my concrete the low carpet setting with the brush on is the best.
9. So many attachments, no onboard place for two of them. The turbo cleaner and the stair cleaner don't have a home on the vacuum. Alas.
10. Nice that the brush turns off when in an upright position. Disconcerting at first, but once you know about it, it's okay. This almost renders the brush switch pointless for me, but I can see how people who are worried about the brush on their bare floors would want it off.

11. Vacuums well, but I have some newish Ikea carpet that gives off a lot of fuzz. There were still some embedded fur-balls left after a few passes. But in the machine's defense, I don't think those rugs have ever had a "real" vacuuming.
12. HEPA filter blows hot air on your legs. Not a good thing especially since you're essentially giving your arms and back a work-out with this machine
13. Not loud, not quiet. Would have to raise your voice to carry a conversation
14. Manuverability only so-so. Good for wide open spaces, more difficult when you're vacuuming around furniture or edges. Not thin enough at all when in upright mode to vacuum under any of my furniture save for the bed. Needs a clearance of at least 8 inches to poke under and 10-12 inches. to go fully under.

All and all, it is NOT a bad vacuuming machine. It can do everything that you could ever want it to do pretty well, but nothing really great. I'm not sure if there is any other vacuum that would work better for me, and for the price, I would say this was a very fair buy. I just keep looking at the Dyson, and wondering...

Great vacuum!
I've only had this unit for a couple of weeks, so I can't comment on durability. However, it looks and feels indestructible. Even the flexible hose for attachments, although heavy, is built like a metal slinky and isn't disfigured or stressed after I dropped the vacuum part off a table onto it. The filters work great and are simple to change out. The dirt is collected and compacted into the bin, so dust doesn't go everywhere when you go to empty it. Stick it in, move a lever and the bin is sealed again. The 'lift off' feature is not really necessary, but seems to be designed well. (I haven't found the Achilles' heel yet, but as an R&D guy in real life, I would want to see how it does attaching and detaching the flexible hose (the slinky) to the base unit a few hundred-thousand times before going to market with it. But, I'm sure someone did.) At some point I am going to attach the unit to a vacuum gauge to see exactly how powerful it is. I had read a bad customer review that was based on poor suction. I haven't needed to pull any industrial strength jobs, but it pulls dog hair galore out of thick carpet, and turned my very thin oriental rug into colors I had never seen before (it had taken on different shades of my dog)... so plenty of suction for anything I've run into. The separate switch for floor brush is nice to turn off for quick dusting jobs. It also flattens horizontally, which is nice for getting under beds and other furniture. However, that same feature makes it a little more difficult to navigate rooms with lots of boarders and power chords, where tilting the front edge of the vacuum up off the carpet to jump over edges is needed frequently. My only real complaint is about the dusting attachment. I had an old Kirby with a dusting attachment with long soft bristles which could be moved across the surface of electronic equipment without bumping into knobs and buttons with something hard. This one has a dusting attachment with a ring of short hard whiskers with which one could poke out an eye. I can't dust the computer keyboard without pressing all the keys, I can't pull dust off a motherboard without clobbering the components. It's really more of a 'scraper' than a duster. It would be good for scrubbing a really tough spot off a tile floor... but not for dusting. I'm assuming I'll be able buy something better to fit the hose, thus earning it five stars. Hopefully this isn't naïve optimism.

great deal
well, i think this is a great buy! this cleans so well and makes my carpets look new! i vacuumed with my old vacuum then i vacuumed again over the area with this new one and let me tell you all the dirt this one picked up that my other one did not. overall, i give it a thumbs up!

ALMOST PERFECT EXCEPT FOR THE POWER CORD
THIS WAS GOING TO BE MY FIRST UPRIGHT VACUUM AND BOY WAS I PLEASED UNTIL I READ THE MANUAL - WHERE IT STATES "WARNING POWERCORD CONTAINS LEAD THAT IS KNOWN
TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS OR MAY HARM THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM."
IT REALLY BROKE MY HEART TO RETURN THE VACUUM TO THE STORE - I WISH BISSELL DID NOT USE LEAD ON THE POWER CORD. MOREOVER THE CANISTER DID NOT DO WELL TOO IN THE STAIRS. HOWEVER, IF USED AS AN UPRIGHT ITS A CLEANING MACHINE. IT HAS A DURABLE BODY AND WAS CONSTRUCTED VERY WELL. DESIGN WISE IT WAS VERY GOOD TOO - AT LEAST TO MY EYES. I WOULD BUY IT IF NOT ONLY FOR THAT FREAKING POWER CORD WITH TRACES OF LEAD.

Worth every penny.
There are so many options for vacuum on the market, and it's so hard to find the one that really suits your needs. Am I glad to find this Bissell for my household!! I'd been using Eureka for over ten years, and it finally died on me after replaing three belts over the years. Even though the engine of Eureka was still good, I just thought I really wanted to get a new one this time. After checking so many different models, I finally set my eyes on this Bissell Liftoff. After using it couple times, I am satisfied with its performance. It's much quieter and smoother. Especially the LiftOff part is the greatest feature above all. I get to carry it around to clean the corners and some hard-to-reach spots. It does a wonderful job!! I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

With the 12-amp Proheat self-propelled upright deep cleaner, Bissell has changed the deep-cleaning experience in two key ways: first, you no longer have to break your back pushing the machine around, and second, getting water good and hot is no longer a challenge. The machine is suitable for carpet and water-safe upholstery; it even comes with a bare floor attachment for tackling the grime on your linoleum.

The cleaner is self-propelled in both forward and reverse, though you can manually override this feature if you need to stop to work out a stain or clean upholstery. It contains a built-in heater to get cleaning solution very hot, heating tap water up to 25 extra degrees with a maximum of 180 degrees F. A separate cleaning solution tank lets you set the machine for light or heavy dispersal, and the 1-gallon tank-in-tank water container, while a bit complicated, trims down the machine's overall bulk and weight.

The Proheat has several other notable features, including an oversized 6-row brush roll, a ready-to-use hose, and fingertip controls. It comes with a Scotchgard applicator, a spraying crevice tool, and a stain remover, as well as a practically bionic TurboBrush, complete with its own brush roll. Bissell also builds in a flow indicator to warn you if the tank has run dry and a heater indicator light to eliminate guessing. Helpful details include a carrying handle and quick-release hooks for the power cord. The machine comes with full-size starter bottles of Scotchgard, Bissell Fiber Cleansing Formula, and Bissell Floor Cleansing Formula. --Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• 20 by 12-1/2 by 45-1/4 inches
• Built-in heater increases temperature of hot tap water by up to 25 degrees F
• Self-propelled in forward and reverse for less labor-intensive cleaning
• DirtLifter Powerbrush lifts out ground-in dirt and gently grooms carpet
• Includes Scotchgard application to keep carpet looking good for longer

Reviews (13)

A first-time carpet cleaner
We cleaned our carpets for the first time since moving in and this thing worked miracles with all of our dirty places. The only experience I've had with using carpet cleaners was with the little handheld dirt devil unit (skip that one!). Overall, the machine is easy to use and maintain. The heated water unit is amazing and I don't know how others survive without it. Our carpets look fluffy and brand new again! The handheld attachment works great for stairs and cars, cleaning almost as well as the whole unit.

One word of warning: be careful with the cleaning settings...if you choose "heavy traffic" the machine eats soap like crazy! You could use two 64 oz. bottles for just two rooms if you're not careful!

Since all our carpets are less than 3 years old, when we cleaned them the carpets made tons of fuzzballs that got sucked up into the machine. There doesn't seem to be anyway to pry them out until they dry and either fall out or get sucked in.

Self propelled fast and easy cleaning machine
This powerful machine really sucks up dirt and the pile of your carpet, restoring it to a newer appearance. It also removes imbedded pet hair. The heated water and self-propelled features, along with the easy to fill small water container ( I used the bathroom sink) make it easy to use. It's also very quiet, didn't even scare my new kittens and old dog. This is the best carpet cleaner I've owned, and I've had several.

The worst $ I ever spent
We bought the first bissel cleaner and it lasted around 13 months before it gave up (just past warrenty). Would quit spraying. The repair man wanted over $80 to fix her and said it was a common problem. Said that the pump & internal hoses were always getting clogged.



I didn't believe him and I thought it did a pretty darn good job cleaning so we went out and bought another one. This one lasted 4 months (two uses) before the same thing happened. Took it to the repair shop as it was still under warrenty. Used in three more times and, guess what? The same problem came back - it would no longer spray water or cleaning solution. This time it was, 1 month past warrenty.



Took it to the guy who did the original repair - who now wanted over $100 to fix it.



So, two machines had the same problem three times over a 2 year period. Too much for just bad luck if you ask me. We're off to buy a Hoover.

Disappointed in Connecticut
After reading the reviews on this machine, most of which were positive, I ordered the model 7950. When it arrived, we took it out of the box and put it together...and nothing happened. The motor was working, but nothing else. It wouldn't spray any solution, nor would it take up anything. It just made noise. I have since returned it. I am very disappointed because I was really looking forward to using this machine. Thank you to Amazon for being understanding and making the return process so easy. Maybe if I could get one that works.....

Awsome Machine, worth every penny!
I just recieved my machine, and couldnt wait to use it!......With two bullmastiffs (10 months and 11 weeks) in the house it sure had its work cut out for it. And WOW! my carpets look almost brand new!.... ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

This knife block set carries a useful assortment of standard knives for outfitting a kitchen. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife, an 8-inch carving knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, and a 4-inch paring knife as well as a sharpening steel and a pair of shears. All components fit within an 11-slot hardwood block, which offers four extra slots for future knife acquisitions.

Part of Henckels’s Twin Signature of knives, the cutlery in this set have high-carbon, stainless-steel blades that have been stamped from one piece of metal. The edge is cut by laser for a more consistent angle on the blade and hand-honed for sharpness. Blades have also undergone Henckels’s Friodur ice-hardening process, which further strengthens them and protects them from discoloration. The ergonomically designed traditional-style polymer handles are securely fastened to the balanced full tangs with three rivets. Handles seamlessly encase the tangs on these knives so no food particles can ever become trapped in a gap. Twin Signature knives are all dishwasher-safe (although Henckels recommends washing by hand) and are covered by a lifetime warranty. --Cristina Vaamonde

What’s in the Box
8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch carving knife, 5-inch serrated utility knife, 4-inch paring knife, shears, sharpening steel, 11-slot hardwood block. ... Read more

Features

• 7.8 pounds; lifetime warranty
• Includes 8-inch chef's; 8-inch carving; 5-inch utility; 4-inch paring
• Also: sharpening steel, shears, 11-slot hardwood block
• Stamped high-carbon stainless-steel blades with laser-controlled edge
• Ice-hardened blades for strength; hand-honed for sharpness

Reviews (3)

A good starter knife set but don't expect too much
Having used some of Henckel's higher-priced professional lines, when the time came to buy a new set of starter knives I figured I'd stay with the brand. I ended up choosing the Twin Signature line 7-piece block set because it was a good compromise between quality and price.

Because the knives are stamped, not forged, you won't get the precise lines you get on the $80-a-knife lines, but the edges are well-finished and stay fairly sharp if you hand-wash them. I've been generally pleased with how they cut, and the chef's knife in particular has an excellent heft and balance for my somewhat larger hands.

The paring knife and the serrated utility knife are also gems. They're extremely well-sized, and have just enough flex to get the job done without feeling flimsy.

The scissors are sharp and extremely sturdy; I'm hard on this particular piece of kitchenware so I'm very pleased by that. Finally, the block is well-made and thought out. It has room for several more knifes as you expand your set.

The tips on the larger knifes aren't as well-finished as I would like, but that's about my only complaint. Just don't expect the sort of sturdiness you'd find on professional knives; these won't last quite as long without sharpening and you can't bang them about quite as much. For a serious home cook on a budget, though, they'll do just fine.

My plan is to use these for starters, and over time pick up two more Twin Signature paring knives, and one more 8-inch chef's knife from the Five-Star series for serious work.

Excellent quality, excellent price...
My mom & aunt bought these Henckels Twin Signature 7-Piece Block Sets and they absolutely love them.
I bought a Pro S set at Macys last year but didn't get a good discount like Amazon does... The knives are 1 of the best investments in my kitchen.

More Bang for Your Buck!
I SPENT A GOOD FEW HOURS LOOKING OVER ALL THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HENCKELS KNIVES AND REALIZED THAT THE TWIN COLLECTIONS HAD PRETTY MUCH ALL OF THE SAME FEATURES AS THE 4 AND 5 STARS YET THEY WERE ATLEAST HALF THE PRICE. THEY ARE MADE IN GERMANY, FORGED, ICE HARDENED, FULL TANG, STAMPED HIGH-CARBON STAINLESS STEEL BLADES WITH LASER-CONTROLLED EDGE ETC. I ALSO LIKED THAT THIS BLOCK SET CAME WITH KITCHEN SHEERS AND A SERRATED KNIFE, WHICH SOME OF THE OTHERS DON'T. FOR AN AVERAGE PERSON WHO COOKS AT HOME AND IS LOOKING FOR A DEPENDABLE KNIFE TO DO THE TRICK, THESE ARE WELL OVER QUALIFIED. JUST ONE NOTE: I GIVE THUMBS DOWN TO AMAZON FOR SHIPPING THE KNIVES ONLY IN THEIR MANUFACTURER'S BOX AND NOT IN AN AMAZON BOX AS WELL. THESE WERE TO BE A GIFT BUT CAME UNDISGUISED AND RUINED THE SURPRISE. I WOULD THINK AMAZON WOULD HAVE ENOUGH BRAINS TO KNOW BETTER BUT THEN AGAIN I'M SURE THEY ARE LOOKING AT IT FROM THE POINT OF VIEW THAT THEY ALREADY COME IN THEIR OWN BOX SO WHY SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY TO PUT IT INDSIDE ANOTHER ONE. THAT'S PRETTY BAD! SHAME ON AMAZON! ... Read more