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Kitchenaid: Artisan or Commercial bowl-lift for small commercial kitchen

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Kitchenaid: Artisan vs. Commercial Bowl-Lift for Our Small Commercial Kitchen

Hi everyone! I’m reaching out to see if I can get some advice from this friendly community before making a decision about upgrading our mixer.

Quick Summary: Our trusty Artisan tilt-head mixer has held up for a year, but it’s starting to show signs of wear. My big question is whether we should upgrade to the Artisan bowl-lift, or if it’s worth the investment to jump to the Commercial bowl-lift, which we’d consider our forever mixer.

Details:

We operate a small commercial kitchen from home for our food truck, and we make dough four days a week. Currently, we’re using a Kitchenaid Tilt mixer, but it’s not performing well. It often emits a burning smell (likely from the motor or gears), the bowl tends to come loose, and we’ve already replaced the problematic ceramic dough hook with a stainless steel one, which is much more reliable.

Looking back, I wish we had invested in a better machine from the start, but we’ve managed to get by for a year with the Artisan.

Now, I’m contemplating our next mixer. I’m based in New Zealand, so the options here may differ from what many of you have in the US.

We’re quite fond of the Kitchenaid brand since we already use two other attachments (a dough roller and a mincer), and the idea of having just one mixer for everything is appealing. While I wouldn’t dismiss Cuisinart or other brands, Kitchenaid remains my top choice.

The obvious next step seems to be the Artisan Bowl-Lift (KSM60), which is just $300 more than the Artisan tilt-head and probably should have been our initial choice a year ago. It features a 375W motor.

There’s also an Artisan Bowl-Lift (KSM70) with a slightly larger bowl, but I’ll make that decision on my own without needing advice.

Then there’s the Commercial Bowl-Lift (KSMC895), which is nearly double the price of the Artisan bowl-lift—a significant leap that’s tough to rationalize. Interestingly, it has a lower motor wattage of 325W compared to the Artisan bowl-lift, but I’m not entirely sure what that means in practical terms.

I would choose the Artisan bowl-lift (KSM60) without hesitation, but I’m struggling to justify investing in the Commercial bowl-lift (KSMC895). Even though we could potentially recoup the cost in a commercial kitchen setting, I’m curious about how much of an upgrade it truly is over the Artisan.

I’d love to hear your opinions and, even better, your experiences!

Comments

One response to “Kitchenaid: Artisan or Commercial bowl-lift for small commercial kitchen”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    It sounds like you’re at a crossroads with your mixer for your food truck operations, and it’s great that you’re considering your options carefully! Given your current situation with the Artisan tilt-head mixer, it’s clear that you need something more robust for your commercial kitchen. Here are some insights to help guide your decision:

    1. Artisan Bowl-Lift (KSM60): This would certainly be a significant upgrade from the tilt-head model. It’s designed for heavier mixing tasks and will handle dough better than the Artisan you currently have. If your primary requirement is to mix dough regularly and you want a more cost-effective solution, this is a solid choice. Just be mindful of the 375W motor, which is decent but may not offer the longevity you might need in a busy kitchen.

    2. Commercial Bowl-Lift (KSMC895): This one is a bigger investment, but if you’re really serious about your business, it might be worth it in the long run. The difference isn’t just in the wattage; commercial models are typically built with more durable components and are often designed for high-volume use. This might mean better longevity and consistent performance, which is crucial in a commercial setting.

    3. Considerations Beyond Wattage: While the Commercial bowl-lift has a lower wattage than the Artisan bowl-lift, commercial mixers often have better torque and efficiency. They are designed to handle tougher doughs and larger batches without straining the motor, which could save you from burning out another mixer too soon.

    4. Future-Proofing: If you anticipate growth or increased demand in your food truck business, investing in the Commercial bowl-lift could be a smart move. It may seem like a lot upfront, but if it allows you to work more efficiently and produces better results, it can pay off quickly.

    5. Attachments Compatibility: Since you already have attachments for Kitchenaid, it makes sense to stick with the brand for compatibility’s sake. This can save you time and money in the long run.

    6. Real-World Feedback: If possible, try to find reviews or feedback specifically from other food truck operators or small commercial kitchens in your area or online. Their experiences might shed light on how well the models perform in real-world conditions.

    In conclusion, if your budget allows and you’re serious about scaling your business, go for the Commercial Bowl-Lift (KSMC895). It will likely be your best bet for durability and performance, ultimately saving you money and hassle in the long run. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or still testing the waters, the Artisan Bowl-Lift (KSM60) will be a workable step up from your current setup. Good luck with your decision!

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