KitchenAid KP26M1XER Professional 600, 6-Quart Bowl Lift Stand Mixer, Empire Red  Product Reviews

"I had a concern that the blades would have a problem getting all of the goodie from the bowl, but it does it very well. I especially like the speed control. The stir level 1 is turning out to be a very useful feature."

"My first experience with this mixer was in a video on bread baking. The instructor advised that to prepare the dough we should run this mixer for five minutes then turn it off to give the mixer a rest so the motor won't burn out. What?! Huh? Why on earth in this day and age should the motor of a $4-500 machine burn out with over five minutes of dough mixing? I looked around and decided (based on many experienced bread baker's reviews) that there are several better ways to go. These would be Electrolux Assistent, Bosch, and even Viking. Stripped plastic gears, burned out motors? No thanks, seems like the Kitchenaid is more about marketing than anything else."

"I've wanted to purchase this model for a while now, but have been waiting for the plastic gearbox issue to be resolved. I don't want to purchase an expensive item which will likely break. Yes, I would like to make bread. I spoke with KA customer service this morning to inquire if this model is now being manufactured with the metal gear box, or if it's the same old "we're going to save a $1 per unit by using this plastic gear box". I received a verbal, pre-constructed, corporate answer about how it doesn't matter if the gearbox is plastic or metal because KA stands behind this product, bla bla bla. I told her it mattered to me and I couldn't feel good about doing business with KA without knowing what I'm getting. She then proceeded to tell me that she doesn't know if they will ever go to a metal gearbox, but if they do there will be no way for me to know if I was buying one with a plastic or metal gearbox because some retailers have existing stock, bla bla bla. Then, I asked her a point blank question, "Ma'am (I live in TN), is KA currently producing this item with a plastic or metal gearbox? I'm not asking about anything or anyone else. I just want to know if the current production is with a plastic or metal gearbox." She said she had no idea and we then sat silently for a moment. STILL trying to pull the answer out of her, I asked her if there was anyone there she could ask who might be able to find out the answer to my question. She said she'd ask her supervisor. I was on hold for a few minutes, then she returned to tell me that the 600 is now being manufactured with the metal gearbox. I asked her what serial numbers are now being produced and she said there is no way to tell, and there is no way for me to know if I was buying a unit with the plastic or metal gearbox. I give this model two starts because it (purportedly) is now being manufactured with the metal gearbox. I knock off three starts because KA gave me the runaround when I asked a straightforward question. Additionally, KA is not interested in helping me purchase one with the metal gearbox. Basically, I really can't be sure what I'm getting for almost $400. Sure, I could buy it and return it, etc...but why should I have to waste all that time and energy? If anyone has a 600 with a metal gearbox I'd love to hear from them, know where they purchased it, when they purchased it, serial number, etc."

"I love this machine. It performs beautifully and it's much faster to make cakes with this mixer. Saving time in the preparation of baked goods is important at our B & B. Betty, Casa Montaña Bed & Breakfast, Redstone, Colorado"