The first thing you'll notice about the KitchenAid Professional 600 Series Stand Mixer KP26M1XER is its size. With overall dimensions of 16.5 inches (height) by 11.3 inches (width) by 14.6 inches (length) and weighing approximately 25 pounds, this is one serious mixer.

One of KitchenAid's largest models, the Professional 600 Series is for avid bakers and individuals who want extra power, capacity and unmatched reliability. You'll pay a bit more for the Professional 600 mixers, but they prove themselves each time you use them. This model comes with an ultra-powerful 575-watt motor, a 6-quart stainless-steel mixing bowl, three commercial quality attachments (dough hook, flat beater and balloon whisk), and a clear plastic pouring shield. There are several enhancements that boost this unit's quality up several notches. A direct drive all-steel transmission keeps things moving--even when working with the thickest dough or batter, and an electronic speed sensor controls the velocity to maintain a consistent speed under different load conditions. This mixer features KitchenAid's durable die-cast metal construction and professional bowl-lift design. The mixer head stays in a raised position and the mixing bowl is attached to two metal side arms that are controlled by an easy-lift lever. The bowl-lift design adds stability since the mixer head never moves.

We tested the mixer with several basic tasks, and put it to the ultimate test with a double batch of bread dough. What we liked best was being able to literally dump all the ingredients into the bowl and turn the mixer on. Whether using the flat beater, whisk or dough hook, the attachment reaches absolutely every inch of the bowl to thoroughly incorporate ingredients. To say we were thoroughly impressed would be putting it mildly. We were absolutely wowed by this mixer's performance. It beat egg whites to stiff peaks in short order, but the real surprise was the volume it created. The whites expanded nearly tenfold and whipped to beautiful glossy peaks. The mixer also did a fabulous job mashing potatoes, turning out some of the creamiest spuds we've ever tasted. With bread dough, it's nothing short of miraculous. The powerful motor mixes and kneads the dough effortlessly. Another feature that adds versatility is the accessory port, which enables the mixer to be used with any of KitchenAid's optional attachments, including a pasta roller, meat grinder, citrus juicer, sausage stuffer and more.

The 6-quart mixing bowl has an almost endless capacity. It can handle up to 14 cups of flour or enough for 8 loaves of bread, 13 dozen cookies or 8 pounds of mashed potatoes. Its only real limitation is extremely small quantities, which tend to get lost in the bottom of the bowl. The motor is also quite a bit noisier than less powerful models.

Our overall impression of the KitchenAid Professional 600 Series Mixer is that this mixer will satisfy even the most discerning cook. In fact, because of its size and hefty price tag, it is not for the occasional baker, but for the avid chef who will put it to regular use.


Pros: 575-watt motor, all-metal construction, 10 speeds
Cons: Oversize mixer occupies extra counter space, noisy, heavy, challenged by extremely small quantities

Warranty
1 year, hassle-free replacement