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I have a Kenwood mixer which is so old it is the same style as a kitchen aid. I believe mine is a 1951 model. It is still going strong although it does sound like a tank. (and it says made in Woking England)

Also have a Kenwood food processor. Was unsure as whether to choose Kenwood or Moulinex. When I saw Heston with one I went for the Kenwood.

I would have to agree with the long post earlier.

Kenwood have designed mixers for every price range. I have seen a kenwood chef for £99 which cannot compare with a Kitchenaid. But compare a KA and Kenwood at the same price range and I am sure you have similar machines.

KA look look a bit more funky but you cannot beat the 70's Orange kenwood Chef.

DON'T BOTHER WITH THE KENWOOD!!!!! I have had my kitchenaid for a year and love it so much. I used the kenwood at school they weren't as strong or as versitile as the kitchenaid and alot noiser and lets face it less sexy!! If ur gonna spend the money you dont want sum thing ur gonna have 2 put in a cabinet cos it doesn't look nice. The kitchenaid is far spreme. I worked in a kitchen shop last year and we sold no kenwoods cos of the quality and the lack of power and cos everyone just wanted a kitchenaid due 2 the fact their better. We also sold many to local chefs. Do the right thing buy a kitchenaid u wont regret it!

I see that Robert Dyas have Kenwood Classic mixers at a really good price at the moment:-

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I have a Kenward mixer that has the dough hook and the k beater and it can have a liquidiser attacehment too and a mincing thing its about 20 years old now, my mum had one and she used it all the time and made great lemon meringes and cakes with it and so i wanted one and its as good as it was when i first had it.

I coveted a Kitchen Aid for years but thought that, as good as it looks, I simply wouldn't use it enough to justify the cost. My family surprised me with one 2 Christmases ago (beautiful grey graphite) and I eat my words everyday!! I use it ALL the time. It is a wonderfully no fuss solid piece of engineering and my girls are already squabbling about who I will bequeath it too (!). I think the fact it looks so lovely is big factor because I leave it on my worktop and hence use it more often than I might had it been tucked away in a cupboard. Watch Ina Garten on The Barefoot Contessa and see how she uses hers - I have discovered uses for it I hadn't dreamed of. And try Paul Hollywoods scones made in it - remarkable!!

Hi
I was going to buy a kitchenaid and asked a chef friend of mine for some advice. He said they are very good but that he uses a kenwood professional range in the kitchen (he works for a large hotel) and The Kenwood Patissier at home. The Patissier has a gorgeous retro design and a 400w motor - more than enough for home use. It is also over half the KA price - so I went for the kenwood. Had it for two years and it still looks like new. None of the labelling has worn off - (and I use it almost contantly) - through 'wiping down' . Also the bowl is like new! I love it and would buy another in a heartbeat. Just thought I'd give you the opportunity to save some cash! (Incidentally - Next Direct have them in for £129 at the moment - and I'm connected to neither next or kenwood!)
Happy Shopping

I hope you won't mind if I add a thought TheHowser, even though I don't have a KitchenAid.

Kenwood have quite a large range of mixers, which is reflected in the build, and in the price - so if you are comparing KA with Kenwood, I would suggest comparing like with like in terms of price range, build quality, and individual appliance specification.

The Kenwood Major range, which includes the more powerful and quieter mixers, starts at around £300.

Kenwood also include in the box the option to take out an insurance on the machines for on-site repair for a period of 5 years - at a very reasonable charge considering the average call-out fee for home repair on a domestic appliance these days. It also covers accidental damage.

Kenwood also have a very impressive service back-up department and you can still get parts for machines that go back some years. You can also pick up the wide range of accessories on ebay (such as the mincer attachment, etc, for a few pounds - absolute snips!).

I'm not trying to persuade you in either direction, because I think KA and Kenwood are both very good machines.

I have no connection with Kenwood either - other than owning one of their mixers.

KA have a trendy image because people like Nigella and James Martin use them on screen - which to be honest is not something that particularly influences me one way or another. But if I was looking for guidance from celeb chef endorsement, I would take account of the fact that Heston Blumenthal uses a Kenwood on screen, and if anyone knows what makes for a good mixer in practice when cooking, and in terms of build quality, it's him.

Kitchen Aid are very well made machines, and whichever you choose, I doubt that you will be disappointed. I just thought having a few extra details about Kenwood might help with your decision-making.

Good luck with your purchase, and all the best.

I've got one and think its brill. Had it for about five years and it gets a LOT of use and its still going strong. Not only does it do the trick but it looks great too.

Hi

Yes i have a KA Mixer and KA Blender, i love them, i used to have a kenwood chef and the KA is much quieter, and also cosmetically looks far more funky in the kitchen

B x