REASONS TO BUY
One-handed operation
Slow start
Work light
REASONS TO AVOID
Significant bowl/attachment gap
Weak motor
Kenmore Elite 5 Qt Stand Mixer Review
A moderately-priced mixer that suffers from a poor design and inferior components
Credit: Amazon.om
Our Verdict
While this contender has the trappings of a higher-quality kitchen appliance, it revealed itself to lack both in design and quality componentry when put up against the competition. The Kenmore Elite 5 Qt Stand Mixer offers consumers a tilt-head configuration that facilitates one-handed operation and bowl removal. The bowl's illuminating working light is a nice touch, too. However, the pronounced bowl/attachment gap creates a lot of problems. More concerning is the high-pitched whine, faltering, and acrid smells we observed in the motor, causing us to have doubts about this mixer's long-term durability. In the short term, this machine struggles to perform basic tasks such as mixing and kneading dough.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Kenmore Elite is a nice-looking kitchen appliance with ample bowl capacity and a few useful features. However, if you plan to use this machine regularly and with heavy or demanding recipes, we think you should look elsewhere because this machine shows signs of future failure when put to these tasks. While the mixer is straightforward to use, it has to be monitored by the user, as frequent scraping of the bowl will be needed.
Performance Comparison
This machine offers a novel working under the tilt-head.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Likes
Standing mixers should make life easier by assuming certain functions such as whipping and kneading. However, how the user interacts with the machine is also an essential part of the overall experience. The Kenmore Elite has some features that improve the user's experience. Namely, the unique working light located under the tilt-head. The machine conveniently placed speed, power, tilt controls, and an easy-to-remove bowl. Collectively, these feature results in a machine that you can be operated with a single hand.
Ten speed settings on an easy to use knob.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
As far as food outcomes are concerned, the Kenmore can reasonably manage most soft or light ingredients. It produced good frosting, as well as whipped cream and egg white.
Dislikes
The Kenmore Elite fails to execute basic mixer tasks without the aid of a spatula to guide the ingredients into the mixing attachment. This issue is largely due to the substantial gap between the bowl and the attachment. But also to the inconsistent revolution of the motor.
Kenmore's aftermarket attachments matching its attachment port are limited.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
While the mixing issues are a major concern, the larger issue is the long-term durability of the machine; in particular, we have considerable concerns about the motor. We experienced inconsistent mixing motions during our testing, including stalling and jerking. Additionally, we experienced irregular noises ranging from grating to high-pitched whines.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Should You Buy the Kenmore Elite 5 Qt Stand Mixer?
Like books, mixers should not be judged by their covers. The Kenmore Elite is an excellent example of this truism. While the machine looks like a high-end mixer, it is not. This machine struggles with basic tasks such as kneading dough and mixing cookies. Moreover, as these tasks are frequently repeated, we would have serious concerns about the long-term durability of the motor. Thus, we would pass on this contender.
What Other Stand Mixers Should You Consider?
The Kenmore Elite certainly has a competitive price point. However, having used this contender side-by-side with other top-ranked stand mixers, its modest price seems a bit high. For a few tens of dollars more, one can purchase a machine that will do its job instead of having you biting your nails, waiting for the ax to fall on your mixer. We think it's worth considering the KitchenAid Classic Plus KSM75WH.
—
Nick Miley and Michelle Powell
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