Dear KitchenAid

October 25, 2012 by 11 Comments
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An open letter to KitchenAid.

Dear KitchenAid,

This is going to be emotional. I apologize in advance.

Currently, you and I have no relationship. I own none of your products (blenders, hand mixers, or your stand mixer). It’s not that I don’t want to own you, it’s just that I’m young and new to cooking and am figuring a lot of things out right now okay?

Sorry, didn’t meant to get defensive. I am making a point, though.

My hand mixer is a hand-me-down from my mom. It’s a beautiful avocado Sunbelt that was made sometime in the 70s. The more I search for the exact date, the more I realize that I’m afraid it may stop working, but so far, so good. We made banana bread together last week. But everyone knows a hand mixer has it’s place, and so does a stand mixer.

KitchenAid, I lust for your stand mixer.

You know it. I know it. America loves your stand mixers. People want them like none other. They’re the first thing listed under Products on your website.

Find them in every color of the rainbow. I’ve settled on boysenberry (see above).

Your stand mixers have become a status symbol in some kitchens, although it disappoints me every time I find out someone owns one and doesn’t use it on a frequent basis.

THEY DON’T DESERVE YOU.

But then again, do I?

There’s no culinary act that can’t be done without you. No offense, but you haven’t been around forever. People were making breads and cakes before electricity was even around, but it also took a lot longer and required more effort from strong whisking arms.

I must say that there are things I have not attempted because I’ve been hesitant to the mixing process. Will I overmix? Undermix? What’s “until just combined” really mean? These things have prevented me from baking the ciabatta, french breads, cakes, pasty dough and creams that I see people like Ina Garten and Paula Deen whip out of your glass bowls.

If I don’t attempt to make them without you, will the gratifying feeling of finally owning one of you be authentic?

Part of me thinks I’m cheating myself, that I need to do it the hard way before I use you for convenience.

The other part me acknowledges that you are much more than a powerful kitchen tool  - you give beginning chefs the confidence and courage to start culinary projects they may have never tried without your help. Accomplished chefs relish in your reliability and appreciate how you speed up the work.

So what does this mean for us?

I honestly can’t afford you at your sticker price at this moment. However, John’s mom works at Kohls and she has the hookup on the employee discount, so we might be sealing the deal after the holidays.

Either way, you need to know that I care about you. I haven’t been avoiding you, but I’m figuring a lot of stuff out right now and I needed to let you know how I feel.

Talk soon,

Sara

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  • http://twitter.com/KJLSlauzis Kathleen Slauzis

    I almost want to say “Please, Kitchenaid – give the girl a mixer!”

    • solidgoldeats

      Haha thanks Kathleen. I would never turn down the opportunity to receive one as a gift. But so many things tied to needing it to be handled on my terms. I feel like I’m buying a car or something!

  • nzeckner

    If you aren’t picky about color, and keep your eyes open, they can be had for a steal. My black one was only $200 at Sears.

    • solidgoldeats

      I’m kind of waiting on that moment. When it finds me at the right price. But as of now, I think I’ll play that game until the price is right!

  • mom

    I want that mixer back when you get a new one!

    • solidgoldeats

      Too late! It’s mine for good!

  • http://twitter.com/tamremullins Tamre

    Oh man. I remember when I got my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. It is a big deal. You’re right in knowing you can make most things without one. My bread recipes don’t require a stand mixer. Sometimes I use it, sometimes I don’t. The sweets and baked goods I make are easier to do in the mixer. You’ll get there. In the meantime, bring those recipes over and we’ll tackle them together!

    • solidgoldeats

      You’re the best ;)

  • Anita at Hungry Couple

    Haha. I think I have the same hand held mixer you do, also inherited from my mom. It looks like it’s been through hell but it still works. I also lust after a KitchenAid stand mixer but my problem is lack of room. Every time I look longingly at one, Brian offers to buy it for me. But my kitchen is the size of a postage stamp so I would have to sleep with it. :)

  • http://www.cookinginstilettos.com/ Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos

    Sara – I finally caved and bought my first KitchenAid this year and retired my former stand mixer and, honestly, I can say I haven’t used it as much as I should have but I think that will change come the holiday season :) With that being said, I did buy the copper lovely on sale, with a coupon and cash back (as I do with all of my online shopping) so I don’t regret the purchase – just I’d never buy it full price. Don’t fret – you’ll get it soon enough – and that color – GORGEOUS!

  • Kalamity Kelli

    Here are my secrets to getting a Kitchenaid: Walmart, Sears, and Kmart all have layaway – I know that the first two have Kitchenaid stand mixers. Top Girl wanted that Boysenberry one too – loves that color – but they aren’t sold at those stores so she didn’t get it. I put one in layaway and paid it off in 2 months for her. Mine? I found it at my fabulous Norman Flea Market (bought it from a vendor I have a relationship with) and paid $60 for it. I have 2 regular hand mixers, one hand mixer that is heavy duty – also bought at a yard sale. All three work great but I must tell you – nothing compares to that stand mixer. It makes things like mixing cookie dough and bread dough a breeze and it’s just amazing. Top Girl? She doesn’t used her mixer very much – mostly because she’s a new mom and doesn’t have time – but I use mine at least once a week. As a former non-cooker it’s worth the wait!

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