chesshire_cat's Full Review: KitchenAid KP2671X 525 Watts Stand Mixer
The Mfgr calls this their "professional" model, a bit of a joke, really. This model is identical to the KP26M1 that replaced it. After using it on a regular basis, for medium batches (4-5 cup yeast bread) I am now on the 4th transmission housing (100% plastic casting) the PN is PS1156121 in case you go on the hunt for one. Kitchen aid was of little help in locating parts (the old will call back story, think they ever did?) 24.00$ for one, plus 9.00 for the correct grease to fill the bugger. They have little buttressing, and crack both around the screw holes, and at the pinion bushing area. Replacing the housing is a greasy mess!
As if that wasn't enough, the planetary is a pressed-together assembly, with a splined steel shaft in a zinc-aluminium casting. The bloody thing came loose after about a year, and finally got too sloppy to stay together at all after 3. The PN ps401767 is NOT available! (incidentally, the new KP26M1XMR uses the same "obsolete" assembly number... so the new-on-the-shelf model is by KA's own words "obsolete". Again, no help in locating any sort of replacement parts. (Currently I have repaired the planetary casting splines with a steel-bearing bedding epoxy, SO FAR it has lasted. Not exactly the type of quality I expected in a 400$ machine.)
UPDATE: KA customer service has come through! (after more than a few calls) I finaly found a rep that could pass along the factory full service parts center! The planetary assy is aval as a complete unit (not bare casting) for 47.00. It came in 3 days once I found the "secret" phone number! (I hesitate to post it here without admin permission...)
The parts center recommended adding the spiral dough hook. I found it to be 100% improvement in the strain on the machine, and HIGHLY recommend this 20$ accessory. Using the included J hook the bowl flexes (6 cup yeast recipe) motor lugs heavily and dough climbs to the flange on the hook. The spiral hook completely eliminates the climb, and greatly reduces motor load! I love it!! This is what I had in mind when I bought the machine!
The switch is a disaster of epic proportions... now on #3... the unprotected, and grease covered contacts will pickup flour, and need to be disassembled and cleaned. Finally the arcing in the switch will cause it to fail, and need to be replaced. Very poor design to say the least.
Motor brushes are not available, you must replace the motor (failed at 2 years) for $130.00.
Now the good part.
It has worked well, with this continuing part replacement, at least until the planetary failed, and is not available. Leaving the whole debacle at a $125.00-per-year (plus parts) mixer. Pretty insane, isn't it?
Yes, it mixes well, no, it will not handle the rated 6 cups of yeast-bread. It is not made for a daily use, but it sure looks impressive on the counter... if that is what you are looking for. I wish KA would remove the "Professional" designation from this model, it is a bit miss-leading. This is a long way from a commercial machine. In all honesty, with daily use for a family of 7 it does live a hard life.
Fantastic prices with ease & c...(Stock status: N/A)
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