Kenwood Chef - do I/don't I?

Ben84

I suspect other people here might have one of these so wondering what their thoughts are? Does it save you significant amounts of time, are the attachments like blender and coffee grinder good? Can you crush ice with the blender? What about kneading dough, if that works well I'm sure I'd do more baking? I'm also tempted by the ice cream/sorbet maker as that's something I like to make but is rather labour intensive. I'm thinking it could be cheaper than all these things individually and more compact, plus I hear they're reliable, but I'd really appreciate some actual comments from people who use one before getting one? Oh, and are they easy to clean?

I'm not too worried about the cost, I'm already needing a blender and coffee grinder so the whole machine with these attachments second hand wouldn't be too expensive really, but it's bulky and I don't want to clutter up the house with something I might not use often.

Sorry for all the questions, but it would be really helpful to hear any comments on some or all of these points before I get one.

angeltreats

Is it worth it? YES.

They last a long, LONG time. The blender is great (never tried crushing ice in mine, but I've done it in my mum's 1970 one which worked fine). The dough hook is great, I use it for most of my bread. Don't have the coffee grinder though. They are very easy to clean, much less fiddly and fewer nooks and crannies to get into than a food processor. I'd be lost without mine.

JillS_2

I totally agree with angeltreats. I've had mine since about 1970 and it's still working well. I used it loads when my children were at home for cake and bread making.

Attachments I have: liquidiser (blender?), dough hook, mincer.

The mincer is good but I don't think I ever really used it enough to justify the cost. I'd probably have been better with a hand mincer that attached to the table top. However I intend having a go at sausage meat one of these days so perhaps I'll be glad of it after all.

Dough hook is good. I don't bake my own bread all the time but I probably would hardly ever do it if it wasn't for this attachment. (Although I plan on trying the artisan bread soon and if that works well it may be retirement for the dough hook although I do wonder if it can be used for mixing up the dough for artisan bread)

Liquidiser was great but I havn't been able to use it for a bit because the connection is a little loose - I really should get it looked at. Held loads of breadcrumbs - far more than my current stupid blender. Used it to crush ice in milk shakes but never on its own.

soupdragon10

I've got a Kenwood Prospero (smaller than a standard Chef but quite similar). I got this at a good price and it takes less room than the Chef.

It has a smaller range of attachments, but comes with a blender and food processor, both of which I've found do everything I need them to. The mixer iteself has a dough hook which I've regularly used to make flatbread dough (v. quick and makes wonderful tortilla wraps) plus general blade for cake making (excellent muffins and cup cakes). Also the balloon whisk which I've only used a couple of times but is again excellent.

I used to have a Kenwood food processor which I used till it burnt out after many years of loyal service. The Prospero takes up about the same amount of worktop and some cupboard space for the blender etc. It's saved me both time and effort and I wouldn't now be without it.

RhiBi

Another vote for yes! I use the blender a lot too, but not tried crushing ice in it. I love using it and do bake a lot more than I would if I had to mix by hand. It makes lovely pastry too.

I wouldn't be without mine

seraphina

If you get the glass or metal blender goblet you can use it to crush ice.

In short YES they are worth every penny. I have the coffee grinder and past maker attachments, in addition to the usual ones and they're fab. The pasta maker is good fun and not as much faff as you might think - all of it can be bunged in the dishwasher. Main problem is eating all the goodies you make - where's the fat bloater icon when you need it:D

Ladyhawk

I bought mine about 6 months ago and love it. My mum had one whe I was growing up and I used it loads then and missed it dreadfully when I moved away from home. I definitely bake more now.

zippychick

there is an existing thread - kenwood chef, do i don't i?

Have a read and ill merge this later once you get some more input

Zip

caitybabes

Totally worth it! My one's got a silicone mixer attachment so it scoops up the cake mix as it stirs - no more scraping around the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is included.

I'd highly recommend buying one x

angeltreats

caitybabes wrote: »

Totally worth it! My one's got a silicone mixer attachment so it scoops up the cake mix as it stirs - no more scraping around the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is included.

I'd highly recommend buying one x

I really want one of these... but they're about £40