Kenwood Chef

recovering_spendaholic

I know alot of you OSers use Kenwood Chefs, and I have been toying for months now over whether or not to buy one or a Kitchenaid. The price of both has been putting me off, but last night on Ideal World they had a pick of the day on Kenwood Chef Professional. I think this seems to be a bargain at £149.99 but am still a bit hesitant. Can anyone give me any adivce as to whether or not it is a good buy? The spec is this:
Kenwood KM316 Stainless Steel Professional Chef
PRODUCT CODE: 317 232

Cut down on kitchen chores by introducing the Kenwood KM316 Mixer into your home.

A marvel at whisking, beating, juicing and mixing, this fabulous product takes care of most of your baking and cooking needs with ease, speed and efficiency.

Features:

Three inclusive mixing tools for specific baking tasks (K-beater, whisk and dough hook)
Automatic electronic speed control with pulse maintains speed and power regardless of load
Metal body, metal gears and powerful motor with combine durability, reliability and strength
Simple 'pop-up' head lift for quick and easy tool change and bowl removal
4.6 litre D shaped stainless steel bowl for all kneading, mixing and whisking requirements
Unique planetary mixing action within the bowl for perfect results
Three additional concealed power outlets for over 20 optional food preparation attachments
700W motor
Try fresh juice at the breakfast table, home-cooked, juicy beef burgers in fresh bread for lunch and delicious cheesecakes and meringues for dessert – plus many other scrumptious dishes for the whole family to enjoy.

What’s more, the Kenwood KM316 is a great way to make fresh juice for you and the kids to drink as part of the recommended five fruit and veg a day.

Contents:

High-speed outlet
Citrus juicer outlet
Slow-speed outlet
Tool socket
Acrylic Liquidiser
Mixer head
Outlet catch
Bowl
Head-lift lever
On/off and speed switch
Power unit
K-beater
Whisk
Dough hook
Spatula
I want to make bread and cakes and stuff with it. Or do you think I am better to pay out the £300 for the Kitchenaid? Thanks!!!

Tondella

I think most folk on here will agree that the older Kenwood Chef models are the sturdier and better - would you consider looking on ebay for a second hand model? Popular ones are Kenwood 701 (average price £40-60) and the later Kenwood 901 (average price £60-£80). I bought a 901, works like a dream.

Tondella

recovering spendaholic! What did you go for in the end?

seraphina

Step away from the Kitchenaid!

I have a Chef KM001 which was a wedding present. I did get taken in by the Kitchenaid bumph for a while - sure they come in pretty colours and Nigella has one etc. but compared to the Chef they are hugely underpowered. They also don't have anywhere near the number of attachments.

I know a lot of people have the older ones, which seem to be indestructable, but I have heard great things about Kenwood customer service so have no hesitation in having - or recommending - a Kenwood.

flourgirl

if I were you I would go for the Kenwood. Kitchenmaids look very "trendy" but are they all they're cracked up to be? I had my first Kenwood for 28 years, and it made everything from bread (before BM) to fresh cream to peeling potatoes. The Kenwood I have now is nearly 3 years old and it gets used all the time, as I bake cakes and savouries for Doncaster Country Markets. So I say if your'e serious about baking go for the Kenwood Chef.

Karen.

flourgirl

Have a look on Ebay my DIL got one with attachments for £40.00

dolly_day_dream

When my daughter was off to Uni last year she was trying to persuade me to part with my Kenwood Chef. No way - I had had a Chef for over 20 years. After my first one packed up (motor and yes I know that I can get it repaired) I had to manage without for a while and was very very miserable. I then found a 701 in a charity shop for £20 :j

The lucky girl managed to find a 901 at a car boot sale with loads of attachments for £35:j We both use them on a regular basis and couldn't imagine being without. She has been tempted by the Kitchenaid especially as she is a huge Nigella fan but as they say 'a bird in the hand'. Look on Ebay cos they are worth their weight in gold.

BTW in case you think it strange that a uni student should even be considering baking etc she has been brought in OS ways all her life and has managed to finish her first year overdraft free! I am so proud of her! :happyhear

recovering_spendaholic

Just to let you know, I bought a Kenwood Patissier in the end. There are only three of us and I do alot but not massive amounts of stuff so I went for looks and price I am afraid. The patissier looks like a Kitchenaid and has the same size bowl. Takes 650g flour for bread maximum. Comes with a K-beater, whisk and dough hook and I made bread in it yesterday which turned out not too bad for a first attempt!! I got it for just over £100 from LX direct.

Just a question though, how long should you knead the dough in the machine for? I did it for about 10 minutes on speed 6. Also, although the bread rose fine, it was not all that Crusty - the top was crispy at first but went a bit soft as the bread cooled.