Product DescriptionCuisinart is changing the way the world mixes. This phenomenal new stand mixer delivers more power, more capacity, and more options--and it comes with the best name in the business.
Feature - 1,000-watt stand mixer housed in durable die-cast metal
- 12 speeds; 7-quart stainless-steel bowl; slow-start and gentle-fold functions
- 15-minute countdown timer; 3 power outlets; auto shutoff; tilt-back head
- Chef's whisk, flat mixing paddle, dough hook, and splashguard included
- Measures 15-1/2 by 11 by 14-1/2 inches; 3-year warranty; 5-year motor warranty
CustomerReviewsWhat a wonder...This is the best money I ever spent. I am trying to cut as far back as I can on eating processed foods. This mixer is a dream come true. I am now the "Queen of the Kitchen" with my organic whole wheat bread and pastas. At the age of 55 I was having trouble kneeding dough, this machine does it for me with little to no mess and almost no noise. I would but one again and again!
KitchenAid in Disguise Try BoschI grew up using my mom's Bosch for bread, but I have been using a basic Kitchen Aid for 7 years for all uses which yields 3 loaves of bread for me. I have been eyeing 7 qt mixers for 4 years now, but have not been able to justify the expense. Luckily we found this Cuisinart closer to $300 much more affordable. I initially wanted the Delonghi because the design was so striking. Unfortunately they aren't available anymore as Cuisinart has purchased and modified the model.
Experience: Made a batch of cookies. Used the paddle. Turned out beautifully. Could easily triple my recipe yield 5-6 dozen cookies. Tried making a 4 loaf yield bread recipe. Used the dough hook. I was able to mix up to 13 cups flour, but it didn't incorporate well. I ended up dumping dough out and incorporating remaining 2-3 cups of flour in by hand. By making a large recipe I noticed that the mixing attachments top off at 3/4 of the bowl depth, well below the top rim of mixing bowl, thus limiting capacity. I noticed on Kitchen Aids web site there 600 models boast 8 loaf yields.
Key Bonus Features: 1) I love that it fits underneath my overhead cupboards and lights. I can't fit my Kitchen Aid on the counter under the overhead cupboards since I installed counter lights. 2) I love the gradual speed control and the fold feature. I don't like how quickly both the Kitchen Aid and Bosh pick up and that they lack any slow speeds. 3) I like the timer to prevent over mixing, though I don't use it very often. 4) The attachment idea is appealing though I don't use any. Bosch has had the same concept for years with their Universal mixer/blender combo.
Key detractors: 1) The Cuisinart design takes away from the cosmetic sleekness of the Delonghi. Bummer. That's one of the reasons I wanted it initially. It looked so different and much cooler than Kitchen Aid. It appears as though Cuisinart is catering to Kitchen Aid users because the SM-70 looks like a mutated Kitchen Aid stand mixer, including the metal ring around the top and the horseshoe bowl harness. 2) You cannot mix 7 qts as the top of mixing attachments end about 1/4 below top rim of bowl. I poured in liquid and your actual mixing volume is about 5 qts before immersing the rotating stirring mechanism. This is however much more than I could do with my Kitchen Aid. Larger Kitchen Aids may hold more. Check the top level of the mixing parts to see how much you can actually fill the bowl. Maybe it is standard for stand mixer bowls to be larger than actual mixing capacity to reduce spillage, but a better design would reduce the percentage as much as possible. I can mix just over 5 qts in the Bosh and the beating mechanism is above the bowl rim. I also like the splash gaurd on the Bosch as you can make it a one or two piece cover. 3) The dough hook didn't seem to incorporate the flour very well. I ended up pouring dough onto counter and kneading by hand. Not a problem in the Bosch. 4) I don't seem to notice a real power different between the Kitchen Aid and this. They both seem adequate, but not overly muscular. Bosch seemed to handle the bulk of bread dough a little better. 5) The tall narrow bowl has some benefits and seems to mix well even at the bottom of the bowl with plenty of room to spare at the top for double batches, but to me I felt a little claustrophobic, trying to add ingredients while mixing and not getting them all over the place. With or without the splash guard, I felt there was limited space to try and get something into the bowl without actually tilting the head up. Maybe it just takes some getting used to after using wider bowls in both the Kitchen Aid and Bosch mixers.
Recommendations: 1) I would like to see them design a deeper mixing attachment so you can truly mix larger capacities up to top rim of bowl. Splash guard seems superfluous as you must keep mixture well below top rim of bowl so you don't immerse mechanism. 2) It would be nice to see the pour spout on the splash guard have a little wider and taller opening to accommodate larger measuring cups. 3) I would like to see them move the controls to the back of the machine as my counter space makes it easier for me to use the machine sideways and from the left side. The controls on the right side force me to use it the other direction. If the controls were on the rear then I could place it sideways on the right or left side of my counter without trouble and still easily see the controls. The splash guard can already switch from right to left so pour spout can be on either side. It's nice to at least have that flexibility.
It may well be the best option for larger capacity home use mixers, but if I had to purchase again, I would probably go with Bosch for larger bulkier jobs (larger capacity, great flour incorporation) and just use a hand mixer for cake batters and smaller jobs. If you decide to purchase it, save all of your packing materials and then try your largest recipes first to see if you can truly accommodate the larger capacity you envision and justify the expense. Then try to double or triple any recipes to see how far you can go. If you can't, return it. If you don't intend to make big batches of anything, don't bother with it at all and just stick with your old Kitchen Aid.
Good tools is the rule.After about 1 1/2 weeks of intensive research on the internet, in the restaurant supply district of NYC, I purchased this mixer. A litany
of evidence made this a practical obvious conclusion. A 7- Quart mixer,
under $400, easy to pick up and carry. Did I mention free shipping? Limitless possibilities with the pasta attachment (will order eventually), as well as the meat grinder. Affordable home-based creativity.
My other option was to drive out to NJ and pay about $750-$800 (+tax) for
an Omicron 10 quart....only about 200 lbs, an $8 toll, gas, 3 hours of my day, and oh yeah a friend and a dolly. The Waring and Hamilton Beach caught my eye at first. Guess what though? They are only 5 Quart mixers, they cost an extra $100-$150 and still do not have the Cuisinart parts & motor guarantee.
I dig it.
