On 29 Jun 2005 13:20:55 -0700, wrote:

>Which KitchenAid stand mixer would you purchase amongst:
>
>Classic 8 cup / 4.5 qt / 250W
>Ultra Power 8 cup / 4.5 qt / 300W
>Artisan 9 cup / 5 qt / 325W

Being a woodworker, I am accustomed to tools with motors ranging from
1 to 3 HP (floor tools--hand tools are somewhat smaller). I even gave
thought to a 5 HP saw once, but EVERYONE advised that 3 HP was more
than adequate for a home shop, and I'm convinced they are right.
Anyway, even a 1 HP motor can be a brute and (ignoring precise
efficiency factors for the sake of argument) normally is considered to
draw something on the order of 7 or 8 amps at 120V (nominal North
American voltage). That's around 850 watts of power.

My point is that the hand appliance people like to market their motors
in terms of watts so that they can have hundreds of them to advertise
and to beguile the consumer. That 250W motor is less than 1/3 HP and
the 325W is still well less than ½ HP. The actual difference in
amperage draw is .62. Yes, just over half an amp; less than 10% of 1
HP. The difference in actual work performed between 250W and 325W
probably couldn't be measured by actual use in the kitchen.

Fun with numbers. Perspective is everything.

--
LRod

Master Woodbutcher and seasoned termite

Shamelessly whoring my website since 1999

http://www.woodbutcher.net

Proud participant of rec.woodworking since February, 1997