"theChas." > wrote in message
.. .
>
> I see Emerill is now using the Viking mixer... last year he didn't have
> nice
> things to say about KA (which I own).

When I originally sent this message I think I clicked on "Reply" rather than
"Group Reply" so I'll try again.

I was reading the reviews for KA on amazon.com and mostly they were
averaging 4 to 4 1/2 stars. But there were some very unhappy people who
noted a decline in quality since Hobart sold out to Whirlpool. One reviewer
mentioned the use of plastic gears instead of metal. Others were unhappy
that the mixer turned off for a few minutes while kneading when it got
over-heated. I believe KA starts off with a 300 watt motor for the less
expensive models. Viking has 800 watts. The link given for the Viking on
Ebay is up to $400 and it's used. New Vikings on Amazon start around $500
plus. There's no doubt that Viking is the stronger machine. But is it worth
twice the price of a KA? Costco is selling the KA Professional HD model for
$269. (I would take the use of the word "professional" with many grains of
salt.) However, on the box they proudly announce that the "professional"
model has direct-drive all steel gear transmission and a 475 watt motor -
which should be able to serve most people's needs. So I bought one. If I'm
not happy with it, Costco will take it back and give me a refund.
Frank






>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/7-Quart-Viking-P...photoho sting
>
> $400 plus category evidently.
>
>
>
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