dlstewart's Full Review: KitchenAid KHM5TB Classic Plus Hand Mixer
This KitchenAid Ultra Power Plus Hand Mixer (Model # KHM5TB) has seen a lot of use in the 5-plus years that I have owned it. Having used a variety of hand mixers during the years, this one rates as my all-time favorite. Let me tell you why.
Description
A white mixer with classic lines, it measures 7 1/2" long x 6" high x 3 1/2" wide. The front end of the mixer is rounded, presenting a modern appearance. There are two non-clogging vents at the front of the mixer and two on the back of the mixer. A heel rest allows upright positioning of the machine. Attached to the polarized plug is a round power cord that is permanently affixed to the hand mixer. The cord measures 66" long.
The handle is ergonomic with an indentation on the underside where the index finger can comfortably rest. All the controls are along the top of the handle. There is a push-in button that ejects the beaters. A sliding switch controls the 5-speed power selection.
Three beaters come with the KitchenAid Ultra Power Plus Hand Mixer. Two stainless steel turbo beaters and a stainless steel / plastic liquid blending rod.
The two stainless steel turbo beaters are 5 1/2" long after insertion into the bottom of the blender. Each beater has four round tines. The four tines are actually made from two pieces of twisted U-shaped metal. Where the top of the two pieces of metal meet, there is a small dab of soldering to hold the beater tines together. I really had to look to see how they were attached since the soldering is almost invisible.
The stainless steel blending rod when inserted in the mixer measures 6 7/8" long with a plastic blending head 1 1/2" in diameter. Five openings in the blending head allow liquid to move in and around the attachment for mixing.
My Experiences
The beaters are easy to insert into the bottom of the mixer, and they snap-lock into position. There is even a diagram on the bottom of the mixer illustrating which beater goes into which hole. A simple push of the large ejector button releases the beaters from the machine.
Operating the speed settings is also easy. Since the hand is curled around the plastic handle, with the index finger secure in a finger-size indentation, the thumb is free to rest on the sliding switch. It’s easy to change speeds, and the thumb never has to leave the 5-speed switch. As the speed is changed, the switch emits a click. The speeds are also numbered 1 through 5 with a line beside each number. As the switch slides, it halfway covers the number and rests against the line. The word “OFF” is written beneath the lowest speed (number 1). When the mixer is OFF, the word OFF is clearly visible.
I have mixed everything from quick-bread, muffins, cake and cookie batters to whipping cream and eggs using this KitchenAid mixer. It is very powerful. I usually use the medium speed, which is perfect for most tasks. For whipping cream, I start at the lowest speed and gradually work up to the highest speed. I also use the turbo beaters to mix sauces, frosting, pudding and mashed potato. Even on the highest speed, this mixer is okay on the ears. No mixer is silent, but I’ve heard mixers a lot louder than this one.
During the growing season, I harvest a variety of squash from the garden. Zucchini and summer squash make excellent breads. From that squash, I bake dozens of loaves of quick-bread (a bit thicker than cake batter consistency but not as stiff as cookie batter). A reliable mixer is a must, and this KitchenAid mixer performs on demand. The mixer is lightweight, too, at about 3 1/2 pounds, which is an arm saver.
Normally I use the turbo beaters for my mixing projects. I used the liquid blending rod when I first purchased the mixer (new toy!), but as a rule, the rod remains in its plastic bag. Our household does not drink beverages that need blending. Both beaters and blender work well with the mixer and are easy to clean. Since the blending rod is rarely used, as you can imagine, it looks new. The turbo beaters, which are used at least once a week, also look brand new!
KitchenAid states that this mixer has an electronic mixing sensor. I’m not sure how this works, but it must be doing its job ... I have had nothing but positive experiences using this hand mixer.
Cleaning & Storage
When finished mixing, I set the mixer on the lowest speed and let the beaters whir a bit above the bowl’s contents. Don’t let the beaters lift too high in the bowl, or you might end up with the walls batter decorated. Since the beaters have rounded tines, food easily slides off these beaters.
Once the turbo beaters are ejected, I hand wash them using Dawn dishwashing liquid. The manufacturer says they are dishwasher safe, but I always hand wash the beaters. The liquid blending rod has to be hand washed. The mixer is easy to clean, too. Just wipe it with a damp cloth. The vents are designed not to clog, and I have never had to clean them.
Storing the mixer is easy since it has a heel rest. I place it upright on a cabinet shelf. I store the beaters in a Tupperware bowl (that has a lid) that I use for mixing batters. The one thing I wish this mixer had was a way to wrap the cord around the heel rest. The cord comes with a plastic cinch-tie attached to it. So it is easy to loop the cord and tie it together. However, if the cord wrapped around the base, it would take a bit less storage space.
Purchasing
I can’t remember where I purchased this mixer since I bought it about five years ago. However, I remember it cost somewhere around $40.00 on sale. Kitchenetc.com sells this mixer for $49.99, and Kohls.com sells it for $46.74.
Cooking.com sells replacement beaters for the KitchenAid hand mixer. A set of two turbo beaters costs $13.95. The liquid blender rod sells for $12.95.
Summary
This KitchenAid Ultra Power Plus Hand Mixer is the best mixer I have owned and used. It is easy to operate and has a lot of power. Cleaning is a cinch, too. I highly recommend it.
I hope you have found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Additional Information
Warranty: Total replacement 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
KitchenAid Customer Satisfaction Center
PO Box 218
St. Joseph, MI 49085
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