This item has been discontinued.
For a comparable machine see our review of the Kitchen Aid KP2671XMW
The Kitchen Aid KT2651X is a powerful, durable, sturdy mixer. It is a large and attractive machine that covers a fair amount of counter space (about a square foot). It weighs near 25 pounds, so if you don't have the space to spare, be prepared to do some lifting every time you want to use it. We recommend finding a place close to the flour and the measuring spoons and parking it there for the duration. The heavy weight makes it very stable during operation.
This Kitchen Aid is a work-horse; the 475 watt motor make it capable of handling the toughest doughs and the 6 quart bowl allows you to do double batches of everything from meat loaf to bread. In fact, if the mixer has one advantage over bread makers in making bread it is that it can mix enough for multiple loaves at a time.
The mixer comes with three attachments, the dough hook, wire whip and the flat beater. These attach easily, but if oily or wet they can be a little trouble in removing. However, this is a minor inconvenience when placed next to the assurance that they will not come loose during operation. They are sturdy and perform their assigned functions admirably.
Other attachments can be purchased separately and make the mixer very versatile. You can get the food grinder, the slicer and shredder, and the fruit and vegetable strainer all in one package. Each has its own instruction booklet. The attachments are all sturdy, of good quality and perform their functions well. We found the slicer and shredder very handy for salads, fresh and steamed vegetables and more.
For those who buy the machine primarily for making bread there is another attachment (must purchase separately) that will come in handy. The grain mill will allow you to make your own flour to your own specifications, and you can use a variety of grains.
Kitchen Aid is a company that has been around a long time. There are mixers still in operation that are 20-30 years old. The company has a reputation for customer service, and the one year warrantee on the machine is plenty of time to make sure that you have got hold of one destined for a long life. (They are very good about exchanging any defects - there have been historically few.)
There is no question that the Kitchen Aid KT2651X is a high end mixer (in quality, power, size and price). This is a machine you buy once in a life-time (unless you are an institutional cook). BreadInfo.com heartily recommends this Kitchen Aid for those who bake often and have a bit of spare counter space. This Kitchen Aid might possibly be purchased at Amazon.com.
