Kenwood Chef: Classically Brilliant (Kenwood Chef Foodmixer)

Member Name: Yzmarocks

Product:	Kenwood Chef Foodmixer
Date:	01/09/09 (146 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Modern, Reliable, Good brand

Disadvantages: Bulky, Can be noisy, Pricey

Sleek, stylish and completely sensible, this is an ultimate kitchen gadget. Whether you're making cakes or chopping carrots - the Kenwood chef has the potential for these and many, many more, but is it worth the high retail price?

Brief History of Kenwood

I always love to know how a product has developed alongside a classic brand such as Kenwood. Here is a condensed history of that brand,
Founded in 1936 by Kenneth Wood (wonder where he got the name from...), he sold and repaired televisions and radios. However he is probably much better known for the Kenwood Chef, introduced in 1950. The shape is still recognisable to this day, proving that a classic design can have incredible longevity.

Appearance

Kenwoods have always been style, and this latest chef does not disappoint. It is a substantial machine with the engine encased in chromed silver metal on the right, with an easy to adjust, prominant dial, and the large, metal mixing bowl on the left (with my chef titanium version). On top there are two removable lids with reveal extra locks for the add-ones (more later).

However, there is a slight downside: the machine does have to be cleaned faily often (obviously after use!) to remove fingerprints. Otherwise it is very easy to maintain a very high level of cleanliness.

Technicals (courtesy of amazon.co.uk)

Powerful 1400 watt motor and 4.6 litre bowl capacity
4 power outlets
Planetary mixing action
Includes 4 bowl tools: K Beater, Balloon Whisk, Dough Hook and Flexi Beater
1.5L glass liquidiser and food processor included

Ease of use

The kenwood is so amazingly simple and intuitive to use. Simpley plug it in and turn the dial to control how fast the mother, and the mixing arm, spins. You have the option of either inserting ingredients, whilst the mixing is still running, through the flap in the clear, plastic, splash guard - this can be tricky as the opening isn't massive especially with ingredients such as flour. The other method is to lift the lid by raising the switch, this brings the entire top of the kenwood up, exposing the mixing bowl - it is recommended that you stop the mixer before attempting this. The latter prevents almost all spillage since the bowl is so big.

There is the option to change the mixing attatchment to suit what you are doing or making. These include a 'k beater' (shaped as a 'k' encased in a semi circle of metal), a balloon whisk (like a normal whisk), a dough hook (for making bread) and a flexi beater (perfect for reducing the need to whip out a spatula every five minutes). To change the beater - as with the bowl - simply twist and it releases.

Optional extras

There are a whole hoard of extra attatchments that you can buy for the chef. Personally I have the blender and the centrifugal juice extractor. Unfortunately most of these can be bought independantly and cheaper though in my experience they do work very well and look superb. The price is their only downside.

Value for money

As of publishing date, amazon.co.uk were offering:

Kenwood Chef Classic for £145.73 from £229.99
Kenwood Chef Premier for £219.99 from £319.99
Kenwood Chef Titanium for £299.90 from £399.99
Kenwood Chef Major for £367.00 from £499.99

These are great investments (I have friends who have inherited Chefs from their mothers and use them regularly without complaint) and well worth getting them at a know down price - though maybe wait for the Christmas deals or the New Year sales

Summary: A great investment for any kitchen