KitchenAid Pro Line Mixer Review: 15 Most Pressing Questions Answered

Can the KitchenAid Pro Line handle hard dough and not bog down? How many pounds of flour can it manage? These are questions most often asked.

But, wait…

There are still more than a dozen other concerns that people want answers to before they fork out their dollars. Questions that you may not even know about.

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KitchenAid Pro Line Stand Mixer

• • Biggest capacity stand mixer for the home.
  • Robust 1.3 hp DC motor for your toughest mixing needs.
  • For large volumes and frequent bread making.

$649.99 $549.95

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As of 2023-09-27 at 15:19 (More info)

Certainly, you, too, would want all your doubts cleared before plunging. Which is as it should be given that this kitchen machine costs more than what most people can afford.

You will have to spend precious minutes online looking for the answers…and the questions others ask.

Fortunately, you don’t have to…

…because we have gathered the 15 most pressing concerns from those who have purchased or those who are wanting to buy a KitchenAid Pro Line mixer. And,…

….we spent days digging for the answers.

Plus, we added other must-knows we discovered.

They’re all just a few scrolls down…

#1-What Is The Power Rating?

This has a robust 1.3 horsepower motor. But, before you get too engrossed on power, it’s best to point out now that torque is  the more essential metric to pay attention to in powerful mixers.

Unfortunately…

…it’s neither stated nor measured.

You can only determine it from how it performs, or you can rely on feedback from other users.

What is ‘torque’ anyway? And, why is it vital?

It is the twisting force that causes objects to rotate. It is extremely important in big mixers designed to hold big volumes and move heavy mixtures like bread dough.

In essence, much power in a mixer is useless if it does not translate to torque sufficient to move dense mixtures.

A mixer with low torque will stall and groan with heavy load. If you have ever made bread, you may have noticed that after the initial mixing, dough becomes stiff and that’s where less capable  mixers fail.

Luckily…

…the KitchenAid ProLine stand mixer  delivers  the required torque for any tasks.

Look there’s more to a mixer’s motor than just power..

#2-Is It A DC or AC Motor?

Electrical motors are broadly classified as either DC or AC. Under this are other sub-classes. The only sub-class relevant to stand mixers is the drive type.

First, the broad classification…

DC motors are widely used in industries. It is excellent for tasks that require consistent speed.

What are its advantages?

• Excellent speed control.
• Provides superior torque

But….it’s more expensive

AC motors are usually found in household appliances. It is suited for applications that require variable speed. It’s main advantages are:

• Low-cost
• Easier to maintain

The Pro Line mixer is equipped with a DC motor. As a result…

• It does not stall or gets cranky as dough becomes denser, which, by the way, is a common complaint with other KitchenAid mixers
• It plows through stiff dough with ease
• Dough formation is better because mixing speed is maintained
• It runs smoothly because it does not strain under heavy load.
• It is quiet. None of those groaning or high pitch sounds.
• It is more expensive

Let’s move on to motor drives…

Direct drive motors transfers power to the bowl or ingredients more efficiently resulting in reduced power loss. Consequently, less power is required to finish a job.

What is in it for you? Less power consumption equals savings on electric bills.

It may not be much, because it depends on how often a stand mixer is used, but a little saved eventually adds up. Let me tell you most people aren’t aware of this.

You’re not one of them.

On the opposite end are belt-driven motors. They use-up more power.

Before delving into stand mixers, I wondered why a certain brand’s  5-quart model has 1000 watts of power, whereas, KitchenAid’s 6-quart model only needs 575 watts.

Answer: That 5-quart has a belt-driven motor while KitchenAid’s motor is direct drive.

The next question is not about motors but is part of the motor…

#3-Are the Gears All-Metal or Plastic?

This is undoubtedly one of the questions that is most important to people.

All gears in the Kitchen Aid  Pro Line series are metal except for one piece which is plastic.

Why? Short answer: as a protection.

That plastic piece is meant to break when the machine gets overworked or if an object gets stuck in the paddle beater.

How does that protect the mixer? Well, when it breaks, the motor stops before it turns toast.

The plastic gear is a cheap piece which is easy to replace, while a burnt motor means you have to buy a new stand mixer. Not a pretty prospect for something that is worth hundreds of dollars.

Next is what most folks are interested in…

#4-Can The KitchenAid Pro Line Mixer Knead Really Tough Dough And Big Batches?

Short answer:  Yes.

This mixer can deal with almost anything you throw at it with ease. Use it daily for big volumes of anything or for multiple recipes of different types of bread.

Perfect if you’re like me who prefers making a week’s provision of bread at a time and freezing them. Or, if you like giving some to friends, you will love this hefty mixer.

It can knead dough with different hydrations for extended periods and it won’t flinch.  It will knead three, four and six loaves at a time for 10 plus minutes without groaning.

Here is a sampling of what it does. This is not a complete list, but it gives you a sound idea of what to expect.

• Kneads a recipe of ciabatta for 10 minutes on Speed setting 2 without stalling.
• Kneads quadruple batches of dough for 10 minutes effortlessly
• Makes 5.5 – 6 lbs of bread batches without breaking a sweat
• Does not slow down with triple batches of thick cookie dough (oatmeal-chocolate chips)
• Kneads bagel dough, but set to very low speed.
• No problem making 4 loaves bread, 2 lbs per loaf.
• Works even 7 lbs of dough (around 4 – 5 lbs of flour + 2 ½ – 3 lbs of liquid)
• Makes a double batch of spaghetti with the pasta attachment at high speeds and it does not overheat.

Alert!
Just remember to only knead those tough and dense doughs at Speed 2 and you’re good.

Wait. You will also mix small quantities and lighter mixtures, right?

Read on…

#5-How Well Does  It Work For Small Quantities?

Beyond bread and pizza dough, this mixer also blends small quantities equally well.

• Whips 1 egg white to a beautiful meringue.
• Makes a small batch of dough using 250 g. (2 cups)  flour with 175 ml. Water.

If you mix small amounts quite often, we suggest you get a 3-qt. bowl (Part No. KN3CW with combi whip) or a 6-qt. bowl (Part No. KN2B6PEH) which fits the Pro Line series mixer. Having them will give you the following benefits:

• You’ll get better results with small amounts.
• You have a small bowl to wash after whipping 1 or 2 egg whites. Imagine taking out then washing a 7-quart bowl for such a small amount. It can be a pain.
• You won’t have to transfer contents and keep washing the bowl for recipes where you have to blend ingredients in separate bowls. Saves you time.

Wait. Next is one of the most-oft repeated concerns in any stand mixer…

#6-Do You Need To Scrape Content?

There will always be some scraping no matter what stand mixer you choose.

The question is how often?

To avoid it, we recommend the Flex-Edge  beater which can be bought separately. It has a silicone scraper on one edge. This reduces mixing time and the flexible side scrapes ingredients from the side and into the bowl.

But how does it behave when running?

Get the answer below…

#7-Does It Walk, Wobble and Groan?

This is a another common concern because almost all stand mixers, with very few exceptions, shakes and complains when subjected to demanding tasks.

The Kitchenaid Pro Line 7-quart bowl lift stand mixer KSM7586P does not do any of those.

It is steady. No shaking or rattling or walking on the counter. No holding or restraining is needed.

Prefer some quiet?

Despite its heft and power, it is quiet. You can even comfortably converse with your spouse or kids while it’s running.

But , can it go slow? Move on to next question…

#8-Is the Slow Start Slow Enough?

The mixer always starts slow even if you accidentally slide the lever to a higher Speed.

Speeds 1 or 2 are slow enough for adding flour while it’s running. Those who own this mixer are happy that they have not experience clouds of flour even without the pouring shield.

#9-Is this A Bowl-Lift or A Tilt-Head?

It’s a bow-lift model.  This lift mechanism is best for big mixers with big motors for the following reasons:

• It is more stable because the head is fixed and the tendency for it to shake is greatly diminished.
• A big mixer may keel over if it were a tilt-head because of the weight of the motor.

Read more about bowl-lift and tilt-head mechanisms here.

Now, to another oft-aired concern…

#10-What Is The Clicking Sound?

Some owners  hear a clicking noise from the mixer head. Others say it does not happen with their Pro Line mixers.

What’s this?

Apparently, it occurs when the load is heavy, like bread dough. It does not happen with cake batters or egg whites or cream.

One owner shared that he was informed by KitchenAid support that it’s normal if the sound is rythmic. If it’s not, grab a phone and call support.

What is a rythmic sound? If it’s a click, then it should go ‘click, click, click’. As an example, it should not go…click, click, clack, clackety, click, click click, clickety or something like that.

Some of those who reported the issue say it’s not normal and asked for a replacement. A $500+ mixer should be a joy to own not an annoyance

Interestingly, one reviewer reported that his Pro Line rattled on initial use. He let it run until it’s done kneading the first batch of dough. He tried a second time, and, lo! It was quiet. Since then, he says he has made lots of bread and only hears a faint rythmic tick.

If  you ever hear a ‘clicking’ from the motor head, observe carefully. I suggest you call KitchenAid, tell them everything you observed and ask for a replacement.

The mixer is protected by a 5-year replacement warranty. Within that period, a defective unit will most likely conk out. My suggestion is to use it frequently on difficult tasks to fully test it while the warranty is still in force.

#11-What Accessories Are Included?

This question came up several times: Does it include a splatter guard?

Yes, a pouring shield or splatter guard is included with the shipment.

It is a very useful accessory. Adding flour without it is cumbersome and messy because some falls into the paddle, flies on  your face and all over your counter.

The best thing about a pouring shield? Not having to clean up a huge mess.

What else are in the box?

• 1 pc. burnished beater
• 1 pc. 11-wire whisk
• 1 pc. burnished Spiral dough hook.

Are these the same as the beaters, whisk and dough of other KitchenAid stand mixers?

No. They are differently designed for every model. Factors like bowl configuration, height and material are considered.

• Burnished beater and dough hook may oxidize. How to prevent it?

           …Never put in a dishwasher. Hand wash only and dry immediately.

• The Spiral dough hook is better at kneading dough than the C-type dough hook. It picks-up almost 100% of the ingredient
• Turning cream and egg whites into fluffy frosting is 33%  faster with the 11-wire whisk because it incorporates more air with every spin.

About the bowl…

The 7-quart polished stainless steel bowl has a handle and a rounded bottom. Benefits?

• Bowl is dishwasher safe.
• A handle equals convenience. It provides better grip and control. Can you imagine pouring content from a bowl this big sans a handle? What if it’s full? Ouch! My wrist and hand would hurt.
• The round bottom promotes uniform mixing because batter or liquid is not trapped at the bottom.

#12-Will Attachments For Other KitchenAid Stand Mixers Fit the Pro Line?

Except for the ice cream maker, all KitchenAid attachments fits all of its stand mixers.

Any number of attachments can safely be used with the Pro Line because it has a robust and powerful motor.

Imagine being able to make your own pasta, sausage, juice, jams and preserves, grind your grains, etc.

• You have control over what goes into your food and how it’s made.
• Sticking to a healthy eating regimen is easier if you prepare your food from scratch.
• You are assured what you and your family eat are fresh.

As for the ice cream maker…there are two types. KAICA variant fits all models, the other is for KSM7 and KSM6573C only.

KitchenAid easily beats other brands of stand mixers in versatility. It is able to tackle more cooking and baking related tasks than the rest because it has the most attachments.

#13-How Tall And Heavy Is the KitchenAid  Pro Line Series Mixer?

It is approximately 17 inches high and weighs around 30 pounds.

The great thing about a fixed-head/bowl lift mixer is you don’t have to worry about extra overhead space as is the case for tilt-heads.

 #14-What Is The Difference Between the Pro Line Mixer And the Commercial KitchenAid Mixers?

KitchenAid 7- and 8-quart Commercial stand mixers are certified by the NSF for commercial use. It has commercial grade electrical cord and plug.

It also has a metal guard that sits on top of the bowl. Other than that, there is no real difference in features and performance.

Are you considering using  the Pro Line for a business?  Be warned that warranty is voided if you use KitchenAid mixers classified for ‘home use’ for commercial purposes even if your business is home-based.

The electrical cord of the Kitchenaid Pro Line 7 Quart Stand Mixer is approximately 50 inches long.

#15- What Is the Warranty of the Kitchenaid Pro Line 7-quart Bowl Lift Stand Mixer?

KitchenAid is so confident with their mixer they backed it with a 5 -year warranty.

That’s plenty of time to replace a defective unit.  I’m pretty sure that if it is defective out of the factory, it will seize up before 5 years is over.  And, I would surmise that during that period,  it would have made lots of cookies, bread, cakes and frostings.

What Else Should You Know?

Two features that are hardly tackled:

• Electronic Speed Sensor – Superior speed control by its DC motor is further enhanced by a built-in Speed Control system that recognizes changes in speed and adjusts them accordingly.
• Motor Protection  –  Shuts down the motor when it senses overloading even before the plastic gear breaks. In effect, providing double protection for the mixer.

Our Pros and Cons summarize the answers to the most pressing questions about the 7-qt. Pro Line series stand mixer.

Pros:

• Robust and powerful DC motor
• Plows through the toughest dough
• Blends large batches of dense batters and dough with ease
• Mixes small amounts well
• Tackles light tasks excellently
• Uniform mixing and proper dough formation due to excellent speed control
• Superior protection that prevents motor from burning
• Does not overheat with extended kneading up to 10 minutes
• Slow start prevents flour clouds and reduces mess
• Quiet
• Does no strain, walk on the counter or shake
• Largest capacity home use stand mixer
• Performs better with attachments
• 5-year warranty

Cons:

• Annoying ‘clicking’ sound in a few units
• Expensive
• Cannot be stored in cabinets because it’s heavy

See our list of top KitchenAid Stand Mixers.

What Do Customer Reviews Say?

Clearly a big majority are satisfied buyers. The biggies for them?

….That it powers through the toughest dough.

….They can make any type of bread in large quantities.

Other reasons they love this heavy weight…

….It’s quiet.

….It behaves well…does not wobble or strain.

The most pressing issue that a tiny minority encountered is the ‘clicking noise’ described previously.

How Much Does It Costs?

Thinking that all that heft and brawn does not come cheap? 

Your right…

But, the best strategy is to wait for discounts, especially, during the sale seasons: Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas.

And, be ready to pounce when you see it on a steep discount.

Is the KitchenAid  Pro Line 7-quart Stand Mixer For You?

I’m sure by now you understand what this mixer is made for.

If you primarily prepare loads of difficult dough…

…forget other mixers.

…This beast of a mixer is for you

Need a mixer for huge amounts of cake batters and frosting?

….Grab this.

Do you see yourself making batches of breads in the future?

….This heavyweight stand mixer is for you.

Want a stand mixer that does not groan, complain or throw a shaking-tantrum?

….You have found a match.

See the Pro Line Mixer On Amazon