Hamilton BeachAll-Metal 12-Speed Electric Stand Mixer, Tilt-Head, 4.5 Quarts, Pouring Shield, Licorice (63227)

I purchased this mixer primarily to make bread dough. I had been using my 2lb break machine to do so, rarely using it to actually bake (don't like the shape of pan). But I wanted to step up to a mixer that could do a better job, and with a little more capacity.I couldn't justify a KitchenAid as this bread making thing might just be a passing phase. I was also worried making too much dough would strip the gears (two of the three used models on CraigsList, that were near me, needed the gears replaced--and they were not old). I also knew I would most likely never get any attachments. I feel stand alone machines are better for that, and are less expensive (at least for how I would use them). Still, I thought a KA was the gold standard for home stand mixers.So with the KA out I looked at the bare minimum I could get for making bread dough--often 100% whole wheat (which my bread maker couldn't really do well). I foolishly thought an expensive combination stand/hand mixer could work for just dough. But those didn't seem up to the task. Even the metal Sunbeam--with that turning bowl--didn't seem up to it (plenty of reviews stating NOT FOR DOUGH). That unit was $80-$100 give or take (I got lost in the number of models that looked similar). They all had thin dough hooks that didn't look all that robust. Wasn't sure two dough hooks was a good idea either.So I settled on this Hamilton Beach model. It is all metal like the KA, has an oscillating beater motion, locking bowl with handle, and reviews were very positive. All that for just a little more than the Sunbeam models I had been looking at--and half the price or less than a comparable KA.When I got it the first thing I did was make 100% whole wheat dough (with vital wheat gluten added to help it rise). Let me tell you, this dough was like modeling clay it was so thick. But the mixer churned through it--and quietly. It didn't not walk across the counter nor shake any more than I would have expected for such a task. The the top was warm but not at all hot. It kneaded that dough for a good 15 minutes. I did stop it a few times to scrape the bowl, but that was more my OCD than anything else. When I walked away for a moment to get a bread pan ready the bowl was pretty much clean when I returned. Regardless,don't mind if I have to scrape the bowl every now and then--if not regularly. I expected that as even professional stand mixers are like that. In any case the whole wheat bread came out wonderfully.Despite intending to use for just dough the very next thing I made was mashed potatoes (with lowfat yogurt). Came out nice and fluffy.Then, "since it was right there" I used it to mix eggs for scrambled eggs in the morning for breakfast. So in less than 24 hours I had used all three attachments. I suspect I will be making more than just dough. My girlfriend is pleased.Compared to using my bread machine to make dough, I will have to say this requires more attention. You are not supposed to just walk away and let it do its thing, whereas the bread machine is set it and forget it. However, I hardly ever did that with my bread machine. I constantly peered into the window to see what was going on, going as far as using a flashlight when the glass fogged up (that danged OCD again). And, yes, I have scraped the pan many a time when using the bread machine.As for that splash guard? I agree it is a pain in the neck but I am not writing it off. I do see how it will be helpful at times. I will definitely use it, but not all of the time.As for fit and finish, I ordered black (licorice) and it is flawless. Goes well with the black stove and black Keurig that it sits next to on the counter. Unlike the bread machine, this puppy is going to live on the counter. :)I will try to update this review as time transpires.

I purchased this mixer four days before Thanksgiving 2009, since my old mixer (a combo hand/stand that I had gotten for free) died the previous year during the holiday season. It was then I determined that I would be buying a true stand mixer.I researched many different models, and focused primarily on the CuisineArt and KitchenAid Artisan models. However, after logging onto Amazon.com and reading about the features of the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics Stand Mixer in comparison to the others, and after reading some of the negative reviews on the later KitchenAid Artisan mixers, I added it as a possibility, especially since I knew I would never use the various attachments that came with the other brands. After a bit more research, I decided I would purchase the Hamilton Beach, in Licorice (Black).I signed up for a free month of Amazon Prime, and my mixer was delivered two days later just in time for my holiday baking. I could not have been more pleased with the order and delivery process through Amazon! The mixer looked like it was very sturdy and constructed quite well. I was also impressed with the ceramic coating of the cake beater and dough hook, which made them easy to clean.For Thanksgiving I used the mixer to make a cheesecake, numerous pies, and a batch of homemade dinner rolls. It handled everything easily, although the rolls did appear to test the boundaries of the mixer's capabilities. For Christmas I was able to quickly mix a batch of sugar cookies and throw a number of cakes together without any trouble.I will say that I need to scrape the sides once in a while, but I also figured out how to slightly unlock the bowl while mixing and cause the beater/whisk/dough hook to scrape the sides if needed. I also like that the shield gives me the ability to add ingredients while mixing.So far, I am very pleased with the purchase, especially with how easy it is to clean up after using. The mixer also looks very nice sitting on our dark granite counters! I expect many more years of fun baking with my new stand mixer.

Purchased this quite a while ago (year or two maybe), and it has worked great for me. Made hundreds or thousands of cookies, couple hundred cupcakes, a couple dozen brownies, and about a dozen cakes. It’s the only upright mixer I’ve ever owned, so can’t talk to its noise level or anything. I just know it’s worked well for me and been good for its price.