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psimian t1_je9ltnr wrote

If you're willing to stalk Craigslist and yard/estate sales there are a lot of vintage kitchen aid mixers out there since they were a standard wedding gift for about half a century. Honestly, any stand mixer (regardless of brand) that looks like it came out of your grandmother's kitchen will probably be superior to most consumer mixers sold today.

Sunbeam, Frigidaire, and Kitchenaid all made really good mixers before about 1980.

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isarobs t1_je9nwal wrote

This is what I did. Craigslist KitchenAid mixer purchase, vintage but wow, what a work horse.

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Riccma02 OP t1_je9z5rs wrote

This is what I was really wondering about. Does anyone know the tricks for finding a “good” Kitchen Aid? Are their model numbers or construction details to look for?

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psimian t1_jebix07 wrote

Here's a page with some info about serial numbers <link>

My suggestion would be to look for something circa 1980 that appears lightly used. My rule of thumb is "If a boomer received it as a wedding present and never used it, it's probably worth buying." That seems to be the sweet spot for these sorts of appliances--lots of high quality items were being produced and sold, so they're easy to find in good condition, and relatively easy to find parts for.

With appliances in general I look for indications that it is user serviceable (housings held together with screws are a good sign). This isn't a guarantee of quality, but it's a good start. "Good" depends on what you want to use it for. Even a mint condition kitchenaid from the 70's might not stand up to daily use making stiff bread dough.

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my-dog-is-85pct-cat t1_jeauj8t wrote

I have a 70s sunbeam I found at an estate sale. Still had the instruction manual and everything! I more often use a kitchen aide from my husbands grandmother I’m not sure when it’s from but it’s and older model made in Troy Ohio so likely 1950s. It says on the label Hobart Troy Ohio so maybe look for that?

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