Power in a compact die-cast metal unit, the Cuisinart SM-55BC 5-1/2-Quart 12-Speed Stand Mixer provides a slow start and a smooth finish even with beating and kneading jobs. With 800 watts of power to keep its motor running, the stand mixer offers a hard-working option for home and commercial use. I find that the appliance comes with appropriate attachments for whipping, whisking, beating and kneading. The mixer has a whisk, flat paddle and a dough hook. Ready for action, the Cuisinart SM-55BC needs about 16 inches square of countertop space from which to perform the needed tasks for the preparation of delicious food.
The Key Feathers of the Cuisinart SM-55BC Stand Mixer
With its 800 watts of power, the Cuisinart SM-55BC has 12 speeds and a large bowl that holds 5 and 1/2 quarts. Double recipes are a breeze. I like to find that the bowl has a splashguard to seal around the top for no-mess mixing, and the slow starting feature also helps to prevent splashes.
When it comes to attachments, the following items come with this mixer for mixing tasks:
- The flat mixing paddle will handle most mixing chores like mixing batters and sauces.
- The dough hook is especially good for kneading bread dough.
- The whisk is perfect for whipping meringue and other whipped items.
This machine will help home chefs prepare meals and treats with ease. Favorite dishes and baked goods are so much simpler when the mixer puts in its action. It also has extra parts for meat grinding and other tasks. Here are some of the popular foods that are at least partially made using the mixer:
- Chocolate mouse
- Cupcake batter
- Divinity
- Italian dressing
- Macaroons
- Pancake batter
- Ranch or queso dip
Recipes that people do not start because they dread how long they will have to be in the kitchen making them are actually not time consuming when they are combined in the mixer. Making homemade bread is such a simple process when the stand mixer does the work.
The Mixer Pros and Cons
I think most buyers are willing to take time to consider the good and the bad about the product so that they can make a good decision before investing, especially when it comes to large and more costly appliances. Listed below are some of the main points of praise and concern:
Pros
- Attractive exterior with three colors from which to choose is simple to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- The powerful motor will knead two loaves of whole wheat bread.
- The company provides a 3-year warranty on the product and a 5-year warranty on the motor.
- The mixer runs smoothly no matter what the speed settings and functions are.
- The appliance is lightweight.
- An automatic shut-off prevents the motor from burn-out from overheating.
- The timer is helpful for recipes needing a certain time of beating, whipping or kneading.
Cons
- The machine moves around slightly while mixing or kneading heavier loads.
- Sometimes the attachments are loose on the machine.
- Will start to overheat and turn off with multiple batches of bread and other tough mixtures.
This amazing machine is able to be an all-in-one appliance if the user so desires, and it will put its powerful motor behind its multiple functions. Now, the speeds and power adjustment settings also make these different functions possible. I find that the machine is not quite as heavy-duty as claimed, but it does perform basic mixing tasks and others using the different attachments.