logos999

Interesting title ;-).
Well, I'm planning to buy a "kitchenaid artisan 5qt" next week in Las Vegas (325 watt model).

Transformer is not a problem, since I own an old fashioned "real" 1000 watts transformer, however, the mixer will run on 115V, 50Hz here in Germany. The AC motor I'm sure will work, BUT does anyone have long time experiences with that model on 50 hertz. It may get a little warmer than usual and may not operate at full power, any other problems???

I could invest in a 60hz inverter, but it looks a bit ridiculous investing in high tech just to bake proper bread.
Thanks

logos999

Buying in Munich is not a option. It costs 410€ in Germany opposed to $230 in the US. It's THE item to buy for Germans , all the rest is "peanuts".

If you're looking for a gift for your german hosts, that's it! . Just don't forget the transformer.

hopscotch

For power you are good to go with 1 kw of transformer. Since you have a "real" transformer your artisan machine will not be harmed by half cycle "converters." Many modern appliances include a digital control system which is busted real fast by "converters."

The frequency difference will result in the mixer running at 5/6 the speed it is designed for. You probably won't notice the diffrence.

But if there is an internal transformer in your artisan device the transformer could get overheated because of the frequency difference. You will smell the result before it becomes a real problem.

travel2live2

The artisan model is not really strong enough for stiff doughs - trust me. It really struggles. I have the professional series model which does extremely well without grunting (makes more as well). The capacity is larger.

Artisan - flour power only 9 cups and 325 watts
Professional 600 - FP 14 cups and 575 watts

Sorry I cannot help you with the other info!

BTW, you can get these mixers at great prices on ebay.

logos999

Thanks, there are only a few of these professional 600 series at $350 plus shipping on ebay.
If it's worth it, I certainly will buy the better model!

Any long(er) time experience with either model on 50 hertz?

Thanks!

travel2live2

I personally would say it is very much worth it. I had an artisan one several years ago but was sick of not being able to use it for much (i.e. big batches of cookies, breads, pizza dough, etc.) so opted for the professional 600 about a year ago. Sounds silly but it was one of the best kitchen decisions I've ever made!

Regular prices for these mixers in Canada are $800 plus so $350 is extremely cheap. Just my two cents!

logos999

Yes, found it for 700€ from a german shop , nice savings!
If I could just "use" the 60hz version over here??

Thanks!

BKP

I know next to nothing about watts and hertz but I will tell you what is working for us. We have a kitchenaid but I'm not sure which one as it was a gift. The websites say the classic has 250 watts and the artisan has 325, my actual mixer says 300. The classic only comes in white but mine is cobalt (what was I thinking?) so I really don't know. We run it on a converter in the UK. The converter says the input is 230v~50Hz and the output is :AC110v 300W. We use it once or twice a week (for about 5 months now) and have no odors, no operating problems or anything else. I don't know what any of that means because my husband likes to do the electrical/technical things in our household. If that helps, I'm glad I could, if that doesn't, I apologize.
By the way, I do agree with travel2live that an upgrade is worth it. It does work pretty hard if I try to knead bread in it. Fortunately I like to knead bread by hand and the heaviest dough that goes in my kitchenaid is sugar cookie dough! Good luck.

Heimdall

Logos, I have no experience with Kitchenaid, but have for many years operated American appliances through heavy duty step-down transformers. Generally there is no problem, although, of course, the motor will run slower on 50Hz.

Appliances that run continuously, such as refrigerators, can develop problems if run on a 115V transformer, so a 100V transformer is used for them instead. The Kitchenaid will run only for short periods, and for that a 1000 watt 115V transformer will be fine.

Heimdall

BKP, it is a good idea to use a transformer rated slightly higher than the wattage of the appliance. You have been using your Kitchenaid for five months without any problems, so I guess you are okay, but IMO it would be better to use at least a 500 watt transformer instead.

logos999

The kitchenaid has landed safely in Munich. . Just as I expected, the suitcase was opened for inspection by the TSA, wonder what they expected it to be?
Working nicely on 50Hz.