Kenwood Chef Elite XL Stand Mixer for Baking- Powerful, Large Food Mixer, with K-beater, Dough Hook, Whisk and 6.7 Litre Bowl, 1400 W, KVL6100S, Silver [Energy Class A]

Bought as a Christmas present for son and partner, so only been used for a few days. Mind you we are Kenwood addicts and so it will be cherished for many years to come. Love the old Major, now the XL model as bread making and cake making is easier in large batches. Have now cracked the present dilema for birthdays to come as there are so many extras to get. Still missing the potato peeler that stopped being made years ago, and use a 60 year old machine for the bean cutting attachment! I use one nearly daily for the home baking that is keeping me sane this year.

Recently purchased. Very well made machine and sturdy. The XL is an oversized machine so if you have a small kitchen or only small family the standard machine may be better for you. Personally I prefer the large XL bowl. I've since purchased two attachments. Check which fit your chosen model. If you register with Kenwood web site (free) you may get an acknowledgement with 10% discount code. Also Kenwood sell attachment packs of two accessories together at a discount i.e. grinder and shredder grater pack. If making dough the 1400 watt motor of the XL elite model may be an advantage. Tip: fully read the instructions for assembly of accessories. Also hunt for best prices.

I've always planned to buy a bigger Kenwood if the old one wore out. I am pleased I spent a bit more on one with a cast metal body and parts. Feels solid and well made. Really like the catch to lift up the arm, which clicks reassuringly in and out, though the location on the back isn't as good as the side for access for those of use with shorter arms!I love the robust stainless steel bowl with handles on the sides (and bought a second one straight away, one isn't enough). Unlike my earlier model this Kenwood does an excellent job of mixing the cake mix off the very bottom of the bowl too.The splash guard slides neatly and easily into place and saves me wrapping a tea towel around the bowl; you cans see what is going on and add ingredients through the flap on the side. The only downside to the guard is that it is difficult to store and a little fragile, I don't see it lasting as long as the machine, but to be fair it would be difficult to make something that was substantial, unless it was stainless steel perhaps.I had a brief spell of owning a Kitchen Aid mixer, what a dreadful thing it was. I gave it away as my Mother in Law had always wanted one, she also hated it. Maybe it looks cute, but just buy one of these, you won't regret it.

I have been wanting a stand mixer for ages, and decided to go with a Kenwood after the positive reviews.I chose this model because of (a) reviews, and (b) price. I was also able to pay by 5 monthly instalments. I almost changed the order to another more expensive model, but no instalments were available, so stayed with the Kenwood Chef Elite XL... and its a beast, with a 6.7l bowl. I am not sure whether I would have preferred a smaller version as the splash back doesn't get a chance to get past the sides of bowl, or actually reach the splashguard. It was heavy decanting the mix into the baking trays though.My first attempt at using it I made a Victoria sponge. My hand mixing technique is obviously flawed as the cake doubled its usual size, and the buttercream filling didn't taste of sugary butter. Unfortunately the cake only lasted 2-3 days, .... but is was delicious.I also made scones, using the K-beater attachment as suggested by some online recipes. There was some vibration during operation. I have since seen another recipe that suggests only using the dough hook, which I think is a better idea. I shall certainly be using that this week as I am attempting bread for the first time.I wish that the kit included a recipe book to inspire using the machine and offering examples of culinary delights. There are attachments that can be added. Perhaps a book could include recipes using those attachments too, so that I'm tempted to go out and buy them.

I have been perfecting my bread baking for speed to make, and for texture that will toast well, and also spread butter without tearing into tatters!The Chef XL is a great machine; it can handle (off the record..) a three batch bake - adding up to 2,400 grams of dough! The only reason I usually bake a 2-loaf batch is the sheer weight of dough to knead!Buy this machine if you love home made bread baked in real tins!Oly one Wish: If Kenwood offered a glass mixing bowl for the XL machine, it would allow me to view the rising dough. But hey, life's can be fun if it's not too perfect?Steve Hall, Prestatyn, Wales

Use this to make cakes and bread. It is a large bowl and can make a lot of dough in one go. It is very heavy and unable to store in cupboard and put on unit when required. The power is great and looking forward to buying accessories to make ice cream and blender.

Love the size of the big bowl as I can now do multiple times a recipe at once. It is quieter than the previous versions we had. Only negative is that it no longer comes with the batter spatula that used to come with the mixer.