A Heavy Noisy Powerful Squad Stand Mixer

This review is about the Sears Kenmore 16 speed stand mixer model number # KSM100. We purchased this machine for $184 back in April 2004 to replace a light duty one that burned-out. This mixer comes with a powerful microprocessor controlled 16 speed with a 600 watt motor. When you turn on this mixer it starts slow and gradually go up to its speed. Each of its speed range is slightly faster than the previous one with the fastest speed that is well suited for making meringue.


For safety, this machine utilizes a two-step start process: first you push the button imprint ON on its touch pad then pushes another button from the stopped position to increase the speed. Each push of that button increases the speed one step with each push until you get the maximum speed and to reduce speed you push another button the same way to reduce speed until you reach stopped position. To turn off the machine fully you have a separate OFF button. When you push the ON button on the machine again, it always reset itself to the stopped position. The machine will not turn on if the mixer head is in the up position. The unit also runs very cool under heavy duty mixing.

The noise generated by this machine is mostly gear noise from its transmission. I have to wear earplugs in order to feel comfortable using this machine. On this machine, you can use some KitchenAid mixer accessories according to the owner's manual. I used this machine to make meringue, bread, cake and so on. So far it appears this machine does an excellent job except for the high noise levels. The release button to release the mixer head so it can swivel up is very hard to push for people with weak hands and because of the metal construction it's also very heavy. The stainless steel 5 Qu. mixing bowl is also difficult to remove from its mounting for some. It's the kind of machine that your probably just wanted to leave on the counter all the time. With nine months of use it appears this machine is reliable. This machine is in my mind, a cross between a home and a small commercial grade appliance. This mixer is ok if you don't mind the high noise level and heavy duty "heavy" construction but I would probably not really recommend this mixer for everyone.

Update April 3, 2009: Be very careful when making meringue not to get it into the drive shaft and planetary gearbox.  It's the shaft where the mixer attachment plugs In to.  On our machine, some of the meringue mixture managed  to get into the mechanism and cause it to jam.  I had to take the machine apart and clean it out. Prior to reassembly I applied some grease on the shaft and gears. After this repair, the machine was working normally again. I think I know what happened, we made a too large of a batch of meringue for this machine. During the mixing process, the egg white mixture was foaming up to a point where it engulfed the underside of the machine. Due to the construction,some egg white mixture happened to get in the planetary gear system on the underside of the gearbox assembly.  That area of the machine is only sealed by a flimsy circular rubber skirt of a seal.