( 3 reviews )
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Posted: 09-03-2008
A decent large capacity mixer but no miracle. Heavy (31 pounds) but has wheels in back for moving it. Is very LOUD when running- -no help period from customer service, so don't even call them. The seller may help you, but Viking will not. Mixer (VSM700) is too large to use under cabinets, tho I can store it under mine. Another con is that you have to stop the mixer and lift the beater to add ingredients or scrape down the bowl. Also, we've had trouble with the mixer missing ingredients in the bottom of the bowl, so you have to stop and scrape the bottom up thoroughly. And the grey finish stains easily, so wipe down promptly. We left some batter on one side of the base while we baked some of it and now have permanent stains along that area. Disappointing. It is not necessary to slam the mixer head down to lock it (as stated in some cooking magazines) you just pull the lock lever forward, put the beater down into position and let go of the lever. It's locked down. (One magazine review said it "requires a ridiculous amount of force to lock mixer head into position.") One pro is the large capacity which allows doubling or tripling of recipies. When lean ground beef is on sale, we make four meat loaves at once and put the extra three in the freezer. One mess, four dinners. Another pro is the 1000 watts, which handles it all.
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( 7 of 7 found this review helpful ) Posted: 10-30-2006
I've owned a Kitchenaid mixer for 20+ years. I make bread at least once per week. I'd wanted to try this mixer for a long time, but since my Kitchenaid refuses to die, I'd felt guilty spending the money on the Viking. I had an opportunity to try the Viking in a cooking course, and after seeing how powerful this mixer is, decided to take the plunge. Pros: 1. The power - the Kitchenaid just cannot compare. The Viking can knead large amounts of the toughest doughs in very short time. In fact, breads that I was accustomed to needing 1/2 hour or more mixing and kneading in the KA took a third of that time in the Viking. 2. The attachments - they are big, and they are heavy. The KA attachments seem very flimsy in comparison. The whip also has more "tines", so that meringues seem to take a much shorter amount of time. 3. The "stir" setting - Bread bakers who use the KA will really appreciate this one. The stir, or slowest speed on the Viking is great for incorporating flour slowly into doughs, and doesn't cause the flour to jump out of the bowl. In the KA, you get a flour haze in the kitchen unless you've got the pour shield on (and remember to use it). No pour shield needed with the Viking. 3. The maneuverability. Despite the size, the Viking is actually quite easy to move around. It has hidden wheels for moving on the counter, and the weight seems well distributed when you pick it up and carry it. In contrast, the KA is very top-heavy. Cons: 1. Viking should install a "kill" switch that shuts off the motor when the head is raised. My daughter accidentally turned the dial switch on when my hand happened to be next to the paddle attachment - ouch! 2. Viking customer service - it stinks. My first mixer was defective. The bottom half of the mixer was bent, causing the attachments to hit against the side of the bowl. It took over a month to resolve the issue and get a new mixer. Viking customer service goes through a call center, and the people who answer the phones are poorly trained. In addition, the Detroit service center is terrible. They returned the first mixer to me repaired, but scratched and dented. In addition, they were rude and abusive on the phone. Viking, get your customer service in order, and then you'll get five stars. I'd buy this again, despite the bad start I had with it. It's just so much better for bread baking.
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( 14 of 16 found this review helpful ) Posted: 02-16-2005
After extensive research on the web and through friends' experiences, I decided to opt for this 7-qt mixer. Two other major brands I considered are Hobart and of course, KitchenAid. The DeLonghi mixer comes close to specs and features, but is also marketed under Kenwood and Hamilton Beach. I sure wouldn't want to pay premium price for a Hamilton Beach. The Hobart is a true commercial grade mixer but overkill for the occasional home use, not to mention at lease twice the cost. The KA doesn't have the 1000 wattage or the professional feel like the Viking 7-qt mixer. One thing my wife appreciates about this unit is that it has rear wheels for easy maneuverability around the countertop - the average stand mixer weights over 20 lbs so this feature definitely helps. Although the availability of accessories for this mixer is few, however, I do notice that the included beater, whisk, and dough hook are well-made, stainless steel attachments (not plastic coating over metal). Overall, the Viking mixer is powerful, easy to use, and professionally designed that won't look dated 10 years from now. This mixer must be a joy to work with because my wife's been baking almost every week since we got it. By the way, the stainless gray model one sees on the Viking website is grayer in color - only the bowl, attachments, and the front "Viking" attachment cover are stainless. Highly recommended.
