Sunbeam Cafe Series Planetary Mixmaster Power Drive MX9500 (Stainless)

In for service for 3 weeks. Used twice since and seems to be OK. At least working without holding do – Initially did not work without holding head down the entire time. This completely defeated the purpose of having a mixer of this type. Had a Kenwood for 30 years and never had a problem. When returning it to Briscoes it was sent away for repair which took 3 weeks which was very inconvenient. December 8th 2018 Update: Used twice since service and stripped gears while whipping egg whites

Not at all satisfied. Have received money back from Briscoes. Would not recommend and would not purchase this brand again. For the little, careful use it got it has performed in a very disappointing manner. Took 3 weeks for the first service and did not want it serviced again. On second use since first service as it would not work without having head held down, I was whipping egg whites for meringues when there was an extremely loud grating noise which sounded very like the gears being stripped. The bowl tipped over and no control of the beater.

Had an issue originally but Sunbeam sorted it out pronto – Purchased MX9500 Stainless Steel model in January 2016. RRP at that time was $689 but I think we got it cheaper because it would have been sales times. Anyway, not what you'd call a cheap machine. Purchased this top of the range model because of the stronger (1200W) motor. Seems that maybe was a mistake because the motor is possibly too strong for the gearbox. Which I suspect is what's wrong with the machine after breaking down yesterday trying to mix 450g of dough for two pizzas. Infrequently used but was very happy with it when we did use it. Will wait to see what happens when we call Sunbeam Customer Service on Monday but I'm not holding out much hope as the website says the warranty is 12 months, (although 5 years on the motor).

Have rated 3 stars as I'm still hoping for a favourable outcome.

Update: Sunbeam got the product inspected by a local appliance technician. They worked out what the problem was and then Sunbeam replaced the mixer (sent it out to us). The problem wasn't what I suspected, but an unrelated issue. Have used the replacement machine a few times with no issues and it seems a lot quieter than the old one ever was. Seems the other one was always going to fail at some point as soon as some decent stress was put on it. The replacement is working very well.

Have updated my star rating to reflect the excellent Sunbeam service I received.

Am waiting for the 3 machine to turn up – First machine copper gears went about 3 time flour products used. Sunbeam replaced with stainless model the gears went 3rd or 4th time used other than cream. Most expensive cream mixer I have ever purchased. It is now being replaced.; Maybe different colour and gears might be better. They have emphasised that original warranty date applies. I have been purchasing Sunbeam products for 50 years and have never had to return one or had any problems. Very disappointed. LG

Good little mixer - some great features – I already have a Kenwood Chef Major but wanted a smaller machine too as I'm a home baker. Surfice to say I've been spoiled by the super powerful super fast Kenwood so I need to be careful to give the Sunbeam a fair appraisal. I would thoroughly recommend this machine. It does a great job of mixing and whipped albeit slower than I am used to but I suspect all smaller machine are comparable. This machine apparently has a 1200w motor although it doesn't come close to the Kenwood which also has a 1200w motor. The beaters are a bit flimsy too for such a (apparently) powerful motor. I love the design and the head tilt button position. The best feature is the LCD and timer, not only can you set it to time your mixing but you can use it as a regular time. I use it to time the oven. Brilliant feature. The beaters however are trickly to locate in position but I suspect I'll get used to it as time goes on. Also, there is a pause feature which allows you to stop, scrap down the sides and continue without losing the timer function. I love the bowl which is a great shape (much better than the Kenwood) and has a handle. All in all I'd recommend this machine or one very similar.

Similar to a commercial mixer – As a chef by trade, I am able to recreate many of the dishes I would normally prepare in a commercial kitchen with the bits and pieces of equipment I have collected over the years. The only exception when cooking at home is the few dishes or ingredients that require extensive manual labour were usually not in the rotation of the family menu. I spent many years as a dessert chef but I rarely attempted cakes, pastries and desserts at home. It usually required arduous work mixing by hand, switching bowls and numerous handheld tools. I’ve just had a daughter so my time is limited.

As a result, I decide to purchase the Sunbeam Café Series Planetary Mixmaster MX9500 with the Power Drive. My purchase was made based numerous features. The timer and pause functions are great if I get called away by my crying daughter. Another advantage is the spring loaded head lift. Makes baking with one hand when the other is occupied by a child much easier. The 1200w motor gave me more confidence that it would be able to cope with the household needs.

Having used the mixer for a short while I am very happy with it. The attachments are sturdy and fit well, making the mixer feel well built. I also love the scraper attachment as it has made the clean-up process a lot easier.

I also have a wife who does not eat gluten. While the range of breads and products are definitely better, I love that I am now able to make GF bread and pasties at home.

I was not sure any mixer would match the power of a commercial one but I have not had any issues with the power of this one for the small batch doughs I have made so far (including a GF pizza dough which was rather heavy).

Overall I am very happy with the product and I’m enjoying being able to make desserts at home like I would in a commercial kitchen.