I compared the sound of our 600 series to my parents 6QT mixer (pre-600 series? Purchased 3-5 years ago) and the sound is VERY different. Ours sounds gritty and whiney, theirs is smooth and even toned. I think we have a potential dud.

We received a Kitchenaid mixer 600 series 6qt mixer as a wedding gift. We have used a few times and we have have noticed that the motor makes a very odd metallic whine sound. After a few minutes of use this does stop and the mixer performs as expected, or at least to my knowledge. There is also an odd odor at first use, which I have researched and found to be normal and will eventually go away...

But, what about this sound? Do I have a dud? Or, a future dud?

we received the 6qt kitchenaid stand mixer as a wedding present. We love to cook and bake. We just are looking for something really nice that will give us years of faithful service.

My wife and I are looking for a food processor. I was looking at the Kitchenaid and Magimix food processors. Is the magimix significantly better than the kitchenaid? We make a lot of salsas, love to bake, and find that we will probably use the device a lot.

We live in Southern Kentucky.

Have you had an opportunity to use or see the Le Creuset Stainless cookware?

is it polite to ask - is there a best? I know it is probably subjective, but is there?

Who makes 'good' quality copper cookware? I have never considered it. I assumed the upkeep would not be worth the hassle.

Do you have an example of a Black Steel Pan like you are recommending?

My wife and I recently married this past June and we are slowly moving into our new house. I love to cook and enjoy being in the kitchen. I currently own a small Le Creuset set that includes: (9 inch skillet, small 2Q oven, small sauce 1.5Q sauce pot, and a 6Q stock pot).

With this we have some old pieces of teflon coated stuff that just isn't fit to use. The Teflon is pealing off and it needs to find its way to the junkyard soon.

We were thinking about adding the following:

All-Clad (Stainless) - Non stock Skillet 8 or 10 inch (for eggs/omelets)
All-Clad (Stainless) - Saute Pan w/ Lid 6Q
All-Clad (Stainless) - Saucier 5.5Q w/ lid
All-Clad (Stainless) - Saucier 3Q w/ lid (or a second 5.5Q)

Le Creuset 11.75 Round or oval Skillet
Le Creuset 7.25Q Round Oven

Does this seem like a decent path? Would you make any changes? We want to buy stuff that will last and that we enjoy to use. I should note that where we live, we use a glasstop electric stove. We have no access to natural gas, at least right now.

Thank you.