Product Review - SideSwipe Attachment for KitchenAid Mixer

Do you ever buy something and it is totally lame, and you think, "Have the people who invented this ever actually used it!?" That is my ultimate pet peeve. But, on the flip end, do you ever buy something and love it so much you want to tell the whole world they need one too? Seems like both situations happen to me all the time. I guess I am opinionated. So I figured, when I find something awful or wonderful, I will save you all the hassle or help bring you joy by sharing it here.

First up is the SideSwipe Attachment for KitchenAid Mixers.

Problem: When using your KitchenAid, you have to stop periodically to swipe the sides of the bowl to ensure everything gets thoroughly mixed.

Solution:

The SideSwipe! My MIL gave it to me, and I am anti-gadget, so I must admit I was a little skeptical. I graciously accepted the gift, but wasn't very motivated to try it out when I got it home. A couple weeks later, MIL showed me an article in the January 2009 issue of Cooks Illustrated Magazine. It stated that the spatula had blown their minds in the testing, however, there was a nasty little rumor that it wore out the mixer motors quickly.

So Cooks Illustrated tested that too. Their findings were quite surprising. First, it is important to adjust the height of your mixer head, so that most of the friction is relieved from the SideSwipe's 'swipers', and they just touch the bowl lightly [here are instructions]. As long as that adjustment was made, mixing times were so reduced by using the SideSwipe, that Cooks found the motors to last longer with the SideSwipe! After I heard this, I was sold and decided to open mine. I know, I am a hard sell.

I have used the SideSwipe several times now, and have been very pleased. This is what the sides of your mixer bowl look like as you go...

See the little marks where the paddles scrape the bowl for you?! Genius.

The SideSwipe runs about $25, and is top-rack dishwasher safe. I love you SideSwipe! You are a hard worker and are totally worth the space in my utensil drawer!

I used it to make Hershey's Best Loved Chocolate Cheesecake this weekend.

I highly recommend it. ...the SideSwipe and the cheesecake!