Essays on Product Market

Analysis of functions and systems

Choice of a stand mixer depends on several important functions, such as wattage, speeds available, size of the bowl, head tilt and bowl lift, height, function of a soft start, speed sensor, automatic shutoff in the case of overload, material of the bowl, and possibility of opposite spinning. The wattage characteristic determines the ability of the mixer to handle more tough dough and mixtures. Head tilt and bowl lifts are used to make the process of adding ingredients more comfortable. The material of the bowl also impacts the ability of the mixer to cope with tough mixtures, and most commonly stainless steel is being used. The function of soft start allows to increase the mixing speed gradually and thus allows to avoid splattering. Speed sensors allow the mixer to adjust to the mixture and select an optimal mixing regime. A highly important function for security purposes is automatic shutoff – it allows to turn off the mixer in case of overloading, to prevent the motor from dying off. “Opposite spinning” means that the shaft can perform planetary motion, while the beaters are rotating in the other direction (KitchenAid, 2006).

For the considered model, the wattage is 350 Watts, 10 speeds are available, the size of the bowl is 4.5 quarts, there is no head tilt, but there is a bowl lift, the functions of soft start and auto shutoff are present. However, the speed sensor functionality is not present in all models of these stand mixers. Opposite spinning is also present, and the bowl is made of stainless steel (previous models also had glass bowl, but this mixer is more powerful and thus the bowl should be more solid).

Product illustration

The assembled product is shown on Fig. 1.

Figure 1. Stand mixer (assembled) (KitchenAid, 2006)

This model originates in the early 1930s; the idea was created by the designed Egmont Arens and has undergone several changes in the 1990s (Lidwell & Manasca, 2009). However, the main shape has remained similar to the original design, which was created according to the “humaneering” concept, i.e. combining the visual, audial, kinesthetic and functional effectiveness (Lidwell & Manasca, 2009). The stripped down drawing of the stand mixer is shown on Fig. 2.

Figure 2. Stand mixer (stripped down) (KitchenAid, 2006)

The accessory hub can be used for plugging in various accessories, and provides plenty of space for product design and improvement. Hub cover is used to lock up the hub. The accessory knob is used to secure the accessory to the hub. Additional flexibility is created by the bowl lift handle, which allows to adjust the position of the bowl. The bowl itself is made of stainless steel and can be safely treated in the dishwasher. Three types of beaters – wire whip, dough hook and flat beater – can be mounted to the beater shaft.

The speed control lever can be used to choose the speed of mixing (6 core speeds and 5 adjustment speeds; for commercial models, only 5 speeds are available). Bowl support implemented in the form of metal arms is used to stabilize the bowl; pins are used to position the bowl on the support. Bowl height adjustment screw is applied to adjust the clearance between the beater and the bowl. Frequent scratching of the bowl is not recommended, and this clearance should be thoroughly adjusted.

Planetary motion is realized through 67 touch points of shaft location. Ordinary mixing activities such as mashing, mixing cakes and quick breads and/or cookie dough are performed using the flat beater accessory. Any type of dough can be kneaded with dough hook. Wire whip accessory is great for mixing soufflés, egg mixtures, cream, meringue, etc.

Controlled dimensional requirements

The choice of the mixer depends on the requirements to the mixer and space available in the kitchen. First of all, it is necessary to determine where the mixer will be placed. The considered model is a reasonable compromise between a large powerful mixer and a large commercial device. The weight of the mixer is 29 lbs, and its dimensions are the following: length – 13.3 inches, width – 10.4 inches, height – 16.5 inches (KitchenAid, 2006).

In the process of designing or remodeling a kitchen it is useful to create a deep drawer for locating home appliances like food processors, blenders and mixers (Clark, 2003). Although the chosen model consumes more space than Bosch and CuisinArt mixers, it is more powerful and there is a larger variety of accessories for this mixer. Thus, it is reasonable to choose this model if significant amount of cooking and baking is suggested (especially in case of commercial use). A supposed space of 15 x 13 x 18 inches with one side open is recommended for this model (considering future changes and new accessories). It is also recommended to use a mixer cover when the device is not in use.

Materials and their required properties

The material of the motor is heavy duty steel; the selection of the material is conditioned by the requirements to the motor durability and resistance to high loads (stand mixer is expected to work in commercial environment too). The durability of such motor is expected to be 15 years (Clark, 2003). Metal is commonly chosen as the housing material for the mixer as well: although the device is comparatively heavy, the main requirement for it is stability and endurance, which can only be reached using all-metal construction. Although the mixer is comparatively heavy, it has several rubber holders on the bottom, which allows to fix it firmly on any surface in the kitchen (Clark, 2003).

The bowl should be resistant to high loads and compatible with dishwashing machines; in the majority of the models, the bowl is made of polished stainless steel. The sleek design and sturdy handle make the bowl look attractive and convenient. Wire whip is made of 6 wire material. Dough hook should also be not vulnerable to high loads, and it is commonly made of burnished metal “C” (KitchenAid, 2006). Flat beater is exposed to less aggressive loads, and it is made of burnished metal.