Disclosure: As a member of the KitchenAid ambassador program. I received the product for my time and efforts in creating this post. All opinions are my own.
On Feburary 13, 2017, I was lucky enough to attend the exclusive launch party for this new product. It was held at Ken Fulk’s Tribeca studio. It was a fabulous location for just the perfect piece.
I was lucky enough to be able to chat with the design team behind this extraordinary mixer, Fei Wang and Jessica McConnell. In speaking with them, I learned that this was a year long project that was started with an idea, and a labor of love for the team. Fei traveled extensively around to suppliers to get the correct black to go on all of the pieces. You would think this would be easy but it was not they described that it is actually difficult as sometimes it came out brown or bronze. Jessica described the excitement of everyone who worked at the Ohio; knowing that they were creating these limited edition products. The numbering harks back to a time when official copies of art held more value than unofficial reproductions. This mixer is defintely a piece of art.
We also discussed the legacy behind the company and the products. KitchenAid prides itself on the fact that their products stand the test of time, and they do. I have owned my own mixer for at least 15 years. However, these products are also ones that are heirlooms and past from generation to generation. Jessica told me that she has her grandmother’s mixer, because it reminds her of the days she baked with her grandmother and licked the frosting from the bowl. These are types of memories that KitchenAid is looking to create with this product and their entire line.
Another highlight for me, was getting to meet Gail Simmons, who Canadian food writer and cookbook author. Since the show’s inception in 2006, she has served as a permanent judge on BRAVO’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef. I love the show, and was excited to speak with her about cooking and the show.
KitchenAid, long known for its colorful and coveted stand mixers, today unveiled its first monochromatic version as a limited edition offering. The Artisan Black Tie Limited Edition 5-Quart Stand Mixer features a stunning all black cast iron finish and black powder coating on the traditionally shiny stainless steel bowl. The new mixer marks both the celebration and evolution of the iconic kitchen essential’s 85 available colors and finishes.
Available exclusively on kitchenaid.com, only 500 Artisan Black Stand Mixers will be produced in Greenville, Ohio each individually numbered on the custom trim band. A commemorative card authenticated by John McConnell, Senior Design Manager for Kitchen Aid small appliances and Ken Hossler, Senior Director for Manufacturing for KitcheAid will accompany all limited edition models.
“The Artisan Black Tie’s classic design and bold, all-black finish represents a modern and sophisticated take on the classic Stand Mixer,” says McConnell. “Like the little black dress, or classic tuxedo, the new mixer is a timeless collector’s item that never goes out of style.”
The limited edition model is constructed with all black finishes and premium materials, including die cast zinc body and satin and black chrome accents. It’s 5-quart black stainless steel bowl, black coasted beater and dough hook are all dishwasher safe and boast the same robustness as non-limited edition models.