Bakers, Gaze Upon KitchenAid's Glorious New Mixer Attachment

Behind the cultish InstantPot, KitchenAid stand mixers are likely among the most popular kitchen-related holiday gifts. They're colorful; they're pricey enough to guarantee some "ooooohs" when opened; and they're just so damn pretty when you walk by the Williams-Sonoma display. Whether you already have one or are adding one to your wish list, make sure it includes the new Sift + Scale attachment that KitchenAid just debuted.

I can't shake the feeling that I should be more skeptical, or removed, or apathetic about this new product—because what is less cool in 2018 than being genuinely enthused about something?—but guys, I can't help it. This is so useful!

The Sift + Scale attachment screws in to the top of the KitchenAid where the meat grinder could also attach, and it sifts, weighs, and adds ingredients to the mixing bowl in one step. The sift-and-weigh part is key for hardcore bakers who know that precise recipes require the use of a scale, not just kitchen measuring cups, to measure flour, brown sugar, etc. The attachment automatically weighs ingredients, sifts them to the proper consistency (a step I admit I tend to skip when baking), and then slowly incorporates them into the mix at a steady rate. Neat-o, gang.

So, here's the downside: the suggested retail price for the attachment alone is a cool $169.99. (The mixer itself runs from $200 to upwards of $500, depending on the model.) But if you're shelling out for a $400 mixer, I guess KitchenAid figures the other $170 won't bankrupt you? Here's some small consolation: The kitchen scale portion of the attachment can be removed to weigh other foods, too. Happy gifting!