Thought it would be good to share information for Malaysian/Singaporean looking to buy a Kitchen Aid mixer. As you know, getting a Kitchen Aid from the local distributor in Malaysia will set you back around RM2000 - RM2300. For this price, you are looking at the Artisan series typically used for home usage.

Went to USA a couple of months back and my wife wanted a Kitchen Aid mixer. So, I hope this information & experience shared can make it easier for others to go down this route.

Prior to going on your trip, check out websites like Walmart, Target or even Amazon. You will find plenty of sales promotion for Kitchen Aid mixer. I eventually got my wife the Kitchen Aid Professional 5 Plus which is the commercial version compared to Artisan which is smaller and for home use. Got it for USD249 + 7%-10% tax. Shipping is normally free once you make a purchase USD50 - USD100 above. Make you purchase in while in Malaysia and hope it will be delivered to you place of residence in USA (eg. hotel)

Anyway, once in USA and item is delivered, the packing is normally very good and good for check-in the airport. Lots of padding and quality corrugated box used.

On you way back to Malaysia, our lazy custom folks will always be looking out for anyone with boxes. They will ask you what is the item and may asked you to open the box. The moment they know it is a mixer, they will ask you the price in USD and will convert in MYR. They will then slap you with a 30% tax of the sale price. Just state a lower price and as they don't even bother asking for the receipts. Else just fake a receipt. I had to pay RM150 but you can always try to bargain.

So, that has set me back RM1K (mixer) + RM150 (tax).

Anyway, before you get excited to try out the Kitchen Aid mixed, STOP. Don't even plug in the socket. You need a transformer.

As per my Kitchen Aid mixer specification, it states 450W and 110V. After asking several shops in Jalan Pasar, they typically said if it is just for lighting a transformer with capacity of 500W would be sufficient. For heavy duty appliances, you need 3 times W which translate into around 1500W transformer to make sure the Kitchen Aid mixer does not burn the PCB.

The shocking thing is when I went looking around Jalan Pasar, almost all shops does not have transformer than can handle over 1000W/1KW. Finally I found a specialize shop that sells transformer. The shop name is I Way Trans Electronics with an orange signboard. It is not situated at the main road. The transformer will cost you RM200.

So, in total that has set me back RM1K (mixer) + RM150 (tax) + RM200 (transformer) = RM1350 which is still way cheaper than getting from the local distributor. Only catch is warranty probably won't apply since the purchase is made in USA.

So far, Kitchen Aid is still chugging along. I suppose the made in USA stamp still means something.