I love my KA too, it was a christmas present to myself the first christmas after I had graduated from college after i had bought my own home. (Ahh moment)
Also- do not overlook the Cuisanart (sp) 9 speed hand mixer, another work horse, I found online at Williams Sonoma around Christmas time, if I remember right... on sale for around $50. ironically they did not have this promo last year
. Hopefully they will bring it back this year.