i love kitchen aid mixers--i've actually burned through two in my "career", had the motor replaced twice in one of those, and am now on my first 5 quart "professional", after giving my youngest daughter my last one. the bowl is tight--but that's so you don't "lose" it when doing large batches, heavy batters, etc. one of ways of getting it on more easily is to hook on the sides first, then press down on the back edge--and it will "snap" in. and i learned, after much use, to never go over setting "2" when i'm doing heavy batters or dough. slow and steady wins the race! (btw--they sell decals for them, too, for customizing the look--my middle daughter has a bright red one--with "flames" on the sides, now!)