I bought the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer about 5 years ago. My Christmas present to me. I gave my old Mixmaster away and I have never looked back. this IS the time to buy one. Watch the Kohls ads too...yes...they may seem expensive but mine it a workhorse for mixing cookie dough etc. You will not regret the purchase. I LOVE mine!

So.....what color will you choose?

sandy

I got mine at Kohl's and they often send me a 30% off coupon. I thought it was too big for the countertop, but it is not. I just love it.

I have many mixers, just like sewing machines they all do different things better. My favorite is an Electrolux Magic Mill. I've made three whole grain loaves of bread on this weekly for the past 20 years, very easy to do, esp. using a scale to measure ingredients, setting the timer and walking away. My Kitchen Aid is 35 years old and still going strong, love it for cookies and cakes. It has the handle to raise and lower the bowl, adding ingredients can be a pain. You also have to use a spatula to incorporate things from the bottom and sides once in awhile. I also have a vintage kitchen aid that is normal sized, it's great for small amounts and quick jobs when I don't want to drag out one of the big guys but I would never use it for bread.

I agree with all of the above comments about buying a Kitchenaid. I've had mine since the 80's and wouldn't have any other kind. It will last and is worth the money. Watch for the sales from stores that stock them. You won't be sorry!

I have a kitchen store in Maine and both Breville and Cuisinart have a 5 qt stand mixer. I like Breville brand best and I think they run $299 or so.

Can't swear where but I saw KitchenMaid for $199?? Maybe Costco or Walmart??

Boy, I love that painted one your husband matched the tractor on Jane Quilter! He is a good artist too. I have a very old GREEN one that just keeps on going. There are a lot of cheaper mixers out there. I'm sure you can find one.

I have had both a Hamilton Beach and now a kitchenaid. The HB was fine for cakes, mashed potatoes and everyday mixing but I wanted the other attachments, pasta making, grinding and shredding. I found that Kitchenaid has their own retail shop and sometimes has great deals on the all their models, I bought a returned / refurbished Professional model that I could never have afforded with all the attachments for less than one at the local big box store. It has been run hard for the last 5 years and has never given me a problem. It did come with a 1 or 2 year warranty. So it depends on what you will use it for.

Make sure you buy extra blade which has one rubber side that acts like a spatula and cleans the side of the bowl as it mixes, I love it!

I have a vintage Oster Kitchen Center. It came with all kinds of attachments. It's still going strong after about 40 years.

It was at Amazon, but it was a Cyber Monday deal and is gone today - I just checked.