Many times a wholesaler will return a mixer for small imperfections. Factory refurbish can mean chipped paint, missing a beater, bowl dented, cord plugs bent. Seldom does it have to do with the motor, even better if it is, a new motor and the price slashed.

Sunbeam is good.

Check your local Craigslist. I just looked at my area and found the Kitchen Aid mixers going for $50 to $130. Ditto on what everyone else has said, try to get a Kitchen Aid and you'll be glad you did.

William Sonoma outlets frequently carry "refurbished" machines, which are about ½ off the KitchenAids. Many times, someone has bought the wrong color or size for his wife and returned it when she didn't like it. The box for the "refurbished" machine is a plain white one, but it makes no difference to the quality of the machine. My KitchenAid is my pride and joy - and makes baking large loads so easily.

Spend the money, get the Kitchenaid, Look at Overstock.com. Sometimes they have a rebuilt one for less. Mine is the classic tilt head. Someone gave me their old one when they got a new one. We bought a professional version about 5 years ago for my son-in-law. He is a chef and needed a heavy duty one. Well worth the money spent. Other idea's - Craigslist, ebay, estate sales.

I have a kitchen aid and just finished making three loafs of banana bread and 34 zukinie muffins and I have 4 loafs of bread in the oven as we speak. They are great. I have made applesauce and apple butter. Home made noodles. They are so great they could mix cement. I think I saw a great xmas ad in Khols just yesterday and I can't find the ad.

Wow, Suzanne you are busy, wish I could bake with you. I told my husband I wanted a KitchenAid this year, if I get nothing else I want one (we have put if off the last few years due to the prices).
But I find it is getting harder and harder for me to do hand mixing of baked goods and even meatloaf, so this should really help with that alone. He ordered one for me, and I know it is a manufacturer refurbished one, but I am excited.

QVC is selling miniature version of the kitchen aid; it might do for you. Hope you find one to use.

I checked out the smaller model of the KitchenAid, it was more money than the bigger one. Probably because they have to make everything smaller, more Craftsmanship. But it is a good idea, maybe they will come down in price.