Sewnoma

I have an Artisan model Kitchenaid mixer and it's my #1 favorite appliance. I never put it away because I use it so often (and it's so heavy!)

I bought mine on Amazon as a refurb, it only cost $150 and it's worked like a dream for the ...wow, nearly 10 years I've had it, now. Not a single problem.

To me, it's worth the investment if it's an appliance you think you will use often. If mine died today, I'd be buying a new one tomorrow!

Macybaby

I have both the Electrolux Magic Mill and the Kitchenaid. Love all the attachments for the KA and use them a lot. Actually wore out the gear on the KA this fall, and DH bought the kit and replaced it easily.

It's a fiber gear and is the "weakest link" and does wear over time. But I'd rather have that then wear out the motor. So if you have one and it seems like it's slipping or stops mixing and the motor is fine, it's a real easy fix and your machine will be up and running.

ShirlinAZ

For those doing heavy duty mixing (divinity, taffee, large batches of bread) and doing it frequently, a Hobart or Kitchenaid is a must. Most commercial kitchens will have a Hobart. Kitchenaid makes a couple of levels of home mixers. I bought the top of the line 30 years ago. It is the Kitchenaid with the bowl that lifts, and not a tilt head. It does everything without sputtering. I went through many semi-expensive mixers before that and burned up the motors on them. For anyone who does not quite need that heavy duty, Kitchenaid makes a tilt head machine that is very high quality. It's kind of like buying a sewing machine - if you're going to use it a lot and need the features you're better off spending the money in one big chunk than in many little pieces. It will cost the same in the long run.

Onebyone

When buying a mixer watch the wattage. You want a high wattage. Some Kitchenaid have low wattage thus the lower price. Each model may have different wattage so check that when wondering the price difference. At least over 550 watts for dough and stiff batters. There is a new model of Kitchenaid, the stand mini. Perfect for smaller kitchens and everyday mixing. http://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop.../stand-mixers/

Forgot to add I have the Kitchenaid Professional 600 lift bowl in bright red. Love this mixer. I bought my DD one. My other DD cooks by phone but she will get mine oneday.

heronlady

If you're going to make a lot of recipes that take more than five cups of flour, consider a KA with the largest size bowl (believe there are 4qt, 5qt, and 6qt bowls, depending on the model). Maybe some others with more experience will weigh in on that. The beater with the rubber edge on it is great--almost never have to use a spatula to get all the dough mixed. Got my beater from Walmarts website last Christmas, best price, free shipping if you pick up at store. Easy. I've had my KA for 40+years and it's never had to be worked on.

quiltbuddy

The wattage tip is a good one, the higher wattage makes it better for heavy doughs etc. without overheating the motor. I'm glad to see someone mentioned the rubber beater, I've not seen one and am going to look into it. Also, I think there is an adjustment you can make to bring the beater as close as possible to the bowl without actually scraping it. As I said mine is 35 years old and still going strong, the only thing that happened was the knobby nipple thing on the back of the bowl fell off and I had to have it soldered back on. I've heard newer machines are not what they use to be so maybe try to find one on ebay or craigslist etc.

Onebyone

If you get the bowl lift the first thing you will think is It's messed up I can't get the bowld to fit! It does. Tilt the bowl towards you, place on tabs then push back until it snaps in place. Took me many tries to understand.

KalamaQuilts

Love my big kitchenaid. Rob gave it to me for christmas clear back when white was the only option

The only drawback might be its weight, moving it from cupboard to counter. But to last this long doing the heavy duty work they were designed for, heavy is what you need. Divide the price by 40 years, it is a bargain. Or add up all the cheap mixers you've bought ?

popover

Go the extra mile for the Kitchenaid. You will be glad you did as they last forever, and do so much more. I got mine in 1983 and still make bread and cakes and everything you can think of with it.

chickadeee55

You can get a factory refurbished model for around 160.00, with a factory refurbish I feel comfortable, because it is their name product and they will make it like new.