Thanks PPs - appreciate the feedback and the tips!

KitchenAids aren't as indestructible as they used to be, but they're still the best option out there.

Bowl lift is definitely the way to go. Tilt head is for amateurs But even if you don't need/want the increased power, the bowl lift can operate under your cabinets, whereas (at least with my old house cabinets) you'd have to slide the thing out (it's HEAVY) to tilt the head and access the bowl. PITA.

Tips: Get an extra bowl. Otherwise you'll find yourself having to wash mid-way through for many recipes. Get a replacement beater with the flexible 'scraping' edge.

I have the KitchenAid KSM150PS Artisan 5-qt. Stand Mixer. I bought it Christmas 2 years ago from Kohl's and got a really good deal. I think it was on sale, then I had like 20% off or whatever code, and there was also a mail in rebate. Very happy with it. It looks like it normally retails for around $350.

Thanks PP. I couldn't find a Pro 500 on the target website, but this one looks similar for $250:

http://www.target.com/p/kitchenaid-professional-5-qt-mixer-kv25g0x/-/A-17295196

Alternatively, they have a Pro 600, but the price goes up to $360, which is more than I want to spend.

My KA is the Pro 500, with a lift bowl. I bought it about 6 years ago, there was a major sale on Amazon. I think it was like $230? It is certainly heavy duty. I use it every few weeks and it's a major workhorse during the holiday season. For some reason, the lift head never appealed to me, although with a lift bowl, you just need to be mindful if you purchase like the glass bowl or ice cream maker attachment.

http://www.kitchenaid.com/shop/more-ways-to-shop-1/outlet-and-refurbished-2/outlet-and-refurbished-3/-[KSM500PSER]-400125/KSM500PSER/

I was initially coming on here to see what model people would recommend, but found a 3-year-old thread where many posters were saying that the new KA models (at that time) were of low quality. Any recent experiences people would like to share? And if you do recommend KA, what model/size do you think is best for an average home cook?