Another vote for KitchenAid.

I overloaded the bowl on my first one and blew out the motor. It was totally my fault and the mixer was out of warranty (just barely). I called to ask for repair recommendations, and was shocked when they said they would replace my mixer. I actually ended up with a slight upgrade because they had discontinued my model. I was thrilled.

I've been very happy with the performance of my mixers. I upgraded again a few years ago and am still in love with KitchenAid.

Anonymous wrote:Kitchen-Aid. Get the pricier one where the bowl lifts up and down.

Also, get the splatter guard. It's like $15 but you'll totally be thankful when that batter is flying everywhere!

1.25 stars out of a possible 5 on Consumer Affairs. Don't waste your money people. BTW, Whrilpool makes these now, not Kitchen Aid:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/kitchenaid_mixers.html

Anonymous wrote:

You CANNOT compare the old KAs to the new ones. The new ones are pieces of shit.

This is really disappointing to hear. Kitchen Aid mixers, like Craftsman tools, were a known constant of quality in an increasingly crap-filled world.

A couple of posters have mentioned this, so I imagine there's something to it. Can anyone post a link verifying, or explaining how and why they went downhill?

The old motorized components use to be made of steel. THey are now made of plastic. There is information about this all over the internet. Used to be made in the US, is not a cheap Chinese product.

If I were in the market for one, I would try to find an old one on Craigs list or EBay. Like I said, mine broke 3xs in one year and it was the expensive "professional" grade. I do make my own bread products and used it quite frequently, it just could not handle the load. I have NO IDEA why they even sell a meat grinder attachment. The first time I used mine, turning chuck roast into burger I burnt the motor out. I now have a stand alone meat grinder to handle the load and use my cuisinart and Vitamix for the rest. The only thing I trust in the KA is whipped cream.

KitchenAid Professional. Have had for about 6 years and it works great.

Sorry about the person who has had poor quality. I've known people who bought in the last 2 years that have had no problems with theirs.

For me, the attachment that I use the most often is the meat grinder. I now frequently buy better cuts of meat, I can trim the fat off and grind my own ground meat. So much nicer. I know what's gone into this ground meat.

You CANNOT compare the old KAs to the new ones. The new ones are pieces of shit.

This is really disappointing to hear. Kitchen Aid mixers, like Craftsman tools, were a known constant of quality in an increasingly crap-filled world.

A couple of posters have mentioned this, so I imagine there's something to it. Can anyone post a link verifying, or explaining how and why they went downhill?

Anonymous wrote:There's a KitchenAid mixer on Groupon today.

It's the expensive one. It retails over $800, with Groupon it's still $450.

Anonymous wrote:I like my Delonghi stand mixer.

I have one of these, too, and I love it (and it's beautiful). But I'm pretty sure that they stopped making stand mixers a few years ago.

KitchenAid Artisan - I cried when DH gave it to me. 7 years later and I still love it sooooooo much! I use it 3-4 times a week. It is especially great for kneading bread dough.

I like my Delonghi stand mixer.

I love my KA and have had it more than ten years, it's 5 qt and the bowl moves up & down. Bought one for my sister the next Christmas and she loved it, I still remember her yelling into the phone, omg you got me a KitchenAid! Mine stays on the counter, use it all the time. Glad to hear the tips on the new models not being as good as the old ones.

You CANNOT compare the old KAs to the new ones. The new ones are pieces of shit.

To their credit, they have replaced mine THREE times in 1 year, but that is pretty pitiful. Mine now collects dust. There is nothing I cannot do in my food processor or Vitamix...oh wait, I can make whipped cream in my KA, that is pretty much all it can handle anyways.

I think the 5-qt KitchenAid Artisan is great for home kitchens. The head tilts, so the bowl does not move up and down. It has all kinds of great attachments, too!

How many people are u cooking for? If you get a big bowl mixer it is hard to do 1/2 recipes.

Anonymous wrote:Is the professional the only one where the bowl moves up and down, or does the artisan do that as well?

I think the Artisan has the tilt-head. The Professional also has the options of 6 and 7 quart bowls.