Mine is a total workhorse. We use it for breads, doughs, cookies, meat grinding, and pasta making regularly. Purchased at costco 8ish years ago for around $230.

My husband is a chef, so we sacrificed design for the larger/stronger motor of the professional series. Haven't had a single problem with it.

Looooooooooooooove my Artisan. Keep in mind that when you get one of these babies, you'll have it the rest of your life. It's definitely worth it! (Though BTW you'll probably have to buy a new mixing blade now and then.)