My KitchenAid is a dream come true for me--it's gorgeous sitting on the counter. I've mixed up more stuff than I ever have in my life, and it runs like a top. Absolutely no problems with its functions. However, there are a few things about it that, had I really thought about it, I would have bought a Sunbeam Mix Master instead. Of course, it would not have gotten near the attention this thing gets, but function-for-function, my grandmother's ancient Sunbeam Mix Master out-performed the KitchenAid. For one thing, the KA has a bowl that is in a fixed position (locked down), while the MM's beaters turn as well as the bowl. The KA's beaters (ONE beater, ONE dough hook or ONE whisk) are in the middle of the only bowl you can use (making it difficult to add ingredients without stopping production and tipping back the mixer) and do not touch the outside--unless you invest in one of their new Side-Scraper beaters for about $30 or higher. The MM has two beaters--(not sure if a dough hook or whisk comes with it) and the position of the beaters is adjustable--they actually touch the sides of whatever size bowl you use. The KA does have the versatility to add outrageously expensive attachments--like pasta makers and sausage fillers...but who actually does that? The price of a MM is about a third of a KA--even in black, which is the color I yearned for all these years and bought. The KA is a beautiful machine and you'll want to show it off for awhile, which is good since it's almost too heavy to put away. Buying a KA is like buying an expensive car to show off, not because it's any more reliable than a non-status car. I suppose the horse-power of a KA kicks the tail of the MM, but being that I'm not a professional baker, I don't do a lot of power-mixing. I used the dough hook on my KA a couple times, and the dough crept up the hook to the mixer itself. I would never admit to my husband I'd made a mistake buying the very thing I said I wanted all this time, but if I had it to do over, I'd buy a Sunbeam Mix Master instead. I know the KitchenAid is American made, but at least the stainless steel handled bowl (to buy an extra is over $50) had a Made in Korea label. Don't get me wrong--this is a great appliance. But, if it weren't for its looks, you can do a lot better for your $$$. Get more detail about KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Empire Red.
