The machine did a fine job this holiday season (2008) with cookies and cakes. In fact, I think it is the best machine for making these baking products. Many recipes call for placing ingredients in a mixer with the flat beater, which probably means a KitchenAid mixer.
But don't even try using it for bread. This is my 4th mixer (Ultra Power through Professional 6), and I have burned out the motors on each one making breads. It cannot withstand the power needed to make and knead bread doughs, whether white or multi-grain, nor can it take making multiple recipes in one baking session. For that, I recommend the Electrolux Assistent.
I also have the pasta rolloer attachment, which works very well. It is easy to install, and the mixer motor is the third hand that would otherwise be needed with a manual pasta roller.Get more detail about KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Empire Red.
