KitchenAid KP26M1XSV Professional 600 6-Quart Stand Mixer, Silver Sage

I recently took a baking class so was looking for a mixer to continue my "studies." Absolutely happy with this mixer. Attaches easily, mixes quickly and efficiently. Easy cleanup. Have had great success with the whisk and the paddle attachment. The only slight downside would be if you are mixing small batches of something it sometimes does not get the stuff way down on the bottom of the bowl. I know there's a way to change the height of the attachment but it works for most of the other things. If you are only going to be doing small batches then perhaps the 5-quart would be fine for you. My teacher, however, recommended getting the bigger size because for heavier bread recipes the motor on the 6-quart is stronger and won't overheat. The color is great in my kitchen--don't be afraid of the color! Looking forward to getting the other attachments.

This is a gorgeous and powerful machine. What engineering! There is really nothing comparable out there. I am not a serious cook but I may become one just so I can watch the beater go around and around in 64 directions! The color is fabulous, kind of a retro/ green glass color, iridescent. It is way BIGGER than I thought it would be, and very heavy. It has earned a place on the countertop. JH

I love this mixer so much. It is powerful, easy to use and easy to clean. I like the many optional attachments. I bought it in the hopes of making bread regularly, which it does do very well, but is not quite as powerful as I would like. It makes 2 Whole Wheat loaves at a time. I would rather be able to do 4 loaves at a time. Other than that it is fantastic!