I have had a standard-sized Kitchenaid mixer for over 20 years, and I'm still in love with it. However, I wanted a larger-capacity and higher-power mixer to handle larger batches, so I purchased this one. The motor is very strong, but while it can handle a larger, heavier batch (such as cookie dough), it does so at the expense of the stability of the rest of the machine - it shakes around instead of standing nice and solid. I'm thinking I should have selected a new mixer with the larger capacity, but not so much extra motor - I don't think it's really needed.

The power of this machine is pretty impressive. If it didn't have an orbital motion on the mixing element you could probably use it as a drill press. My only complaint is that the mechanism that holds the bowl onto the machine is too weak for the power of the mixer. If you mix large amounts of stuff, say 5lbs of potatoes or an equal amount of bread dough, the mixing bowl rocks back and forth and occaisionally hops off the back bracket that holds it onto the machine.

Another minor annoyance for me was all the mixing attachments were aluminum. My mon has the same model mixer that she got like 15 years ago and the mixing attacchments are steel. The bowl on her machine requires some muscle to get onto the mounting bracket, which I also like. I'd rather spend the effort to get the thing on there sold than have 5lbs of partially mashed potatoes go sliding all over my counter when the mouting bracket releases on its own.

This is a big mixer for big boys and girls. They shouldn't have wussed-down the design.

I've never purchased a KitchenAid product that I didn't love. This stand mixer has more than plenty of power and capacity for any home cook and the Nickel Pearl finish fits in almost perfectly with stainless steel appliances.

Love. Love. Love this mixer. We are going to very happy together for a very long time. I gave this mixer a 4 rating due to the 4 things to note. 4 THINGS TO NOTE: ~~~ Locking the bowl onto the stand is a little tricky... but I think I'm getting the hang of it. When I read the booklet... don't remember that being addressed. ~~~ It takes a moment when you start the mixer for the mixer to 'GO'. There's a delay. 'Go' slow. At first, I thought this was a disappointment .... compared to my 3 qt KitchenAid mixer (zoom zoom). ~~~ IF you are whipping 3 egg whites ... the whipper doesn't touch them. If you add ONE more egg white, there is success. I use XtraLarge eggs. ~~~ Seems to throw the batter against the walls of the bowl more than usual and you need to stop and scrap down. Seems like I see Martha do that more often now that I am in the know.

The quality from K.Aid was not expected. Thats why I usually go w/the name brand that I have and the quality that it's known for.