Kitchen Aid mixers - who has one and how would you rate it?

[Cara]

I got Dorothy for Christmas. She is the 90th Anniversary model. I rate her a 10

 

[Whispering Winds]

I have had mine for over 10 and the only bad thing I can say is I wish I had gotten the bigger one. It is a workhorse, and I use it for everything dough wise (other than my hot roll and I do that in the bread machine, but the gump bread is wonderful on the KA) . . .I used my Aunt's for about 15 years until it pooped out and then my DH bought this one for Xmas.

 

[Chic-n-farmer]

I've had mine for over 13 years. It's wonderful. It handles large batches of decorator frosting and bread dough with ease.

I also have a bread machine, about as old, that my husband paid $400 for. Yes, $400

. I had researched them extensively and wanted special features, such as a actual loaf-shaped pan, and he bought it as a surprise. (he spoils me)

My should-be-gold-plated-for-that-price bread machine now just gathers dust. I can make twice as much bread in half the time using my Kitchen Aid and oven. It's much better bread, too. (Gump Bread)

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Cara...did that bowl come with it?

 

[Cara]

Yes it did. It's a retro style.

It can also take the regular metal kind.

ETA You can also get copper KitchenAid bowls, although they are $300+!

http://www.frenchcopperstudio.com/kitchenaid.html

 

[chicknmania]

My DH bought me one as a gift a few years ago. I was horrified at the money he spent at the time, but I love it. It is very pretty to look at, very efficient, and I know it will last me the rest of my life, unless it's damaged or something, and I'll probably be able to pass it on to my kids! I have a black one, what color does everyone else have?

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Looks cool.

I think I'll pass on the copper bowls......I'd rather spend the $300 on chickens!!

 

[Cara]

I think they are planning on offering the glass bowls for sale later this year. I did ask before we got this model, as I have a bad habit of breaking things! It has a little grey plastic ring that screws on the bottom of the glass bowl so that it fits the plate on the bottom. Without the ring a regular metal bowl would fit. The bowl is a lot heavier than the metal ones though, and quite hard to lift when it is full of dough. It's nice being able to see when everything is mixed though.

 

[foweler]

We have the 275W and I've been making a lot of dough lately. Its definitely under a load when kneading dough. Ours is at least 5 years old, when did they go to plastic gears?
I want the 575W!

I also have the meat grinder and love that.

 

[marymac]

Quote:
Here is mine it is called Gloss Cinnamon. I got it about a month before Christmas. My only regret is that I waited till I was 62 to buy it for myself, lol. I love it , it is a fantastic machine!!!