What stand mixer do you use/recommend?

I have Kitchen Aid mixers (2-5Qt, 2-7Qt) as well as a large Hobart Mixer. For a beginner, I would absolutely recommend either the 5 or 6 Quart Kitchen Aid Mixer. I have put a beating on my mixers (no pun intended lol) and they all have held up like pros! I have had one of my 5Quart mixers since I started baking over 10 years ago and I have yet to have a problem with it...the others are amazing as well!

I recently visited my aunt who has had her KA Mixer for over 30 years and she said that she has never had a problem with it! 

I have 4 or 5 qt KitchenAid as well as a 20 qt Hobart, which is a commercial piece of equipment. My previous KitchenAid lasted 15 years with no issue; my current one is about 5 years old and too has taken a beating. I don't think KitchenAids are quite as durable as they were 15 years ago, but I can't complain about the current one - and probably wouldn't consider any other brand for small quantity mixing. For large-scale, multiple-batch mixing, I rely on my Hobart, which is probably 30 years old and the ultimate workhorse.

I have a 6 qt KitchenAid. I LOVE it!

KitchenAid.  Additional bowl, beaters and other stuff available online.  I have 2.  One was new, one I bought recently at a garage sale .

I've been thinking about this question and I have to add, no matter what brand you buy, check out the specifications carefully. When I was looking to replace my old KitchenAid I was amazed to find that not all the 4.5 quart bowls have the same capacity. You also have to look at the size of the motor. The Classic Series only has a 250 watt motor compared to the Artisan which has a 325 watt. When you jump to the 6 quart the motor size goes up to 575 watts. So make sure you know what you need and what you're paying for. The Artisan comes in lots of pretty colors, but it's not the best for daily use. I would imagine all of the other stand mixer brands also have their economy models and their "work horse" ones.

Thank you so much to everyone! Kitchen Aid seems to be the popular choice. I will see what I can get over here, thanks!  

I've been reviewing stand mixers for about a month now and just can't decide what to get. I need a larger mixer and would like a 5 or 6 qt mixer with good torque and power yet quiet. After looking at consumer reports, reading the reviews here along with significant research on Google I'm more confused than ever!

The last comments here were in 2014, over a year ago. Can anyone pipe in with information on the 2015 stand mixers (tilt head vs. bowl lift)? I do a lot of small jobs (2 egg whites) and larger jobs (breads, batches of cookies and RI, cakes, etc.). Is there a recommended mixer that handles both small and large jobs efficiently? It's a lot of money to spend and I want a quality product that will be a real workhorse. Would love your input!!!

I don't have much to add since earlier comments; my KitchenAid 5 qt is good for what I consider small jobs (4 to 5 eggs-worth of royal icing), and has lasted many, many years now with only a couple of whip attachment replacements (I am very hard on that attachment). I don't do anything much smaller than that. I mix most of my dough in 3 or 4 X batches (15-plus cups of flour) in a much larger Hobart mixer that I've had now for 20 years, and bought used.

Thank you, Julia!!! Can I pick your brain just a little bit more??? I've heard that the 2015 Kitchen Aid mixers are not nearly as well made as those made several years ago. Agree or disagree? For a 5-6 qt Kitchen Aid mixer, which one would you recommend? My current 4.5 qt mixer can't handle a double batch of cookie dough or 2 loaves of bread.

Thanks again

I can't comment on this intelligently, as I've had my current KitchenAid for at least 10 years, and my Hobart for 20 (though it is MUCH older than that). Sorry, I just haven't shopped for mixers in a long while, and I haven't been given any to test!

Thanks for your prompt response, Julia!! (I truly don't know how you stay on top of everything the way you do!! You amaze me on so many levels ). Should you have an opportunity to review a stand mixer would you please post it here? Many thanks again!

Sure, though I doubt that will happen before the year is out . . . I've put a moratorium on any additional unplanned work through early 2016!

Paprika, 

Congratulations on your new mixer!  It will become a member of the family. 

I'm considering purchasing another mixer.  What features do you like best about your Kenwood mixer?

Pip