KITCHENAID Professional 600 Stand Mixers, 6 quart, Plumberry

I have never owned a stand mixer before, but I knew I wanted to use it to make larger amounts of bread dough than my bread maker can handle. I chose the Pro 600 after reading all the reviews that said you'll need the increased wattage to handle dough.First of all, make sure you have enough headroom wherever you want to keep it - you'll need at least 17" under the cabinet to be able to use it in place. This may be important for many people as this mixer is bulky and heavy to move - over 30 lbs. But since it has the bowl lift feature, the head does not tilt back so you don't need extra clearance - 17" will work fine.The first thing I used it for was an angel food cake and I have to say, the results were amazing. Using the wire whip, the egg whites whipped up higher than I have ever achieved with my hand mixer and in half the time! The cake was much higher and fluffier, too. The plastic bowl collar makes it easy to add ingredients during the mixing process without making a mess.Next, I made a double recipe of yeast rolls. I used the spiral dough attachment and, as directed, never went above speed setting 2. It performed very well and my rolls were perfect. I referred to the tips in the owners manual for fast rise yeast breads. The machine didn't seem to strain or struggle and the resulting dough was lovely.I also made 15 lbs. of mashed potatoes. Following the recipe and directions in the manual, the potatoes were very good. I made them in 2 batches, first using the flat beater attachment and then switching to the wire whip. It seemed like a lot of work and switching when I read the directions but actually, it is quite easy and quick to stop the machine for a moment to scrape down the sides of the bowl or change attachments. Also, the included clear plastic collar keeps things from flying up and out of the mixer when working with large batches. No more mashed potatoes across the front of my shirt!The bowl lift mechanism works smoothly and easily and is very convenient. The 6 qt. bowl has a well designed handle and is thick, sturdy stainless steel. I love the slow start feature! The mixer starts slowly before coming up to speed so you don't get the big cloud of flour bursting up at the beginning of making dough. I got the meringue color, which is a soft white that is a matte, powder coated finish. I took mine in the back of my van to the relatives for Thanksgiving, where it got banged and bumped, and the finish suffered no damage.The 3 included attachments are heavy aluminum and KitchenAid recommends hand washing them. The bowl is dishwasher safe. I haven't purchased any additional attachments but I plan to, along with an extra bowl, which I think would be very handy during the holidays.UPDATE: 10 years later, this mixer is still going strong and I have had zero issues with it. I'm so pleased with it, I bought one for my son and daughter-in-law.

I just got home and found my new kitchen aid mixer waiting for me. I took it out of the box and plugged it in and it ran for 5 seconds and cut off. It does this each time I try to use it. I contacted customer service and was told the unit was old and out of warranty. It is not supposed to be a refurbished mixer.( I just ordered it from amazon)I must fax them a copy of the shipping invoice before they send me a new machine. My initial impression is bad product not worth the high cost but good customer service. The mixer was much louder than expected and the fit and finish of the mixer and accessories doesn't match what I have seen in stores. I'll repost when I get my new mixer.UPDATEHere it is 3 years later and the mixer is working great. Don't know how I lived without it. However unless you need to make 2 to 4 loaves of bread at a time I would get the smaller one.11 years later updateWell the old girl has finally died on me. She been an essential part of this family for 11 years. I've learned how to bake bread with her and have done so at least twice a week for the last five years (braided Amish white loaf, Can't mess it up). She's seen me through the birth of my daughter and the death of my father and untold birthday cakes and batches of cookies. I've gone through 2 meet grinder attachments ,a spiralizer and 1 pasta roller. She's been a constant companion on all of our family Chinese dumpling making nights were I am the only one allowed to make the dough. I made the best dumpling wrappers but the secret was I never told anyone else how to use the pasta roller. That makes me important.Chinese steamed bread, grant loaves, Amish white bread, braided Swiss loaf and a short but notable foray into pumpernickel. This wonderful mixer has been a silent witness to all of it.I leaned that you can make whipped cream out of fresh whipping cream. Who would have thought. My favorite dad joke is " What's the difference between whipped cream and butter? About 20 seconds. The humors in the telling.Now she wasn't perfect. You couldn't make just one loaf of bread. Her cavernous bowl insisted on at least a two loaf commitment. You want to whip a meringue with just two eggs? She'll laugh at you. Be a man and use a full dozen.She taught my daughters that a man can make a cake and bread and fix a toilet and protect the family from spiders at the same time, although thankfully with different tools.I will truly miss her. She's ben a good friend and a wise purchase.Rest in piece my friend, Rest in piece.15 year update.we now have 3 kitchen aid mixers. A small,large and super large one.My wife as taken over the baking. Shes much better than I ever was. Lets face it. I made cheap farmehouse bread. Shes an artist with this thing.My girls are grown up and one move out. The other one only eats mac and cheese. Im getting too old and sick to cook. Almost met my maker this year.So many great memories with this mixer. I miss the children running when I asked "who wants to lick the bowl"Kitchen aid or not. every house needs a big mixer.