Ok...I am new to cake decorating, but I really want to start putting a lot more into it. I have decided that I will be purchasing a stand mixer by the end of the year
My question is which one is the best? I have always wanted a KA but I have started hearing other names like Viking, etc...
I don't want to spend any more than $500...so which one should I invest in?

Thanks,
Chrisy

oooh I'm so glad you asked this question as I would like to invest iin purchasing a stand mixer. I was always stuck because I always heard about Kitchen Aid.... but it seems that Cuisinart is less expensive. I don't know which one performs better tho...that's my question.

KA.YOU GONNA LOVE IT!

I am about to buy one myself and have been wondering the same thing. My first instinct is to go for a kitchen aid but im not sure if it will live up to all the hype.

oooo my KA has lived up to all the hype and more.....i LOVE it. i have the pro 5+

I had an older stand mixer that worked well, but it had a plastic bowl and that didn't always work with RI so I decided that I was going to buy a new one. I ordered a KA from everythingkitchens.com. They had a great price and I got to pick what color I wanted. I have only had it a few weeks and it has already worked hard. I have used it a ton. I love it and wish I would have bought it sooner.

I just bought a KA yesterday but still haven't opened it. Mine has 300 watts and a 4.5 qt bowl. I got it for $119 (clearanced out)...I posted yesterday about this. I'm still considering getting a Cooks mixer at JCPenney instead. It has 700 watts and a 5 qt. bowl and on sale for $150. I've heard nothing but good things about KA but 700 watts...whoa baby! I'm excited to see the different responses you'll get.

I have a Cook's from Penny's that I got last year and I also have a KA Pro 600 that I got recently because they were on sale at Williams-Sonoma for $199.

I like both mixers and can't tell any difference in the two. I do think the Cook's is quieter but they both work like champs.

I have the KA Pro 600 and I love it! I was forced to buy so I didn't get to wait for a great sale but it has been the best purchase for me. It isn't quiet, as mentioned before, but I can't tell you how many batches of MMF I have made with it and it still works like new. I can mix 24 cups of batter and icing with this thing at a time and it definitely lives up to expectations. You will not be sorry - I use this thing from Tuesday - Saturday - it's awesome!!

Tammi

Thanks for the advice!

Chrisy

In my area, the Cooks mixer is now on sale for $139.99.

For what it's worth.....