We want to get my daughter a Kitchen Aid Mixer for Christmas. Sam's has a 475W, 5 Quart for 269 with the lift up bowl. Walmart has a 4.5 quart (not sure of the wattage) and the box shows a picture of the lift bowl, but I am not positive that it is, for 149.

I want the mixer that is right for her, but the 149 is definitely more within the budget.

I know she will use it to make marshmallows on a pretty regular basis- probably at least once a week. Those suckers get pretty stiff, so I don't want to get her a machine she will burn out in the first year.

Since I am not really sure what part wattage plays in selecting a mixer, I could really use the advice of the experts- and I know they are concentrated here........ so helllllllllllllllp! Thanks

The 4.5 quart is probably the 325 watt motor. That motor is plenty powerful for her marshmallows. I used the 325 for many, many years and it was always more than enough for me and I do a lot of cookie doughs and marshmallow fondants. 475 watts is very powerful and more in line with professional models. Hope this helps.

I just received my Kitchen Aid yesterday and started baking right away. It is a 325 watt 5 qt. Artisan. Tilt motor.
One concern I had before getting new mixer - "Would it fit under my cupboards on the counter", I wasn't sure the lift model would rest under cupboards, possibly too tall, check specs. You might want to consider where she will store mixer. I was somewhat surprised how heavy these mixers are, not something I want to move all the time.

I had a recipe that called for 8 1/2 cups flour and 1 1/2 cup sugar there was plenty of room in 5 qt. bowl, I was never able to make this amount in my old stand mixer.
A little part of me wishes I would have gotten just a little more powerful wattage, I would like to be able to make marshmallow fondant and I don't want to burn up my motor too soon. I am glad the previous person said she made fondant in her 325 watt KA

A 6 quart pro model will fit under just about any cabinets. It's not tilt, so you don't have worry about the clearance. The bowl raises to meet the mixing heads.

I have the same model has mysweetsugar75 and it handles anything I throw at it.