Hello CC professionals, 

I need help deciding the appropriate Kitchen Aid mixer for me. I'm still new at baking to say it in some way, I decided to buy a mixer that would help me make my cakes and cookies even better. I've told many time this brand is one of the best if not the best. I'm confused with the mixers because this brand have different type (or names) of mixers for example Artisan, Classic, etc.. I'm about to buy this one, would it be good for me?? Any suggestions?

Thank you.

KitchenAid Classic White 4.5-Qt. Stand Mixer, K45SSWH:
275 watts
4-1/2-quart stainless steel mixing bowl
Tilt-up mixer head allows easy removal of bowl
Wire whip
Dough hook
KitchenAid white stand mixer dimensions: 14-1/6"D x 8-5/8"W x 13-7/8"H
KitchenAid white stand mixer model number K45SSWH

That is the one that I have and it is great.

 There is a 7qt. but it's more expensive.  I would have loved the 7qt but they weren't out when I did my wedding registry, and I also had no idea I'd be selling cakes.   If I make bigger cakes with my current Kitchen Aid, I do two batches.

The kitchen aid company has been a master at marketing as well as confusing customers with their product lines. It reminds me of trying to buy a mattress. The cost of all that promotion adds to the price and the fabulous success of the all the promotion probably adds to their mark up.

I recommend buying any commercial grade mixer, no smaller than 7 qt.. The kitchen aid version is fine but is a little overpriced since because of all the hype about the kitchen aid brand.  There are other brands for less, like the Hamilton Beach which is typically about $100 less. Personally I hate kitchen aid mixers that don't have a tilt back head.

The less expensive brands are unconcerned about looks or whether it matches your hand towels. If that is your concern, you'll wind up with an inferior mixer because kitchen aid's best mixer just has one color choice. 

The Wilton "professional" mixer is not the same as commercial.

I think Kitchen Aid was the original "go to" mixer for many years, but now other companies have picked up on its design and how it works and have been able to duplicate it nicely at a better price.  KA may end up going down a bit in price at some point.  This happened with my baby stroller.  Once it was replicated at a lower price, they lowered the price of my stroller brand.  (Of course, it was AFTER my husband purchased mine!)   

There are Kitchen Aid knock offs?

AThe Hamilton Beach bowl design looks a lot like that of the Cuisinart. With the Cuisinart the mixing head is so far down the bowl that one does not get to use even close to the full capacity of the bowl. That's the only thing I dislike about that design.

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. 

AI love my kitchenaid but the paddle attachment with the silicone spatula lip is a must, it makes a massive difference