My KitchenAid mixer (in Empire Green) was the first small appliance I purchased for myself back in the early 90's. Almost 20 yrs later, it still mixes, beats, and kneads with ease. This is definitely my favorite an dmost used appliance.

 

Today's stand mixers will have either a tilt-up or stationary head (for the stationary head models the mixing bowl is raised/lowered below it). I prefer the tilt-head mixer (since it's what I have) sinec it's easy to add the ingredients, install and remove the bowl (twists into place) and to change the mixing blades (they are spring loaded onto the mixer shaft).

 

If your baking includes breads and pizza, the mixing bowl should be at least 4 qts, since this will accomodate a large batch of either bread or pizza dough. Whether you plans include kneading dough or not, you will still want a solidly build mixer (read HEAVY). The heavy duty construction (a result of the mixers larger motor) will allow the mixer to operate smoothly at all speeds, regardless of the texture of the dough. Also, when your dough is moving around the inside of the bowl, you definitely don't want to see your mixer bouncing around your counter-top. A heavy-duty mixer (20 lbs minimum) will stay put.

 

Unlike the basic Black, White, Red and Green that was available when I purchased my mixer, today's mixers come in a wide variety of colors - tfor example the KitchenAid Artisan Series is available in 24 colors including Butter cup, Cinnamon, Pistachio, and more. Many mixers also come with a variety of attachment, many of which can also be purchased separately. So if you're tight on space, and are looking for a mixer that can multi-task as a juicer, cheese shredder, sausage stuffer, french fry cutter, pasta maker, etc, there's an attachment waiting for you.

 

The other thing I like about my stand mixer is that it is much more kid friendly than a hand held mixer. My 7 yr old twins love to help make (and decorate) birthday cakes, cupcakes, brownies and cookies. With the stand mixer, they can focus on pouring in the ingredients while I control the mixer speed. Another benefit is that since they are adding the ingredients from above, their fingers stay safely away from the mixing blades.