KITCHENAID Professional 600 Stand Mixers, 6 quart, Plumberry

I performed extensive "Review" research on this product, along with other KitchenAid models, as well and other manufacturers products. I also consulted with several friends who have KitchenAid mixers. My primary usage of this mixer will be for making bread, therefore, I selected the Prof 600 series primarily because of the larger and heavier duty motor. The bowl-lift model vs the tilt-head model was also a big consideration. It seems like the more Reviews I read, the more elements of consideration were introduced.The Reviews talk about everything from not being able to put the beater attachments in the dishwasher, to the noise of the motor, issues surrounding an old problem of self-destructing gear boxes, lift vs tilt head, and bowl height adjustment. I guess I am one of the lucky one because I have not experienced any pain from any of these "Review" issues. The KitchenAid Professional 600 stand mixer which I received was in perfect physical condition, all attachments (as advertised) were included, it runs fine, and makes great bread dough. I am very pleased with the product. The lift mechanism takes conditioning, only because it is different. Once you get used to it, it's fine. The larger mixing bowl and a strong motor is a must if you are mixing large quantities (6+ cups flour) of bread dough.Where to buy from....... The Prof 600 and/or similar custom 'packages' are available from multiple sources. I narrowed down my purchase selections to Costco or Amazon. Costco's custom package for this unit does not include the bowl splatter shield, which is a nice feature when adding flour. Costco and Amazon's prices were very close - at the time I believe Costco was $11 more, but Costco will run specials from time to time (for example today, you can get the same mixer for $249 at Costco - that's a savings of $50). Since I live five hours from the closest Costco, shipping was a consideration, however both Amazon and Costco offer free shipping - so that became a non-issue. Costco has a, 'no questions asked' replacement / return policy, which from my experience, Amazon is similar. It came down to the bowl shield and I chose to order from Amazon. Keep in mind; I selected the white model, which was significantly less expensive on Amazon ($288) than the color models ($320 - $400). You can get the color model at Costco for the same price as the white model. At the time I purchased, KitchenAid was offering a $40 Rebate, however I have yet to receive that check (8 - 10 weeks you know....) Also as a word of caution on Amazon, watch for "Remanufactured" mixers. They are less expensive, but that is a risk and decision you will have to consider.The mixer was on my door step in two days - w/ free shipping! Incredible.

The first four months I owned this thing I did nothing with it, and even had occasional bouts of buyer's remorse. (Well, a good stand mixer IS an investment, at least on my salary...) But then I started occasionally mixing up fresh whipped cream (to have with strawberries etc). And then I found it can make good, frothy, well-mixed hot cocoa, from pure cocoa and brown sugar (no blechy powdery hot chocolate 'mix'). And then I learned how to make matcha latte. And then I got into baking, which I'd always found too much of a pain. It's easy now. (^_^)For a while, I was using the mixer every few days. Then I managed to track down a second-hand veggie-slicing-and-dicing attachment for this thing off Craigslist, and boom, instant Cuisinart. No, forget that. BETTER than a Cuisinart, cuz you have way more control: You can separate your ingredients, chop at different speeds... whatever. Now I use it several times every day, for mixing, slicing, dough-kneading, etc. But it's built like a tank, so I'm still betting I'll be an old lady by the time it gives up the ghost.I have only three minor complaints, two of which are my own fault. ;D1. I'm single, and so I don't really ever cook in massive batches. The 5-quart model would have been more than sufficient for my needs, or maybe even a smaller one. But... maybe I'm just being weird here, but I don't FEEL single when I have such a strong, handsome, darling mixer to come home to. (Joking! Moreover, it's well-engineered enough that despite its big bowl size, it easily mixes even very tiny quantities of ingredients. They might look lost in that big six-quart stainless-steel bowl, but they'll get mixed alright.In mixers, bowl size counts, and my mixer has a big one, AND knows how to use it. <3 ... why was I listing this as a problem again?2. It can be tricky to get the beating attachment off, until you learn the secret, which is to take it off BEFORE you've removed the bowl. Still a touch on the fiddly side, though.3. The dough-kneading attachment comes with a sticker that cautions you to avoid high speeds while using the kneading attachment. (sensible, no?) Trouble is, I can't remember whether the cut-off was #2 or #1 or ... Really, it should be marked on the machine itself somehow, or at least stamped on the kneading attachment. Dammit, I should have used my Brother labeling kerjigger.All other complaints I can imagine having are things like: it wasn't free, it won't do my income tax, drive me to work, or have dinner ready for me when I get home. ;DOh, well, I guess one other thing: The colour is described as 'meringue', which is a fancy way of saying off-white. This may be your taste, but for me, I should have gotten the red one. Red is my favourite colour. :3 Fortunately I found a website that sells decals for the thing -- like, swoops of yellow-orange flames. This makes it look pretty awesome, and they stand out right nice against the 'meringue'.