Right now I have a Kitchen Aid Classic and I absolutely LOVE it. I've found a store that sells refurbished ones like new with warranty for great prices so I'm hinting to DH about it and want your advise. I know that I want something with a bigger bowl, is 5qt generally big enough or is 6 qt better? sometimes bigger is not better...also, do you like the tilt top or the raise the bowl kind? Thanks for you help guys

I have a 4.5 qt (my first one), followed by a 5 qt lift-bowl (my second one) followed by four 5 qt Artisans (yeah, I know, ridiculous), and a 6 qt. By far, my 6 qt gets used much more than any of the others. Now, I love the tilt-head mixer, but the 6 qt only comes with the lift-bowl. If they made a 6 qt with a tilt-head, I'd probably buy it.

6 qt. is my fave too. Never had any other KA, though I use the smaller ones at work and don't really like them.

If they made a tilt head 6qt. I would be in paradise!!!!

Raquel1, what is the website with the refurbished KA mixers? I am looking for one now. If I can save a few bucks, why not. This will be my first....been using old faithful hand mixer.

Sorry, I read your post again and realized you said a store.

I purchased the 5qt KA and wish that I had the 6 qt. This weekened I made a mess trying to make two NFSC batches!!!

Plus, doesn't the 6 qt have more power??

Hey Shanacoleman: The store is Kitchen Collection and maybe there is one near you, check www.kitchencollection.com. They have new and refurbished appliances and kitchen goodies, I had a blast at their store

Thanks a lot for the input, so far I've gathered that the KA 6qt is the winner, specially since I have a 4.5qt with the tilt head for regular batches. I can't wait to get it, my DH doesn't know that I'm salivating over here! I'm going to be on my best behavior (oh how manipulative of me ) but all is fair in love and cakes ha ha...

Thanks Raquel1. What is the drawback or what would make any one of you guys chose the 6qt over the 5qt? I am just getting started in baking seriously.

Good morning shanacoleman: I just checked responses in another thread titled KA 600 grrr... Where it started with problems some people are having with KA, particularly with the 600 model wich is a 6qt. But it also points out that KA as a company will exchange any faulty machine within the 1st year (with its own 1 year warranty). The OP ended up getting a new 600 that works great (she even posted a pic of it and it is gorgeous...drool...) She got it at Amazon.com and they are @ 339.00 including an ice cream maker that would be @ 100.00 at the discount store...
So, recap: bigger IS better according to everyone that has a 6qt, and the machine has a more powerful motor to handle double loads of anything