KA went through a period where they thought they could save money by using plastic parts, thus the grease leaks, they have since gone back to metal parts but if you are buying a KA make sure it says "all metal Parts".
My next mixer will be a Viking. Sorry KA you really shot your self in the foot.

Are Beth and I the only ones who use Kenwood??? I love my Kenwood, I use it all day, every day and it has never dissapointed me so far. It is half the costs of KA, but to me, just as good!