I was wondering if any of you have a suggestion on what mixer to buy? I just burned up my mom's Oster Regency mixer making 3 cups of buttercream (obviously wasn't a good mixer anyway!) Now i'm back to trying to use a hand mixer which is murder on my sholders! Anyway, I can't afford a Kichen Aid so any other brands worth buying? TIA!
I have the kitchen aid...love it! Maybe you could check Ebay and find a good deal on one. I did a search
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&satitle=kitchen+aid+mixer&category0=
and they have plenty...not sure how much you are looking to spend! Hope that helps!
I just bought a Sunbeam Mixmaster about 3-4 weeks ago. I got a GREAT deal on it at Kohls - $54 - it was a returned item on clearance and the last one they had. I saw them at all the other department stores for $139 and Boscovs had them on sale (a month ago, mind you) for $99. I like the Sunbeam. It is 400 watts and I haven't had a problem yet. I, too, had an oster, though mine was about 30 years old (my mother in laws). You may also check out Hamilton Beach - I saw one of their mixers and they run about $150. I don't know the quality, but they seemed closer to a KA then the sunbeam (the sunbeam bowl turns and the KA and HB mixers turn). HTH
I have the JCPenny cooks mixer. It's 700 watts of power. I haven't had any issues with it. There are others here that have bought it too. They just came out with some of the same attachments you can get for a kitchenaid. It is on sale for $149.99.
Judi
I've seen a 6 qt KA on clearance at KA.com and it was 249. Also, through HSN, wolfgang puck has a mixer that is 700W for 149. I don't know about the quality of his mixer, but I have his stainless steel cookware and his reversible griddle and I love them both.
Crissy 
I have the JCPenny cooks mixer. It's 700 watts of power. I haven't had any issues with it. There are others here that have bought it too. They just came out with some of the same attachments you can get for a kitchenaid. It is on sale for $149.99.
Judi
Judi - Do you make fondant with that mixer?
Just wondering. I'm on the search for a mixer as well. lol
on ka they have the outlet section and their prices for the BEST ones are cheaper then the artisan in a store. the other cheap place i found is amazon but im loyal to the KA store since they sent me an extra paddle becuase my first one was chipped (no extra charge, overnighted, and didnt ask for the first one back, and gave me a number to contact them if i had any further problems).
I know how you feel about the money it took be 3 years to buy one but trust me it was worth every single penny. i ended up burning out 4 hand mixers in 2 weeks. BUT THE KA (i have the pro 5+)
I was not able to buy a KA so I bought a Cook's mixer and so far I love it. The only thing about the Cook's is that it is a bit loud. I have made the marshmallow fondant and it worked very well. I had the Sunbeam Heritage, it had a hard time with the fondant and it only lasted a year so I won't buy another one of those. Some people seem to like the Kenwood and one person suggested the Electrolux/Magic Mill Assistent dlx2000 to me. Boy, would I like to be able to get one of those. I guess it all depends on how much you are able to spend.
I borrowed by SIL's KitchenAid Pro 5 and it was like heaven! I made the best batch of cookie dough and RI I have ever made. I usually make the dough by hand and use a hand mixer to make the RI. I guess some day I will have to give her KA back to her.
Saleann - I had this same question about a week ago.
I've checked Ebay - the starting prices are reasonable, but the ending prices are just as much as purchasing a full price KA Artisian. The one Ebay store that seems to post/action a lot of KA's are refurbished... It's up to you, but I wouldn't buy a refurbished KA for the same price as one in the store plus shipping from Ebay.
After reading all the posts, I'm saving my DH's beer cans to cash in, loose laundry change and/or hocking one of my dogs to get a professional 600 Kitchen Aid.
I have to be paitent and wait until I get the moneys together for such a big purchase, but in the long run it will be worth the wait! 
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%