Hi All!
I need help picking out a stand mixer. I started making cakes almost a year ago and I have always used hand mixers, which I don't mind at all, but I just blew up another mixer this morning making buttercream so I think it is time to look into a stand mixer.. I am an e-bay addict 
but I have no idea what to even look for as far as watts and quart size.. Can anyone help me out, better yet, just tell me what to buy. I spent over an hour on e-bay but don't know the difference between brands and all the other mumbo jumbo! I usually only do a single box mix with the extender recipe and a single recipe for buttercream dream, I don't do HUGE batches of anything, just need something that I won't blow up!!
Thanks!
Holly
Then I would say a Kitchen Aid Artisian. That is what I have and you will be fine with it. I am also looking for a big brother for my Betsy (my Kitchen Aid). I am debating with the DXL and the Viking.
Be sure before you buy from Ebay to check out Kitchn Aids refurbished I have only heard good things about them and also don't forget you can get one at Linens and Things or Bed Bath and Beyond anyday for 20% off.
Melissa
Go to the KitchenAid store on Ebay...
http://stores.ebay.com/KitchenAid_STAND-MIXERS_5-Qt-Mixers_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ10610134QQftidZ2QQtZkm
Don't know if that link will work... But, go for a refurbished KitchenAid Artisian... If you scroll down the page, you will see some around $150... That is the best that you are going to do unless you have the money for a cuisiard...
The Kitchen Aid Artisan is wonderful - particularly for those who aren't doing a lot of heavy duty baking (although mine works over time at the holidays and has never let me down.) They also sell refurbished models on the Kitchen Aid site.
http://shopkitchenaid.com/product_list.asp?SKW=KTAFACTSTAND&HDR=outlet
Hope that helps!!! 
I have 2 kitchenaid mixers
I use my regular 4.5 quart for everyday stuff and for big orders I use my 6 quart Professional model, my husband bought it refurbished from Kitchenaid, about 3 years ago. It has never given me any problems.
I will say this though; before I had KA's I had an Oster Kitchen Center. I liked it better than the KA's. The batter was much easier to get to while it was mixing and the bowls were wider across the opening. It also had 2 different size bowls that could be used at the same time.
Oh well, I would suggest a Kitchenaid, thats just me rambling on about a memory 
Jibbies
I have 2 KA's, and love them both. 
I have the 4.5 qt, and just received the 6qt for mother's day/birthday. I can't say enough about the 6 qt. 
I can make a batch of BC using 4#'s of confectioners sugar and there is still plenty of room for adding liquid and whipping.
Have fun shopping!!
If you're looking to spend a good chunk of change (but get a fabulous product) look at Globe brand mixers. My mom just finished pastry and baking school at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, and the globe mixers there are the "good" ones that everyone races to get first. Kitchenaids are the runner-up.
Now, I'm not knocking KA. I adore mine. Mine, in fact, used to be my grandmother's and is older than I am (31)--and grandma used to be a professional cake decorator, so this thing got good use even before I got to it. They're workhorses. they're wonderful. But my mother, who loves her two Kitchenaids, just went and got herself a Globe for home, too. That's saying something about good they are!
Up until my wedding, when I got my KA 6 qt professional as a gift, I used two stand mixers... they were both fairly old, but one was a hamilton beach (which I would NOT recommend for frostings... worked fine for cake mixes, but didn't like frosting or royal icing at all), and the other was a really good, strong, Sunbeam. I have no idea on the wattage of either one. The Sunbeam gave it her best, but was just too small for the amounts I wanted to do. She will still work well for small batches and for making royal icing, but I've delegated just about everything else to my new KA.
So I'd go with a higher end Sunbeam or a KA artisan, if I were you. Just my two cents!
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