Hi, I'm a newbie and I just opened a cupcake shop in November. Right now, I'm using a Kitchenaid mixer and 3 Sunbeam mixers. As of now they're ok, but I know that I'm going to have to upgrade. I don't want to jump right into a Hobart just yet, so just wondering if there's something in between?

Look for a used Hobart. They can be surprisingly affordable, especially give the volume they can produce.

I second Leah. Look for auctions of used restaurant equipment. Hobarts last forever and do amazing work. A good piece of commercial equipment is a better investment than an employee.

Craigslist is also a great place to buy used restaurant equipment. My tips for buying on CL is to meet the person at a busy location, and ALWAYS with someone. My husband goes with me EVERY time... never meet at someone's house. Also, make sure the product your buying works, and appears to be in good condition. (if they failed to "clean it up" and it looks bad, use your gut feeling and know that that might now be the one.) Don't feel obligated to buy something if it just isn't what your looking for.

As for the mixer I use, KitchenAid Pro 6 Series.... I love it.

i got a 20 qt off ebay a few months ago for a few hundred dollars...you really need at least a 20 qt...it will cut your workload way down!

i got a 30 qt for icing...i kinda wish i had an even bigger one, i fill it up 3 times on saturdays

I have a 30 quart Hobart Floor model,its too big, but it does the deed.

So I went on Craigslist and lucked up on a 10qt Hobart. I had to order the paddle because the previous owner had it in storage for years and couldn't find it. Long story short, I plugged it in and am now in Hobart Heaven. I'm already saving up to find a 20qt sooner than later, but for now...I'm happy.

Thanks for the suggestions.