Hello!

I currently have a basic KitchenAid stand mixer ... I got it about 10 yrs ago.. I think it's about 325 watts or so... with the smaller 4qt (or maybe 4.5 qt bowl). I've been looking to get something a bit bigger and with more power.... well bigger bowl really.

I was just at Costco and saw a 5Qt version with 575 Watts on sale. So I grabbed it but once out of the box I wasn't that impressed - didn't use it but just from looking at the pieces - looks chinsy ... hard to explain I guess... the mixer is fine but the mixing paddles look chinsy... there is the whip, the dough hook and the third paddle - that third one has bumps and burs on it ... the polish is off and the color is just odd... doesn't look used or anythign just 'off' and thus chinsy...

I would use it primarily for making cakes and buttercream.

Looking for suggestions on stand mixers or feedback on the the 550D - which is the one from Costco.

Thanks!