Kitchenaid Accolade

So I think it is time for me to add a KitchenAid mixer for my arsenal of cooking tips. Not something I plan to use 24-7, but they will be grateful to have him when I need it. Anyway I usually cook for 2-4 people. On some occasions, 6-8 people. I plan to use the console to make pizza dough, mashed potatoes, and maybe some pasta ... then this may be whipped 1-2 times a month. My girlfriend can use it everywhere the same frequency for making cakes, cookies, and I'm sure we could experience making bread from time to time.
Anyway, what size and power that you would recommend? Artisan, Classic, Accolade Professional Series? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of loading bowl? I understand that this is one of those purchases that lasts usually never where I want to make the right choice ... Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
~ G

We bought the Heavy Duty 5 qt mixer, and got the extended warranty. We had a Kitchen Aid mixer over 10 years, but twice we had a problem with the gear grinding (our fault, we would have a 6 qt, how my son likes to make pizza!). Because we have obtained assurances, Kitchen Aid has sent us a new console every time. The last time we were upgraded to a professional 6-quart, for he was the only one they could find in the cobalt blue I wanted.
I recommend either the 5 or 6 QT Professional if you make pizza or bread on a regular basis, and remember that the warranty! It is one of the best purchases we've ever done. We also had the meat grinder that has come in handy on several occasions. The mixer is one of the best purchases we have ever done.

For the amount of cooking you do, I reccommed a conventional mixer 4 QT. There is usually some form of package which is an ice cream or pasta attachment is included. Check around, because prices pretty well.

The classic has a tilting head, which is good for the cook at home, it gives you more room to get the ingredients in the bowl. If you do much cooking, pour the shield is also a nice accessory to pick up.

How long this will last, I have my grandmother KitchenAid 4 QT that works just as well that my new 5 quarts.

It really is an excellent investment.

I have the mixer kitchen aid classic. I use it for everything. Each year I try to add a component to it as the pulp and last year, I added the shield to add the dry ingredients. My neighbor is add the meat chopper. I used to make cakes, breads and even mixing in things like meatloaf. It comes with a whip, paddle and dough hook. This is a good starting point. Good luck and have fun in the kitchen.

I personally own career - a bowl more and more power mix. (I also have an extra bowl and pouring the mixture and shielding it), I have over 20 years and never had a problem with it. While you can now cook for only 2-4 people, you may find yourself consistantly kitchen for several others on the road and we wish you would have invested in strong, the machine of higher capacity. Ned you also keep in mind the kind of thing you want to do - the extra power makes the job easier on the console and will not burn the motor. I would suggest you go to a specialty store - like a Williams Sonoma - that carries several models and talk with soneone on staff who is an experienced baker / cook. the price difference between the models compared to the power difference can be very important in your decision. Good luck to you and enjoy your new KitchenAid!

I have the mixer and I use classic a lot ... My mother-in-law got the high-end professional and do not like the top does not return to take the bowl. Scrape or add ingriedients. I do not know how to describe it otherwise .... My cl.