KitchenAid KSM8990NP 8-Quart Commercial Countertop Mixer, 10-Speed, Gear-Driven, Nickel Pearl

First of all, the bowl is huge. I can easily fit four 1.5lb loaves of bread or a triple batch of cookies. If using the mixer for commercial use or large batch baking its safe to assume 50 average size cookies at once can be made (measured using a cookie scoop). I've tried doing larger batches of cookies and while it doesn't bother the mixer at all it does overflow the bowl. I'm fairly certain the seven quart bowl will fit this mixer and there is a small bowl/whisk set for whipping cream or beating egg whites available for smaller jobs.While I understand the reason for the orange power cord it's not exactly a color that fits in well with most kitchens. It's very long, which is nice, but it does stand out against our gray granite countertops.This machine is big. It does not slide under our upper cabinets but will fit under them if I tilt it then bring it upright once it's under. Since it's a lift bowl style rather than a tilt head it can be used like this without a problem.One of the best things about this mixer is the soft start. My artisan mixer would get flour all over but this mixer starts slowly enough to prevent messes. Even with black painted cabinets I seldom have to clean up flour dust. It also changes speeds softly. If you accidentally bump the slider you have a moment or two or put it back, it won't suddenly be going at full speed.The paddle and dough hook work as they should. The spiral hook is a vast improvement on the small hook that comes with the artisan mixer (the mixer I upgraded from). The whisk is great. It makes fantastic merengue in just a couple minutes. Attachments work well. I make quick work of 50lbs of roasted apples with the applesauce/tomato strainer attachment.Overall I'm happy with this purchase. When I first got it I thought I had made a mistake and should have gone with the six quart instead. Now that I'm used to it I'm glad I have the extra size, power, and features of the 8 quart commercial version. The fact that it's made in the USA just makes it that much better

This is the Bentley for bakers! I have had Kitchen Aids for decades and used them in my professional kitchen/bakery and at home. But, while they are sturdy, they always groaned and labored with heavy doughs. For that reason, I was careful and if they got hot, would let them rest. I have been looking for years for that home machine that was truly larger enough to make a difference AND had the motor to match. This has all that and more. I am ecstatic with this machine.What I LOVE!!~~The size--I can do my triple loaf recipes without taxing the motor or overflowing the bowl and large triple cookie recipesThe quietness--this is quieter than my older smaller machinesThe accessories--The whip is professional big gun quality and material; the hook is spiral, stainless, sexy wonderfulness, the paddle is the same.The flip up opening for attachments is a nice touch and a nice change from having to unscrew and remove.I have kept my smaller mixer because sometimes this is too big for some jobs or I should say, more than I need for some jobs. You could use it for smaller jobs but it is nice to have choices when you cook and bake a lot. If I were to have one, this would be it. I had almost given up on Kitchen Aid to have a truly bigger machine but they came through. The 6-7 quart mixers that have come out in the last few years are just not really going to accommodate the bigger batches and certainly the motors don't. This doesn't heat up, doesn't groan, is truly a workhorse and I don't mean a quarter horse, I mean a Clydesdale~~large and graceful and doesn't break a sweat.

Never owned a stand mixer until now, but knew this was the one we wanted when we were ready to buy one. They really package the hell out of them off the assembly line at the factory, so much so that it would take a significant amount of effort to damage it during handling or shipment. Once we got it out of the multi-layered boxes, we were floored by the sheer heft and sturdy feel of it. The bowl-lift design allows us to tuck it right underneath our kitchen cabinets for permanent storage on our counter. Entire bottom of the base is rubberized, helping to keep it from dancing while mixing and also reducing vibration noise on the countertops. Since this is an NSF product, everything about it is heavy-duty, including the three stainless steel attachments and the 8-quart bowl. The mixer was calibrated at the factory to ensure proper clearance between the rotating attachments and the bowl, so there was noting for us to do once we received it except to wash it and put it to use. Everything is perfect, haven't had a single problem with it. We fully expect this will be an heirloom appliance kept in our family for a long time to come.

Love this mixer. Since i'm a pasty chef, i've used this mixer in a few places i've worked and it's held up great. I decided to purchase one for my own use at home. I currently own the KA 4.5 qt and an industrial 20 qt. mixer. When I received the mixer I immediately put it to the test. Since I was having a Christmas party a few weeks later, I needed to make cookies, cakes, mousses, cheesecakes, etc. To make a long story short, it held up to the task with ease. Since then i've mixed cakes, buttercreams, more cookies and mousses with it and again no issues. Great mixer and it makes my life easier. My reason for buying this mixer was due to the 4.5 qt was too small for some recipes I have (so I needed to make them a few times w/the 4.5 qt.). And my 20 qt. was too big and wouldn't mix the recipe correctly. My next test will be mixing bread dough, which i'm doing today. Obviously this mixer has it's limits and I know what they are, but I will break down my recipe to accommodate what I need and what will work in this particular mixer. I'm glad I purchased this mixer, i'm very satisfied.