KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer, Empire Red

KitchenAid’s Artisan stand mixer is a substantial piece of equipment: 325 watts of mixing power make child’s play of creaming butter, kneading dough, and whipping cream.

The kid in you will appreciate how quick and easy it is to mix up a batch of cookie dough. This model comes with three attachments: a flat beater for making batter, meat loaf, and all textures in-between; a wire whip for egg whites, mayonnaise, and more air-infused creations; and a hook for mixing and kneading yeast doughs.

All three are solidly constructed and easily secured to the beater shaft with a simple twist. This model also includes a pouring shield for guiding ingredients to their proper destination, and the bowl itself locks tight to the base. Standing about 15 inches high, jutting out a foot, and weighing more than a grown woman’s bowling ball, this stand mixer isn’t the sort of appliance you’ll wipe down and put away.

Better to find a square foot of free counter space for easy access; besides, this machine is as pretty as it is rugged–you’ll want to show it off. –Betsy Danheim

* 325-watt mixer with 10 speeds; 5-quart stainless steel bowl
* Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture
* 2-piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients
* Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip
* Measures 14 by 8-2/3 inches by 14 inches; 1-year warranty