Solid state Kitchenaid mixers were introduced in 1978 (the K45SS and the K5SS). In 1986 the line was sold to Whirlpool and all the Artisan, Classic etc. mixers sold today are basically the same models as made in 1986 (some improvements and efficiencies in the machining but anyone who has an old "original" K45SS or K5SS can repair it using today's parts). The Pro line was developed as something entirely new so it doesn't have the same history, but the company has worked very hard to upgrade and improve the model since its inception. There was a period of time when people were having a lot of trouble with their Kitchenaid mixers and the company had to work very hard to restore the reputation of the product. That's when they instituted the one-year no-questions-asked full replacement policy. It's still the best guarantee in the business (my opinion). I'm not convinced the old Hobart mixers are inherently superior to the Kitchenaids made today. I think there's a lot of mythology attached to the brand, but my take on it is people have trouble with the newer mixers because they ask them to do more than they were designed for, especially kneading bread. 50 or 60 years ago women (and it was women in the home kitchen) fortunate enough to have mixers used them for cakes, cookies, meringues, whipped cream, etc. They didn't use them for bread dough, which was generally kneaded by hand. My MIL baked 4 loaves every other day and her old Dormeyer never saw the dough. There's a lot of discussion on The Fresh Loaf about people who burn out their mixers with stiff doughs mixed at speeds higher than the recommended "2" setting. Bread is not the KitchenAid's strong point, though you can mix a perfectly fine one or two-loaf batch or autolyse a portion of a bigger recipe and finish by hand. For bread the Bosch (stiff doughs) or the Ankarsrum/Electrolux Assistant/Magic Mill, etc. (wet doughs) are more suitable. Getting back to the original discussion, the two attachments I use most often on the KA are the grinder and the colander/sieve. The colander/sieve is wonderful, but you have to purchase a vintage one and the K5 is the biggest mixer one will fit. Why the company doesn't offer a new colander/sieve for the 6 quart I do not know. The Viking/Cuisinart/De Longhi (all the same machine) did have a colander/sieve attachment available. I use the shredder attachment less frequently, but I do use it, and even though I have a 14-cup Cuisinart, I prefer the shredder attachment because I find since the mixer is already on the counter, it's less fuss for me to use. Just one of those individual quirks we all have. Carol

I do spend a lot of time in the kitchen baking pies and although I have used my FP often to cut in the fat, I never add the water in the FP. Tried it and didn't like it. I prefer to finish the pastry dough by feel. And more often then not when I want to make a pastry dough I just cut the fat in using the old fashion pastry cutter. Quicker than getting out the big FP. Gardenlad. I make all my own breads and four cups of flour nets me two nice size loaves. Most of the breads I make the French or Italian artisan types, and last year I got into making sour dough as well. Since my FP will handle 6 to 7 cups of flour easily I usually end up with 3 large loaves. Check out Julia Child's simple French Bread recipe in her "The Way to Cook" book. The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of flour and will make three 18 inch baguettes or two fat long loaves. Or a couple of large rounds. Since my stone is only 16 inches wide I make slightly smaller baguettes and a third loaf or two larger loaves. I do agree with you though that the dough blade has limited use and unless you do use your FP to make bread dough then you could do without it. Ann

I also think you should do your research before you purchase a kitchen item that may or may not do what you want it to. We'll be happy to help you, we LOVE to spend other people's money. (grin) As sleevendog mentioned, though, not everyone has a bunch of expendable cash for new and expensive kitchen equipment and gadgets. If you don't like to cook the best tools in the world aren't going to make you love it, I don't think, but if you might kind of like it, good tools will make a difference. I keep telling my son in law that a kitchen is like a garage, there's a big difference between a Dollar Store wrench and Snap On. Now understand, I didn't always have fancy appliances, when I started posting here more than a decade ago my most used kitchen device was a wooden spoon, Larry Englehardt (who used to post here) told me he was amazed at what I could accomplish with a wooden spoon, LOL. I didn't have even a mixer and I was chopping onions with an old hunting/skinning knife of Dad's. It can be done but it's a lot harder. I don't have a mini-processor, so I can't remark on that. I do have a big one but I don't think chopping things is a big plus with it. Everything I chop is either uneven sizes or turns to puree or something. Many things I prefer to chop by hand. Thankfully now I have some good knives. If you might like to cook and just want to try different things, we'd love to help, really we would. Just give us a chance. Between everyone here you can probably even find a lot of easier ways to accomplish things, I know I've learned a LOT. Happy Cooking (I hope). Annie

I Was aware that kitchen aide was now made by whirlpool, and that my old kitchenaide food processer was actually made by kitchenaide. Someone ask the question WHY I did not go with kitchenaide in the first place since I was familiar with the kitchenaide and that was one of the reasons why...also like I said before, I was looking at a cooking show on t.v. and they were using cruisinart. That is why I thought I would like a cruisinart instead of a kitchenaide. Then I had second thoughts, as I had told my SIL that I had bought a cruisinart, and she told me she had, had more problems with her cruisinart. I started questioning my choice, so I Thought I could come on here to get a vast number of opinions. I am going to keep my cruisinart...actually used it today, and really like it. Either my K.A. was wearing out for awhile or this is just a tougher machine. Also nice and quiet. Looking through your responses, I found more people satisfied with the Cruisinart than the kitchen aide. So thanks for your help. Much appreciated!! Your opinion of appliances counts with me! That is the #l thing I like about the K.T. and would read alot of your suggestions and opinions before I EVER started posting. Again thank you.