If so, do you like it? I have been searching for a KA mixer online, and was comparing the Artisan to the Professional 5 Plus. I decided on the Artisan because the Pro 5 Plus is too tall for under my cabs, plus I like the tilt head of the Artisan better. In my search, I found a discontinued model, the Accolade (which was a Williams- Sonoma exclusive sold from late 2004 until 2006 or 2007). Seems like it combines the best features of larger models in a size similar to the Artisan. It has a tilt head, 5 qt bowl, and 400W of power (artisan is 325w). It also has metal gears, which is a nice advantage over the nylon gears that break more easily. But, as I mentioned, it was discontinued about 3-4 yrs ago because the Artisan was so similar and outsold the Accolade which was in the same price range. So the only way to get the Accolade is through eBay or craigslist. There are none on eBay, but I found one on my local craigslist. The seller said it has been gently used (pics look great) and no problems with it at all. She is moving cross country and doesn't want to haul it with her. Price is $150. Sounds like a good deal, but I wanted to see what some of you think first. Should I go with this one which obviously has no warranty, or purchase a new Artisan for $250 (after rebate)? BTW, I read some reviews on amazon of the Accolade, and the vast majority were favorable. One other thing I like about the Accolade is the black pearl color, a very smooth, matte finish. Not that I'd buy it just for the color ;) So, what do you guys think? I have to decide my tomorrow.

I bought my wife the 5.5Qt lift bowl model number "KV25mexer5" from Costco. It has all steel gears. I got when they had basically 2 sales on it at same time. $50 off from KA and $30 off from Costco so we paid $249.00 total. For $250 it is probably the best choice you can find for a mixer, we have not had any problems with ours after 5 months of use so far. Hasn't had any problem making a 3 cup batch of bread dough using the dough hook and on speed 2 like it says to do. So far for us and especially for the price it was the best deal for our needs. It is loud but so is every other mixer in this power range. It seems rather solid, no grinding, everything works smoothly. I seriously looked at the Bosch Universal which is definitely a better mixer especially if you make a lot of large 6+ cup dough batches. But for the one I would buy (stainless bowl with blender) is $550 on sale. So more than double the price. For how much we use a mixer this Costco KA was our best deal by far, plus the added perk of if anything happens to it the first year or maybe even longer we could just take it right back for a full refund or replacement with no hassles. IF you use the hell out of a mixer though I would pay the extra and get the Bosch Universal. As far as where the KA "Stand Mixers" are made they are actually made in Greenville OH. The KA hand mixers are however made in China. But like most everything else made in China it is made there under the exact specifications that the American Company wants, unfortunately that happens to be cheap as humanly possible which is why they are made there. IF the American company stated we want the best possible mixer you can make and stated exactly what they wanted, what materials to use etc that is exactly what they would get from China. So while everyone continually puts the blame on China it really has next to nothing to do with them. It is the American company that purposely wants crap at the cheapest price possible.

I have a Viking 5-qt. stand mixer that I got for Christmas a few years ago from my DH (and, yes, he is dear to me for getting me a kitchen appliance that I love LOL). I decided on the Viking after my old KA finally bit the proverbial dust. It was a basic 300 watt model that was manufactured about 25 years ago. After having it leak oil from the motor head and having it re-greased and packed more times than I care to recall, I finally realized that it just didn't have enought power to keep up with what my needs are. The Viking was a good fit for me. Since the Viking came out, there have been others to follow suit, like the Cuisinart and Breville. I don't know how they compare to the Viking, but I'm very pleased with it. It is louder than a KA, but that doesn't bother me...as long as it does the job, that's what matters. It is a workhorse. BTW, it's manufactured in the UK, unlike many others, which are manufactured in China. Sometimes you can't get around buying something made in China, but given the choice I would prefer not to.

I know! It's difficult! I used to sell Pampered Chef and "earned" my white one for free about 12 years ago. I admit I purchased the yellow today : ) With the $30 back and the free extra attachment, and 5 easy payments plus only $10 shipping I couldn't resist! Plus I used ebates and got 2.5% off that way. There's a free subscription also to Food and Wine Magazine or some other Travel magazine when you do the rebate. Unfortunately there was tax but still was a good deal : ) Good luck!