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 have the Magic Mill. Purchased it from King Arthur. I went to their store & we worked all of the major brands for an entire day. I'd been using a Bosch for 20+ years but after using them side-by-side that day...switched to Magic Mill. I've now had it about six years & have never regretted my decision. The Magic Mill will handle 22-24 cups of flour. I'm also impressed with the lack of splatter when mixing liquids. A couple years ago, I made 6 white chocolate/macadamia nut bread puddings at the same time. I had over 2 dozen eggs & enough milk/cream to fill the bowl to just under the rolled rim. I held my breathe & turned the dial...stood back in case eggs flew everywhere. Not a drop left that bowl! It was sorta fun to watch those rollers mixing the custard. Sorry, can't help with the Cuisinart mixer but I have one of their food processors & am happy. /tricia

I received my beaterblade yesterday from Amazon, just in time for today's cookies. After reading the thread from the N.Y. Times regarding butter ... this blade is the answer. It works wonderfully!!! I made 14 doz. cookies today using the blade. Made sure that butter was at the correct temperature. I'm in FL so I stuck my 6 qt. bowl in the freezer to "chill". Then turned down the air conditioning. I made chocolate crackle cookies, cranberry/walnut cookies from a thread here in the Cooking Forum, and spritz cookies. Made sure the butter/sugar was thoroughly creamed and proceeded. The beaterblade does cream butter/sugar in 1/2 the time and does a great job! I've always made good cookies, but this year's array are really, really good! Thanks for the headsup on this product. I'm amazed that it works so well!

Thank you all for ideas! Sum5463, thats looks like a nice idea for our next kitchen. gr8day, that cheesecake looks wonderful and is good inspiration to get cooking. When I came downstairs this morning, DH had put a thin flexible cutting board under it. I can now slide it. I do plan on keeping it on the counter but need to determine exactly where. Right now I have more items on the counter than I want. I got to pick the color and it is crimson red so I don't mind people seeing it. I can see how a lift would be very convenient. I can't imagine this mixer walking anywhere when in use. My 30 year old Oster mixer which is light weight never moved when mixing heavy dough. Sounds like this mixer really makes a difference in cooking. jil314, I will keep that in mind. I never liked making pulled pork because it was too much work schreding. I read to let your mixer do it. It actually worked pretty well in my Oster and now hearing about chicken I'm thinking it may work really well with pork too in the KA.