KitchenAid Pro 5 Plus Series Bowl-lift Stand Mixer (various colors) EXPIRED

ok did some research - here is what I learned. Stay with Kitchenaid, bottom line. Specifics:

(1) size doesn't matter as much as you think since its based on bowl size. if you have a bigger mixer that has a longer head, it might not be as effective based on its position within the bowl. again, shorthand, all sizes (4.5 to 7 quart) of kitchenaid are good.
(2) bowl size - wider and rounder is better...taller more v-shaped can lend to pooling at bottom of liquids.
(3) inner blade shape is important - it needs to (a) contour to the shape of the bowl so you don't have to keep scrapping down the sides, and (b) not have sharp angles in its open stabilizing framework so it doesn't trap dough which just then takes a ride without any mixing (more scraping).
(4) handle size of the bowl matters more than you think - taller wider handles help usability, while other models have narrow or smaller handles which makes dividing and pouring out harder to manager when the bowl is heavy with dough.
(5) Splash guards are good but you should always opt for the open C-shaped....the full round shaped require you to take off and on the head every time you put it on...which is a pain.
(5) splash guard opening should be wide so you can feed in ingredients...if its narrow its harder and, for example where you are putting in hot sugar into the mix it can then dribble down the inner side before getting to the batter and harden...more scraping.
(6) motor watts not as important as the Torque. this will require digging down into the specs...but shorthand again, the kitchen-aids seem to all have much more powerful torques. so heavy doughs will be not problem (even when the wattage is smaller, like in the 4.5 quart varieties).
(7) lastly, and this one is sad for me to find out but it makes sense, that you should opt for the lift bowl variety....its more sturdy bottom line.....the tilt head is cooler in a way and will more easily fit under tight spaces but is less sturdy and the tilt lock can break more easily with repeated use.