I have held off buying a stand-up mixer; it seemed to take away the "hands-on" feel of my hand mixer. I decided it was time to have the convenience of the stand-up mixer. It was a wonderful decision! I use it all the time. I bought the grating/shredding accessories and love using them, too!
I received this as a Christmas gift and was still using an old $39 stand mixer which I had been using the past year. I read the KitchenAid materials, but was slow to transfer to the upgraded technology. Once I made the switch, I was glad I did! Everything turns out wonderfully, and it's so easy to put thing in the bowl, put the cover over the bowl, and walk away without worrying that the mixer will move on my countertop or that everything in the bowl won't be mixed thoroughly. I love it!