I have had my Kitchenaid mixer forabout 3 months now and have used it a number of times. It does have the power for mixing large batches of cakes, icings, etc. I bought this to replace a Sunbeam mixer (7 years old) that gave up when I tried to mix a triple batch of icing. I tend to go through mixers a lot. My sister has told me for years that I should have a Kitchenaid - that it's the last mixer I'll ever have to buy. I finally listened to her.
If you don't have a kitchen aid mixer in your kitchen then your missing something! I use it for everything and would be lost without it! The power is wonderful!!
I've had my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer for about 3 months. A big purchase, but people tell me it was a good investment that will last be many years, decades. I use it mostly for baking, and I love how easy it makes everything.