The Kitchenaid classic stand mixer has been the workhorse appliance in many kitchens for so long that it has become symbolic. Other companies have been trying to compete with in recent years, but Kitchenaid has not stood idly by. They have expanded their range to compete at the higher end on both style and function.

The entry-level class Kitchenaid stand mixer will fulfill all of the needs of an occasional baker. This machine has a 4.5-quart bowl, a ten-speed motor that draws 250 Watts, and comes in red or white. It comes with dough hook, flat beater, and wire beater attachments. This mixer will satisfy your needs if you want to bake regular cakes, whip cream, and knead bread or dough every once in a while.

You don't have to settle for the limited choices of other mixers. The Kitchenaid artisan 5 quart stand mixer has a bigger bowl capacity than you will find in most stores, and the powerful motor can even mix bread dough. And there are so many colors to choose from, you will be able to match any kitchen decor. It costs about $75 more than the classic Kitchenaid mixer, but if you are a daily user of your stand mixer, you will find this one worth the extra expense.

Some people are really serious when it comes to baking. If you are one of those people, then you may want to invest in the Kitchenaid professional 600 mixer. For another $125 to $150 over the cost of the Kitchenaid artisan 5-quart stand mixer, you get a 6-quart bowl and a beefy 575-Watt motor. The motor sports a couple of neat features such as a soft start to eliminate splattering and automatic shut-off. The Kitchenaid professional 600 mixer is offered in around a dozen colors, including a number of metallic finishes, so you should be able to find something to match your taste.

All Kitchenaid mixers, no matter which model you have, can be taken to the next level when various attachments are added. For example, this simple stand mixer can be transformed into a meat grinder, an ice cream maker, a pasta roller and even a juicer. Not only do these attachments save you counter space and time, you won't have to worry about burning out the motor of a more unreliable countertop appliance.

Whether you only venture into the kitchen to make Christmas cookies or you are practically a professional baker who shares all of her creations with her friends and co-workers, Kitchenaid has a range of mixers that will suit your needs. The Kitchenaid stand mixer is a versatile tool in the kitchen, but if you consider it as a lifetime investment, you may want to spring for a more expensive model to make the most of all the features available.