I'm very happy so far with my KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. It is easy to use and easy to clean up, two of the most important things for me. I've used the dough hook to knead dough for a loaf of bread and it works very well. I'm glad I purchased this machine, it makes baking easier and I especially like to use it for things that require a long time to mix - egg whites, and things like that.
I was in the market looking for a reliable mixer. The ones I've seen didn't have such great accessory options nor the great lasting warranty. (Plus one of them that could compete wasn't available in the US) My sister, cousin, friends, owns one of these and at first I thought it was just a phase that this was so popular, but after using it at my sister's house, this was very easy to use. Super easy to clean, made of great quality, and the accessories are endless. I don't have to be purchasing different -and bulky- separate items when I can just buy the attachment. This one doesn't take much counter space as I feared. I definitely would recommend. I was making bread and the machine is not noisy. Love the color.
It took years of wishing for a KitchenAid mixer before I finally "bit the bullet" and bought one. They are not inexpensive, but sooooo worth it! It has made so many things so much easier. Thankful to finally have one.