As with many of you, I have been wanting a KitchenAid mixer for years. When my husband finally broke down and bought me one, I was estatic until I tried to use it to make bread. The first thing I noticed is that it did not mix the bottom or the sides of the bowl. I had to scrape the sides multiple times. Once I added the flour, the dough kept creeping up the mixer into the gears. When I tried to make cookies, I did more hand mixing than electric mixing. I can't decide if the bowl is just too small for what I am trying to do, or if I just don't know how to use this mixer. Either way, it is not a good match for me and I am extremely jealous of all of those who absolutely love it.