Regarding stand mixers I have been using a Kitchen Aid, the larger
size, for about ten years. I use it twice a week for breads that
include 270 grams of flour in the starter (often part rye or whole
wheat) and another 650 grams of flour in the dough, for a total of
920 grams or more than two pounds. I also use 270 and 450 grams of
water or other liquid (most often buttermilk or cider as part of my liquid).
My first KA mixer lasted for four or five years, when it broke
Kitchen Aid replaced it for free. The second one broke earlier this
year. KA repaired it for about $80 and promised future lifetime
repairs for free. On the whole Kitchen Aid Customer Support has been
very good. When my mixer broke last year I decided to try a mixer
from the local Viking store, thinking I would upgrade in line with
comments made by people on this list. I did not find the new mixer to
be enough of an improvement to justify the cost, so I decided to save
the money, return it, and have the KA repaired.
I believe I have the six quart KA mixer but I am not sure of the
exact measurement, though it is their largest.
Thought I would add this to the discussion.
Stephen Blumm
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania