Pros: 30 Years of use. Powerful. Can handle anything. Easy to use. Easy to clean.
Cons: There isn't anything I don't like about this mixer.
I bought this mixer 30 years ago when the model number was just K45. The mixer only came in white at that time and other than commercial sized mixers for restaurants, you did not have different models to choose from that you have today. The only thing I have had to replace was the flat beater, and that was only three months ago. The white coating that covers the beater started coming off, and I did not want any of that peeling off into whatever I was making. I bought this mixer while taking cake decorating classes because I burned out the motor of the mixer, that was given to me for a wedding present, while beating icing to put on a cake. My cake decorating class instructor told the class that the only mixer we should ever buy is a KitchenAid. All the other mixers are not made well enough for beating the heavy icing used by us for icing and decorating cakes. He was absolutely right! Before buying my mixer, I borrowed my mother's stand mixer and almost burned the motor out again while beating the icing. I can tell you from 30 years experience that there is no mixer than can beat the KitchenAid! I have made numerous birthday, wedding, and any other occasion cakes over the last 30 years. I have also used my mixer to knead dough for bread, mix cookie and brownie batter, whip egg whites and whip cream, and anything else I could use it for. It still works like it's brand new, not 30 years old. My mixer came with a 4-1/2 qt. stainless steel bowl, coated flat beater, coated dough hook, and wire whip. It also has a removable section in the front that is for additional attachments but I have never used that part of the mixer. This is a very powerful mixer and very easy to use. It has made my work in the kitchen so much easier!