Do I want an expensive mixer?

YES!!! chose the one you like, we could back and forth all day on which one and why!

Make sure you check out the price and availability of attachments for your expensive mixer before you choose which one to buy.
You can get things like bowls, k-beaters, juicers etc for KW second hand on ebay for next to nothing. No idea about sunbeam and KA because I have never looked for them.

I have a Kenwood. My mum still has her 40 year old kenwood. They go and go and go. Know idea about KAs except they look funky.

Okay, so Ford? Or Holden? :p

Bmw

And you could buy a refurbished mixer on the bay and keep your $550 to fly your family away for a weekend.

True. Or myself away for a week.

Take the holiday!

Ive decided I need one too. But also very torn! It seems very much Canon or Nikon, Ford or Holden lol. Reviews have apparently put KA first by a tiny bit. But there is the price factor and I believe the Chef comes with some attachments already, you need to buy extra KA ones. I dunno!

Whats the difference with the thermomix and thermochef - i'm lost with all these machines but what we have is killing me!!!

The difference between thermomix and thermochef, apart from about $1000, is manufacture, engine type and where it was made. The Thermochef is a copy of the old TMX model. It's made in China and has an electric motor. It doesnt have the reverse function that the TMX has.

The TMX is German design, made in France and has a redistance motor, which means it shouldnt break down for years, if years. I wouldnt expect the Thermochef to lastmore than about 5 years. The TMX is $1900 though. A rival to the TMX which may be better is the HotMix Pro. If you want to research the differences, check out the Tenina blog.

I have the classic red KA and it takes pride of place in my kitchen!

Am thinking of getting the ice cream attachment next - can't wait :D

Thanks for the rundown L&B! Great help.

I hear all of you rave about these exciting machines all the time, then baking this xmas I realised we need a better solution than what we have now.

DP is a bit wow'ed at the price tag, but I am sure he'll be up for it with the timesaving and ease meal time will become. I want to make more spiffy meals too, take some pressure off my partner with cooking help. Cant wait :)

ETA: Sorry to hijack!

If I didn't have my thermy, I would buy a KA because they're the sexiest!

(I'm a sucker for sexy!)