Kenwood vs KitchenAid stand mixer... which is better?!

Kenwood vs KitchenAid stand mixer... which is better?

I'm thinking about buying a stand mixer (a serious purchase that will make a serious dent to my wallet). I plan to use it quite frequently.

I've narrowed the options down to 2 brands that I like - Kenwood and KitchenAid - but not sure which brand is better i.e. durability, ease of use etc. Can someone help me making a decision? (please provide reasons)

Thank you in advance ^_^

I have used a friend's Kitchenaid Artisan stand mixer tons of times, and I really like it.

I'm in culinary school, and we have industrial Kenwood 9 quart mixers, and those things get romped on pretty good and are still working beautifully.

We also have some of the kitchenaid Professional stand mixers... not sure of the model number but they are the kind that the bowl raises up from underneath, as opposed to the whole head moving, and those things are worthless. The whips bend and the part that holds onto the bowl bends far too easily and as a result, you must hold the bowl up by hand under the mixer.

The concensus amongst our chefs is that if they didn't have a Kitchenaid, they'd have a Kenwood. You have great taste. :)

If you're planning to use it frequently, I haven't heard of any problems with the Artisan, so I would personally go with that one. (My fiance is buying me one for Christmas... he just doesn't know it yet!) Kenwood's also tend to be a little bit more expensive. It's also a lot easier to find parts for Kitchenaid mixers. You can never have too many extra mixing bowls.

Good luck with your choice!