Stand mixers are of great importance in kitchens that do a lot of baking, pancake making, and similar tasks. I don't do a lot of baking, so I use mine less often - and many of my uses involve the various accessories that are driven by the power port at the top front.
The photo specimen is my KitchenAid 5-1/2 quart model which is now over 40 years old. The first KitchenAid mixer was Model K, released in 1937. The appearance has hardly changed since then, and they have been at the very top of nearly all 3rd party reviews from then to the current day. It is basically a miniature of the Hobart floor standing planetary mixers seen in bakeries and food processors. Hobart originally owned KitchenAid, which now belongs to Whirlpool. Hobart still makes mixers up to 60 quarts.
It appears the 5 quart is now being phased out (Jan 2022) and is available at a reduced price. The current 6 quart costs 2022 US $530 MSRP, but can be found at a lower price. The Tilt-Head models are less powerful, but most people find them to be just fine for kitchen use, and they are less expensive. There are several models starting with the new Artisan 5 qt at $429 MSRP down to $300 MSRP for the classic 4.5 qt. Certified refurbs are also often available at a significantly lower price. Higher priced models are available for both lines.
The power hub attachments from the Model K still work on all current models, and those from current models would still work with the Model K.
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Pictured here are the attachments I own and have found useful. Other available attachments are listed below. Unfortunately, there is not an Indian style coconut grater attachment - legal probably said "No F'n Way! We couldn't afford the insurance!".
I wan't too happy with the plastic grinder KitchenAid sells, so I bought
this all metal Kenome unit, with which I am quite satisfied. It was purchased
for $2021 US $36, and there are several very similar ones available for
between 2022 US $36 and $99.
The original KitchenAid grain mill was pretty useless, but this new model
works very well. For details on this unit see our
Grain Mill page. This one is
2022 US $149 MSRP, but available for $130. There is another grain mill by
Kitchenwin that fits KitcheAid mixers and sells for $60, but I know nothing
about it.
This is a very useful device that can save a lot of time. This is an older
KitchenAid model, their current model has cylinder shaped drums rather than
conical, and is 2022 US $65 MSRP, but available for $49. There are many
competitive devices, both conical and cylindrical, from many manufacturers,
almost all of which are below $49.